This was so good! I had so many emotions, especially near the end, but I laughed throughout. You can't help but love Andy's sarcastic sense of humor. I enjoyed seeing all my favorite side characters, including Sam, Marcus, and Pete!

Andy Carpenter is called to the courtroom yet again, this time to defend Jenny Nichols, a high school girlfriend and famous actress who Andy reconnected with when she adopted a miniature French poodle through the Tara Foundation. Jenny calls 911 when she finds the body of her current costar, with whom she recently broke up, stabbed in the back in her kitchen, but when the police seem to think she must have killed him (since she was the only one home), her next call is to Andy. Andy brings the team together to try to find out what really happened since he knows the jury will only believe Jenny didn't do it if he can present them with a better suspect. I love this series, and Flop Dead Gorgeous does not disappoint: it has the usual dry humor (the author even pokes fun at himself) and enough alternative suspects and motives to keep you guessing.

"Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter remembers every dog that’s come through the Tara Foundation’s doors, but the most well-known alum of the dog rescue organization that Andy founded in Paterson, New Jersey, may be Mamie. Adopted by famous actress Jenny Nichols—Andy’s high school girlfriend—the miniature French poodle is now practically a starlet in her own right."
Jenny is in trouble. Her ex-fiance has been murdered by another woman but after going through a trial she is found guilty. Will Andy figure it out?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

Another winner in the Andy Carpenter series. I do so enjoy the dry wit of the author. I am sure David Rosenfelt is just as tired of writing about Andy Carpenter as Andy seems to be of being an attorney. I do hope David continues though. He has made it further than Sue Grafton did in her alphabet series. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Flop Dead Gorgeous by David Rosenfelt

Lights, camera, action in bestselling author, David Rosenfelt’s, Flop Dead Gorgeous, as Andy Carpenter goes bicoastal to prove an old friend’s innocence.

I enjoyed this book. I like the character, Andy Carpenter. It was clever and had many twists before Jenny’s innocence was proved.. It was fun following Andy’s theories. I recommend this book.

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

In this 27th book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, the Paterson, New Jersey defense attorney represents a Hollywood actress accused of murder.

*****

Ever since he inherited a large fortune, defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases. Instead, Andy likes to hang out with his wife, son, and dogs; watch sports; schmooze with his friends; help run a canine rescue operation called 'The Tara Foundation'; and so on. Still, Andy accepts the occasional client when there's a good reason.

Andy is a sarcastic quipster whose frequent wisecracks make him unpopular with cops, prosecutors, and judges. So it's lucky that Andy knows his way around a courtroom, because he needs all his skills to defend film star Jenny Nichols.

Jenny Nichols grew up in Paterson, and is in town to film a movie in New York. As it happens, Jenny and Andy dated very briefly in high school, and - now that Jenny is a famous celebrity - Andy mentions this 'dating history' every other minute, to anyone and everyone.

In any case, Andy arranges a dinner party for Jenny at his favorite eatery, Charlie's Sports Bar. The guests are having a good time, enjoying the food and drinks, when the party is crashed by Jenny's ex-boyfriend, and current co-star, Ryan Griffin. Ryan is rude and pushy and insists that Jenny leave the party with him. Instead, Ryan and his bodyguards get thrown out by some of the guests, who know their way around a fight.

The next morning Ryan is found dead in the New Jersey house where Jenny is staying. Ryan was stabbed with a kitchen knife, and Jenny is arrested for murder. Andy immediately agrees to represent the actress, and he and his wife Laurie invite Jenny and her miniature poodle Mamie - who was adopted from The Tara Foundation - to stay with them pending trial.

Andy knows the best way to exonerate Jenny is to find the real killer, and he engages 'The K Team' detective agency to make inquiries. The K Team investigators are: Andy's wife Laurie - a former police officer; Corey Douglas - a retired cop; Simon Garfunkel - a K-9 German shepherd who worked with Corey at the Paterson Police Department; and Marcus Clark - the toughest, scariest guy on the planet.

In a scene where Andy and The K-Team are interviewing Ryan's belligerent bodyguards - Ruben, Danny, and Gurley - Ruben challenges Marcus to go out in the alley. Andy notes, "We just wait for the resolution of the dispute between the Moron Formerly Known as Ruben and Marcus. Unless Ruben has a marine battalion waiting in the alley to have his back, he is in major trouble. And even then......"

In addition to The K Team, Andy calls in his accountant Sam Willis - who can hack into any computer anywhere; his assistant attorney Eddie Dowd - who's especially good with paperwork; and his secretary Edna - who's too busy scouting locations for her destination wedding to actually do any work (so far Edna has ruled out North Korea and Somalia). Andy also flies out to Hollywood to get the scoop on the victim, Ryan Griffin.

Andy learns that Ryan was independently wealthy; was a producer as well as an actor; was a heavy drug user; was involved with a new streaming service; and was connected with a Belorussian gangster called Sergey Bondar. When more dead bodies turn up, Andy feverishly tries to prove that thugs were involved in all the homicides, including Ryan.

