I want to begin by thanking NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC of this title.

I have to admit I initially selected this book on NetGalley because of the cute dog on the cover. I didn't even realise it was part of a series until I started it!

The book started off a tad slow, but I was hooked when Andy Carpenter brought the wonderful dogs Tara (and soon also Sunny) into his life! Once I realized this was part of a series, I did some research and discovered that Dogged Pursuit is a prequel to the rest of the Andy Carpenter series. I enjoyed this title, so I'll definitely be reading (or listening to) more of this series. Dogged Pursuit is a great book and an excellent entry point for someone who has not read other books in this series.

In this book, Andy Carpenter is a fledgling attorney who has made the switch from prosecutor to defense attorney independently. He takes on his first big case, defending the owner of one of the shelter dogs he met, who is accused of a triple homicide.

One of the things I loved about this book is that Andy Carpenter is NOT the perfect attorney with all his ducks in a row that swoops in and saves the day. His marriage is a mess, and he fumbles and stumbles his way along, trying to do his best for his client. I love a main character I can identify with! The plot line of the book was a bit predictable at times, and that is why I rated it four stars instead of five, but it was still a delightful book. All dog lovers can identify with Andy and the joy and comfort he gets from sharing his life with Tara and Sunny, and that warm and fuzzy feeling made me forgive any predictability in the plot!

This book was also masterfully narrated by Grover Gardner, who honestly told me what I envisioned Andy Carpenter would sound like if he were a real flesh-and-blood person. He did a straightforward, simple narration that absolutely worked with this story.

I am pretty sure I have mentioned this before – Andy Carpenter is one of my favorite characters of all time in mystery novels. And to make the experience even more pleasant, I listen to the audio version of the books, narrated by Grover Gardner. I probably could listen to Gardner narrate any book, but fortunately, he narrates David Rosenfelt’s books. A simple double ice cream cone of reading pleasure!
This book, Dogged Pursuit, is a prequel to the entire 31 book series – we get to experience young Andy on his first cases for the defense, where he meets Laurie and Sam, and Tara, the golden retriever (who apparently goes on to live forever! We would have it no other way). If you haven’t read this series, you might fear that the presence of Tara and the ongoing humor mean that these novels are in the cozy subgenre of mysteries. But no. The humor comes from Andy’s sarcasm about life and the presence of dogs in every outing only means that these books have a great deal of heart.
In Dogged Pursuit, Andy defends the owner of a beagle who has bounded with Tara at the shelter when Andy first adopts Tara. This love of dogs will go on through Andy’s life to define how he gets many of his clients. Frank, the beagle owner, is accused of blowing up 3 people with a bomb under their car. The legal questions and procedures are fast-paced and well developed throughout the book. The characters are well drawn out – if you are new to the series or a well-seasoned traveler like me with Andy and the crew, you will enjoy this group of crime fighters.
David Rosenfelt describes himself thus: “I am a novelist with 27 dogs. I have gotten to this dubious position with absolutely no planning, and at no stage in my life could I have predicted it. But here I am.” Rosenfelt truly is wonderful at both writing and dog ownership. So if you like dogs and mysteries, well, here is the series that will give you hours and hours of enjoyment.
My Rating: 5 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. Dogged Pursuit will be published on July 1, 2025.

Review link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7632574480

For the past decade, I’ve joked to my boyfriend that someday we'd have 27 dogs. No idea why that number—but when I saw this author actually HAS 27 dogs AND writes in my favorite genre, I knew it was meant to be. 😉

After switching to "the dark side" as a new defense attorney, Andy defends a man named Frank arrested for the murder of his ex-boss, with the help of his new dog Tara & Frank's dog too!

Likes:
* The MC’s sarcastic, deadpan humor & personality is great.
* The story hooks you in from the start—& not just because of the dogs.
* This is book #31 (?!) in the Andy Carpenter series, but takes us to the beginning of his career, so it's easy to follow without reading the others.
* Relatively lighthearted & definitely fun legal thriller—perfect after finishing 2 books that destroyed me lol.
* Quick & easy read, great as an audiobook!
* DOGS! 🐶🐾

Dislikes:
* Not a ton happens beyond the trial, so it dragged a bit in the middle third of the book.
* The dogs weren’t a big part in the actual case (but still loved them—because, well, they're dogs).

Book & audiobook out June 30, 2025!
All thoughts/opinions expressed are completely my own.

