Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book. I had previously read several books in the Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt and was delighted to receive this one. Each enjoyable book has entertained me. Dogged Pursuit is number 31 in the series, and is a prequel, describing Andy's first case as a defence attorney. Andy, thirty years old, has switched from prosecuting to defending people accused of crimes, feeling that they deserve justice.
Readers drawn to the beautiful, eye-catching covers, which always feature a dog, may mistake the books for cozy, relaxing mysteries. Be aware that they are serious, complicated, intricately plotted crime thrillers with added courtroom drama. The featured dog is only tangentially related to the story. He cannot resist a case involving dogs. His mission is to rescue owners of dogs from possible death sentences or lengthy periods of incarceration.

In this first case, Andy displays his snide, sarcastic sense of humour, often directed toward himself. He is married to Nicole, who comes from a wealthy family, while Andy struggles financially. She is concerned about the potential dangers to her husband in his new position and her reduced standard of living. The marriage seems on shaky ground, and she is seldom home.. Andy has moved into a dingy apartment over a fruit store, and wants a small dog. When he goes to the animal shelter, he immediately bonds with the beloved Tara, a golden retriever, who will become his companion for many years. Tara was immediately adopted by Andy, but had been roomed in a pen with Sunny, a beagle. Andy did not want to separate the two animals, so he also requested Sunny. Andy enjoys following baseball and walking his dogs. It is on these walks that he does his best thinking before trials. We learn how he meets Laurie, a former police officer who becomes his skillful investigator. His accountant, Sam, aspires to be a detective, but in the meantime, he serves as a computer (hacking) expert with formidable skills. He hasn't met the gruff, tough Marcus yet, but Laurie has him protecting Andy. Enid is recommended as a hard-working office administrator, and readers will learn how well that turned out later in the series.
He was told that the dog Sunny could not be adopted because its owner was in prison for killing three people, and until convicted, the dog was legally unavailable. Undeterred, Andy visits Ryan Tierney in prison and offers a good home for his dog, promising to return Sunny to him if he is released. He will take Ryan on as his lawyer, and he becomes Andy's first defence client. It looks like a daunting case. Ryan was laid off by a trucking company and told the boss that he would regret it. The remaining workers had a party, and the boss offered two of the partygoers a ride home. The car exploded, and Ryan was blamed for it. His car was parked nearby, and dynamite was found in his house. Andy offers a clever defence at Ryan's realistic trial, but the suspense awaiting the jury's verdict is intense.


The series parallels the author’s life and interests. Rosenfelt and his wife started the real Tara Foundation and have rescued over 4,000 dogs. One of his books chronicles their adventure moving from California to Maine with 25 dogs. It is no wonder his books reflect his love of these animals.

This is a great starting point for readers new to the series and will be readily enjoyed by those interested in how it all began, as well as how Andy starts to assemble a crew that appears in later books.

Another great David Rosenfelt, Andy Carpenter book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I will devour anything this man writes, as evidenced by the fact that I have read his previous 30 books in the Andy Carpenter series. This is the 31st book, and is actually a prequel. It takes us back in time. Back to when Andy is married to Nicole, and has just decided to switch from being a prosecutor to a defense lawyer. In this book we are treated to his first case as a defense lawyer. We also learn how he came to adopt Tara, and why he always treats Pete Stanton to dinner at the sports bar. We meet Laurie, and while Andy does not formally meet Marcus in this book, he is mentioned and does in fact save Andy's life. Thank you for the chance to read this book in advance, NetGalley and St.Martin's Press. I really enjoyed it and am waiting for book 32!

Always fun, always entertaining, always justice prevails…Andy Carpenter returns in Dogged Pursuit. This is the prequel to the series, going back in time to introduce us to Andy, Laurie and Tara while they all pursue the bad guys and girls. We learn about Andy’s start as a defense attorney and about Tara’s adoption. Can be read as a standalone or as part of the heartwarming series.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

In Dogged Pursuit, we have the story of Andy’s first case as a lawyer for the defense. Even more importantly, we learn of the day he adopted Tara, the best dog in the world.
Andy and his wife, Nicole, are spending more time separated than together. Andy decides to adopt a dog and discovers Tara at the shelter. It’s love at first sight and he’s even willing to adopt her beagle cage mate. Andy learns the owner of the beagle is in jail, awaiting trial for murder and ends up taking the case and bringing the beagle home temporarily.
The case is complex, we meet Laurie for the first time, find Andy and Pete eating at Charlie’s, and meet Stan, his accountant. It’s fun to read about how Andy’s life as a defense attorney got started and, as always, I enjoyed the Andy Carpenter mystery very much. Reaching the end of the book left we with a warm, happy feeling as the good guys won.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Rosenfelt in this 31st entry, writes the prequel as to how Andy became a defense lawyer. This is a good read. It's fast paced and follows as Andy defends a man accused of making a car bomb that kills three people. Andy begins his defense career by getting a dog much to the surprise of his wife. The marriage is on rocky ground and being a defense attorney does not add to stability of the marriage. Andy doggedly investigates the case and bends the law but works for the client at all times. The first person narration adds to the atmosphere of the novel. Another good one from Rosenfelt. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.