In between working hard to prepare for trial, Andy walks his dogs; watches baseball games; worries about his 14-year-old son Ricky's summer trip with a teen group; and so on. Musing about Ricky's vacation, Andy observes, "He's leaving tomorrow for the teen tour. I have this irrational fear that he's leaving a little kid, but in eight weeks is going to come back twenty-two years old, with a full beard wanting his own apartment."

Andy and his team eventually unearth a diabolical scheme that could conceivably happen in real life.

I'm a fan of the Andy Carpenter mysteries but this book isn't among the best in the series. The story has too many ancillary characters and the plot is confusing. Still, I enjoyed the mystery novel, which has a lot of Rosenfelt's usual humor.

Thanks to Netgalley, David Rosenfelt, and St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the book.

David Rosenfelt is one of my favorite authors, this is the 27th Andy Carpenter book. It can be a stand alone but if you enjoy Flop Dead Gorgeous, there are 27 back list books to read. Andy defends an old high school friend, Jenny Nicholas, on a murder charge. When her ex boyfriend is found dead in her mother’s kitchen she is the only suspect. As always, David Rosenfelt offers a great mystery to solve and lots of fun dog facts and tales.
Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC of this book.

Flop Dead Gorgeous is book #27 is the Andy Carpenter series. Readers will have no issues reading this title without having read previous books as the author does a fantastic job of filling in the history within each book although you're missing out on the introduction and development of several characters if you skip ahead.

In Flop Dead Gorgeous, we once again find independently wealthy, semi-retired lawyer Andy Carpenter pulled back into the middle of a murder mystery. Actress Jenny Nichols is home for the funeral of her mother when her ex's body is found murdered in the home she's staying in. Andy's one claim to fame is that he dated Jenny in high school, and he misses no opportunity to repeat this tidbit to everyone in town. Jenny also owns one of the Tara Foundation rescue dogs named Mamie. All evidence points to Jenny as the killer, but Andy is convinced she didn't do it. To prove her innocence, he'll need to reveal the killer's identity.

All the Andy Carpenter books follow a formula - Andy declaring he's retired, someone needing his expertise in the court room and Andy and his support cast investigating the murder on their own. Having said that, I find each book to be a refreshing read with a murder case to be solved and a client to represent in court. What I love most about these books is the dogs, of course, but also the mingling of humorous dialogue sprinkled throughout the story. There are always some laugh out loud moments. Readers of previous books will love seeing the repeat characters. A steady pace through a few twists and turns will keep readers turning pages to the final courtroom scene.

Flop Dead Gorgeous is a lighthearted, sometimes funny mystery. It's the perfect book for a summer afternoon on the porch or at the beach. There's no way to resist the adorable cover or the title. I highly recommend it to fans of the series and fans of lighter mysteries.

This book is packed with everything I didn’t think I need. The main character is funny as hell, Andy is a criminal lawyer and he also solves cases too, he’s out in the field, doing investigative work, he’s a well-connected man. His wife is a retired Detective and I can’t stress enough how connected he is. I knew this book was going to be a hoot when as soon as you start this read he is bragging about dating this very well-known movie star in high school Jenny. But when Jenny comes back to their home town since her mother’s passing, she gets into some trouble, an ex-dead in her home, and she’s the accused. The great part of all of this is the dogs included, how he speaks about his dogs, and their characters and Jenny’s as well, also how badass he and his wife are at getting down to proving Jenny’s innocence. This book is worth the read!!

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Andy dated Jenny in high school, found her a dog to adopt, and now he's defending her in the murder of her co-star Ryan, a pretty rotten guy. But who did kill Ryan? As always, Rosenfelt has written a deceptively simple mystery that blends a bad guy from Belarus, money laundering, cybercrime, Hollywood, and streaming services with a more prosaic issue (no spoilers). If you haven't read the series, you'll be fine and you're in for a treat. If you have, this is a great addition. And fans be assured that as always, Andy is the one who figures out the solution from a clue we all see early on but miss until the last few pages. Andy is a great character- he's got heart and smarts and he works well with others (even if judges and prosecutors might differ). The supporting cast, which includes his wife Laurie, his pal the mysterious Marcus (somehow I've missed that Marcus has a wife until now), and best of all his dogs, is entertaining. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Great read.

Andy Carpenter dated Jenny Nichols in high school in Paterson, New Jersey. Now she’s a famous actor — think Jennifer Aniston. Or Jennifer Lawrence.

Making a movie nearby, Jenny is staying in her late mother’s home and hanging out with lawyer Andy and his wife, former cop Laurie. Having them around is convenient when Jenny’s co-star, and ex-boyfriend, is found stabbed in the back in her kitchen.

“Going to a murder scene is like going to Madison Square Garden the morning after a typical Knicks game,” Andy muses. “You know that something depressing and ugly happened there the night before, but at the moment it’s quiet and sterile. Instead of beer cups and popcorn kernels on the floor, there is blood spatter and chalk outlines.”

