This is a really fun addition to the series! It goes back to Andy Carpenter's first case as a defense attorney, moving to the dark side after working as a prosecutor for a few years and into his office above a fruit stand. His father is still alive, and Andy is still married to his first wife, although the cracks in their marriage are starting to show. The story includes the day Andy meets and adopts Tara from a local shelter, finding himself also taking home another dog that brings him his first case. Along with Andy, the reader meets many other recurring characters in the series for the first time, including his future (second) wife, Laurie Collins, whom Andy hires as an investigator. and his accountant (and hacker), Sam. Andy's client is a disgruntled former employee of a trucking company, accused of killing his boss and two coworkers. While all the evidence is circumstantial, it is damning. Andy and his team need to find someone else with a motive, especially once they realize their client probably is innocent. Every fan of the series will love the backstories this book provides, as well as Rosenfelt's usual dry, sarcastic humor. For anyone new to the series, this book would provide a good introduction. This is one of my favorite series and Dogged Pursuit did not disappoint!

So exciting to read this book! David Rosenfelt is always a treat but to get an Andy Carpenter prequel was a joy. How it all started, how he found Tara possibly and happily the longest living dog there is. A lot of this was standard Rosenfelt fare but that in itself is so much fun. Hope these books continue forever
Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books

Andy Carpenter is at it again!
This is another complex and entertaining mystery featuring Andy Carpenter, defense lawyer.
Dogged Pursuit is book 31 in the amazing Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt.
A delightful adventure with crime and dogs…. What’s not to enjoy?!
I love Andy and the storyline was interesting and the characters were well written as always.
This book was fast paced, well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a suspenseful, thrilling, well-written murder mystery with just the right amount of humor.

Dogged Pursuit is book #31 in the Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt.

Even though this is book number 31 in the Andy Carpenter series, it’s actually the prequel to the series. I haven’t read any of the books so this was a great opportunity for me to start. We get to meet a young Andy starting out and adopting his dog Tara. This has likable characters, a sweet dog, and an interesting story. I look forward to catching up on the first 30 books in the series.

Thank you to the author, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

this was a nice step back to the beginning of Andy's defense attorney career with his 1st big case and the beginning of the team he relies on going forward -- Sam going from accountant to cyber sleuth, meeting Laurie as she is hired as his investigative arm, we get to see Andy interacts & discusses the case with his retired career DA father and of course there's Andy meeting his true love - Tara the best golden ever. The case itself falls into Andy's lap as most of his cases do and contains enough intrigue, mystery and twist to keep it interesting as you follow Andy's efforts to provide reasonable doubt to the jury if not prove his client's innocence outright. Recommend for not just fans of the series but anyone interested in checking it out or a fan of legal mystery story.

Dogged Pursuit is the 31st Andy Carpenter legal procedural mystery by David Rosenfelt. Due out 7th July 2025 from Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

For current fans of the series, this is a good one. It's full of the same sarcastic, warm humor and the same ensemble cast as previous entries in the series. Although it's the 31st book, it's actually a prequel and the story involved Andy's first forays into being a criminal defense attorney, putting him at odds with his wife and in-laws, as well as his meetups with the folks who will be returning throughout the series. This is such a long running and consistently well written series that saying it's "more of the same, worked around a different mystery" should be enough of a recommendation by itself. Although it's the 31st book, the mystery is self contained and the necessary back-story is written in without major spoilers for previous books. I heartily recommend the whole series, but this particular entry is very strong and for folks who are new to the books, it's a great entry point.

This is pure comfort reading. It's got a likable protagonist, an engaging mystery, humorous dialogue, and a solid climax, denouement, and resolution. Andy's support team, especially Marcus and Laurie (not yet his wife as in the later books) are introduced with their own back stories.

The audiobook has a run time of 6 hours and 30 minutes and is expertly read by series narratorGrover Gardner who manages to juggle the various accents and characters of all ages and both sexes without problems. There are actual laugh out loud moments in the read, and it's always delightful to hear his sarcastic banter. The read was definitely enhanced by the narrator. The sound and production quality are high throughout the recording.

Five stars for both the text and audiobook versions. All around fun read. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home reading, or a long (long!) binge/buddy read project.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

When Andy met Laurie. More importantly, perhaps, when Andy met Tara! This latest in the very long running series is actually the Andy/Tara/ Laurie origin story, making it a great way for new readers to jump in and become fans. Andy, newly departed from the prosecutor's office to become a defense attorney, finds his first client thanks to a dog, Ryan's dog in fact. Ryan has been accused of killing his former employer and two other people with a car bomb and, regrettably, the evidence seems to point to him. Not so fast because Andy, a dogged investigator as well as attorney, is on the hunt for the truth. He works his way through unscrupulous business people, thugs and others to get answers. Fans will be pleased to see Pete, Sam, and others (but not Marcus who is only mentioned). It's a clever one made better by Andy's voice, which is a bit sarcastic at times but never mean. No spoilers from me. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. I've been a fan and was pleased to read how it all started. Fun.

