David Rosenfelt’s twenty-third book, Dog Eat Dog, in the Andy Carpenter series once again leads the reader through the many twists and turns in the legal world of on again, off again (semi-retired, retired, maybe retired) criminal defense attorney Andy Carpenter. Centering around the mistreatment of one cute little Pug named Hunter, Andy et al. make the journey to Maine to reluctantly take on a two-year-old murder cold case.

With Andy’s normal dry wit and humor, the team travels through an unsavory world of a criminal element trying to prove that Andy’s client has been set up as a scapegoat. The challenge: proving that unrefutable DNA evidence was planted at the crime scene…not an easy feat considering his client's blood was found on one of the murder victims, even though he had no association with anynifnok elements setting him up.

As is typical with this author’s writing, as the layers of the story are unraveled, and the complexities grow, the reader is captivated while making sure to keep all the moving parts of the story nearly arranged. This is another story that'll keep you guessing up until Andy’s “ah ha” moment when all the pieces come together.

This ARC book was complimentary…provided through NetGalley and the Publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

If lawyer Andy Carpenter could spend all of his time at the Tara Foundation, his dog rescue organization, he would. But, time after time he finds himself drawn into taking on yet another case.

This time around, Andy agrees to help a man named Matthew Jantzen, who is wanted for murder, should be on the run, but when he spies someone mistreating a dog, he steps in and there is his connection to Andy Carpenter. People and dogs and if they are connected in any way and Andy is sure to become involved. The thing is, Andy is retired. Really, he is. But no one believes him, so he defends case after case.

Matt's newest client is wanted for a double murder, and he claims his innocence. As Matt had saved a dog from being abused, Andy feels compelled to defend him and to help prove his innocence. Not only that, Andy goes a step further by trying to discover the actual killer. Andy is not alone in his. Quite naturally, his wife Laurie, a former cop is involved, as his his tough bodyguard, Marcus.

In usual David Rosenfelt manner, there is a lot of humor in this book, and Andy Carpenter has become one of my favorite characters. Factor in and the way Andy presents himself in court, and you are in for another great read.

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Andy Carpenter and his dogs are BACK. As usual, we have dogs who need help, Andy defending a person in need of help, and a happy ending for most.

This book is by no means groundbreaking, but if you want a fun, easy summer read, here you go.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

An Andy Carpenter Mystery Book 23.

Andy finds himself traveling to Maine to defend Matt Jantzen who has been charged for two murders he didn’t commit. The biggest challenge of the case is proving Matt’s DNA was planted at the crime scene. Will Andy be able to figure out the puzzle that will free his client?

Let me begin by saying that this is one of my favorite mystery series! I love the humor in the writing and how witty Andy is. He can wiggle himself out of a bad situation with his quick thinking and use of clever words. This book is a good example of great writing with tons of action and suspense to keep the reader hooked until the reveal at the end. If you love a humorous mystery, this is the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Rosenfelt never disappoints. In Dog eat Dog Andy Carpenter and his wife are out walking the dog.

A man is beating his dog badly and a stranger intervenes and a real brawler of a fight breaks out.

The police arrest them both only to discover that the stranger is wanted for murder. Andy naturally take on the murder charge.

Once again our favorite lawyer and man of inaction, Andy Carpenter, takes a case because the client, Matthew Jantzen, was kind to a dog. Reluctant though he is to do any work, Andy can’t believe the accusations against a guy who would intervene to rescue a dog and punch out its abusive owner. This leads the whole gang plus dogs to Maine, where Andy defends Matt against charges of murder stemming from the discovery of Matt's blood at the scene of a double homicide.

Although the crimes are obviously violent, the breezy dialogue and trademark humor keep this book light. Crimes and fights are described, but without unnecessary gore. Andy’s banter with his no-nonsense wife, Laurie, is amusing, but when needed Andy is also a pro, making surprisingly effective legal arguments in the courtroom. During the investigation, he annoys the usual number of people with his flippant attitude, but he also knows how to make friends with the locals. The supporting characters and all the dogs add to the enjoyment of another outing with this familiar and competent team.