As a new fan of David Rosenfelt who did not pick up the series until far in, I was thrilled to see Dogged Pursuit, taking us back to the beginning of Andy Carpenter. In addition to a great story, I loved the backstory to the early days of Andy. His brilliance, willing to take the unconventional route, and sarcastic humor is just as sharp and perfectly timed, confirming Andy is true to himself from the get-go. His adoption of Tara is nothing less than I would have expected, revealing his soft side for dogs. I appreciate his no-nonsense approach to everything…his marriage, hiring an investigator, switching to the “dark side” and starting as a defense attorney. The mystery in this one is well paced and provided a double layer, which was an excellent way to end the story. I was looking forward to starting this series from the beginning and this was the perfect way to go.
Additionally, I had the enormous pleasure of listening to the audiobook version, narrated by Grover Gardner, who in my mind, is Andy Carpenter. He nails it perfectly and I love listening to his voice bring the story to life.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

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.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

This book shows us the beginning of Andy Carpenter’s career. The book had me engaged from beginning to the end. It was funny, witty and serious at the same time. The pacing of the book was perfect

PS can you please get that coffee machine?? 😅

Title: Dogged Pursuit
Series: Andy Carpenter #31
Author: David Rosenfelt
Format: 🎧
Narrator: The Awesome Grover Garner
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: July 1, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pages 288

This novel is #31 in the Andy Carpenter series and I have read nearly all of them.
This one was fun as it was a refresher for me. Yes! If you are new to Andy, this is great story to start with as it is a prequel.
Even more fun this story is once again narrated by the ‘one and only’ Grover Gardner who is without a doubt the best as he performs Andy to
a T.
Author David Rosenfelt has a great wit and Mr. Gardner delivers it in his ‘dead pan’ voice!

This story is before Andy’s inheritance as well as before K-team got together- Although; he was friends with Sam and Pete. We go back to when he adopted Tara and how he met his now wife Laura and her side kick aka body guard Marcus.
Andy was first married to Nicole Grant- he said it was almost an arranged marriage as his parents were close to Nicole’s parents. In fact, his father was longtime friends with her father Senator Philip Grant. You will find out more about Nicole when you read this story.

Andy’s first defense case was Ryan Tierney who was accused of being responsible when a car blows up after an employee party at Morelli’s Restaurant in Paterson. There were three people in the car - Stephen Pearson owner of Pearson Trucking and two of his colleagues – they all died in an explosion that occurred when the ignition was turned on. The police believe Stephen was the target and the other two were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Ryan Tierney worked at Pearson Trucking and was recently get go. .

Andy agrees to take his case and also to take care of his dog, Sonny. Sonny was being held at the shelter when Andy found Tara. Again a story you need to read for yourself.

Present day Andy typically only takes cases a dog involved. However, he always has and needs help from his wife Laurie as well ‘The K-Team’ ~Marcus Clark and Corey Douglas - Corey and Laurie - former police officers. Sam Willis is also part of this group and is a super hacker but employed as an accountant.

Andy Carpenter stories are always entertaining~ I liked this trip down memory lane as we also got a chance to see Andy’s interaction with his Dad.

Did laugh out loud when a secretary was recommended a real dynamo’ who liked to work - her name is Edna – those of us who follow this series know Edna’s work ethic!

Although this story was before Andy could afford the Victory dinner the courtroom drama and the twists were part of this story!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this Great Audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 1, 2025.

Cute

This is a prequel to the series and I would rate it as one of my favorites. In it, protagonist Andy starts the book being rather unhappily married, does not have a dog, and likes being a lawyer. A lot changes by the end. The plot was stronger than in some of the books later in the time line.

I listen to the audiobooks and really enjoy them. The story goes by quickly. Well, to be honest, the reader is a little slow for me so I listen to the books at double speed. I enjoy the reader, but I would be hard pressed to recognize his voice at single speed. He does an excellent job.

To me this is the perfect series to listen to while working in the yard. The stories are decent, the characters are not too complicated, and there is always a dog involved. I have recommended these books to many friends and they all enjoyed them as much as I do.

Well I must be late to the game. This mystery fan and dog lover never read a David Rosenfelt book. I was lucky to get an advanced audio version. I absolutely loved the mystery, the dogs and Andy. Now I have to go all the way back and listen or read them. At first, I didn't think I was going to like the audio, but then I adjusted the speed and that was the answer. Narrator was great! I also love court room mysteries so this was a greay audio for me, thank you

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.

David Rosenfelt knocks it out of the park with his latest Andy Carpenter book! I absolutely loved this prequel story into Andy's life. The narrator brings Carpenter to life with all his wit and humor. The characters are and real and relatable. The story pulls you in and won't let go until the gripping conclusion! A must read from Rosenfelt!

This is 31st installment of the Andy Carpenter series.

While, thankfully, Rosenfelt has figured out how to give Tara infinite dog years, one wonders how many more punny titles they can conjure.

As per usual, this story is more than just its silly title and cover.

I liked this one, in particular, as it fleshes out a bit more of Carpenter’s origin story.
How did he and Lori meet?
From whence did Marcus come?
Whose brilliant idea was it for Andy to pay for everything at the pub?

While I missed Ricky, I fully support this new method of storytelling.

This is the first of Rosenfelt's books that I've read/listened to and it was an easy, low emotional-investment pursuit. While the story followed a murder trial and included the deaths of several characters, it was not at all gory or typical murder mystery type material. This would be a good choice for anyone looking for a mystery without having to worry about anxiety or becoming overly invested in the emotions that some novels can produce. I personally would have loved more dog content (I was expecting a bit more based on the title and description), but it was still an okay experience as is. I probably wouldn't take the time to read other Rosenfelt novels if they are similar to this one, but this is just because I think there are probably more lively and eventful books out there I would enjoy a bit more.

