New Tricks

The pun is simply too obvious and alluring to avoid, but with apologies to all, David Rosenfelt's writing is going to the dogs. Rosenfelt is the author of an entertaining courtroom mystery series featuring New Jersey attorney Andy Carpenter, a criminal defense lawyer with a unique law practice. Andy inherited a small fortune from his father. This wealth allows him the independence to practice law when and for whom he chooses, and his small coterie of co-workers includes several unique and talented individuals. Andy is a dog lover. Previous books in the series have involved canines as central figures in his cases. Even his own golden retriever, Tara, has played a prominent role. In NEW TRICKS, Andy has another canine client, Waggy, a Bernese mountain puppy who he must shepherd through a custody battle in court. Waggy's custody is the subject of a courtroom battle between the heirs of the recently murdered Walter Timmerman, a multi-millionaire pharmaceutical baron. Timmerman's homicide has caused a rift between his widow Diane and Walter's son Steven, a prime suspect in Walter's murder. After accepting the assignment as guardian of the dog, Andy proceeds to the Timmerman estate to take custody of his client. Shortly after his arrival, an explosion rocks the house killing Diane. Steven is now more than a suspect; he is the defendant in a double-murder case. Fortunately for him, Andy believes he is innocent. The Carpenter regulars all make appearances in NEW TRICKS. His hypochondriac associate, Kevin Randall, does the heavy legal lifting while fighting off every disease known to man. Edna, his office assistant, makes work avoidance an art form. Every lawyer must have sources in law enforcement and journalism, and Andy has Lieutenant Pete Stanton of the Patterson, New Jersey Police Department, and Vince Sanders, editor of the local newspaper. My favorite of the Carpenter clan is Marcus Clark, the part investigator, part bodyguard who protects Andy during his frequent moments of peril. Marcus is unlike any man, and Rosenfelt's humorous descriptions of this gentle muscleman make for entertaining adventures. Last, but certainly not least, is the love of Andy's life, Laurie Collins. Laurie served as an investigator for Andy, then a client, and eventually left New Jersey to become chief of police in a small Wisconsin community. Andy and Laurie's romantic relationship has had its ups and downs. Returning to New Jersey for a brief visit, Laurie is shot by an assassin whose intended victim is Waggy. As Laurie's life hangs in the balance, Andy discovers that the case against Steven is far more complex than he originally thought. Rosenfelt always keeps his plots topical, and NEW TRICKS is no exception. There is an interesting discussion of DNA research and technology woven through the novel, which may well prove to be a motive for the murders. Rosenfelt writes wonderful courtroom scenes, laced with humor and sarcasm. Andy gets away with quite a bit in cour

David Rosenfelt writes clever, dog friendly mysteries. His wise guy dialogue is good natured and so New Jersey that you can't help but keep reading, even if its for the next wise crack. Rosenfelt's local color is full of life and the plots keep you interested. All in all, though, its the hilarious dialogue that keeps you begging for another biscuit. Carry on, David! We want more.

Returning in the latest installment of this series is Andy Carpenter the lawyer that has found himself billed as both the "Lawyer to the Dogs" as well as a dog lunatic. Yes he has represented his fair share of canines and yes he does love dogs especially his own and absolutely he is trying to keep his rescue foundation thriving, but this is not a title he appreciates since he is trying to practice law with clients that do not have four legs. But Andy finds himself again being assigned to represent a dog in a custody case after its owner is unceremoniously murdered in the wrong part of town and his new wife and son are fighting over custody. This on the surface appears to be a simple enough case but of course it is not because that would make Andy's life uncomplicated which it is anything but since he inherited millions, the love of his life, Laurie, moved too many states away and his dog Tara started questioning his every move. Before the dog in question, a hyper Bernase Mountain Dog and descendant of a Westminster Best in Breed named "Waggy", is even in the car the widow is blown up in her house right after Andy walks out. With a blink of an eye the widow's step son and other litigant for Waggy's custody is arrested by the police for her murder as well as his father's. That would seem enough for anyone to deal with but wait that isn't the half of it as Andy decides the son didn't do it and takes it upon himself to represent him against the murder charges. Of course he still has to keep the dog safe even with the bodies piling up and the distraction of his girlfriend Laurie in town for an extended visit. Before too long though this case becomes even more personal as Laurie is mistakenly shot and critically wounded when the gunman tries to kill Waggy. Andy has so much going on in so many directions that he is having trouble sorting through the good from the evil but Laurie will recover, Waggy will find the right home and Steven his client will get off on the charges. Or so this is how it plays out in Andy's head! With help from Laurie's investigator Marcus, his partner Kevin and the sprinkling of various branches of law enforcement here and there Andy works through the details to get to the answers which never seem to add up. For every answer there is a wall thrown up that throws off the direction he is pursuing but he however does know that the one common factor is Waggy Nothing seems clear except it all revolves around Waggy and while this dog is valuable due to its lineage is that enough for someone to want it dog dead? Andy doesn't believe it is but trying to figure out the dog's value and get his client off on the murder charges is more than enough for today so let's see what tomorrow has in store. This book is absolutely a delight from page one. I did not expect to dislike it as mystery's are always fascinating but this angle of man, dog and client is wonderful as well as it is entertaining. I do not believe you need to be a

Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for Rebecca's Reads (7/09) Andy Carpenter has had a few strange clients over the years as a maverick defense attorney. But never in his wildest imagination did Andy think that he would get himself a client like Waggy. Waggy is a young mountain dog pup who is at the centre of a custody battle between its owner's second wife and her stepson (son of the deceased). It all starts with the strange murder of a pharmaceutical bigwig named Walter Timmerman. And now the little puppy is the centre of attraction. The judge orders handing over the temporary custody to Andy. The day he collects the canine from Diane Timmerman she is murdered in a bomb blast. The opposite party, Steven Timmerman is accused of the crime and he asks Andy to represent him. Andy now has his hands full. However, he gets the full co-operation of his best friend- the golden retriever Tara, who helps Andy raise Waggy. Help also comes in the form of Andy's girlfriend police officer Laurie Collins. But when she also becomes a potential target of an assassin, Andy begins to realize that humans are not the targets, but the canine is. What deadly secret does Waggy hold and why is everyone hell-bent to kill him? With twists, double twists, triple twists and quadruple twists- the novel ends in a hilarious finish that's well....pure Rosenfeltish. I enjoyed "New Tricks" by David Rosenfelt a lot. With the legal thriller arena being dominated by serious action oriented novels by Grisham, Turow et al we occasionally need works like "New Tricks" so as not to take ourselves too seriously. Rosenfelt has taken this admirable decision and has carved out a neat niche for himself in the world of legal thrillers. I highly recommend this book.

This was a quick easy, laugh out loud, fast read. I've already passed my copy along, I hope that it is not too long a wait for Andy's next adventure. Loved this new book, it was back to Andy Carpenter whose sarcasm I just love.