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.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Cozy Mystery
Humor
Mystery
Mystery Thriller
Thriller

Andy Carpenter book #31

A Legal Mystery

I didn’t know at the time that this latest was a prequel to the Andy Carpenter Mystery series. Knowing this now, things become clear why I thought the story seemed to revert in time…why do this I stay puzzled.

The story in a few words:

Andy has left his job as a prosecutor to open his own defense practice. While visiting a shelter to adopt a dog he bonded with golden retriever named Tara. Not wanted to leave Sunny, a beagle and kennel-mate behind, Andy wanted to take him home also, but one hick: incarcerated Frank Tierney Sunny’s owner needed to give a written consent.

Thus began a new chapter in Andy’s life launching is new career by defending Frank Tierney and having two furry friends to share his home….

My thoughts:

Definitely a starting point for those not familiar with the series not only will you find it engaging but also filled with humour and suspense.

Bringing us back in time those who read other books will remember familiar names Sam, Pete, Laurie his wife, Edna and Marcus they all play an intricate part to make this mystery captivating. Andy’s client Frank accused of murdering his ex-boss and two ex-coworkers in a car bomb blast seemed a case hard to break but Andy uses all his wits and connections to win the game…..along the way we witness a realistic investigation to pin point the whodunit that will eventually bring us to a very well-done courtroom scene.

I stayed totally captivated with this story. Hard not to when a story is active, well written and has wonderful characters.

Well-said and well-done.

This was an interesting twist in the Andy Carpenter series ... it's the 31st book in the series but it happens 10 to 15 years before the first one. I've read them all and I'm still enjoying this series so it was fun to meet Andy and other characters that I've gotten to know so well. Even though it is part of a series, it works really well as a stand alone since it takes you back to before the series started. It will be interesting to see if #32 picks up after this one or jumps back to present day after #30.

Andy is 30 and married to Nicole. They haven't been married long but there is trouble in the marriage. Her father has offered him a cushy job in his firm. Andy has spent a couple years working as a prosecutor and recently struck out on his own and has no interest in working for his father-in-law.

Nicole has moved out yet again and Andy decides to fulfill a dream and adopt a dog. He goes to the shelter and as soon as he sees Tara, he knows she's the one. She's been sharing space with Sonny and seems to be attached to him so Andy wants him too. Andy is told that Ryan, Sonny's owner, has been arrested for murdering his boss and friend and is in jail. Sonny is there until Ryan's situation is determined. Andy meets Ryan to get permission to take Sonny for the time being and takes on Ryan's case.

I like the writing style of this series as it is funny, sarcastic and amusing. It's written in first person perspective in Andy's voice. In this book, we meet Laurie. She has just retired from the police force and is now looking to go out on her own as an investigator and Andy hires her. There are some sparks but nothing happens because Andy is still married to Nicole. We also meet Sam, Andy's accountant, who is a computer hack. There are mentions of Marcus but we don't get to meet him or find out anything about him. As a head's up, there is a bit of swearing.

3.5 stars

Although this is the 31st book in the Andy Carpenter series, it's a prequel in which we first meet criminal defense attorney Andy Carpenter, his beloved dog Tara, and various members of Andy's team.

Andy's father Nelson Carpenter was a respected district attorney in Paterson, New Jersey, and after law school, Andy followed in Nelson's footsteps and became a prosecutor. Three years later, Andy switched sides to become a defense lawyer, and in this story, Andy tries his first case.

*****

At the beginning of the story, Andy is living in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, and is separated from his wealthy socialite wife Nicole Gant - who wants Andy to become a corporate attorney in her father's law firm.

Andy decides to adopt a dog from the local animal shelter, and when Andy spies a beautiful golden retriever named Tara, he knows she's the one. It so happens Tara is friends with a beagle called Sonny, and Andy says he'll take Sonny as well. There's a problem though. Sonny belongs to a man called Ryan Tierney, who's about to be tried for a triple murder. Legally, Sonny has to stay in the shelter until Tierney's case is adjudicated. if Ryan gets off, the dog goes back to him; if not, the county takes possession.

There's a loophole though: Tierney can sign a letter giving Andy permission to take Sonny. So Andy makes arrangements to visit Ryan in jail, and when the first words out of the Ryan's mouth are "Is Sonny okay?" Andy knows he's met a fellow dog lover. Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo....Andy takes Tierney's case.

This is Ryan Tierney's story: Ryan was a dispatcher for a transportation company called Pearson Trucking, and Ryan's boss was Stephen Pearson. Recently, Stephen fired Ryan for bogus reasons, and Ryan made angry threats. Shortly afterward, Pearson Trucking held its semi-annual company party at Morelli's restaurant, a fun celebration with plenty of food and drink. As usual, Stephen Pearson remained throughout the festivities, to drive home folks who'd had a few too many drinks. Following the party, Stephen and two employees got into his car, then died in an explosion when Stephen turned on his ignition - like what happened to Michael Corleone's first wife in The Godfather.