The late, great Sean Connery once made a regrettable movie in which his character managed to cure cancer using vegetation from a threatened rainforest. Unfortunately, he could never reproduce the miraculous result. What the *entire* audience could see within minutes--but that our hero spent the whole movie painfully failing to notice--was that the cure for cancer was in the ants, not the plants. I won’t deduct more than half a star for it, because this book is about 100 times more entertaining than that film, but Andy similarly fails to pursue (or even notice) an immediately obvious line of investigation. I mean, he might not initially have known the motive, or even who committed the crime, but when your client’s freedom hinges on a single piece of evidence, it’s a little crazy if you don’t launch any meaningful inquiry into how it got there.

I look forward to the next outing of this gang and its canine companions.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital advance review copy.

Dog Eat Dog by David Rosenfelt

Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever work to free a man who risked it all to help a dog in need.

Thev story is about a man who has been framed for their murder of two people. A N.J. lawyer sets out to prove this man is innocent. Very deep characters. Story is full of misconcepts and criminal deeds. I recommend this book.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

Andy Carpenter is a lawyer who hates taking cases. Thanks to an inheritance and an obnoxious winning streak his clients appreciate, he no longer has to go to court. Somehow, he ends up there anyway.

This time, it’s an out-of-town case. On the weekends, Andy, his wife Laurie, son Ricky, golden Tara, and basset Sebastian take an evening walk together. The walks are at a glacial pace because Sebastian sees no reason to exert any amount of energy. During their walk, they hear shouts and see a man abusing his pug. Before Andy, or more likely former cop Laurie, can reach the pair, another man comes running and punches the abuser. The police are called. Both men are arrested—the original man for animal cruelty and throwing the first punch, the rescuer for murder.

In Maine, two people were shot and killed execution style. DNA evidence says Matt, the rescuer, was the killer. He doesn’t remember where he was, the murders having taken place two years before, and he didn’t know the people who died. Still, juries either believe DNA is some kind of voodoo or unassailable evidence, a slam dunk case. It doesn’t look good for Matt.

Andy takes the case, just to represent Matt in his first court appearance. Of course, if he quits, then, it will look like he, too, thinks Matt is guilty. By the time Matt’s trial rolls around, the whole team is in Maine, hunting for clues. The whole team, minus Sam, who is the computer genius who wants to carry a gun. No way.

The plot has more twists than Sebastian has naps. There are more murders to deal with, friends who helpfully betray Matt, and a lot of confusion. Will Andy be able to maintain his winning streak and prove Matt isn’t a murderer? How could he be? Matt loves dogs, all the proof any dog lover needs.

This is book twenty-three in the delightful series. Who wouldn’t love a smart mouthed attorney, his sensible wife, a bodyguard-ish Marcus whose only speaking parts are grunts, Corey and Simon his K9 partner, and Sam the nerd. Just like Andy wins his cases, Rosenfelt writes a winner every time.

Look for book twenty-four, Best in Snow, in October 2021, just in time to read before the holidays.

This is the first book I read in the series, but I enjoyed it so much that I am starting the series from the beginning. I love all of the characters, but I especially love the dog!

Disclaimer: I am an avid David Rosenfelt fan and have read every book he has written. His series and his stand alones are master works of writing and should be enjoyed by all! This is the 22nd book in his Andy Carpenter series and here's hoping he lives to be 200 so I can keep reading.

Andy Carpenter is not your typical criminal lawyer. He works very hard to NOT have any clients. But when a man risks his life and freedom to rescue a mistreated dog.....well, Andy knows he has to save him. And so the fun begins. Set in Paterson, New Jersey, this series has a regular cast of characters that all seem to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to get Andy to work. As the story progresses, readers must sort through the multiple moods of Andy and try to keep up with the well hidden clues that Mr Rosenfelt shares with us. I'm always surprised at the reveal and yet always feel like I should have seen it coming!!!!

