3.5 Stars. I love the Andy Carpenter books by David Rosenfelt and have always found them witty and entertaining. Why have I given this book a lower rating? They are beginning to follow a similar formula. The legal cases initially seem simple, with an obvious prime subject charged with a crime. However, the solution to the crime is far more complex, often involving money laundering, far-reaching conspiracies, organized crime, Interpol's most wanted, cybercrime, drug trafficking, murders, etc. These complicated threads are revealed by the hard work of Andy and his talented investigators before the court trial. I felt I had read these clever twists, turns, and reveals previously in several books in the series.

Although this is number 27 in the series, and Andy has the same helpers when preparing for a trial, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Readers attracted by the beautiful covers, always with a dog pictured, may mistake the books for cozy mysteries. Be aware they are serious, intricately plotted crime thrillers with added courtroom drama. The featured dog is only remotely connected with the story. In this book, the dog pictured on the cover is barely mentioned.

Andy Carpenter is a defence lawyer who reluctantly takes a case unless a dog is involved. He is independently wealthy and doesn't need to work. He would rather be home with his wife, a former police officer, their young son, and his three dogs. He also is part owner of a dog rescue shelter called the Tara Foundation. He has a snide, sarcastic sense of humour that makes him an entertaining character. David Rosenfelt also runs such a foundation; over 4,000 dogs have been rescued.

A girl Andy once dated in high school, Jenny, has become a famous movie star. She has returned to her hometown for a brief break from filming. She has a poodle that she previously adopted from
Andy's shelter. At a welcoming dinner, her ex-boyfriend enters and makes a loud scene and needs to be restrained by the braver members of Andy's team, Marcus, a large, scary man, and Andry's fearless wife. They force him to leave. He is the co-star in her next movie and also a movie producer. The next morning, Jenny finds the man stabbed to death on her kitchen floor. Andy cannot believe she is guilty, but the police and legal authorities have other ideas, and she is charged with murder. Andy will defend her in court, but circumstances and the murder scene point to her guilt. This looks like a court case he is bound to lose.

He and his team see all their skills and resources to try to find another person with the means and motive to have killed Jenny's ex. They uncover a very tangled web of crime, deception and intrigue, but how much can Andy present in court? Will Jenny be found guilty?
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this much-appreciated ARC. Publication to be July 4.

This time it's not exactly a dog that pulls Andy into that horrible thing called work, but an old flame. Is it an old flame if you dated her once in high school? And then she became a movie star and you never let anyone forget that you dated her in high school? And she's such a great person that not only does she remember, but she adopts one of the dogs from your Foundation. So when movie star Jennie Nichols gets in a jam, and even though Andy is allergic to work, does he say no to the job? Of course not. They have to get her out of the slammer so she can be reunited with her dog Mamie!
This story has all the same elements as every other Andy Carpenter tale, and yet it never really gets old. It's why you pick it up in the first place. A good mystery that Andy figures out at the last minute. Dangerous shenanigans that Laurie and Marcus have to rescue coward Andy from. Andy's smart mouth getting him in and out of trouble, and really annoying the judge (the the jury lapping it up). I have to admit, if Andy wasn't such a smart mouth, I probably wouldn't read these. The humor is everything, with the suspense to keep things humming along. And the plots always do keep you guessing. Recommended.

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients. Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed. He is married to Laurie, they have a young son, Ricky, three dogs and he is enjoying his life.

Jenny is an actress who is town shooting a movie. She and Andy knew each other in high school so they get together with some of Andy's friends at his favourite bar. While there, Ryan, Jenny's co-star and ex-boyfriend arrives and tries to get her to leave. She refuses and Ryan is asked to leave. Later that night, Jenny discovers Ryan's body in her kitchen with a knife in his back. Jenny is arrested and it's up to Andy to defend her and find out what really happened.

This is the 27th in the Andy Carpenter series (I've read them all) and I have been enjoying this series. Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on). I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing. It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (he never charges for his services). Part of Andy's team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator; Marcus, an investigator with "persuasive" reasoning skills; Cory, a former police officer; and Simon Garfunkel, Cory's former canine partner). Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action.

