Cover Image: The K Team

The K Team

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The K Team is the first book in a brand new series by David Rosenfelt. I enjoyed reading his other series, Andy Carpenter Mysteries, and I was happy to see some of the main characters from that book are also in this spinoff book.

It is always a pleasure when I find new books with people that I have come to know and like. Two former police detectives, a former police dog, and a man with muscle to round out this group of private investigators. Throw in an intriguing case of a judge who has been meticulously set up, and Rosenfelt has definitely come up with a plot with some real meat. The story has some very tense moments, and by the end, everything is neatly wrapped up.

The main character, Corey, often has a girlfriend who visits or spends the night, but there aren’t any graphic sex scenes.

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The K Team wasn't a winner for me. With apologies to the author, this was totally my fault.I chose the title based on the cover, so I was expecting to see alot more of Simon Garfunkel, the GSD in the photo. The book also failed to hold my attention, so I took forever to read it.

This book is very well researched and well written. As an added bonus, you can also learn alot about day trading stocks from it.

I would definitely recommend this title to Dave Rosenfelt fans, and to anyone else looking for something new.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received a free digital copy of this title to review from Net Galley.

#TheKTeam#NetGalley

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this was a really fun read, I was hooked when I saw the cover and really enjoyed reading this book. It would be interesting to go and read the Andy Carpenter mysteries as I hadn't read any before this book.

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The K Team is the first in a new series by David Rosenfelt set in the world of his other mystery series featuring Andy Carpenter. The K Team is started by a retired cop, Cory Douglas, and his K-9 partner Simon, and he recruits Andy's wife Laurie and their investigative partner Marcus to round out the team. Their first case comes to them from none other than Judge "Hatchett" who is being blackmailed. The case takes many twists and turns throughout with appearances by several characters from the Andy Carpenter series - including Andy and Tara. Overall this was a quick read with the same charm for the new characters as those from his other series. Cory is likable but I was a bit disappointed with the fact that the K-9 Simon didn't play a much larger role. Rosenfelt's books are entertaining and have a lot of humor and snark thrown in to hook readers and make the mystery a little lighter. I liked that this was different from the Andy Carpenter series in that there was a much smaller focus on the courtroom aspect and more on the private investigations but the plot was a bit convoluted in it's reveal of the case. People who like the Andy Carpenter series will enjoy these books and it will also appeal to readers who want a mystery that's a little more fun and lighter than those with the more "hard-boiled" private investigators.

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Full of the usual Rosenfelt humor and mystery... and dogs included. My Rating 4.0.

Corey Douglas is a retired Paterson, NJ cop. He was fortunate to get to retire with his K-9 partner, a Shepherd, Simon Garfunkel. Corey used to work with Laurie Carpenter and they have now joined to start a firm of private investigators, with their third partner, Marcus, who tends to be as much a bodyguard as an investigator.

The new team is called in by a local judge who wants them to uncover a blackmail scheme that is threatening him. Andy Carpenter (Laurie’s husband), a languid but sharp lawyer, is present but not part of the team at the Judge’s request. The team begins their intrepid investigation and Corey runs into a few herrings. Bit by bit they hone in on the truth. Although I guessed part of the mystery there were reveals and surprises through the end.

Corey is an interesting character – a cop with confidence but commitment issues that are part of his storyline. I enjoyed this team and was glad that Andy got to step in to help. The tone, plotline, and characters will be very familiar to those who enjoy the Andy Carpenter series. The reading is comfortably engaging with the author's usual humor. I would recommend it to those who already enjoy Rosenfelt and to those who would like to find a new, easy reading mystery series that includes canines as added characters.

Source: NetGalley 2019.

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David Rosenfelt's cozies with man's best friend have a special place in my bookshelves. The K Team is a spin off from the Andy Carpenter series but they are comical and easy to get into the story.

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The K Team is an edgy mystery with plenty of action and a complex plot. Extortion, conspiracy, and many twists make it a compelling read. Simon Garfunkel, the canine assistant, could have been more developed as could have been the protagonist's love interest with Dani. The subtle humor and levity of several of the Team members nicely rounds out the character development.

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This is the first book in the K Team series but is a spin off of David Rosenfelt's popular series, Andy Carpenter. It is not a cozy but a very good mystery thriller. Andy Carpenter's wife, Laura is now home with their son, giving up her job on the police department. She teams up with her former police partner and his K-9 Shepard to form a private investigation firm. Their first case is a judge who is being blackmailed and soon murdered. A complicated story but well written. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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This one was tough for me. I enjoyed the story, but it was hard to differentiate our new main characters voice from Andy’s voice. They are both sarcastic, a little (a lot for Andy) cocky, and overly detailed. I think this would have been better if told from Laurie’s point of view. It would allow for a distinct voice separate from Andy’s. I would read more about this new team.

