Santa's Little Yelpers: An Andy Carpenter Mystery (An Andy Carpenter Novel, 26)

Okay, the novel is about more than Andy and the holidays. There's a murder, mob guys, conspiracies, and Marcus. Some might find the story line hard to follow -- I did at times, but reread a few pages and got back into the flow -- but the whole story comes together with help from the most surprising source. And puppies! Anyone who likes the series, please read this. If you haven't read any Andy Carpenter books before, I'd try to find an earlier one so you can get used to the characters (and Andy's snark!). Highly recommended.

Best group of books.

Face it, if you are an Andy Carpenter fan you can't go wrong with any Rosenfelt release.

It didn't seem as interesting as his other books.

Rosenfelt can be relied upon to write an annual Christmas novel, despite there being little connection to Christmas. Killian is an abandoned Golden Retriever who has just birthed eight healthy puppies at the Tara Foundation. Chris Matthews, an employee, has agreed to foster them until they are old enough to be adopted. Chris has served time for manslaughter, which he says he did not commit. Now, he is charged with murdering the man who testified that he witnessed the first murder. And Chris says he did not commit this murder either. The K-Team is called in to investigate. Andy uncovers strange behaviour in a creepy Pennsylvania town that holds all the answers. He also misses clues that the reader will easily pick up on. A pleasant read, but not essential in the Andy Carpenter canon.

Another interesting Andy Carpenter novel. Well-written, easy read.

3.5 stars

In this 26th book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, set during the Christmas season, the defense attorney represents an ex-convict accused of murder.

*****

Ever since he inherited a large fortune, New Jersey defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases. Instead, Andy communes with his wife Laurie - who's in Yuletide mode; hangs out with his son Ricky - who's been promised a trip to DisneyWorld; and plays with his three dogs - golden retriever Tara; basset hound Sebastian; and pug Hunter - who are taken for long walks every morning and evening. This is challenging since lazy Sebastan - who only likes to eat and sleep - is about as maneuverable as an aircraft carrier and walks at a pace of around five feet an hour.

In his spare time, Andy also likes watching sports on TV and hanging out with his friends, newspaper editor Vince Sanders and Homicide Captain Pete Stanton, at Charlie's Sports Bar. Since Andy is a millionaire, he always pays the bill - and sometimes gets useful information in return.

Andy feels compelled to take a new case when his friend Chris Myers, who had been imprisoned for involuntary manslaughter, needs help. Since his release, Chris has been working for Andy's dog rescue facility, The Tara Foundation, and is now fostering a mama dog and her eight puppies.

It seems that Chris - who always insisted he was innocent - has a chance to clear his name. The witness responsible for Chris's conviction, Charlie Burgess, has had an attack of conscience and is willing to admit he lied under oath. Andy agrees to represent Chris in his efforts to overturn his conviction.....but unfortuntely the witness Charlie gets cold feet and recants his admission.

Before long Charlie is found dead, Chris is arrested for murder, and Andy has a big new case on his hands.

Of course Andy calls in his usual reinforcements: a private detective agency called the K-Team, which consists of Andy's wife Laurie - a tough ex-cop with connections in law enforcement; Corey Douglas - a retired cop; Simon Garfunkel - a German shepherd who worked with Corey at the Paterson Police Department; and Marcus Clark - the toughest, scariest guy on the planet. We learn a little more about Marcus in this book, like his favorite music and facility with language.

In addition, Andy gets help from his accountant Sam - a terrific computer hacker/data miner; secretary Edna - who threatens to retire if she has to do any work. (I always get a kick out of Edna); and other people in the Andy Carpenter law firm.

Andy and his helpers investigate everything to do with Chris's first conviction as well as the new charges, and they discover that someone may have wanted to get Chris out of the way. As always, the author's plot is twisty and complicated, but also lightened up by Andy's humor and sarcasm.

I always enjoy the Andy Carpenter books, which are formulaic but fun. Recommended to fans of humorous mysteries.

The Andy Carpenter series has always been great. Always keeps me interested. Lot of laughs

David's books are the best. Full of great humor and dog tales. I can never put the books down until I finish them. This one is no exception.