Andy defends an old friend on a murder charge. This is book 27 in the Andy Carpenter series and his newest client adopted a dog from his shelter many years ago. Jenny Nicholas is a famous actress and once dated Andy in high school. 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. This book could be read as a stand alone story.

Flop Dead Gorgeous by David Rosenfelt
Andy Carpenter Mystery Book 27
I still enjoy these books after all these years. Andy Carpenter is an endearing level one smart ass. This was a good addition to the series. Not too much of the dogs in this one but good anyway.

I love all of Rosenfelt’s dog books. I read them as soon as I can and race through them, laughing all the way. They are witty and fun - just what I love in a book. Keep them coming!

In this 27th book in the Andy Carpenter series, Andy is determined to prove that his high school girlfriend turned movie star Jenny Nichols did not stab her co-star in the back and leave his body lying on her kitchen floor.

The murder victim is Ryan Griffin who made his fortune as a hedge fund manager before deciding he wanted to act and produce movies. Personally, he was a charismatic and charming cheater. His relationship with Jenny was short-lived on her part but he was reluctant to let her go. After making a scene at a welcome party hosted by Andy, his next appearance is as a corpse lying dead in her kitchen.

Andy, who would love to be a retired lawyer, takes on her case but the evidence and the odds are against him, his client, and his team. The evidence clearly points to Jenny as the murderer. But Andy is undaunted and calls his team to action. Sam will look into the cyberworld while Marcus Clark looks into the criminal world.

Andy comes up with an alternate suspect in a Russian gangster who is somehow connected to the case but has difficulty connecting him to Griffin's murder. However, his investigation does give the FBI enough to take down a Russian cybercriminal. That's good but isn't going to free Jenny or prove her innocent.

Up until nearly the end of the book, it looks like this is one case that Andy won't be able to win using his legal intelligence and snarky manner.

I really enjoy Andy's snarky voice and his love of dogs. The dog in this story is a pampered toy poodle named Mamie that Jennie adopted from Andy's foundation. I also enjoy the way Andy and his colleagues investigate crimes.

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S FLOP DEAD GORGEOUS ABOUT?
Jenny Nichols went to the same high school as Andy Carpenter—but when he went to law school, she went to California and became a movie star. She comes back to Paterson frequently, even adopting a miniature French poodle from Andy's rescue foundation and striking up a friendship with Laurie.

She's staying in Paterson while filming her next movie in New York and Andy hosts a dinner with her and several others—during the dinner, her ex-boyfriend, current producer, and co-star (all the same person) shows up and causes a scene in an effort to see her. While Andy does nothing at all (his strength), Willie, Laurie, and Marcus shut down the producer and his bodyguards. They leave and the night goes on as before and everything seems fine.

Because this is that kind of book in that kind of series, that "fine" doesn't last long. Jenny wakes up in the middle of the night to find her ex stabbed to death in her kitchen. With no one else in the house—and few people knowing she was staying there at all—the suspect list is really short, and it's no time at all before Andy is hired to defend Jenny.

WAIT, WHAT?
I may be revealing what a horrible (as opposed to irresponsible) reader I am here—but in the second chapter, Rosenfelt said something that stopped me cold. Andy's hosting that dinner for Jenny with a bunch of his friends and colleagues, including Sam, Willie and Sondra Miller, Vince Saunders—you know, the people you'd expect. Except for this: Marcus and his wife Julie. Did we know Marcus had a wife? Has she shown up a lot and I've totally forgotten her? I really don't think so, but I don't have time to read 20+ books (I can't remember when he shows up first, book 2 or 3, I think) to see.

Part of my shock here has to do with the idea of Marcus having any kind of personal life is strange. It's like when you're in second grade and see your teacher in the grocery store. But I just have no recollection of this woman.

And, really, that's not the strangest Marcus moment in the book...

POOR EDDIE DOWD
Andy's on his third associate in the series—the lawyer who does most of the actual lawyering, instead of the investigating and courtroom antics. He's the guy who puts together briefs, looks up precedents, writes motions, and so on. This associate is usually comedic in some way, too.