Ryan Tierney was arrested for the triple homicide, and the prosecution's case is very strong: On the night of Pearson Trucking's party at Morelli's, Tierney's car was parked at a fire hydrant near the restaurant and got a ticket; Tierney is an explosives expert; and Tierney made threats when he was fired.

No worries for Andy....he gets ready to defend Ryan. Andy has a bare-bones law office above a fruit vendor; he hires two investigators - a former cop named Laurie Collins and a tough guy named Marcus Clark; and Andy's accountant Sam, who's a computer hacker extraordinaire, is on hand to help with the case. Andy also gets to pick the brain of Homicide Captain Pete Stanton - as long as Andy pays for Pete's food and beer at Charlie's Sports Bar.

As Andy delves into the case, he learns that a loan shark named Jason Shore invested $2 million in Pearson Trucking a couple of years ago, and apparently hasn't been repaid. This gets Andy thinking about nefarious mischief at the trucking company, and when Andy investigates the matter, his life is threatened!! Thus Andy intuits a conspiracy at Pearson Trucking, and comes to believe Ryan was framed. [Truth be told, this is David Rosenfelt's go-to formula for the series. 😉]

Andy and his team uncover information to be used in Tierney's defense, and the trial contains the usual sparring between Andy and the prosecutor, Karen Vincent. This verbal fencing in the courtroom is always a highlight of the books. Of course Andy eventually figures out what happened at Pearson Trucking, why the homicides occurred, and whodunit.

The cases in Rosenfelt's stories are always complex and interesting, but the REAL pleasure of these novels lies in Andy's love for his dog(s); the interactions among the characters; and Andy's humorous observations, snarky quips, and sarcastic remarks.

For example:

✿ When Andy first brings Tara home, he worries the dog might chew things up, and remarks: "Hopefully she didn't get into Nicole's closet. Nicole has shoes and bags so valuable that she could trade a few for something with bucket seats. But the truth is that an army of golden retrievers would take a month to eat all of Nicole's shoes."

✿ Andy is musing about Tierney's parking ticket on the night of the car bombing, and notes, "If it's true that the driver was my client, and he illegally parked the car while planting a bomb nearby, then I am unlikely to find a Rhodes Scholarship in his background."

✿ When investigator Laurie Collins comes to Andy's spartan office for the first time, Andy realizes he has nothing to offer visitors in the way of food or drink. So Andy asks Laurie, "Are you hungry? I have all kinds of fruit, downstairs at the fruit stand. Maybe you'd like a cantaloupe?"

The book has some unexpected twists and a satisfying ending. I'd recommend this humorous mystery to fans of the Andy Carpenter series, and - for new readers - this is a good place to start.

I had the digital book as well as the audiobook, narrated by Grover Gardner, who does a great job as usual.

Thanks to Netgalley, David Rosenfelt, and Minotaur Books/MacMillan Audio for copies of the book.

Thank you to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for my complimentary eARC and to MacMillan Audio for my complimentary audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dogged Pursuit is a flashback to Andy’s first case as a defense lawyer. We see how Tara (and Laurie) come into his life. The timing and circumstances are a bit different from the original books, but that is what made this such a fun read. The reader is told upfront about why this is happening.

I was so happy to be back in the world of Andy Carpenter. His audiobooks read by Grover Gardner are my comfort listen. Now the long wait begins until the next installment.

II enjoyed this prequel novel of where everything began with attorney Andy Carpenter.. It was so much fun seeing Andy's career grow with his turning away from being a prosecutor to a defense attorney.

We saw a rare glimpse of his father and how his dad came to bat for him when he needed help. We also saw his first meeting with Tara and how it was love at first sight. She was the golden retriever that stole his heart.

I never realized Andy was married before. Laurie and we saw his first marriage, which was crumbling even in its infancy stage.

The mystery was solid.. The blueprint for all the future Andy carpenter stories were laid into place and I had a wonderful time. As usual, the author gives us a riveting mystery that was intense and unique. 10 stars all around., and I hope there will be many more books to come..

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure.

I love this Andy Carpenter series - it combines humor with good mysteries and not the cozy kind. Dogged Pursuit is basically a prequel to the series (31 books now!) so it’s a terrific way for new readers to try out this series. We get to see how Andy started his law practice as a defense attorney, how he met his future wife, Laurie, and others like his accountant/computer hacking genius, Sam. If you’re looking for a wise-cracking New Jersey guy who loves dogs to be the main character of a series, look no further.

The story in Dogged Pursuit involves Andy defending someone who proclaims his innocence in a car-bombing that killed three people from his former place of employment. The odds are against Andy being successful in getting him off, but he tries his best and uncovers what really happened.

Although I could read these books, my personal preference is to go the audiobook route. Grover Gardner IS Andy Carpenter! I can’t imagine anyone else narrating these books.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

FIVE stars! I loved this book - I've read each installation of the Andy Carpenter books and eagerly waited for each one. This one was so interesting to get some entertaining back story to what we already know about Andy and Laurie and Tara.
GREAT!

