This is book number 28 in the Andy Carpenter Novel series. It works well as a standalone; although, you should seriously consider getting the entire series even if you aren't crazy about dogs. The reason I say that is because I am a cat person, and yet after reading one book, I was completely hooked on this series.

The characterization is really well done. Andy, a lawyer, has a habit of being a bit sarcastic that is funny but not over the top annoying. He ends up fighting in court for people who often don't seem to a have a chance. He has some great people working with him: there's Sam his accountant who is also a very talented hacker, and Marcus who no one should go up against because they will be lucky to walk away. His wife is a former police officer, and rounding out the team are another former police officer and a retired police dog.

The stories are always well written and wrapped up by the very end. Every book is worth five star.s in my opinion.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas for Andy Carpenter and company. In this the 28th offering from author, David Rosenfelt.
And while it seems that everyone in the Carpenter household, as well as those associated with Andy's beloved Tara Foundation, are up to their eyeballs in seasonal good cheer. He is facing the holiday in usual Andy fashion.
Complete with sardonic wit, a touch of self deprecation, and a dash of pet fur thrown in for good measure.
Until family friend and pet foster turned ower, Derek Moore, finds himself going from serving eggnog at the foundation's holiday shindig. To possibly serving prison time for murder.
Leaving him and his beloved pets Sasha and Jake in need of help that only Andy can provide.

This book has everything.
Witness protection, mobsters, vendettas, murder, plot twists...
And Andy of course.
There is never a dull moment.
Every time you think that you have things figured. something happens to make it very apparent that YOU DON'T.
This book offers that perfect escape into whodunit goodness. With a side of holiday happiness. That is far from the toothache inducing sweetness that is pumped out by the page full around this time of year.

Reviewer's Note
Special thanks to Negalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the review copy on which this honest critique is based.
Though this book is part of a continuous series. It may be read as a standalone.

This is an good legal thriller with moments of humor thrown in. While 28th book in this series, it’s easily read as a stand-alone. Andy is the protagonist, a wealthy lawyer who would rather hang out with his rescue dogs, wife, and friends. He will undertake the occasional criminal defense case when necessary. This time, one of his fellow pet foster friends is arrested for murder and Andy’s convinced to take the case. I love that Andy’s wife is a former police officer who is now an investigator. There are gangs and witness protection and eggnog, along with Andy’s sardonic sense of humor.

How David Rosenfelt manages to write so many books with a dud is beyond me. This is the twenty-eighth book in the series, and it is great. I enjoyed it greatly and am looking forward to the next one.

n the book Twas the Bite Before Christmas, author David Rosenfelt continues his bestselling Andy Carpenter Mystery series. Once again, much to Andy’s chagrin, he has a new case and it’s at Christmas time. Derek who adopted 2 dogs from Andy’s Tara Foundation is arrested for murder. But as they dig into the case, Andy discovers that Derek is not really Derek but Bobby who is in witness protection for testifying in a double murder case. And the murder victim has ties to Derek’s, I mean Bobby’s, old life. This is a Christmas story like no other!
This was a great fun story that continues the series. I would recommend this book and the series. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Andy Carpenter books, while still being suspenseful, are always a rollicking good time. I laugh and I smile while reading, and I'm still on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Andy and his team will be able to find out the truth to set his client free. The whole gang is here this time except Edna, who is on a hunt to find the perfect wedding destination. A couple more dogs join the crew, and of course since the client is a dog owner, Andy HAS to represent him! He is what Andy calls a "foster failure" - someone who is supposed to foster dogs from the shelter, but ends up adopting them instead, which is still just fine with Andy.

The parts with Junior were so funny to me, even though he is a scary dude, and Marcus being Marcus is probably one of my favorite things ever.

'Twas the Bite Before Christmas is the newest in the Andy Carpenter Mystery series. I've only read one other book in this series, but enjoyed it so much I couldn't wait to read another one. Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who would rather run his New Jersey dog rescue organization than appear in the courtroom. However, when one of his rescue group's top dog fosterers is arrested for murder, Andy takes the case. 

This case is complicated and dangerous since it involves gang rivalries and retaliations. Fortunately for Andy, he has a solid team supporting him, including his wife Laurie who is a former police officer who is now an investigator for Andy's firm. I like the writing style of the author and the way most of the story is told in the first person from Andy's point-of-view. This allows the reader to get to know Andy well and shows off his great sense of humor. The humor balances out the more serious scenes in the book. 

The courtroom scenes are dramatic and suspenseful and I missed the clues pointing at the identity and motive of the killer. The book ends on a positive note that has me wanting to read more books in this series. 

