And to All a Good Bite

And To All A Good Bite is the thirty-second book in Author David Rosenfelt’s critically acclaimed Andy Carpenter series. As always, the author delivers a witty, smartly written, courtroom drama mystery with heart, humor and adorable rescue dogs. While this book is the annual Christmas edition, no worries if you’re not a fan of holiday stories.

Bah Humbug readers can relax and enjoy this intriguing courtroom drama with few references to the holidays in this book. As it turns out, Andy Carpenter only tolerates his wife Laurie’s love of holiday music playing on an endless loop because it leaves him free to indulge his passion for zoning out in front of the television watching hours of football games. At least until he’s pulled back into lawyer mode by a call for help in a murder case.

Andy Carpenter is an independently wealthy, retired lawyer who takes on an occasional case when it involves a friend or someone he believes is being framed for a crime. And wouldn’t you know it, just as he settles in for a long winter’s night of doing absolutely nothing but watching football, he receives a call requesting him to represent Jeff Wheeler, a man once recognized as a hero for rescuing a dog named Rufus from a fatal office building explosion in which Jeff’s soon-to-be fiancé was killed. Jeff is now on trial for killing one of the building’s owners, his girlfriend’s boss, who he has repeatedly accused of intentionally blowing up his own building with seven people inside although there’s no viable motive. Once again, Rufus is without a home and rather than send him back to the shelter, soft-hearted Andy caves and takes on the dog and the case.

Proving Jeff’s innocence is dependent upon Andy and his well-qualified cohorts sifting through the ashes and a short list of possible red herrings with motive to kill the building’s owner. The story unfolds through questionable investigative work and classic courtroom tactics by Andy while his capable gang race against the clock trying to unmask the real killer. It’s down to the wire in a convoluted courtroom drama where Andy continues his tradition of pushing the limits and the judge’s patience. However, don’t let Andy’s bumbling, self-deprecating manner fool you. Behind the sarcasm is a sharp legal mind that doesn’t like to lose or see the bad guys walk away free.

And To All A Good Bite is a complex, quick paced murder mystery with an immersive, tautly plotted story line that will intrigue armchair detectives. Through it all, Rosenfelt keeps it lighthearted with snarky humor and heartwarming animal scenes. The author’s expert ability to keep the series fresh with unique plot lines after thirty-two books is amazing. Fans of the series will love the inclusion of all the regulars – Laurie, Andy’s wife and retired police officer, Corey, Sam, Eddie, Marcus, and Edna as well as Andy’s beloved dogs. No worries if you haven’t read previous books as each book stands alone.

Hats off to David Rosenfelt and his wife who operate a real Tara Foundation credited with rescuing thousands of dogs. Rosenfelt continues calling attention to the need for animal adoptions through his fictional cozy mysteries. As always, a well-deserved shout out to Narrator Grover Gardner who does a fantastic job narrating these books. He is Andy Carpenter. Be sure to add And To All A Good Bite to your holiday shopping list. It’s the perfect gift for fans of murder mysteries with a side of lighthearted humor.