Eddie shows up a little bit here, but nowhere is used to lighten the mood—we don't even get one example of his overuse of sports metaphors. It was likely necessary to cut his jokes for space and/or to make up for the running joke (see below), but I couldn't help but feel bad for the character. He barely got to do anything—particularly nothing interesting.

THE RUNNING JOKE
There's a running joke throughout this book that I can't bring myself to ruin—or repeat. Initially, I wondered about Rosenfelt's continued use of it—but in the end, I wouldn't cut a single instance of it, and the later in the book we got the funnier I found each reappearance.

I don't remember Rosenfelt going back to the well so often like this often (ever?).* Sure, he repeats jokes from book to book—Andy's trying to retire, Edna's lack of interest in work, Marcus' lack of talking, etc. But fifteen+ appearances of a gag in one novel? I think this is new. I don't know that we need it in every Andy Carpenter book from now on, but I wouldn't mind it frequently.

* Fill up the comments here with the times he's done it before and I've forgotten about it, by all means.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT FLOP DEAD GORGEOUS?
I know I complain often about not knowing what to say about an Andy Carpenter novel that I haven't said a few times before. And really, aside from what I've noted in the two sections above, I'm not sure what to say.

The one thing that I want to talk about the most is the one that I cannot discuss—the killer and the motive behind the killing. I can't even think of a vague way to praise the choices Rosenfelt made in this novel's structure. But for my money, the choice of the killer, motive, etc. are praiseworthy.

I do like the way Rosenfelt is aging Ricky—especially while not aging Tara—and letting Ricky pay attention to this case. Good character work.

Flop Dead Gorgeous features some of Rosenfelt's funniest material in years. More of Andy in court (or so it seems) than we've been treated to lately. Good character work (both with regulars and new characters)—except for poor Eddie. The best mystery Rosenfelt's given us in a long time. And Andy's narrative voice has never been better (rarely been worse, too)—there are a couple of paragraphs that made me stop and note, "This is why I keep coming back to this series."

We're twenty-seven books in and I still laughed and was left on tenterhooks to see how Andy was going to prevail. That's no mean feat. Rosenfelt hasn't lost a step, and neither has this series. Naturally, I recommend Flop Dead Gorgeous to your attention.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

Flop Dead Gorgeous is book 27 in the Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt. Each one works well as a standalone.

While I am not a dog lover, I love this series. Each book is filled with some unique characters: from Marcus--the guy you really don't want to mess with to Andy, a lawyer, who is always happy to stand back while his wife or Marcus go after bad guys. Add to all of this, Andy's snarky remarks and a few more people he has accumulated to help him out who are all unique in their own way.

From the serious situations to the humor, each book has an interesting plot and plenty of court room as well as investigative details. It's such a pleasure to read this series. This is worth every bit of 5 stars!

David Rosenfelt is one of my favorite authors. I love mysteries, enjoy books featuring dogs, and I find Rosenfelt's style of writing hilarious. Do I have a warped sense of humor when I find myself laughing out loud right after reading about a knife in someone's back with lots of blood involved? Can't help myself. The character of Andy Carpenter is just funny!!

I had an idea how the mystery would end in this book but I wasn't sure - - and the journey is half the fun.

I can always count on being entertained with this series!!

I’ve only read about a dozen books in this series and they all seem pretty interchangeable, with similar plots. But the main character, Andy Carpenter, is always delightfully snarky and the plots move along at such an entertaining clip that I can’t help enjoying each one. Plus, there are dogs and they take place in my home state. This one is no exception as Andy helps to defend a high school friend turned Hollywood star. Good fun with laugh out loud humor!

It’s always an absolute joy to begin a new Andy Carpenter book! Every entry in this series is like a long visit with some of my dog loving friends. These friends are just a bit more exciting than my real life friends. Andy is once again caught up in a case, representing an old friend from high school who just happens to be a famous actress. I recommend this series wholeheartedly!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunities to read and review this book.