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Minotaur Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

Book #28 in the Andy Carpenter series and if you have not read them.....you are seriously missing out. I fell in love with Rosenfelt's eccentric laywer, Andy Carpenter in 2002 and have remained faithful to this cast of characters ever since. Each book's title has a canine reference and dogs play a big part in each book. If the characters don't love dogs, they will most certainly become victims in this mystery/ thriller/ legal procedural/ comedy/ series. The books are so well written, you fly through them, Rosenfelt always leaves you wanting more. If you love Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum or Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone, you will definitely love Andy Carpenter. My family and friends often receive copies of his books for their birthdays or Christmas. This one is out just in time for them to get it in their stockings this year.

'Twas the Bite Before Christmas is book 28 in the Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt.
This book is full of humor, wit, and constant adventure. The storyline was interesting with very entertaining characters which made this book hard to put down. A wonderfully executed mystery that is fast paced and enthralling which I enjoyed very much.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

As Christmas nears, Andy Carpenter is reluctantly manning the eggnog table at the dog rescue foundation he is a partner in when Derek Moore, a young man who adopted two dogs from the Tara Foundation and is one of their best foster volunteers, is arrested for murder. Reluctantly drawn into the case to represent Derek, who's real name turns out to be Bobby; he was in the state witness protection program after testifying against members of the gang he used to belong to, and the murdered man is one of the gang's leaders. Andy believes Bobby when he claims to be innocent, so he pulls his legal and investigative team together to try to prove it and get Bobby back home to his dogs. 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas is chock full of Rosenfelt's dry wit, along with all the characters a long-time reader of the series know and love, and a complex case that only Andy can unravel.

I love David Rosenfelt and this series of books. Not really “Christmas’s” but a good mystery, with familiar characters and loads of puppies,!

Andy Carpenter at his best. These books never fail to hold my attention in fact I finished this one about 4;30 this morning. Once you start reading it’s hard to put down.

Andy Carpenter and the team save the day again! And nab a crime boss as a bonus!! I love this series and all of the characters in it! I haven't read the entire series but it is definitely on my things to do list!! I can't wait to see what shenanigans the team gets up to in the next installment!

3.5 Stars.
Author David Rosenfelt has developed a winning formula for this 28-book series. His books follow the same pattern. The story is a solid 4-star read, but the structure and plot have become repetitive, thus my 3-star rating. The main character and narrator is Andy Carpenter, an independently wealthy defence lawyer. He has a sardonic sense of humour, and his sarcastic remarks add to the entertainment value. He loves dogs, has three in his home, and is partner in a dog rescue project. He reluctantly returns to the courtroom if a dog is remotely involved. His new client has been charged with murder and has two rescue dogs that Andy brings into his home for the duration of the trial.

It is hard to resist the dogs on the eye-catching covers, which makes the books look like cozy mysteries. The legal cases are more challenging and much more complicated. The dogs pictured only exist on the story's periphery but cause Andy to accept new clients. Complex past crimes have involved money laundering, drug trafficking, far-reaching conspiracies, Interpol's most wanted, cybercrime, mob violence and gang-related killings, and terrorism. His clients have been made to seem guilty, with solid evidence against them.

Andy's scheme in the trial is to cast suspicion on others who might have a motive. He works with his K team to investigate the background of the crime. The team consists of his ex-police officer wife Laurie; Cory, a retired policeman with his police dog Simon Garfunkle; Sam, an expert hacker; and Marcus, a large, strong, intimidating protector.

This book has little to do with Christmas except for a party for dog rescuers, clients and volunteers. One of the volunteers who has taken two dogs into his home is being arrested. He has been known as Derek, but the police call him Bobby. He has been in witness protection under a new name since he testified against gang members who committed murder. He has been charged with killing a member of his former gang, and the evidence is overwhelming against him.

This complex crime involves gang members from New Jersey and Philadelphia, with internal mob killings and the movement of illegal, deadly drugs. This is a tangled web with many names requiring concentration. Bobby seems guilty, and defending him will be difficult for Andy.
This book (#28) involves a new and exciting crime investigation by the K team and Andy's clever courtroom tactics. It works as a standalone and should inspire new readers to seek out previous books. The plot follows a familiar pattern.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review. The date of publication is set for October 10.

