Few things in life are more reliably entertaining than an Andy Carpenter mystery from David Rosenfelt. Dog Day Afternoon is the latest mystery and it hits all the right notes.
When Marcus Clark asks Andy for a favor, Andy doesn't hesitate. Marcus wants Andy to defend a young man he's been mentoring. Nick Williams hasn't even been arrested yet, but he is the chief and only suspect in a crime at the law office where he works. Six people are dead, and the two who survived, a lawyer and a paralegal, both point the finger at Nick.

Andy would much rather be retired and he certainly doesn't want to represent clients he believes to be guilty. There is an awful lot of evidence pointing at Nick. But Marcus vouches for him and that's enough for Andy. Nick's story is hard to believe and even harder to prove. As Andy and the team begin to investigate, it looks like Nick might actually be telling the truth. They uncover a complex case of insurance fraud tied to the firm. Can Andy find a way to use this to prove Nick's innocence?

Rosenfelt's imagination has no problem in coming up with new and complex mysteries. Even more impressive is his ability to come up with new wrinkles in the courtroom aspects of these cases. This story featured a little more Marcus than usual, which I'm all in favor of, even if I missed spending more time with some of the other characters. Plenty of surprises along the way, a few more murders, and a mystery that keeps you guessing and second-guessing all the way to the end.

Grover Gardner does another outstanding job with the narration and is a perfect match for Andy's dry humor. His pacing and vocal characterizations are top-notch. I hear his voice even as I'm switching between paper book and audio.

Fans of the series will not be disappointed and new fans are sure to be won.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.

Retirement has always proved elusive to Andy Carpenter. Although an attorney, he has not needed to work for a living for years. However, he finds himself as busy as ever. For one thing, his dog rescue the Tara Foundation is going quite well. But, that is not what is keeping Andy busy. Any has his wife Laurie always by his side, Andy also has his investigator, the ever-quiet Marcus is always there for Andy at the right place and right time.

This time around, in the 29th book of the series, it is Marcus who approaches Andy with a case. Let’s stop for a second and talk about Marcus. He is the silent, superhero in these series. I love Andy, no doubt about that, but Marcus is on another level entirely. In this book since it is Marcus who needs Andy’s help, readers get a deeper look at the man himself.

These addictive mysteries are available in multiple formats, including Kindle, audiobook and print. Grover Gardner has done an impressive job at narrating each and every one of these books. In fact, a dear friend recommended this series to me. I was so very happy to get nearly all of them from my library. There is also a spin-off series, his K-9 Team series, which is just as good as this Andy Carpenter series. All of these books are narrated by Gardner and his narration makes these wonderful books even more enjoyable. In fact, although I have book #30, The More the Terrier, as a Kindle ARC, I loved that I was able to listen to it as an audiobook copy for review.

Am I waxing poetic? If so, then it is more than justified. With refreshing characters, the cutest of dogs, excellent plots, ideal writing (and, oh, the snark!) and just the right amount of intrigue, Dog Day Afternoon is a perfect installment in a delightful series. Having only discovered this series less than a year and a half ago, I have inhaled each and every title.

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

Dog Day Afternoon is the newest installment in David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series and I love this legal mystery series and this book was no exception. The banter is exceptional and the cases are sound, the procedural side of things actually makes sense (even to somebody working in the field like me). These books are quick to read and entertaining, well constructed and fun. Dog Day Afternoon sees attorney Andy Carpenter reluctantly accepting a new client who is being wanted after a shooting at a local law firm, was it really a disgruntled employee or is there more behind the sad deed ? As Andy sets out to uncover more with the help of his loyal associates, he knows this is a high stakes case that has everyone wanting a clear and easy solution. While the case is at the center of this book, there is, of course, also a Golden Retriever puppy, Daisy, who would love to be adopted by the potential criminal.

As usual, this can be read as a standalone, but you will miss out on the background of all the characters. It has been really fun to watch them over time.

I listened to the audio narrated by Grover Gardner. He is perfect for the story and at this point I can't imagine Andy's voice any other way. This series is great on audio but my husband will read this pretty hardcover, because that is the format he prefers.