A peek into the past! Andy is just beginning his career as a defense attorney, still married to his wife, Nicole, and just adopting Tara. Getting to see his interactions with his father and meeting Laurie and Sam the way Andy did made a great book. Marcus was there in a peripheral role, Edna “the dynamo” was mentioned, and I enjoyed every minute. Cannot wait for the next book! Thanks for the ARC!

I was given an early copy of this book in return for a review.

Another fun read in the Andy Carpenter series. This one was a bit different in that we went back to the beginning when Andy starts working as a defense attorney. Andy adopts Tara from the shelter and their long standing relationship begins. Laurie also enters his life as an investigator but they aren't in a romantic relationship in this one. Sam and Marcus are also introduced in this one and we hear about Edna but she isn't part of the team yet. Pick this one up to find out how it all began in July 2025!

Dogged Pursuit, an Andy Carpenter novel, by David Rosenfelt.

We get to go back in time and meet Tara for the first time! The author openly points out the time discrepancy with having Tara in the book during the time period this takes place. It's my opinion that it wouldn't be an Andy Carpenter novel without Tara, so I am completely ok with that discrepancy. That said, I was hoping to see some of Andy's old superstitions come out or the old movie banter between Andy and Sam, but the characters in this book were closer to the matured characters of later books.
Of course there is a murder and Andy defends the accused and babysits a dog while solving the case. But... this one also let's us peak into Andy's life when he was married to Nichole. We meet Laurie for the first time and sort of meet Marcus. We also see how his friendship with Pete starts out. So much to love about this book!

I love David Rosenfelt’s writing style - full of wit and humor, with so many twists, questions, and suspense. I found myself almost as nervous as Andy Carpenter must have been waiting for the verdict. If you’re a fan of his Andy Carpenter books, this one is a great one to fill in lots of backstory as it explains his first case as a defense lawyer, how he came to get Tara, and how he and Laurie, Sam, and Marcus all started working together. If you’ve never read one of the Andy Carpenter books, this one is a great place to start! His books are compelling mysteries and delightful entertainment!

Story of Andy Carpenter's first case as a defense attorney, book 31 in the series.
When Andy goes to the shelter to adopt a dog, he chooses Tara, a golden retriever. He meets her pen mate Sonny. Not wanting to separate the pair, Andy learns the dog's owner is in jail on the charge of murder and not eligible for adoption. When he gets permission to adopt Sonny from alleged murderer Frank Tierney, it is with the understanding that Sonny will be returned when Frank is released, Andy ends up taking the case over from the public defender. As he looks into the trucking company Frank worked for, dangerous business associates are revealed along with suspicious business dealings, putting Andy's life in danger.
Well developed characters and interesting plot.
#DoggedPursuit #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley

DOGGED PURSUIT is a prequel to the Andy Carpenter series of mystery/thrillers. I'm a loyal fan of Andy Carpenter and the crew, and I have wondered how they each found their way to the team. This book answers all those questions as Andy tries his first case as a criminal lawyer. In true Rosenfelt fashion, the mystery starts with a dog, in this case, Tara. Andy visits the local shelter looking for a little dog. When he meets Tara, there is no question she is going home with him. He offers to take Tara's cage mate, too. That's when he learns the story of a man who will become his first criminal client. This is book #31 in the series. I'm not the only one who loves the series and the excellent cast of characters who have become a family. If you love Janet Evanovich or Sue Grafton, you'll love David Rosenfelt. 5 easy stars from this happy reader.

I lenjoy the Andy Carpenter mystery series and when I start reading this one, I was confused. But then I read that it was a prequel where we learn how Andy built his relationships and got his dog Tara. But still Andy takes on a murder case, defends his client as best as he can, unearths something criminal and also solves a mystery. I love these mysteries and one has to really being on top of things to figure it out. I never do. Although, I have read all the of the series, I remember Andy being very snarky in the earlier books and seemed to mellow with age. Since this is a prequel, he acts more like is later books and not the earlier ones. Just my thoughts, but overall love the book.

Dogged Pursuit Book I have read by David Rosenfelt and when I got it I did not realize it is actually book 31 in the Andy Carpenter series. The great thing about this Story however is that since it serves as a prequal it was actually easy to jump right into and not feel like I was lost with the characters especially Andy.

