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Andy Carpenter Mysteries, Book 32

From the publisher:

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter investigates a murder that left a dog stranded in And to All a Good Bite, the latest Christmas mystery in David Rosenfelt’s bestselling series.

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter can’t wait for Christmas. He doesn’t care much about the season, unless it’s football season. Andy’s excited to finally relax and watch the games. But when there’s a murder related to an old case in Paterson, New Jersey, Andy puts the games on pause.

Two years ago, a gas leak in an office building led to a tragic explosion that killed seven people. Jeff Wheeler was there to pick up his girlfriend and ran into the building to help. All he heard was the barking of a dog, Rufus, and was able to save him. The pup was the sole survivor and Jeff was named a hero. Initially, Rufus went to the Tara Foundation since his owner had died in the accident. But Andy met Jeff and liked him, respecting his courage and allowed him to adopt Rufus. Since then, Jeff and Rufus have formed an unbreakable bond.

The accident never sat right with Jeff. He believed that one of the building owners was responsible for the tragedy. Now that owner has been murdered and Jeff is arrested for the crime, Rufus is left with Jeff’s sister, who begs Andy to take the case. Andy remembered Jeff’s tremendous bravery and with the lingering Christmas spirit, decides to help reunite the two.

With David Rosenfelt’s signature humor and hijinks, it’s time to close this case for good and bid it a good night.

“[An] unfailingly entertaining series.”―Kirkus Reviews

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I’ve gone years between reading installments in this series, but now I’ve read two since July. This one helped pull me out of a reading slump—kudos to Rosenfelt for that. I’ve always loved his books: his distinctive voice, clever cases, and trademark blend of wit and warmth make this series such a joy to return to. His “happy pessimism,” sharp humor, memorable cast of recurring characters, and, of course, his deep love of dogs, are what keep me coming back.

Once again, Rosenfelt delivers with a witty, smartly written courtroom mystery filled with heart. In recent years, he’s started releasing an annual Christmas-themed book, which always feels a little extra special. They’re never overly holiday-centric; rather, the season serves as a subtle backdrop. This time, Andy’s wife Laurie has Christmas music playing on a loop since Halloween, much to Andy’s dismay. He tries to tune it out while focusing on what he truly loves: football season. Now semi-retired, Andy would much rather watch sports than work—until a case comes along that he can’t ignore.

Andy is, as always, the champion of the underdog. This time, that underdog is Jeff Wheeler, a man Andy met a few years earlier under tragic circumstances. Jeff had gone to pick up his girlfriend from work when the building exploded. Though he couldn’t reach her, he managed to rescue a puppy trapped in a crate near the entrance. The dog ended up at Andy’s shelter, where Jeff later adopted it. Andy’s philosophy is simple: anyone who runs into a burning building to save a dog can’t possibly be a murderer.

But now Jeff stands accused of killing his late girlfriend’s boss. The evidence is circumstantial but damning, and Andy can’t resist taking the case. He also takes in Jeff’s dog, keeping him safe among his own pack until he can clear Jeff’s name.

Proving Jeff’s innocence requires Andy and his capable team to dig deep—through ashes, lies, and a handful of suspicious characters, each with possible motives. What follows is a race against time, featuring Andy’s trademark courtroom antics, sarcastic charm, and surprising brilliance beneath the bumbling exterior. The tension builds to a sharp, satisfying climax, reminding readers why Andy Carpenter remains one of the most endearing lawyers in fiction.

This is a fast-paced, tightly woven mystery full of humor, heart, and Rosenfelt’s signature snark. His ability to keep the series fresh after thirty-two books is truly impressive. Fans will appreciate seeing all the familiar faces—Laurie, Sam, Eddie, Marcus, Edna—and, of course, Andy’s beloved dogs. New readers can jump right in without having read the earlier installments.

I also have deep admiration for Rosenfelt and his wife, who run the real-life Tara Foundation, responsible for rescuing thousands of dogs. Through his cozy mysteries, Rosenfelt continues to highlight the importance of animal adoption with warmth and compassion.

And To All A Good Bite is the perfect holiday read—or gift—for anyone who loves a smart murder mystery with a generous helping of humor and heart. And dogs.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE by David Rosenfelt. Minotaur Books. (October 14, 2025). ISBN: 978-1250324573. 304p.