Dog Day Afternoon (Andy Carpenter Mystery #29) by David Rosenfelt
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: July 2, 2024

Dog Day Afternoon is the 29th book in the Andy Carpenter Mystery series by David Rosenfelt. Don’t let the 29 scare you away, you can easily jump into this series at any point and each book is a standalone mystery.

This quick read was so good! I love the characters and found myself laughing out loud throughout the book! I am a huge fan of sarcasm, mysteries and dogs! I loved seeing how everything comes together.

Andy Carpenter is a want-to-be-retired attorney, who can't help himself when faced with the right case! He is a great sleuth, loves dogs, and is so funny! I actually laughed out loud as some of the things he said! The crime solving was great and I loved how it all comes together!

I absolutely loved the narration by Grover Gardner! He is how I hear Andy in my mind!!

This book was so much fun! I absolutely loved it! I definitely recommend reading this book!!! Sarcasm, quick wit, and dogs! I can't wait to start reading the other books in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

There's a reason that the Andy Carpenter series is at 29 books and counting - the mysteries are consistently well thought out and have grown more complex as the series has progressed, the supporting players are developed enough to have spun off into their own series (but they're still here, too!), and the witty asides and cute dogs stop things from getting too heavy.

The tradeoff for the more complex stories has been less time spent with Edna, Sam, Willie, et. al. in the more recent installments. But this one provides a few new insights into Marcus (don't worry - he's not on trial, thank goodness), by giving him the role of prompting Andy to take the case instead of Laurie. And it's a good one - a six victim shooting at a personal injury/medical malpractice law firm that leads to layers of conspiracy to unravel all the way to the end.

So enjoy this summer's case (presumably the next one will be along for the holidays, as has been the tradition in recent years) on your summer road trip, at the beach, or while you're out with your own Tara, Sebastian, and Hunter.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved listening to Grover Gardner read this book! He has the perfect voice to pull off Andy's dry sense of humor and nonchalant attitude.

This is one of my favorite courtroom mystery series; this book did not disappoint! I loved the humor, the familiar and new characters, and reading how Marcus beats up the bad guys. I enjoyed how the plot twists its way around Andy's inquiries to prove Nick is innocent but still keeps the reader wondering if Nick really is. The courtroom scenes are my favorite part of the book. Andy always knows the perfect and precise questions to ask to prove his client is innocent. I can't wait to read the next book!

"Dog Day Afternoon" by David Rosenfelt is #29 in his Andy Carpenter series of cozy courtroom mysteries. It was my first book by this author. I followed it pretty well, so I can say it works as a stand-alone. It is a bit out of my preferred genres.

I recommend this book for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, specifically with courtroom proceedings.

I liked the main character, defense attorney Andy Carpenter. The narrator for the audiobook is Grover Gardner, who does a great job voicing the main character and the others, as well.

This book features a mass murder in an office with two survivors who ID the shooter's voice, tattoo, and shoes. The suspect claims he was kidnapped and held at the time.

The title seems to be a misnomer because the dogs figure very little in this book other than Andy talking about the case to his dog, Tara, and the suspect's plan to adopt a dog before he was a suspect.

Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 2/5
Enjoyment - 3/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 29/8 = 3 5/8 rounded up to 4 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio from Minotaur Books, and David Rosenfelt for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Once again, despite his desire to retire his law practice, Andy Carpenter is presented with a case he can't refuse, and lucky for us! This time he really can't refuse - the request comes from Marcus, and if you know the books, you understand why. Marcus is one scary dude - but luckily he's on Andy's team and Andy owes him his life multiple times over. Marcus' friend Nick has been accused of a heinous mass shooting in a law office, where 6 men and women were killed. This has all the usual elements of this series - humor, a good mystery, the usual cast of characters (that now feel like old friends) surrounding Andy, and of course a dog to be rescued.
When I started the series I read the first one or two. Then I found the audiobooks and there was no going back - Grover Gardner narrates each one to perfection. It's one of those instances of the perfect marriage of material and narrator. I recommend this book (and this series) - and highly recommend the audio version.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio for my
complimentary audiobook, and to Minotaur for my complimentary galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I just love these Andy Carpenter mysteries, he’s a retired defense lawyer and dog lover, basically an all around great guy. It is once again up to Andy and his great group of companions to solve another mystery before an innocent man is sent to prison. I enjoy seeing them all work together to make the magic happen.

