Play Dead (The Andy Carpenter Series, 6)

David Rosenfelt draws you into his refreshing and creative stories quickly, his characters are worthwhile getting to know, including his love of animals. His dog Tara, and other canines in his stories add so much. Plus, and a major plus, is the way he twists the tale to keep you turning pages. Each of his books make you look forward to the next one. His story telling, dialogue, humor and approach are priceless.

Rosenfelt has done a terrific job keeping Andy Carpenter "fresh." With already a bunch of books about Andy winning "impossible" cases for clients that even Andy thinks are guilty, the author takes a new direction. Andy rescues a golden retriever (using pretty clever courtroom tactics) which he then adopts. Shortly after the sister Karen of Richard Evans who is the really owner of the dog (Reggie) approaches Andy to let him know that Richard is in jail for killing a girlfriend and Reggie. Karen was always sure of Richard's innocence and Reggie still being alive helps to prove that the prosecution's case was incorrect. Andy agrees to try to get a new trial for Richard. As he does he seems to open a hornets nest of bad guys trying to stop Richard from government agents to the mob and shady customs officials. Andy elicits the aid of his normal entourage of associates (Kevin, Laurie, Marcus, Sam) to help him right the injustice to Richard and to stay alive himself while doing it. Readers of the author's prior books will really enjoy this one. Newer readers will like it but will really love it if they can go and read some of the previous titles first.

This is the first book I've read by this author. I was so taken with it that I emailed Rosenfelt to give him my feedback. I will be ordering all of his other books. His character development, plot and subplots are great. What a great read for any mystery lover and/or dog lover.

Novel and screenplay author David Rosenfelt presents Play Dead: A Novel, now in a complete and unabridged audiobook version narrated by award-winning voice actor Grover Gardner. Attorney Andy Carpenter is a golden retriever's best friend, and when he dares to appeal a golden retriever's death sentence, he discovers that the gentle dog is a key witness to a murder from five years ago. Andy must put his legal knowledge and persuasive oratory to the test in order to convince a disbelieving judge to accept canine testimony and free an innocent man from jail. At the root of the mystery is a threat to both dog and man, in this sensationally suspenseful audiobook especially recommended for golden retriever aficionados. 6 CDs, 8 hours.

I've read all of Mr. Rosenfelt's books with Andy Carpenter and Tara and have thoroughly enjoyed them! Andy Carpenter is a defense attorney with admitted faults, but he's smart and is in a financial position to pick and choose his cases. His circle of associates, friends and love-of-his-life add much to the stories. The humor never overwhelms the flow and gives his stories extra spice. Mr. Rosenselt is an obvious dog lover (a positive attribute), and Tara is always a part of Andy's life and the story.