For a fun, entertaining read that you will recommend to ALL of your friends and family, read David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series. You wont be sorry!

4 stars = Great! Might re-read.

Another fun adventure for Andy and his team. I enjoyed the change of scenery for this one - trying and investigating a case in another state injected some freshness into this long-running series. I love the sarcasm and snark in this series, and Andy does not disappoint in this new book. Series fans should not miss this one. Newcomers can probably jump in here - you'll have missed how the characters became a team, but I don't think that will impact your understanding or enjoyment of this mystery. (Language)

I just love the Andy Carpenter series and I'm always excited to pick his latest book up! This 23rd installment is full of the usual humor, excitement and a twisty plot full of surprises. The book opens up with Andy and Laurie witnessing a stranger abusing a pug - but before they (okay, well, Laurie) can intervene, a different stranger steps in and rescues the dog, although it leads to him being extradited to Maine on a murder charge.

Andy goes to Maine (where the real David Rosenfelt resides - he even inserts himself here in a rather meta moment) and ends up taking the case, never being able to leave a fellow dog-lover undefended in court. It's exciting, fast-paced and just a genuinely fun read! I loved every page of it! I had such a good time reading it that I really couldn't put it down! All of the regular characters show up here - and if you start here, I don't think that too much of the series is really given away - though, of course, I do recommend starting with the very first book, OPEN AND SHUT. This is such a fantastic series and I can't hardly believe that it's already the 23rd book in the series - already can't wait for number 24!!

Andy Carpenter and his entire hilarious crew are back in “Dog Eat Dog.” It is familiar territory for regular readers; all the characters are there. They have matured a little, but their personalities have remained the same. Andy is still Andy, trying to change his phone to 1– 800-I’M RETIRED but somehow taking on a few clients when he absolutely cannot avoid it. Laurie gives him perspective; they both dote on an older Ricky, and everyone is preoccupied with dogs. The book opens with the inciting event for the story. The crime might have been a calculated vicious home invasion or it might have been just a robbery gone bad.
While out for a walk, with dogs of course, Andy Carpenter observes an altercation. Matt Jantzen, a fellow dog lover, stopped the abuse of a dog, and although the abuser threw the first punch, Jantzen is detained by the police. Andy gives Jantzen his card, and it will be needed. Jantzen is in much bigger trouble with the law; he is wanted for a long-past murder in Maine. Of course Andy is off to Maine to defend him; Jantzen saved a dog; that is the only thing that counts As far as Andy is concerned.

The plot has the expected elements, and the initial murder victim is not the only dead body. Readers follow Andy’s thought processes as he evaluates other possible suspects and tries to avoid being killed himself. There are just too many suspects, and none seem to be viable. Jantzen’s blood was at the scene, but bleeding in a specific place is not a crime. However, DNA evidence pretty much beats everything, and everyone’s DNA is readily available now that everyone submits their DNA to those ancestry sites. There is a possible drug connection, but there are so many informants and double agents that a new conspiracy is hiding under every rock. Of course the case goes to trial, but this trial feels like everyone is slowly being dragged to the edge of a cliff. The results are never really in doubt, Jantzen loves dogs after all, but the specifics are not what readers might have unimagined, and when the details are disclosed, the answers are bombshells.
Every Andy Carpenter book is filled with friendly banter, but the investigation is focused. “Dog Eat Dog" is enjoyable with the perfect balance of drama and suspense. The clues are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered, but easily overlooked. I received a review copy of “Dog Eat Dog” from David Rosenfelt, Minotaur Books, and St. Martin’s Publishing Group. I read my first Andy Carpenter novel years ago, and enjoy each new adventure for Andy and the gang. For new readers, I recommend reading this book, and then going back and reading them all

A great addition to this prolific series. While out walking their beloved dogs (and shouldn’t they all be) they witness a man abusing his dog. While Laura runs to stop the abuser a stranger jumps out of nowhere and a fight ensues. Turns out this man, Matthew Jantzen is seemingly on the run from the law and yet he stopped to help a defenseless dog risking his tenuous freedom. That makes no sense to Andy so he knows he must step in and help Matthew. Dog Lovers must stick together! The author never fails to create new and exciting mysteries with interesting characters, story lines and amazing pups. Another wonderful read from the author. Cant wait for the next in the series.