“Flop Dead Gorgeous” is David Rosenfelt’s 27th Andy Carpenter mystery, and you should read them all, or even better, listen to the audiobooks, voiced with perfection by Grover Gardner.

As always, Andy is dry and self-deprecating, whether reminding us that his wife is by far his superior or admitting proudly that he’s disliked by police (and prosecutors, for that matter) from coast to coast. He’d like to retire, but clients he can’t refuse keep dragging him back in.

The plots are not fluff, but there’s plenty of that from the dogs that populate every book, including Andy’s beloved golden retriever, Tara. (The guest dog in this one is Mamie, the little poodle Jenny adopted from the shelter Andy runs.)

Come for the dogs; stay to find out if Andy will ever manage to retire.

This is a delightful cozy mystery. Andy Carpenter is a lawyer who solves crimes. He provides enormous entertainment throughout the story. The dialogue is easy to read and sometimes funny. Andy is representing a girl he dated in high (who is now a movie star) who is believed to have murdered her ex boyfriend. There are interesting twists and turns as Andy and his cohorts investigate to find the real killer.

Andy Carpenter is the lawyer I would want on my side. This book was so funny and full of twists and turns.I couldn’t put it down. The Andy Carpenter series is not one that should be missed, but if you have, this book could stand alone. A big star finds her co-star dead on her kitchen floor. Instantly she is thought to be guilty and Andy will do his best to defend her.

This is a fast-paced and entertaining mystery. Andy Carpenter, the main character, solves this mystery with keen observation skills, wit and sarcasm, and a sense of humor. These books are always a delight to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed this read!

This is another fun Andy Carpenter mystery. Everything that I love about the other books is here. It introduces another dog and still talks about Andy’s others. This is just enjoyable reading without a lot of smut. Love the witty banter going on in Andy’s life. It reads fast and you know the courtroom is going to be last. I liked this ending that was different than the others. I like the no nonsense characters. I thoroughly liked this book and will look forward to the next book of David Rosenfelt.

When a new Andy Carpenter book becomes available, everyone knows to leave me alone to read. I've read every book in the series and loved them all. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite....it would be impossible. If you have not read any of this series, i envy you. You have some GREAT reading ahead of you. This is #27 in the series, each could be read as a stand alone and enjoyed but you'd miss the history and developement of the cast of characters that keep Andy doing what he does best, winning cases and annoying the many who do not love him as we do.
An old friend is framed for murder but this time Andy and his support crew are having serious issues proving to the police they have the wrong woman. Andy's powers of observation continue to outshine mine, I thought I knew who did it but never would have figured out why. But I certainly enjoyed the investigation as it was in progress and look forward to the next time I'm lucky enough to have a new Carpenter book.

A great addition to the series- familiar characters, a great twist and of course the humor we have all come to know and love make this book a winner!

Andy Carpenter is back and ready for more crime solving action in this newest entry by David Rosenfelt, Flop Dead Gorgeous. Andy's ex Jenny (from many moons ago - back in high school) is in town. She's an actress, and also one of the people who have adopted a dog from Andy's dog rescue foundation. Little Mamie is a miniature French poodle that is about to become friends with Andy's dog while in Andy's care. Jenny has been arrested for murder! It looks like an open and shut case - Jenny and her co-star had an argument, and he was even found dead in her house - but Andy has other thoughts. Can he find the real killer before Jenny is convicted of murder?
This may be book 27 in the series, but it sure doesn't feel like it. It is fresh and unexpected...a great read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

My new "go-to" murder mystery series! Solidly written, fast-paced!

Andy Carpenter has a new case involving his old high school girlfriend-turned-star actress Jenny Nichols. When she is arrested for murder during a visit to her hometown, Andy must represent her and figure out who REALLY did it. This is a new author for me, and I really enjoyed it!

It felt like a book version of a lawyer/cop TV show, and the pacing was wonderful. The best part was that I was drawn in right away, the characters were smart, and I was not bored one moment! There was no graphic sex or violence, and I appreciated that a lot as well. I DID kind of suspect the real killer, but I have a particular talent for that, and it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book at all.

I would definitely read another book in this series - and I will go back and look at some of the older books now that I have a new "go-to" light murder mystery series!

I received an ARC of this book as a reviewer for NetGalley. #sponsored

Andy Carpenter is back with his team of investigators. This time he’s defending an old friend from high school who has been accused of murdering a former boyfriend. Jenny is now a Hollywood star and the media frenzy is extraordinary.
As with the other books in this series, this latest addition is lively. The humor is subtle, the characters are varied, and the plot is interesting. It’s always great to spend time with Andy, the reluctant attorney, his wife, Laurie, and their competent and loyal friends.

How do you do it, Mr Rosenfelt? Flop Dead Gorgeous is the 27th book in the Andy Carpenter series and it’s just as enjoyable as your other books. This series never disappoints and it’s a great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon. Once again, thank you for writing a series that I always look forward to.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing a copy of this book for an unbiased review.