Grover Gardner did a fantastic job as the narrator. He has the perfect voice for the all the dry humor and sarcasm of Andy.

Someday when I am all caught up I will binge the entire series

I love this book series and the narrator is the best. Andy finds himself with another case, this time someone Marcus knows. He sets out to help Nick who is accused of killing his co workers. It is up to Andy to find out what is really going on and who is responsible for the murders and why. As he goes deeper he finds himself in situations that fortunately he has backup for. Love the dogs and human characters and look forward to the next one.

Although this was Book #29 in the Andy Carpenter series, this was a first listen for me. I had not heard of the author David Rosenfelt. This was a fairly light hearted cozy mystery. The story line of the six being murdered and how Andy Carpenter methodically went through the case was nice and easy to follow. Looking forward to more of his earlier stories.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

***AVAILABLE NOW

I wanted an easy listening book for this long weekend!! This latest installment in the Andy Carpenter series was just the ticket.

Andy and Lori are enjoying some alone time while their son is on an international travel gig for young teens.

If you are a reader of this series you will know that Marcus Clark is Andy’s “protector” and strong man when that is needed in the course of Andy’s investigations. He has also been known to occasionally apply his own sense of justice!!

Turns out that Marcus has also had a different part of his life that he never talked about. He takes young men who have been struggling either with personal problems or brushes with the law. He takes them under his wing and helps to find them jobs and a place to live.

One evening Marcus comes to Andy’s home and asks for a favor, he has never asked for anything before.

There has been a mass shooting at a law firm in town, leaving six dead. Nick Winter, one of Marcus’s young friends works there. Because of 2 witnesses - he is being wanted for the murder. Marcus insists that Nick would never do such a thing.

No one can find him - a few days later he resurfaces and heads to Marcus’s home, the person he trusts the most.

The favor Marcus is asking is for Andy to take on Nick’s case and help him prove that he is not guilty.

This was a great episode as it involved a multi-layered plot that at first seemed impossible to unravel.

I always enjoy the courtroom drama and Andy’s humor. You should get a few of the books under your belt to know how all of the characters fit together. They don’t have to be read in order though, so you can dive in anywhere after you know the MC’s.

I can recommend this listen for a fun and enjoyable few hours!!

I received this audiobook from the publisher, MacMillan audio and NetGalley. It was my pleasure to listen to and review this audiobook.

Dog Day Afternoon is the 29th book in the long-running Andy Carpenter series from David Rosenfelt.

"Andy takes the case of a man accused of killing six of his co-workers. He discovers something weird going on at the firm but has a short time to figure it out before the trial."

This is a plot that's common in crime fiction (and this is "crime fiction with dogs") - a man claims his innocence after being arrested for murder - his friend convinces a lawyer to take his case and prove his innocence. What's different in this story is the crime. I have read a lot of crime fiction but have never seen people do this (no spoilers)
A couple of things made this a tougher read than I expected. The titles of these books all have a canine connection so I expected lots of dog action. There are some dogs here but they don't really have any big moments. I needed more dogs.
The main character is terribly annoying. You know that one friend that has a sarcastic comments about EVERY SINGLE THING. That's Andy Carpenter. His personality takes away from the excellent plot. The narrator, Grover Gardner, does a great job capturing the annoying snarkiness of the MC. He is perfect for this role. Nice job with the other voices also.

If you like sarcasm and cliches, this is the book for you.

Wow, this was a unique story with twist and turns I didn’t see coming. A perpetrator walks into the Moore Law Firm and starts shooting and kills six employees. Nick is accused of the heinous crime and Marcus doesn’t think he’s guilty. Marcus coaxes his friend Andy, who is retired to defend him. Nick claims he was kidnapped, held captive, and told to call in and confess to this crime. Shocking revelations are revealed when Andy solves this crime. This is the only book that I have read in this series and it was very well done. Grover Gardner did an excellent job with the audio narration. This book was just published 7/2/24. Thank you @macmillan.audio for the ALC. #macaudio2024

Delightful read!
And, there's a dog!!!