Dogged Pursuit is the novel that gives us the backstory on Andy's transformation from DA to defense attorney. This time we go back in time to Andy's first big case as a defense attorney. We are introduced to Tara, Laurie, Sam, Tara, Edna and Marcus. It was fun to learn about Andy's past and his soon to be ex-wife. If you are a fan of David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series this is a great book that fills in much of the before that has been hinted to in some of the earlier books.
Thanks to Netgalley and StMartinsPress for the advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Dogged Pursuit by David Rosenfelt (Andy Carpenter) 5 stars

Mr. Rosenfelt is taking a new approach and gives us Andy Carpenter, new defense attorney. An attorney that recently left the prosecutor’s office and is now representing the “other” side. Some of the regular supporting cast are introduced as new characters, including the fabulous Tara – dog extraordinaire. This mystery takes place before “Open and Shut” (Andy Carpenter #1).

Andy is at the shelter intending to get a little dog, but one look at Tara and its love at first sight. Tara is sharing her room with Sunny, a smaller dog and Andy can’t bear to break them apart. So in order to foster Sunny, Andy has to get permission from her owner, Ryan Tierney who unfortunately is in jail. Ryan Tierney is accused of killing three people in a car bomb incident. Andy meets Ryan and subsequently is hired as Ryan’s defense attorney. What follows is a classic mystery that relies on motive, means and opportunity.

This is a wonderful book; not only do we meet Tara, but we also meet Sam, Laurie, Pete and Marcus for the first time. All the wonderful idiosyncratic characters and their actions are well known to long time readers, but right now everyone is brand new. We also learn a lot more about Andy’s background and his relationship with his father. I don’t know if Mr. Rosenfelt will continue in this vein, but as a detour it is a joyous occasion. I look forward to the annual Christmas mystery, “And To All A Good Bite”.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC.

Installment 31 of the Andy Carpenter series by Bestselling author, David Rosenfelt Dogged Pursuit: An Andy Carpenter Mysteryhas been released, and as usual, it is a delightful novel. It is different from the preceding novels because it starts out at the beginning of Andy Carpenter’s career as a defense lawyer, as well as history of Tara, his dog, and his early relationships. Most of us wish that this one had been released first, but it wasn’t and it’s nice to get the history.

Rosenfelt is an excellent storyteller, and does it with well-written prose and plenty of humor and fun. His novels aren’t actually cozies, but they are clean and light and have building suspense and unexpected scenarios. This novel has an unexpected dénouement which keeps readers on the edge to the very end. Anyone who chooses to listen to this novel via audio will enjoy the narrator, who is excellent.

Andy Carpenter is a likeable well-developed protagonist, and this novel gives readers enough information to make him believable and a character that will be remembered.

Anyone who hasn’t read the previous Andy Carpenter novels will want to go back and read them; the series is excellent and since there are so many, will keep readers busy for months. All told, this is another good one by David Rosenfelt and will be enjoyed by everyone, especially animal lovers.

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

If you have been reading this series for as long as I have, you’ve been waiting for this one! Now I we’re gonna find out exactly how Andy can afford to take cases on pro bono and run a doggy rescue while raising a family in New Jersey.

The story in and of itself and this entry is a great who done it, but honestly for us long-term readers? It really gives us a great taste and sense of how awesome and he really is. I mean, we’ve loved his snarkiness and kindness all along, but I think you might just fall in love with him a little bit more after reading this one.

David Rosenfelt’s Dogged Pursuit is an absolute masterpiece that deserves every one of its five stars. From the very first page, the main character, Andy, had me laughing out loud with his sharp wit and hilarious observations. His sense of humor is not only refreshing but also brilliantly woven into the fabric of the story.

The plot is nothing short of magnificent. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Rosenfelt throws in a twist that leaves you both surprised and delighted. The pacing is spot-on, keeping you eagerly turning pages late into the night.

What truly sets this novel apart are the wonderful and memorable characters. Each one is crafted with such depth and charm that they feel like old friends by the time you turn the final page. Their interactions are genuine, heartfelt, and often laugh-out-loud funny.

Dogged Pursuit is more than just a mystery; it’s an engaging, heartwarming, and thoroughly entertaining read. Prepare to be surprised, to laugh, and to fall in love with Andy and his unforgettable world. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a book that’s as smart as it is entertaining!

I just finished reading Dogged Pursuit by David Rosenfelt and I loved it. This book goes back to the beginning of Andy Carpenter’s career as this is his first case to defend an innocent client who has been framed for murder after being fired by his former employer. Andy takes his dog, Sonny into his care and home for the duration of the trial. In this book we meet former police officer and now turned investigator Laurie Collins, Marcus Clark. Pete Stanton,his current wife, Nicole Gant and Andy’s father. We are also meet Tara and we hear about a potential employee Edna. The book introduces other recurring characters that we know about in future other books he has already written.I love every book that David Rosenfelt has written and this latest book does not disappoint. Can’t wait for his next book. Bravo David and especially your humour in every single book.👏🙋‍♀️🇨🇦❤️🥰💐📚