Andy Carpenter goes to Maine!

You’re favorite semi-retired lawyer witnesses a man abusing a dog. And before his ex-cop wife Laurie gets to the dog another man stops the abuse. Both men end up being taken to the police station but one ends up on trial for his life.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

This 23rd Andy Carpenter mystery takes the reluctant defense lawyer to defend a client in Maine. He's been charged with home invasion and murder, his blood found at the crime scene.

In addition to clearing his client's name, Andy ends with a canine addition to the Carpenter family.

5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Another fast, page-turning hit by Mr Rosenfelt. His books featuring, the intrepid Andy Carpenter ,are not only thought provoking, they are just plain fun. Only Andy can take a brutal, double murder, and make the reader find the journey to justice enjoyable, and at times, a terribly funny experience. This is all done with respect to the deceased, and never takes away from the gravity of the situation. I just don't know how this amazing author from Maine, you'll find out why I added that, pulls it off every single time!

An impossible murder to clear his client from, never seems to deter our lawyer from New Jersey. Can he prove innocence, when the murderer left blood at the scene, and it is positively identified to his client? Yes, it sounds like a no-win situation but Andy, along with his superhero wife Laurie, and a troop of their trusty co-workers are in this for the long haul.

Drat you, DNA. You're so trustworthy. But Andy is on the case, and he is willing to take on the most concrete form of evidence. The book had my head spinning at times, as our Jersey lawyer unravels something very sinister to help his client. I have read so many books in the series, and it just never gets old. The plot was fresh and riveting, with the perfect amount of Andy snark. Not only was I treated to an amazing mystery I also received a huge craving for lobster rolls. So sit back, and enjoy Andy, his crew, and a bunch of amazing dogs as they try to beat the odds once again. Happy reading!

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure.

Dog Eat Dog is the 23rd Andy Carpenter legal procedural mystery by David Rosenfelt. Released 6th July 2021 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This series is such a fun and reliable read. It's an ensemble cast featuring criminal defense lawyer Andy, his wife (a former detective), and the supporting ensemble of investigators, other lawyers, canines, and an office manager (who is allergic to work), who drive the action. I am really fond of this series. It's always very well written, clean, full of interesting legal trivia (in the USA) and procedural minutiae (in a good way).

Andy's relationship with his friends and colleagues is often sarcastic; he's a wisecracking smart-alec. Behind the rapid fire dialogue and repartee though, he's well loved by his family and friends and it's reciprocated. He's a mensch and I really like him. Despite his claims of retirement and work-avoidance, he can't resist an underdog, either canine or human. There is no sexual content apart from some very light double entendre on Andy's part (aimed at his wife). The denouement and resolution are satisfying and good to read.

This entry works well enough as a standalone, all the background info is written in and the author provides the necessary backstory without burying the reader in huge info dumps. I've enjoyed this series so much though that I recommend picking up the books and reading them all (order doesn't matter much).

Four and a half stars. This is a super fun and positive and very well written light legal procedural with dogs. This series is one of the few I recommend without any reservations to all of my mystery reading friends.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Andy Carpenter at his snarkiest! Andy and Laurie are walking their dogs when they come upon a man abusing a dog. Before Laurie can step in another bystander rushes up and confronts the man. The police arrive and both men are taken to the police station. Andy offers his assistance and gets more than he bargained for when the Good Samaritan is arrested for a cold case murder. So Andy is off to Maine to do what he can to help, and the whole team arrives to help him. As usual he gets drawn into the case and along the way meets (reluctant) good guys, some not so good guys, and of course some really bad guys. Andy Carpenter books always have a good mystery with lots of humor. This one seemed especially heavy on the humor and I loved it. I love David Rosenfelt's books because of the humor and the dogs. Rosenfelt not only writes about Andy having a rescue foundation but he himself has one. The Tara Foundation, named in honor of the greatest Golden Retriever who ever lived, has rescued 4000 dogs with the oldest and sickest finding sanctuary in the Rosenfelt home. How can you not love a funny author who rescues dogs and lives with 27 of them? I have read all the Andy Carpenter books and really enjoyed this one. Keep them coming Mr Rosenfelt. Thanks to the publishers and netGalley for allowing me to read and listen to an early copy of this book.