📚Book Review 📚
Flop Dead Gorgeous
by David Rosenfelt
Pub Date 7/4/23

Lawyer Andy Carpenter defends his high school girlfriend, Jenny-a Hollywood movie star, when her ex boyfriend is found stabbed in her home. She’s innocent, but can Andy find evidence to prove that to the jury?

This is a classic Andy Carpenter mystery with all the series characters and dogs.

I’ve read a few of Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series. They are an easy legal mystery read.

Thank you @netgalley @stmartinspress and David Rosenfelt for an electronic book ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) in exchange for an honest review.


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I love the snarky tone and the tactics used by Lawyer Andy Carpenter in this series. All of the usual characters are here in this story, and Andy's client? A famous actress who he dated in high school. As Andy and the K-9 team get deeper and deeper into case preparation and investigating what happened, they uncover much more than a simple murder. A bit of a wild ride and when the jury returns the verdict it sends everyone into a tailspin. Fun, fast paced this another fun read in this series. Oh, and there are dogs!

Another fun book by David Rosenfelt. Not much I can say that differentiates it from his other books. We're pretty much to the point where if you've read one, you've read them all. Still an enjoyable time though. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 27th in the Andy Carpenter series and I have only now discovered it thanks to the recommendation of a fellow bookstagrammer. It worked well as a standalone, although it would have been nice to have met the repeating characters earlier.

Andy Carpenter, an independently wealthy attorney, and his wife, Laurie, a retired member of the police department, operate the Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. Jenny Nichols, whom Andy once dated in high school and is now a well known actress who incidentally got her beloved dog, Mamie from the Foundation, is accused of murder. After a dinner with the Carpenters and some friends, her ex boyfriend is found dead in the kitchen of the house in which she is staying. Carpenter takes on the case, his investigation to find the real killer aided by Laurie and a cast of supporting characters.

The book has a decent, well paced plot. What I really enjoyed was the humor spread throughout the book. This is one of the few books I have ever read (and I have read many) that had me chuckling out loud. This is a book that is a mystery, legal thriller, and comedic. What more could you ask?

As an aside, for those unfamiliar with David Rosenfelt…in real life he and his wife do have a Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. They have rescued thousands of dogs. How can you not love this author?

I am adding this series to my list of must reads and am looking forward to the next one.

I am never disappointed with a book by David Rosenfelt. Flop Dead Gorgeous, an Andy Carpenter mystery, falls right into place as another wonderful, entertaining read. This time Andy is helping his former girlfriend from high school, a famous movie star accused of killing her ex-boyfriend. Rosenfelt comes through with all the twists and turns in the mystery along with his witty signature humor. I love these books and as always, highly recommend them!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

When Jenny, a former girlfriend of Andy’s from high school, is accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend, Andy comes out of retirement to defend her. The evidence all seems to point to Jenny as the guilty party. Andy and his team pull out all the stops to prove her innocence and find the real murderer.

Murder, mayhem, hit men, the FBI, surprises, humor, and more! Such a fun read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fans of Andy Carpenter will not be disappointed. There’s everything we expect including lots of sardonic humor and a gripping court case.
This time, Andy is representing Jenny Nichols. She’s a famous actress who grew up in Patterson and adopted a dog from the Tara Foundation. Oh, and did Andy mention he dated her a few times in high school?
As always, Andy thinks he knows who’s behind the murder. But, can he introduce the necessary information in the court case?
Rosenthal is proof that an author can use a formula without it becoming boring. I am always pleased that he can put together a mystery where I’m left wondering how it will all play out. These books are the perfect entertainment, not deep but always engaging.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

Another fun murder mystery from Rosenfelt. I have read all the books in this series and this one did not disappoint. The format is always the same...a friend is accused of murder, which pulls Andy Carpenter, defense lawyer, out of retirement. We then get pulled through twists and turns of events, discoveries and facts to find the real killer. It's very clever, sometimes humorous, and the ending is always a surprise. (Although I did guess the killer early on this time.)
The dialog is always clever, the characters are very colorful and the story never drags, it moves along at a steady pace.
All of Rosenfelt's books can be read as a standalone but if you start with book one you will be hooked. Also if you enjoy audiobooks the narrator is really good and the same throughout the series.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.