Andy Carpenter is a lawyer. His friend Marcus does not say much, and never asks for anything.
So, one day, when he asks Andy to represent his friend, Andy does. No questions asked.
However, the guy he is representing has just been accused of shooting up his workplace and killing many. Marcus does not believe that he could've done this. Can Andy prove him right???

As he takes on the case, we are taken on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs and sideways...

Very sweet!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was released yesterday, 7/2/24.

#DogDayAfternoon by #DavidRosenfelt and narrated animately by #GroverGardner.

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Andy, a famous, somewhat non-traditional lawyer wealthy from an inheritance, has declared himself retired. However, when his friend Marcus asks for a favor he can’t ignore he steps back into the spotlight and represents someone who appears guilty. But Marcus feels it’s quite the opposite.

Though this is the 29th book in a series, only a few characters would need an introduction. It stands alone quite easily. And for those who enjoy audiobooks, Grover Gardner won’t disappoint with his great narration.

If you like legal mysteries with courtroom drama, there’s just a touch, but enough that most will be okay with it. And for those who enjoy books with dogs, this will have enough to make you happy, too. (As a side note, if you love Rosenfelt’s style of writing and dogs, you will love his book DOGTRIPPING. A true story about his move from California to Maine, and the beginnings of a dog rescue foundation.)

While I didn’t find this story a complex mystery, it was still sound and enjoyable. David has a wonderful following. I recommend you give this author a try.

At the moment I finished this book, I would have given it three stars instead of four but in retrospect, I cannot punish an author for my frame of mind, which given that I had just gotten a knee replacement, was exceedingly poor. In fact, I chose this particular book because it was light and fast (less so for me than normal under the circumstances). I have the Kindle version and the audio, though I listened to more of it than read because of my attention span which was better with audio, a tribute to the author who managed to keep my attention.
This novel involves a retired lawyer who lives in New Jersey who runs a dog charity. A friend of his, Marcus, asks the lawyer to defend Nick who is charged with a mass killing at his place of employment. The case starts out looking bleak for Nick but our protagonist figures out whodunit, of course.
It is hard to distinguish this series from many other similar cozy mysteries except that the dogs are more of a backdrop than in some (versus an integral part of the plot). In fair disclosure, I will say this is book 29 and I have not read any of the others. However, this book will definitely make me pick up future ones and perhaps check out some of the past ones. It was a pleasant distraction from my pain!
Thanks to MacMillan Audio for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

In the book Dog Day Afternoon, author David Rosenfelt continues his bestselling Andy Carpenter Mystery series. Once again Andy is coming out of retirement. And this time its to help his long time investigator, Marcus Clark. Clark rarely says much and is secretive about his personal life. But Clark takes disadvantaged young men under his wing, gets them jobs, a place to live, and a chance at a different life. But when one these young men, Nick Williams, is accused of a mass shooting at his work place, Andy is asked by Marcus to help. How can he say no? But what is really going on at Williams work? And who is telling the truth? This was a great story that continues the series. The audio-book narration was very good by long-time narrator Grover Gardner. I would recommend this book and the series. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was just describing this book to my husband and I believe the perfect way to describe this is “the book version of a good episode of Matlock.” Now, when I say that it’s intended as a compliment. This intriguing who done it did such a good job that I didn’t even come close to figuring out the plot twist. The best part of this book is that it’s all plausible! There aren’t any out of left field plot twists that are insane just for the purpose of thrilling. I really enjoyed this story. The main character had the perfect mix of confidence, cockiness & dad awkwardness.
A great feel good thriller!

I absolutely love all things Andy Carpenter. His sarcasm and wit always leaves me laughing out loud. I am always so sad when I finish the book because I have to wait a year for the next one. If you have never read David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series, what are you even doing with your life LOL. Always 5 stars!!!