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This is a new series for David Rosenfelt. I like the characters and the premise of a new group of investigators. And of course dogs. Dogs are what first drew me to this author. This story kept me thinking about the plotting of the criminals and who the mastermind was. I will say that it was not a complete suprise to me, but I do like how they brought it all together. Looking forward to the next book in the series as will my Library patrons.

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Being a fan of Andy Carpenter, this book is a welcomed addition. It has the formula for success, a male lead,a dog, a love interest, a team that works well together, plus a mystery that needs resolve.I am looking forward to seeing Corey's and Simon Garfunkel's characters develop. Can't wait till the next book!!

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This is a new series and a spin off from the Andy Carpenter series. In this story, Corey Douglas and his faithful K-9 companion Simon Garfunkel team up with Andy Carpenter and his crew to figure out who has blackmailed a prominent judge and what they want in return. Shortly after the start, the judge dies, but only after disparaging information about his life (probably false) has been leaked to the press. Andy Carpenter decides to take up the case, covering the costs—as any filthy rich lawyer with his own series and vested interest in this one would. The story meanders through many twists and turns, solid clues and red herrings to what you would expect, a successful ending. The ending was not a surprise, but definitely made sense and showed me a whole new idea cyber crooks can and do use in their crimes.

I was expecting a larger role for Simon in the book and was disappointed he was not that major a player. Of course, Carey Douglas spent time walking Simon and mentioned him many times throughout, plus, as part of the plot, there was a quick attempt to poison Simon, and, in the end, Simon did his usual quick thing to save the day, but there really was not much made of Simon throughout. Instead, this book focused on Corey, which is good, but I would have like Simon to have a more prominent role. Otherwise, this is just another good, well done crime solver mystery. Nothing really different from the dozens like it out there. I also thought., like another reviewer, that Corey came across as Andy throughout most of the book. Okay, but it really did not give me a good feel for who Corey was and how he would play things in future books. The book did provide more of a picture of Andy’s wife, ex-cop Laurie, but some of that also made me wonder. I always thought Laurie was wise and had been a good cop, but the book really did nothing to bring this out. All in all, a good stat to the series, but not a great one. I hope Simon will figure more prominently in future books (after all, they are the K Team). I also hope the author will provide a better picture of Laurie and Corey. One thing he did do was provide more insight in the famous bulking Marcus, and n a good light, which I found interesting and liked. As I said, the story was good and had lots of action and suspense, and I think readers of the Andy Carpenter series will enjoy this new series. Dog lovers will like it even more, if the author gives Simon a more prominent role. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

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There is a new dog on the block and on the case; enter the “K Team.” Corey Douglas is an easy-going, recently retired Patterson New Jersey cop who is one of the world’s foremost film-trivia experts. His first person present tense narrative is casual and comfortable; he talks to readers and talks to himself. Readers get to know him well as he shares thoughts about criminals, lawyers, and life in general. His fellow “K-Team” members include Laurie Collins, Marcus Clark, and German Shepherd Simon Garfunkel, also recently retired from Paterson P.D. Readers recognize these characters from Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series, and in fact, those familiar characters make appearances in this new series, but in slightly different roles.

Behind the friendly banter and friendship with dogs, Rosenfelt created a solid, complex plot involving gangsters, blackmail, financial fraud, computer hacking and killers for hire. The narrative alternates between Douglas’s first person account and a third person view so readers know details the team does not. People disappear then turn up dead. Unrelated actions and people weave in and out of the story, so the K-Team must ferret out the truth from the pack of lies. The team struggles to discern how all this fits together, and fit together it does. The questions are answered, the unexpected is explained, and the dogs live happily ever after; that is what readers really want after all.

“The K Team” reflects Rosenfelt’s conversational writing style and easy enjoyable prose. He gave Corey Douglas and Andy Carpenter the same attitude, sarcastic humor, realistic approach, and love of bogs. They could have best friends if they had not spent so many years on opposing sides. I received a review copy of The K Team” from David Rosenfelt and Minotaur Books. The K-team “family” is entertaining and compelling, and this new series shows great potential. Sign me up for the next installment.

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What a cool premise! I enjoyed reading this first installment of the K Team. The cop turned private investigator is one of my favorites in the mystery genre. Throw in the canine partner and I was sold. This one is perfect Stay at Home reading,

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I LOVE David Rosenfeldt novels. His mysteries are always thought provoking and humorous along with warm and memorable characters. I just didn't feel the same about this new character. His mystery about the judge was interesting but Corey Douglas needs much more humor and warmth. You should still read this novel though. I'.
It's obvious that the K Team will be the start of his new series

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Well, my new hero for he correct balance of chill and cool is Simon Garfunkel. He is the lead act with his trust companion, Corey, a retired cop with a great snarky perspective.

While I read this all the way through, I admit I was more interested in following the boy and his dog, with their fun group of companions as they solve a murder mystery. The dynamic among the group was by far more interesting than the relatively standard corrupt rich guy screwing both partners and enemies and the inevitable double and triple crosses amongst them.

