Andy Carpenter gains possession of an adorable Bernese puppy whose owner was brutally murdered. Few can rival Andy's affection for dogs, and he will do whatever it takes to insure that this little pup doesn't fall into the wrong hands. However, his playful new friend is valued by several people, many of whom are willing to resort to violence to get what they want. It will take more than Andy's usual courtroom theatrics to save this dog, including a little help from his beloved golden retriever, Tara. Andy soon discovers that anyone around him is in danger, including his long-time girlfriend Laurie, and he will have to muster all of his wits to save those he holds most dear.
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. In Rosenfelt's excellent seventh legal thriller to feature Paterson, N.J., defense attorney Andy Carpenter (after Play Dead), Andy takes on another canine clientβWaggy, a Bernese mountain puppy, who's somehow connected to the murder of Walter Timmerman, a semi-titan in the pharmaceutical industry. Andy represents the dog in a custody battle between Diana, Walter's widow, and her stepson, Steven, who's a suspect in his father's shooting. Shortly after Andy picks up Waggy from Diana, she dies in a bomb explosion at her house. When Steven's arrested for Diana's murder, Andy agrees to represent him. After Andy's police chief girlfriend, Laurie Collins, who's visiting from Wisconsin, is shot and wounded while playing with Waggy and Tara, Andy's golden retriever, Andy realizes Waggy was the real target. Rosenfelt injects this clever installment with courtroom twists, a peek into some scary DNA research and a romantic surprise. (Aug.)
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Review
On PLAY DEAD
"Riveting...alive with reliable Rosenfelt wit and heart." (Publishers Weekly (starred review) )
"A taut thriller full of whiplash plot twists and wisecracking dialogue." (Entertainment Weekly )
"A cracking good yarn...Andy's offbeat, outspoken personality shines on every page, and the balance of humor and mystery is dead-on." (Booklist (starred review) )
"A funny, warm-hearted mystery, NEW TRICKS moves quickly and playfully - almost puppylike-through mounting crimes, a long-distance love affair and a secret science project that threatens to thwart [Andy] Carpenter's best efforts. Three Stars." (People )