A terrific addition to the long running series that will be equally enjoyable as a standalone. Andy's sure Bobby isn't a murderer because he loves dogs. Among other things. Turns out the murder he's accused of has its roots in the gang Bobby used to run with - and testified against- but it also reaches into organized crime. Andy, his wife Laurie, and Marcus, along with other members of Andy's team find themselves working hard to untangle this one because it just doesn't make sense on the surface. It's a tricky twist plot and, as always, the courtroom scenes are terrific. Fans will remember how much Laurie likes Christmas and it's always a hoot when Andy meets with Junior. And there's a twist for Bobby. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is an easy read (although it's not an easy crime to solve) because it's quite genial and, well, dogs.

he 28th installment of the Andy Carpenter Mystery series,'Twas the Bite Before Christmas: An Andy Carpenter Mysteryby bestselling author, David Rosenfelt, finds attorney Andy Carpenter at the annual Tara Foundation (a dog rescue organization) Christmas party. One of the foster volunteers, Derek Moore, who has two adopted dogs from the foundation, is arrested for a local murder. Derek, whose real name is Bobby, admits he had been in the state witness protection program and was previously a member of a gang, but didn’t commit the murder, and Andy believes him and agrees to represent him. Andy investigates, and uncovers plenty of damning evidence.

Although this is part of a thriller series, Rosenfelt is able to tell his story in a way that there is building suspense combined with satire and humor; it’s almost a farce, but is absolutely delightful. He does an excellent job of developing his characters. Andy Carpenter, the protagonist, is someone most of us want to know; he is not only a good attorney, but also a dog lover, which elevates him in most people’s eyes. Bobby is also likeable and well developed, as well as the other supporting characters. There are twists, turns and surprises, especially at the end where the dénouement is quite unexpected.

All told, reading this fun novel will keep most readers on the edge. Those who haven’t previously been acquainted with the series will want to start at the beginning and read them through. Rosenfelt is an excellent storyteller, and readers will certainly enjoy it.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Solving crimes at Christmas with Andy, Laurie, Tara, and the gang - what could be better? Another great entry in the Andy Carpenter series. Twisty problems and gang violence kept me glued to my kindle until the final words! Grab it now!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Andy Carpenter and his family and friends are celebrating Christmas at the Tara Foundation, his shelter for homeless dogs. Pete Stanton arrives with some officers to arrest Andy's friend, Derek Moore. Turns out Derek is really Bobby, a former gang member who turned state's evidence against some of the gang and went into state witness protection. The police in Patterson are arresting him for murdering a former gang member. Bobby tells Andy he didn't do it, he has a whole new life now, including adopting two dogs from Andy's rescue. Andy has little evidence to go on, but he believes Bobby is innocent and he is going to prove it one way or another. I really enjoy this light-hearted series; the characters are endearing and the dogs are important characters -- all I really want in a mystery!

(4.5 / 5)

When the Christmas party at the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue organization co-founded by defense attorney Andy Carpenter, is interrupted when one of the foundation's dog foster volunteers is arrested for murder, Andy reluctantly takes his case. A witness in protective custody and a local crime family make this a Christmas to remember.

This is the 2nd book in this series that I've read now, the first being another Christmas-related book, and this has clinched my decision to start back at the beginning of this series soon. Though this book isn't a traditional type of mystery story, giving the reader clues as they try to solve it along with the main character, it did still have some intrigue that I had a prediction about (and turned out to be right about). Like an episode of an old detective show like Matlock, we are shown not only the investigation, but also the courtroom scenes as he defends his (presumably) innocent client. Though some of the dog love is lost on me, since I'm a cat person, I enjoy the characters. What really stands out to me, though, is the wit and snark of the main character. Rosenfelt manages to make his detective funny without overdoing it.

There was a bit of repetitiveness here and there, and the ending felt pretty rushed, especially a final reveal. Otherwise, though, it's easy to recommend it to fans of the mystery genre. The book isn't exactly a Christmas story—it just happens to take place at Christmas time, and you really don't need to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this book.

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.

Andy is doling out eggnog at a Christmas party at the Tara Foundation when his friend, Pete, a police officer, asks him to send out Derek, one of the volunteers. Knowing it's not going to end well, Andy begrudging does and Derek is arrested for murder. It turns out that Derek is really Bobby and he had been placed in witness protection a couple years ago after he testified against fellow gang members. He has now been charged with the murder of one of the higher ups in the gang. Derek swears he didn't do it but the evidence says otherwise. Because he is dog lover, Andy believes in him and agrees to represent him.

This is the 28th in the Andy Carpenter series ... I've read them all and I'm still 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 and he always picks up the tab for his friends at his favourite restaurant whether he is there or not). Andy admits he is a bit of a wimp so part of his 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.