Andy finds himself in court again, defending a dog. Milo, a German Shepherd, used to be a police dog. However, he retired to the ranks of a not-so-common thief. During a simple theft, something goes wrong and Billy Zimmerman, Milo's owner, winds up in jail.
Billy is worried about Milo but not himself; after all hes an Iraq war veteran and a former cop what could go wrong? But Milo has been taken to a dog pound and has 24/7 armed guards around him. Billy, resting quietly in jail, starts to worry about Milo. Billy asks his former partner Pete Stanton for some help for Milo. Pete knows just who to call -- Andy, his long-time pal and dog-nut.
Milo is an easy case; but as things start to happen to Billy (who is supposed to be safe in jail), Andy starts reading the fine print in his own life insurance policy. When he doesnt like what he reads, he starts looking for tough-types, like Marcus Clark and Willie Miller, to protect him. Laurie Collins, Andys love interest, is back in Paterson, New Jersey, nursing her wounds from a recent shooting (NEW TRICKS, see below).
Andy, with his wisecracking and lazy streak, comes off as somewhat insincere about his career in lawyering. However, when things seem their blackest, Andy gets serious and does everything he can for his client (2 or 4 pawed).
However, Andy still has to deal with lifes little aggravations; his administrative assistant, Edna, still avoids work and Andy has to find a new lawyer associate who loves paperwork. A word about the new assistant; Hike makes the Grim Reaper look like a grinning fool.
A couple of times, Andys association with the FBI, for instance, seemed a bit over the top. However, for good natured fun, snappy dialogue and eccentric characters, an Andy Carpenter novel is tops.
Andy Carpenter Series
1. Open and Shut (2002)
2. First Degree (2003)
3. Bury the Lead (2004)
4. Sudden Death (2005)
5. Dead Center (2006)
6. Play Dead (2007)
7. New Tricks (2009)
**8. Dog Tags (2010)
This is one of my favorite in the Andy Carpenter series. There were a few plot twists here and I always get a kick out of law enforcement's reaction when the FBI gets involved.
I enjoy David Rosenfelt's humor. I have to remember that if I read any of his books while I'm out in public, I make a spectacle of myself when I laugh out loud!
Another wrongfully accused victim, but I liked the plot in this one better than the last few. As always, Andy Carpenter's sarcastic wit had me laughing so hard I was in tears in places. I enjoy this series as a light diversion when I need a break from concentrating too hard.
Good legal thriller, combined with some dog-lovin'. First time I've read this author; like his style, easy to follow with satisfying conclusion.
I have read a great deal of David Rosenfelt's publications. Each and every one has had the ability to deprive me of sleep. They were all quite difficult to put down. He is an amazing author with a wonderful sense of humor and wit. His passion for dogs which he incorporates into his stories makes him that much more endearing to me.
This series of books (Andy Carpenter) is the best I've EVER read! I'm always sad when they end; I miss the characters; look forward to the next one!