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Lincoln Lawyer, Book 8

From the publisher:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly, the Lincoln Lawyer is back with a case against an AI company whose product may have been responsible for the murder of a young girl.

Following his “resurrection walk” and need for a new direction, Mickey Haller turns to public interest litigation, filing a civil lawsuit against an artificial intelligence company whose chatbot told a sixteen-year-old boy that it was okay for him to kill his ex-girlfriend for her disloyalty.

Representing the victim’s family, Mickey’s case explores the mostly unregulated and exploding AI business and the lack of training guardrails. Along the way he joins up with a journalist named Jack McEvoy, who wants to be a fly on the wall during the trial in order to write a book about it. But Mickey puts him to work going through the mountain of printed discovery materials in the case. McEvoy’s digging ultimate delivers the key witness, a whistleblower who has been too afraid to speak up. The case is fraught with danger because billions are at stake.

It is said that machines became smarter than humans on the day in 1997 that IBM’s Deep Blue defeated chess master Garry Kasparov with a gambit called “the knight’s sacrifice.” Haller will take a similar gambit in court to defeat the mega forces of the AI industry lined up against him and his clients.

“Connelly works in extensive (and never tedious) background on the perils of AI by having an investigative writer join forces with Haller. As always, it’s fun to watch Haller argue, manipulate, and wheedle his way from pre-trial through the explosive trial itself. One of the best yet from best-selling author Connelly.” – Booklist, starred review

“Bestseller Connelly crafts a riveting eighth case for attorney Mickey Haller . . . Connelly effectively dips his toe into topical waters here, touching on adolescent male loneliness and the dangers of AI without skimping on the propulsive plotting he’s known for. Newcomers and series fans alike will find this fast-paced legal procedural intensely satisfying.” – Publishers Weekly

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Few authors match the remarkable consistency of Michael Connelly. Whether he’s writing about Bosch, Haller, Ballard, or crafting a standalone, his ability to deliver two exceptional novels a year is nothing short of astonishing.

This latest book is no exception—gripping, immersive, and impossible to put down. Mickey Haller shifts from criminal defense to civil litigation, venturing into the complex realm of artificial intelligence. After years of watching him navigate criminal cases from the backseat of his Lincolns (now reduced to just one), seeing him tackle a case focused not on guilt or innocence but on corporate accountability in our tech-driven age proves surprisingly captivating.

Each of Connelly’s protagonists brings something distinct: Mickey Haller transforms courtrooms into theater with his charm and sharp wit; Harry Bosch remains the embodiment of relentless justice, while Renee Ballard, Connelly’s newest series lead, continues to push against a resistant system. In this novel, Haller channels all three—commanding the spotlight while relying on meticulous research and strategy to challenge a billion-dollar corporation with everything to lose. Watching him penetrate the corporate veil designed to bury secrets and execute high-stakes courtroom gambits perfectly captures why this character continues to resonate.

What elevates this book beyond a typical legal thriller is its relevance. The central lawsuit—exploring the role of AI in a young man’s tragic decision to kill the girl who broke his heart—doesn’t feel far-fetched but more like a headline waiting to happen. The ethical questions it raises are urgent and unsettling: when chatbots influence vulnerable users toward dangerous behavior, who bears the responsibility? This dilemma drives the narrative, even as the courtroom drama keeps the tension high.

Bringing back Jack McEvoy (from The Poet) reinforces that justice doesn’t begin and end in courtrooms—investigative journalism often exposes the truths that eventually land there. Connelly also weaves in the broader landscape of Los Angeles, with wildfires serving as a haunting metaphor for the internal and external battles his characters face, adding a layer of darkness that extends beyond legal proceedings.

Ultimately, Connelly delivers a timely legal thriller that is entertaining yet thought-provoking, deeply personal yet universally resonant. Mickey Haller may be known as the Lincoln Lawyer, but here, he becomes something greater: a champion of truth in a world where truth itself is under siege.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE PROVING GROUND by Michael Connelly. Little, Brown and Company. ( October 21, 2025). ISBN: 978-0316563826. 400p.

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