Yes, it involves murder, but what a fun book to read....Andy Carpenter is a total charmer ---- lots more for me to read. Terrific series because the characters in Andy's legal group are so appealing, dogs included!! ( )

When Andy Carpenter witnessed a dog being beaten another man rushes to stop the abuse and gets into a fight with the dog owner leading to arrest for both men. Turns out, the protector is a wanted man because his DNA was found on a murder victim. Andy chooses to defend him and has to prove that the DNA was planted on the victim. Rosenfelt's stories are always well written, filled with unexpected twists, and highly entertaining. ( )

Andy Carpenter mysteries are always great reading. They're funny, but complex and well written. In this latest installment Andy defends a man who rescued a dog from being beaten. But the dog's hero ends up in prison when his DNA appears at the scene of a double murder. Andy sets out to prove that the presence of DNA doesn't always solve the crime. Suspenseful with surprising twists and turns. A fun read! ( )

Semi-retired criminal defence attorney Andy Carpenter and his investigation crew are in Maine. Andy has agreed to defend Matt Jantzen who is charged with a double murder where his blood was found on one of the victims. As Matt's trial progresses, Andy races against the clock to sort out what happened. Along the way he finds a nest of drug dealers and a pack of vigilante militiamen, each of which have ties to the male victim. The problem for Andy to overcome is the DNA evidence arising from the blood left at the murder scene. Unless he can show that Matt was not at the scene, it is likely that he will be convicted by the jury. It comes down to the wire.

This is an easy-to-read detective mystery, one of those that you want to finish in one setting. Rosenfelt has a unique, and pleasant upbeat narrative style. Andy is an attractive protagonist; it helps that he is a dog lover and his dogs are a part of the investigation team. I was amazed that he managed to find an inn in Maine that would allow him to bring his 3 dogs during his stay. The "down east" setting is captured well: the ubiquitous lobster roll is a Maine standard dish.

The plot may require a suspension of belief at times at times, although the issues raised by the story are genuine problems. This book is the 23rd in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. ( )

David Rosenfelt could write a new Andy Carpenter book every week, and it still wouldn’t be enough for me. In this 23rd installment, Andy again comes out of his semi-retirement to represent a fellow who stopped a man from kicking his dog. The dog lover gets arrested for a double murder he says he didn’t commit, and Andy believes him. Now he just has to explain how his client’s blood and DNA are on the murder victim’s hand. It’s an intriguing and complex mystery, laced with Rosenfelt’s signature humor. Complete with the characters we’ve come to love, as well as some newer ones, this mystery is everything a reader could want in a book. The only problem is waiting for the next one to be published. This series is highly recommended. ( )