Dogged Pursuit is the 31st book in the Andy Carpenter Mystery series by David Rosenfelt. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery or as part of the series. I (still) have not read the entire series, and I love that each can be read alone.

I loved that this was more of an origin story than furthering the current timeline. I had always wondered how we got to the Andy Carpenter of now and I feel like I have a better idea now. This was such a great book. I loved the storyline and the glimpse into the characters as their younger selves.

I really will be reading the books from the beginning of the series. I need to know the full story!

I absolutely loved the narration by Grover Gardner. He is the voice of the series! When I read the books, I hear his voice in my head.

I highly recommend reading Dogged Pursuit. It’s a quick read that will grab hold of you on page one ad won’t let go until you reach the end!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Dogged Pursuit (Andy Carpenter Mystery #31) by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: July 1, 2025

If you've never read the Andy Carpenter series, this would be a great place for you to start. Author David Rosenfelt takes a big step back in time with this novel. He takes us back to Andy's first case as a defense attorney and reintroduces us to the whole cast (well, almost). We get to meet Andy, Sam, Pete, Laurie, and, of course, Tara. My personal favorite, Marcus, makes a behind-the-scenes cameo appearance, and Andy talks about hiring that "go-getter" Edna, but doesn't do it yet. If you've been a faithful reader of the series, I think you'll love this look back at Andy's career.

Andy takes the case of a man accused of blowing up several co-workers in a car allegedly because he had been recently let go from his firm. He has to change his mindset since he has worked for the prosecution in the three years since graduating from law school. Now he's gone over to "the dark side". Will he be successful in his first defense case?

I haven't heard if this will be a permanent reset of the series, but I'm fine with it either way. In the author's introduction, he mentions that he did this to keep Tara, Andy's beloved golden retriever, alive forever and I can't blame him. Rosenfelt's writing is top notch like usual with wonderful and funny dialogue and his reintroductions to the cast don't seem forced. And since I listened to the audiobook, I have to mention the series narrator Grover Gardner is back in this book. He does great voices and brings the book to life.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Grover Cleveland is a wonderful narrator of the Andy Carpenter books! I love how he enunciates and his tone sets the scene. In this prequel to the other books in the series we meet Andy, Lori, Sam, and Marcus (peripherally). I’m so glad they have decided to have Mr. Cleveland narrate all the books. Can’t wait to listen to the book in this series.

Dogged Pursuit by David Rosenfelt
Narrator, Grover Gardner
Andy Carpenter Book 31
This is the origin story for this long running and much loved series. It was short as usual but entertaining to see most of the main characters being introduced. The mystery is interesting and of course there are dogs. Most especially Tara and her cage partner which leads to Andy’s first case as a defense attorney. It was humorously prescient in a few places. It inspired me to go back and listen again to the earlier books.
Narration by Grover Gardner is excellent. For me, he is the voice of Andy.
My only complaint is the cover which shows Sunny and not Tara.

This is a Legal Cozy Mystery/Legal Mystery, and this is the thirty-first book (but it is really a prequel to this whole series) in the Andy Carpenter series. I have read the first thirty books in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I loved the audiobook. I did not read anything about this book before picking because I have been reading this series for years and love it, so I was a little confused about the book at first. I did not put together at first we went back in time to before the first book. I love we got how he first got Tara, and the mystery in this book was done well. I really enjoyed this book after I put together that the story in this book happened before the first book in this series. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

As always, David Rosenfelt brings humor and mystery to the table, this time by looking back at lawyer Andy Carpenter’s first murder trial as a defense attorney. Old favorite are around, or we find out how they will be introduced to the team! As always, Andy is full of humor and wit as he tried his best to defend an innocent man. And yes, we see the magical day when Andy meets Tara. I enjoys the book and fans of the series will too! Grover Gardener is an impeccable narrator and brings Andy and the characters to life!

What a treat to have this prequel / origin story of Andy Carpenter and his beloved golden retriever, Tara! It’s his very first criminal trial as a defense attorney with only his second client, charged with murder. The public defender is too overworked to do anything in what looks like an open-and-shut case. But the man accused of murdering his former boss and two coworkers with a car bomb is a dog lover, so of course Andy looks more closely at the case and agrees to take it. We are treated to Andy’s inimitable humor, well voiced by Grover Gardner, and meet several of the characters who form the core of the future books. Consistent with the rest of the series, Andy gets snarky with the judge and puts his life on the line for his client. If you haven’t read any of these books, you can certainly start here. Otherwise, for those of us who have enjoyed all 30 of the previous novels, this is a welcome addition. I quite enjoyed it.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook #DoggedPursuit for review purposes. Publication date: 1 July 2025. Reserve your copy now!