Andy Carpenter has just left the prosecutor's office in Patterson, New Jersy, to set up as a defense attorney. His marriage to Nicole is in trouble because they have different views of the future. Andy can't see himself as a corporate attorney working for his wealthy father-in-law. He wants to make a difference for real people. He has set himself up as a defense attorney and opened an office above a fruit stand in downtown Paterson.

Andy is also ready to fulfill his lifelong desire to get a dog. He goes to a local shelter with the goal of finding a small dog to be his companion. But one look at the golden retriever sharing a cage with another dog and his heart is lost. Not only does he bring home Tara but he wants to adopt Tara's cage mate Sunny too. The only problem is that Sunny is owned by a man who is in jail and accused of murder.

Andy goes to visit Frank Tierney to get him to sign off on Sunny's adoption and becomes his lawyer. Frank has been accused of setting a car bomb which killed his former boss at the trucking company and two other people who were catching a ride with him after a staff party.

Andy begins looking into the case. He hires an investigator - Laurie Collins - who used to be in law enforcement as recommended by police officer Pete Stanton. And he calls on his accountant Sam Willis to do some sleuthing via internet hacking. He soon learns that all is not well at the trucking company. In fact, it is looking like a criminal enterprise. But that criminal enterprise doesn't necessarily connect to whether or not Frank was a murderer until Andy does some of his legal shenanigans on Frank's behalf.

I really enjoyed getting to know Andy Carpenter's origin story. I liked seeing how he began gathering his investigative team. I liked the way he was drawn to Laurie. And I liked Andy's personality.

I really enjoyed this back-in-time case that started Andy down the path of being a defense lawyer. We get to see him adopt Tara, hire Laurie as his investigator, and find out how Sam and Marcus become a part of his operation.

The signature wit of David Rosenfelt is there; I always laugh out loud when reading these, because Andy Carpenter uses sarcasm to great effect.

Car bombs are a very hands-off way to kill someone. No looking at the victim or victims, just a simple explosion and the deed is committed. There are, however, certain skill sets that are required to use this method of killing.

Ryan Tierney is arrested and placed into prison despite the fact that he was not involved in the crime. Andy Carpenter is hired to defend him. The evidence points to Ryan and the case seems open and shut.

David Rosenfelt writes a very entertaining novel with many twists and turns. The dialogue is very entertaining between Andy and the various characters in this novel. It harkens back to some of the old Sam Spade novels I read as a teenager. I recommend this book as a fast-moving thriller. 5 stars – CE Williams

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Andy Carpenter is a young lawyer of 30 years old, who is switching from prosecuting to criminal defense. He lands his first case when he goes to adopt a dog and finds what he thinks is a bonded pair. It turns out one of the dogs is at the pound because he owner is going to be on trial for murder. Andy must meet with the owner to try to adop the dog and finds his first defendant.

I have been with this series from the start so it was fun to go back in time to the beginning of the formation of this legal/investigation team and the adoption of Tara. I don't think the events of this book quite matched my recollection of how this all evolved, but that is ok. It was a good read and a good mystery. I always look forward to new installments of this series.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

I'm not sure how this is book 31 in this wonderful series and yet every book feels fresh. We find out the origin of Andy's criminal defense career, how he met Laurie, Sam, Pete, and Marcus, and how he became a regular at Charlie's. We even get a glimpse of his father. Most importantly, we learn about his adoption of Tara. With his usual wit and fast-paced chapters, this is a must read for fans of the series. And if for some reason you haven't picked up one of these yet, this is a great place to start. Enjoy!

While Dogged Pursuit is the 31st book in the Andy Carpenter series, this engaging read takes the reader right back to the beginning, serving as the series prequel. Andy is three years out of law school and has gone from being a prosecutor to a defense attorney and starting his own practice.

However, Andy’s journey is far from easy, especially when he reluctantly takes on his first case. The case presents incriminating evidence, leaving Andy to question how he can find justice for his client, who is steadfastly claiming innocence despite the skepticism of others. Meanwhile, Andy’s marriage to Nicole is on rocky grounds.

It is this story that brings the introduction of the smart and sensitive Tara, a gorgeous golden retriever that Andy rescues from a shelter. Tara has a starring role in all of the books in this enjoyable series. In this book Andy hires Laurie, a former cop who is now his investigator. Fans of this series know the changed role she later plays in Andy’s life. Sam, hacker extraordinaire, is also introduced.

David Rosenfelt’s sharp wit shines through in providing Andy with perfectly crafted lines, often laced with humor. Grover Gardner’s deadpan delivery as the narrator further enhances the reading experience, creating a winning combination. Throughout the book, Andy remains dedicated to his client, striving to achieve justice despite the obstacles in his path. Dogged Pursuit is a true delight, offering readers an enjoyable and engaging journey from beginning to end.

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.