GIven the talents of the band of good guys, I would really look forward to their solving a different plot line.
Fun and I always appreciate the animal lovers.....

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This was a page turner. Corey Douglas, a retired cop turned PI with his K-9 dog - Simon Garfunkle join a team that includes Laurie, another ex-cop and Marcus, the muscle to prevent a crusty old chief judge from being blackmailed.

Corey is a different kind of guy; when he confirms that someone tried to kill Simon he says he has no idea who did it, "in case something winds up happening to him that I don't want to make public." That's good writing - in one sentence we learn that Corey can be a little violent and can quickly plan. He's someone not to be trifled with.

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What can I say about The K Team? Well, it didn't wow me. I liked it okay but it wasn't anything special. If I continue with the series, I'll check the books out from my library. I admit, the dogs on the cover were a selling point for me when I requested the book. Sadly, the dogs, including Simon, are a small part of the story, secondary characters at best. Also, the blurb says the team is named in honor of Simon, the former K-9 dog, but that's not actually mentioned in the book. I'm not a fan of inaccurate blurbs, though this blurb is otherwise accurate.

What I liked:

1) The main characters are all middle aged, 40s and 50s. Hell yeah! Older characters are more common in mysteries than they are in romances but it still makes me happy to see them.

2) Realistic pacing. While the pace of the story sometimes frustrated me, it seemed real for what was actually happening.

3) Grounded in reality. I read this after several suspenseful, action filled mysteres. I enjoyed them, but they didn't always feel real. This had one heck of a criminal conspiracy that sometimes stretched credulity, but even so it felt more real-life and plausible.

What I disliked:

1) The main character, Corey, was in some respects a cliche - single, afraid to commit, a player, a loner. He evolved a bit during the story but it was hard to warm up to him at first as he was...bland. He could have been any cop turned PI in any mystery novel. We don't get POVs from the rest of the team, but we got them from some of the villains, and a couple times from the K Team's client.

2) The pacing. I know, I know, I said earlier that it was realistic, and it was, but it was also slow as heck. I expected a more action oriented mystery, and there is action, but it's much more a procedural. SO if that's your jam, this is your book.

3) I didn't actually care what happened. I mean, I did finish the book so I guess I was mildly interested, but I wasn't invested. It wasn't a page turner, it's not a must read.

Verdict:

"The K Team" is a decent story with a pretty clever mystery. It's a not a must read but it will help you while away a few hours.

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I am a huge fan of Andy Carpenter and his team of, shall I say, operatives? The chemistry of Andy, his wife, Laurie and Marcus (very large, of few words, and very intimidating) placed the series firmly in my must have list. When Laurie, a former police detective, decided to team up with Corey Douglas, a retired police detective, his K nine partner Simon Garfunkel (awesome name) and Marcus, I did not hesitate to get hold of a copy. I was not disappointed in the least. While Corey doesn't have the wit of Andy, he has the smarts and paired up with rest of the K Team, well David Rosenfelt has another winning series.
When we meet the team they have been ordered by Pete Stanton (from the Andy Carpenter series) to come to his office. There is a case for them and Andy is supposed to join them but keep his mouth shut. So off they go to start their first case and boy, is it a doozy. turns out their client is Henry 'the Hatchet' Henderson, the judge who has gone head to head with Andy. The nickname is well earned and he makes a challenging client. Turns out Judge Henderson is being blackmailed and, as the K Team starts to dig for information they discover the blackmail has been very well planned by somebody with lots of patience and lots of money. But why? What form of payment do they want from the judge?
As in every mystery crafted by David Rosenfelt things get complicated fast and the body count grows and the puzzle gets as twisted as rotini. Red herrings all over the place. Plus dogs. Always dogs. So, if you like complicated puzzles, great characters, smooth writing style, books that cause you to stay up past your bedtime and dogs, do not think twice about buying this book. You won't regret it.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

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The mystery in this is TOP NOTCH. There were moments when I gasped out loud and others where I was puzzling things out only a few pages before the characters. For awhile I thought there were going to be pieces that carried over into a second book, but everything was wrapped up by the last page.

I enjoyed this! I felt like Corey was still being developed as a character - I didn't get a solid sense of him in this, and I wanted more. Readers familiar with the Andy Carpenter series will find lots of familiar faces in the cast. I also wanted a lot more of Simon the German Shepherd, although I see how this case really didn't lend itself to a lot of work for Simon. There were some moments that felt repetitious in this (things that were explained more than once, Corey's mixed feelings about his dating relationship, his discomfort with some of Andy's usual investigative moves) but that didn't overshadow the larger aspects of the story that were good.

Fans of the Andy Carpenter series will find a lot to enjoy here. The mystery style - scenes with the main cast (Corey tells his portions in first person) and then other scenes sprinkled in that you know are all going to mean something in the end - will feel familiar. And as I already said, there are several characters who cross over to this series. I'm looking forward to reading more K Team stories in the future! (Language)

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