Publishers Weekly
08/27/2018
In Edgar-finalist Rosenfelt’s enchanting Christmas-themed 18th mystery featuring Paterson, N.J., attorney Andy Carpenter (after Rescued), Andy’s wife, Laurie, urges him to offer their garage apartment to a homeless veteran, Don Carrigan, and his dog. When Carrigan is arrested for murder, Andy takes the case (and the dog), even though he isn’t sure of his client’s innocence. The ensuing investigation uncovers links to a sniper working in the area and to a complex, chilling plot that threatens not only Carrigan’s future but others’ lives, including Andy’s. Along with his trademark courtroom twists, Rosenfelt provides a compassionate look at the plight of veterans suffering from PTSD. Series fans will appreciate the chance to catch up with Andy’s family, dogs, and investigative team, while new readers will find this feel-good tale a good introduction to the series. Plenty of humor, a passion for animal rescue, and a healthy dose of Christmas cheer, courtesy of Laurie, make this the perfect holiday gift for animal lovers. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Deck the Hounds
"Festive Yuletide setting. . . sweet moments of puppy love will have readers smiling.” – Library Journal (starred review)
“Never less than absorbing, with a chuckle on every page . . . Andy’s self-deprecating humor is the author’s great gift.” —David Rothenberg, WBAI Radio
“A favorite private investigator/lawyer series of long standing. This one’s as witty as they usually are, and as always a real mystery.” —Southern County Democrat
“As is always the case with Rosenfelt's Carpenter novels, nearly every page will elicit a smile, if not out-loud laughter.” —NJ.com
“Perfect for reading during the holiday season . . . [Deck the Hounds] is filled with Rosenfelt’s signature self-deprecating humor and witty repartee.” —Pamela Kramer
Kirkus Reviews
2018-07-31
His wife and chief investigator Laurie's hyperextended Christmas season brings Paterson lawyer Andy Carpenter a new dog, a litter of new puppies, and a new murder case.
Very shortly after Andy, moved by the Christmas spirit and his insatiable attraction to every pooch he meets (The Twelve Dogs of Christmas, 2016, etc.), gives some money to homeless Iraq War vet Don Carrigan and Zoey, his canine companion, the target of his charity is attacked by a man he and Zoey handily repel. Sgt. Nathan Robbins, who responds to the scene, does nothing but confiscate Zoey, who's bitten the assailant. Andy, seeking to fill this uncharitable vacuum by actually doing something to help, makes matters worse when he gives his friend Vince Sanders Don's information for a human-interest story in Vince's paper. The unexpected result is that Don's arrested for the robbery and murder of wealthy Short Hills businessman Steven McMasters, a man who'd seem to be far outside his orbit if the cops hadn't found a cap with Don's DNA at the murder scene and a ring stolen from McMasters in the locked locker at the soup kitchen Don frequents. Since Essex County prosecutor Raymond Tasker also has an informant who testifies that Don confessed to him, a guilty verdict looks like a foregone conclusion. But fans will know not to count out Andy, ebullient as ever as he struggles to link McMasters's murder to a rash of sniper killings in the area.
Middling for this irresistible series, whose hero's old friend asks him at one point: "Are you ever going to stop being a pain in the ass?" Goodness, let's hope not.