This story begins with Andy Switching from a Prosecutor in New Jersey to a Defense attorney starting his own practice. Andy Decides he wants to adopt a dog and chooses Tara, however her Run mate at the Shelter Sonny is bonded to her according to the Shelter Manager. Andy decides he will adopt Sonny 2 and get double the dog however Sonny is on a hold indefinitely while his owner Ryan Tierney is tried for murder. Andy decides to call Ryans current attorney to meet about getting a letter to sign Sonny over to him. When Andy meets Ryan though he ends realizing the defense attorney set him up to have to defend Ryan. This leads to Andy Hiring An Investigator Laurie and ex Police Lieutenant to dive into the car bombing that killed the people Ryan is accused of Murdering. This however this deep dive leads to some threats to Andy’s life and causes his wife to move out.

Through the trial Andy starts to unravel more theories about who killed the victims as well as evidence of some other crimes that raise his suspicion about the company that Ryan and the Victims worked for.
This book builds very well on the characters Andy, Laurie , and Sam and somewhat Nicole (Andy’s Wife) There is no lack of theories on who done it or drama and danger to Andy and company both physical and legal danger. There are also some funny parts and of Course tara and Sonny add some pawsomeness to this story because who doesn’t love reading about dogs. Though I came in at Book 31 it was like I never missed a book and makes me wonder what other adventures await Andy, Tara , Laurie and Sam both professionally and personally. This was a great read and though it may be intimidating to Start a series of over 30 Books I am excited to see where these leads.

Thank you to NetGally, David Rosenfelt and Saint Martins Press for the advanced copy of this story to read and get me hooked on this series. The Above review is my honest opinions of this story.

Loved ,loved, loved the latest Andy Carpenter story by David Rosenfelt!. I am a big fan of the series and have read them all. This is a prequel to the series and it does not disappoint. I will have to say this was one of my favorites to date. It answers so many questions as to how Tara (the greatest dog in the world...other than my dog, Shiloh) came into Andy's life as well as how he met his future wife, Laura.

In this story, Andy has just left the DA's office and opened his office as a defense attorney. He is still married to his first wife so you get a better understanding of her and their life together. When Andy makes a trip to the local animal shelter, he falls in love with his beloved Tara. Feeling sorry for her kennel mate, Sunny ,he agrees to temporarily foster him while his owner (Frank) is on trial for several murders.
What follows is typical Andy chaos ,after he is pulled into Frank's defense. For those who love the sarcastic, tongue in cheek character Andy and his collection of colorful sidekicks, this book won't disappoint. For those new to the series, this is a great first read for a better understanding of the series and the quirky characters.

Thank you NetGalley, David Rosenfelt and St Martin's Press for the privilege of reviewing this ARC. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Fun flashback to Carpenter's early days. This series is always enjoyable to read!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Dogged Pursuit is the 31st in the Andy Carpenter series, but the story takes us back to when Andy was just starting out as a defense attorney. Consider it a prequel to the first 30. It literally harkens back to his adopting Tara. This is Andy before money. A few recognizable names are already friends- Sam and Pete. We learn how he meets Laurie. And Edna and Marcus are tangentially mentioned.
Andy’s client has been accused of murdering his ex-boss and two ex-coworkers when a car bomb blows them to smithereens. As always, Rosenfelt manages to throw a twist or two in at the end. I did feel the ending didn’t quite entirely hold together but that’s a minor quibble. And I always feel Rosenfelt does a strong job of realistically portraying the courtroom scenes.
Andy isn’t quite the smart aleck he later becomes. Part of that is he doesn’t have the confidence yet, this case is literally his first murder case. But we can definitely see hints of how he will develop.
Fans of the series will enjoy learning how everyone came into Andy’s life. But it could also serve as a great way to jump into the series.
I got a kick that Rosenfelt admits he is taking license with Tara’s aging. I’m so glad! All dog parents wish we could do the same for our own pups.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