Going back in time to Andy's first big case as a defense attorney is an intriguing read! We meet Laurie, Sam, Tara, Edna and Marcus. It was a delight to read about Andy's past. Filled with humor, excellent characters and a solid mystery. For me, this one tied up some thoughts I had of the 'before'. Thanks#Netgalley and #StMartinsPress for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

If David Rosenfelt writes it, I’m reading it—or listening to it! I’ve read every book in his Andy Carpenter series and can’t get enough of his dry humor. I especially enjoyed his latest release, Dogged Pursuit. I loved how it revisited Andy’s first experience as a defense lawyer and introduced all the key characters. It was a nostalgic and entertaining look at how it all began. Being able to read and listen at the same time is always a treat! The narrator for this series is Grover Gardner, is a gem. He really makes the audio book come alive. I imagine it Andy reading the book. I could not imagine another narrator for these books. David Rosenfelt is always a 5 star read!

I enjoy these Andy Carpenter story’s so much since I grew up in New Jersey I can relate to areas he writes about. Andy Carpenter graduated law school but having seen the system never looks out for the little guys he opened his own practice as a defense attorney. When Andy discovers that Sunny’s (the dog) owner has been arrested for the murder of his exboss he takes a liking to Ryan and his dedication to his dog and ends with his first case and two dogs. These stories are well written mysterious stories with great characters and dogs are always involved. I recommend these stories to everyone.

Wow! I really enjoyed David Rosenfelt’s newest entry in his Andy Carpenter series. This is one of my very favorite series of books! In this book we go back in time to Andy’s very first big case as a defense attorney. It’s an Origen story - we meet Laurie, Tara, and Sam. We almost meet Marcus and Edna. I found it very entertaining and loved reading about how they all met and became a team.

For at least a half-dozen years, I've bemoaned the fact that I found this wonderful series late in the game; I've read only the most recent six, and this is the 31st. More's the pity; but I'm also not one to go back and read dozens of books that came before the one with which I started. That doesn't mean, though, that I'm not interested in how it all began. Well, that itch has now been scratched. This installment basically is a prequel to the others - answering a ton of questions as well as being a doggone good book all on its own.

As it begins, former prosecuting attorney Andy Carpenter is nearing 30 years of age, newly married and, according to his retired highly regarded prosecutor father, heading for the dark side to start his own firm as a defense attorney in Paterson, New Jersey. Readers are introduced to Tara, Andy's lovable golden retriever (and, I assume, the force behind the dog rescue Tara Foundation that keeps Andy busy in his retirement years). We're also introduced to Laurie Collins, who serves as his bodyguard (but who followers of the series know comes to play a much different role in future books).

Tara the dog, in fact, is directly responsible for the beginning of this tale. When Andy goes to the shelter to look for a small-ish dog for himself, he finds her and loses his heart. But when he sees that Tara and her shelter companion, Sunny, seem inseparable, he can't resist taking them both home. Problem is, Sunny isn't up for grabs; his owner, Frank Tierney, is in jail, awaiting trial for the murder of his former boss. Unless Frank gives the go-ahead, Sunny must stay right where he is.

Not wanting that to happen to the poor pup - and a bit curious about Frank's situation - Andy visits him in jail (Frank, that is). One thing leads to another, and poof - Andy has taken Frank's case - and as he soon learns, a difficult case to win it will be. Frank meets all the requirements for conviction: he has means, motive and opportunity - some of which has been documented by the very capable prosecution. But for whatever reason - maybe Frank's penchant for dogs - Andy is pretty sure they're barking up the wrong tree and his client is innocent. Proving that, however, will be a challenge for his entire team, and ultimately put his own life in danger.

All of this, of course, is laid out for readers like me to enjoy right up to the end - and enjoy it I did. Many thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to get my eyes on a pre-release copy. Series lovers, heads up - this one's a don't-miss. And it seems to me to be a great beginning for those who want to start reading a wonderful, thoroughly entertaining series.

Thank you David Rosenfelt for finally telling the entire back history of Andy Carpenter and his “gang.” I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially after ready all of the Andy books! Thanks for your humor too! I appreciate the ARC!

When I open up an Andy Carpenter book, I know I am in for a treat! And I love the narrator, Grover Gardner. He just adds so much to the story. Though the 31st book in the series, this is actually a prequel to the very beginning. When I first started listening, I had to go back and check the publication date. I thought I had lost my mind! But this is actually being released in 2025 and takes you back to when Andy first leaves his career as a prosecutor and become a defense attorney. You will also get a glimpse of the beginning relationship with Laurie and his newly adopted golden retriever, Tara. The characters in the series are well developed and the murder mystery will have you working along with Andy as he discovers clues to help his client not be convicted of murder. Lots of twists and turns, courtroom drama, danger and thrills, humor ... a little bit of everything that will have you invested in the story and flipping through the pages as fast as you can to figure out who is guilty of murder. This is one of my favorite series of all times and I cannot wait for another adventure with Andy, Laurie, and Tara. You definitely need to get started with the series as soon as possible!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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