3.5 stars

In this 23rd book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, the defense attorney represents a man accused of a double murder. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****

Ever since he inherited a large fortune, New Jersey defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases. Instead, Andy devotes his time to hanging out with his wife, son, and dogs; schmoozing with his friends; helping run a canine rescue operation called 'The Tara Foundation'; watching sports; and so on.

Still, when a fellow dog lover gets in trouble, Andy feels compelled to help. This comes about when Andy and his wife Laurie are walking their dogs Tara and Sebastian, and hear a pooch yelping in pain. They look up to see a man kicking a cute pug. Laurie runs over to stop the miscreant, but another man beats her to it. The rescuer gets into a scuffle with the dog abuser, and the police take both the creep and the hero into custody, until they can determine what's what. Meanwhile, Andy and Laurie take home the pug, called Hunter.

It turns out there's a warrant for the dog rescuer, whose name is Matt Jantzen. Two years ago, Peter Charkin and his girlfriend Tina Welker were shot to death in Maine, and Matt's DNA was found at the crime scene. Thus Matt is arrested, and Andy, who believes a dog lover can't be a murderer, agrees to be his defense attorney.

Because the trial is being held in Maine, Andy needs a Maine lawyer to sign on. So Andy hires Charlie Tilton, who does most of the paperwork while Andy prepares for trial. Andy's New Jersey team arrives in Maine as well, including computer hacker Sam Willis and the K-Team. The K-Team is a detective agency composed of Andy's ex-cop wife Laurie; tough guy Marcus; ex-cop Corey Douglas; and Corey's K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel.

Laurie books everyone a suite in the Cod Cove Inn, and Andy observes, "It's perfect for what I need. It's unlike what I picture in a small town inn; it has running water, an elevator, stairs that don't creak, comfortable large rooms, and working telephones. Most important, it televisions in the rooms! With cable! And ESPN." Andy likes the delicious breakfast muffins at the hotel and the lobster rolls sold in eateries across the state (which do sound yummy).

As Andy prepares for trial, he and his team interview witnesses, including friends and colleagues of the murdered couple. Andy discovers that the male victim, Peter Charkin, had ties to drug pushers and right wing militias. So Andy decides his defense strategy will be 'the other guy did it' - which seems to get someone's hackles up, because Andy is threatened by goons.

A good part of the book consists of Andy walking his dogs, cracking jokes, and making snide remarks, which is usual in this series. In one scene, Andy and Laurie are eating at their favorite Maine restaurant, King Eider's, and Andy observes: "Laurie got something of a thrill. She noticed one of her favorite novelists, a guy named David Rosenfelt, having dinner in the next booth. Laurie considered asking him for his autograph, but decided it would be too pushy to interrupt his meal. I don't get it anyway. I tried reading one of his books and could barely get through fifty pages." 😀

When Matt's case goes to trial Andy shows his mettle as a clever cross-examiner, and I was tenterhooks as the jury came in to deliver it's verdict.

I always enjoy the Andy Carpenter books, which are formulaic but fun. I especially like the dog scenes. For instance Andy's basset hound Sebastian "walks with the speed and dexterity of your average refrigerator/freezer" and "getting him to reverse direction is akin to turning the Queen Mary."

This is an entertaining novel, recommended to fans of amusing mysteries.

Thanks to Netgalley, David Rosenfelt, and Minotaur Books for copy of the book.