When Andy met Tara…
Thirty-year-old lawyer Andy Carpenter has had his fill of serving as a prosecutor, so he quits that job and opens a practice as a defense attorney in a small office above a fruit stand in Paterson , NJ, with the goal of getting fairness for the little guy. He also goes to a shelter to adopt a dog to make his own life better. There he meets golden retriever Tara, who becomes his beloved sidekick, but Tara is best buddies with a beagle, and Andy cannot bring himself to separate them. As a result, he acquires his first big case, which involves the beagle’s owner, who is in jail awaiting trial for the murder of the boss who fired him.
This is the 31st book in one of my FAVORITE series. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Andy, Tara, and their friends in the 30 previous books, so it was fun to hear about Andy’s earlier life and the launching of his career and to learn how Tara entered his life. He hasn’t changed a bit!
David Rosenfelt writes very fine legal thrillers with interesting cases but without the on-screen violence that seems so common currently. What his books do abound in is humor. Dogged Pursuit is narrated by Andy and he shows fully the sarcastic but never mean humor that makes him so popular with readers and unpopular with judges and prosecutors. Early on I noted in my Kindle that I might have to stop making “Ha ha” comments because they were slowing down my reading too much!
Andy indeed pursues his investigation into the murder his client is accused of doggedly, but Andy is always at his best (or worst) in court, and the scene does not shift there until quite late in the book. Andy’s fans can rest assured, however, that Andy will prevail, justice will be served, and Andy’s client will be reunited with his beagle. Tara loses a housemate but has found a home and a doting human.
Reading this episode in Andy and Tara’s past lives and learning how they met some of the other major players in later books will delight fans of the series like me. The publisher’s description for Dogged Pursuit says it is a terrific entry point for newcomers, and I agree. Nevertheless, if you have never read this series I recommend you begin with the first book in the series, Open and Shut. After you have that introduction to Andy and his crew you will enjoy learning about their past lives even more.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and Minotaur Books.

What a lovely surprise Dogged Pursuit turned out to be. Though it’s not my usual genre, I genuinely enjoyed this prequel to David Rosenfelt’s long-running Andy Carpenter mystery series. As someone new to the series, I found it to be a welcoming entry point—an engaging read with a great balance of humour, heart, and suspense.

In Dogged Pursuit, we meet Andy Carpenter just as he’s stepping away from a short-lived career as a prosecutor in Paterson. Disillusioned by a system that often fails the underdog, he makes the bold decision to switch sides and launch his own defence practice—much to the disappointment of his respected, hard-nosed prosecutor father.

Andy’s first case quite literally walks into his life when he visits an animal shelter to adopt a dog. There, he meets Tara, the golden retriever who becomes his beloved companion. Noticing Tara’s bond with another dog named Sunny, Andy wants to adopt both. But Sunny’s situation is complicated—his owner, Frank Tierney, is in jail, accused of murder. Andy needs Frank’s written permission to temporarily care for Sunny, and that’s how he finds himself face-to-face with the man who becomes his first client.

Despite the seemingly damning evidence against Frank, Andy sees something in him—maybe it’s his clear love for his dog, or maybe it’s just Andy’s natural instinct to fight for the underdog. Either way, Andy takes on the case, and what follows is a fast-paced legal mystery filled with shady characters, calculated risks, and a few twists along the way. Andy puts not just his career, but also his safety and marriage on the line in pursuit of justice.

What stood out most to me was Rosenfelt’s clean, purposeful writing. The pacing was spot-on, with short, punchy chapters that made the book hard to put down. Andy’s dry wit and obvious affection for dogs made him a very likeable character, and I especially appreciated that the story kept things engaging without relying on graphic violence—something I’m always wary of when stepping into mystery novels.

Final Thoughts:

Dogged Pursuit was a smart, entertaining read that might just have me dipping further into the Andy Carpenter series. Whether you’re already a fan or brand new to Rosenfelt’s work like I was, this book is an enjoyable and accessible legal mystery with a big heart—and two great dogs.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

It takes a good author to write a compelling prequel...but it takes a great author to do so after writing 30 books in the series. Andy Carpenter is all about evidence, and Dogged Pursuit is irrefutable evidence that David Rosenfelt is a great writer!

Every time I read an Andy Carpenter story, I believe it's Rosenfelt's best...and Dogged Pursuit is no exception. We're introduced to young Andy, who is exactly as he should be - self-deprecating, yet self-assured. We meet Pete Stanton, Laurie Collins, Andy's dad Nelson, and Sam Willis. Not surprisingly, Marcus makes an appearance without appearing, and we hear about the amazing admin named Edna, who is said to be a workhorse. All of these characters flow so easily and seamlessly into a story that has long since been told. Each persona fits the character precisely as a seasoned Andy Carpenter reader imagined the earlier version.

Above all, we meet Tara, the golden retriever who has captured Andy's heart, and we at last fully understand how the bond between them came to be.

There is, of course, courtroom drama and it is first rate. Andy makes his debut as a defense attorney, leaving behind his role as a prosecutor molded in his dad's image. True to form, the "whodunit" aspect of the story was not easy to guess even though the evidence was presented in small bits throughout the story.

David Rosenfelt's writing always glues me to a story. I couldn't put this book down in an eagerness to discover the truth and learn the outcome for the accused. But, that's always the M.O. when reading this series.

If you've never read an Andy Carpenter mystery, Dogged Pursuit is the perfect place to start. But a warning - you'll be hooked, and there are 30 more books to tackle!

With gratitude to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance reader copy. This review is my unbiased personal opinion. #NetGalley #netgalleyarc #DoggedPursuit #AndyCarpenter