AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE by David Rosenfelt

October 31, 2025

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

https://amzn.to/473wil7

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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Spotlight Review: THE PROVING GROUND by Michael Connelly

October 21, 2025

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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

https://amzn.to/473wil7

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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DOGGED PURSUIT by David Rosenfelt

July 18, 2025

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An Andy Carpenter Mystery, Book 31

From the publisher:

In Dogged Pursuit, David Rosenfelt takes readers back to the start of this beloved series as Andy Carpenter begins his career as a defense attorney in Paterson, New Jersey.

Andy Carpenter has spent the three years since graduating law school working as a prosecutor in Paterson. But having seen how the system never looks out for the little guy, he leaves to start his own practice as a defense attorney. His office might be a little bit of a dump, but he’s excited to make a change.

Andy goes to the shelter to adopt a dog, where he meets his beloved golden retriever, Tara, for the first time and feels an immediate connection. The shelter is crowded and Tara’s been sharing space with a dog named Sunny; Andy hates to break them up and so asks to take Sunny, too, but since there’s a pending criminal case involving the owner, he’ll need to get written permission for temporary possession.

Andy discovers that Sunny’s owner, Ryan Tierney, has been arrested for the murder of his ex-boss. But he takes an immediate liking to Ryan and his clear dedication to his dog, and ends up with his first case along with the two dogs.

This prequel to the long-running and perennially popular Andy Carpenter mysteries is a gift for fans and a terrific entry-point for newcomers.

https://amzn.to/45XUS8e

While I haven’t read every book in this series, I actually started at the very beginning—when Open and Shut quite literally fell into my hands while I was working the library book drop. I was immediately hooked by David Rosenfelt’s voice, his passion for dogs, and his dedication to fighting for the little guy. He’s never let me down since. This prequel to the series was a fun and satisfying read, offering a glimpse into Andy Carpenter’s roots in both defense law and dog rescue.

Andy begins his career after law school in the prosecutor’s office, just like his father before him. But a few years in, he realizes his heart lies in defending those who can’t afford proper legal representation. So, he quits and opens a modest solo practice, renting a rundown office above a fruit market and waiting for clients to walk through the door.

His wife, the daughter of the governor and very much a product of high society, is less than thrilled with his career switch. Their relationship is crumbling, and she’s moved out. Looking for companionship, Andy heads to the local animal shelter and meets Tara—the world’s greatest Golden Retriever. She’s in a kennel with a beagle, and the two seem bonded. But when Andy inquires about adopting both, he’s told the beagle belongs to a man recently arrested for murder. Until the man is acquitted or gives permission, the beagle has to stay.

Andy, who could use both a dog and a client, goes to meet the man who is accused of blowing up a car and killing three people, including the boss who just fired him. The man agrees to let Andy temporarily take the beagle, and Andy agrees to take the case. While the prosecution sees it as an easy conviction, Andy is determined to uncover the truth. The more he learns about his client, the more convinced he becomes of his innocence.

This book also introduces many beloved characters: Laurie, who becomes Andy’s investigator and more; Marcus, his silent but deadly bodyguard; Sam, the quirky accountant down the hall who turns into his go-to tech guy; and Pete, the homicide detective Andy keeps well-fed at Charlie’s, the sports bar that doubles as his second home. We also meet Andy’s first wife and learn why that relationship unraveled. And, of course, we get the heartwarming origin story of his beloved Tara.

Rosenfelt brings a unique voice, sharp wit, and deep love for dogs to every book he writes, and that’s what makes this series such a consistent pleasure to read. He also rescues Goldens and other large dogs and wrote a nonfiction book, Dogtripping: 25 Rescues, 11 Volunteers, and 3 RVs on Our Canine Cross-Country Adventure, about moving from California to Maine with all 25 of his dogs. (That is not a typo!) He started the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue, and he keeps the dogs that are too old and too sick to be placed in homes. I met him when I convinced him to include my library in his book tour, and he was covered in dog hair, a perpetual state for him. At the time, he had 34 rescues in his home, and once compared his home office to a civil war battlefield, with all the bodies (dogs) covering the entire floor. He also makes every book tour a fundraiser for local animal shelters. There is a special place in heaven for a man who has rescued so many dogs (over 4000 at last count) and shares his passion with the world.

I loved this book!

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

DOGGED PURSUIT by David Rosenfelt. Minotaur Books (July 1, 2025). ISBN: 978-1250324511. 288p.

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COURTROOM DRAMA by Neely Tubati Alexander 

July 11, 2025

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From the publisher:

Legally Blonde and Jury Duty meet The Real Housewives in this high-stakes courtroom love story—a sexy and sweet but heartfelt novel about friendship, romance, and reality television from the acclaimed author of Love Buzz and In a Not So Perfect World.

Sydney Parks thinks she might be the first person in the world to look forward to serving jury duty. When Margot Kitsch, an OG cast member of the hit reality show Authentic Moms of Malibu is arrested after the untimely death of her cast member husband, Joe, Sydney knows being selected for the jury is the most interesting thing that ever happened to her. 

However, it doesn’t take long for Sydney to realize that being part of a sequestered jury in a high-profile case is not at all what legal dramas had led her to expect—especially when she learns that her childhood best friend, Damon, whom she hasn’t seen in ten years, is also a jury member.

As the trial wears on, Sydney realizes there’s a lot more to the case than she first thought. And there’s also a lot more to Damon—she soon finds herself falling under his spell despite the court’s instructions not to fraternize. His tendency to break the rules and find adventure is hard to resist in their otherwise dull juror’s world. But getting close to Damon also means having to face the complicated reasons their friendship abruptly ended just when they were on the precipice of something more.

With all the drama in and out of the courtroom, how is Sydney supposed to ignore the fraught history between them? How is she supposed to avoid him when he’s sitting next to her in the jury box every day with his broad shoulders and intoxicating smell? And how is she supposed to ensure Margot gets a fair trial if her unfinished business with Damon causes the mistrial of the century?

“Taking the forced proximity trope to the limit, Tubati Alexander (In a Not So Perfect World) delivers a wildly entertaining romance between two members of a sequestered jury. . . . Tubati Alexander impressively drives forward both the murder trial and the romance, conjuring real chemistry between her leads and soapy, salacious intrigue in the courtroom. This is pure popcorn.” — Publishers Weekly

“A good pick for all romance collections, Alexander’s (In a Not-So-Perfect World) funny and moving novel is likely to be popular with reality television fans and those who enjoy the estranged friends-to-lovers trope.” —Library Journal

https://amzn.to/447l5Qo

Sydney Parks is obsessed with Authentic Moms of Malibu, a reality TV show in the vein of Real Housewives. When one of the show’s stars, Margot, gets arrested for murdering her husband Joe, Sydney can hardly contain her excitement to see how the drama unfolds.

That excitement reaches new heights when Sydney receives a jury summons and discovers she’s been selected for Margot’s murder trial. But the biggest surprise comes when she spots a familiar face among her fellow jurors: Damon, her childhood best friend who mysteriously vanished from her life years ago without explanation.

As the trial progresses and her old friendship rekindles, Sydney finds herself torn between loyalties. She desperately wants to believe in Margot’s innocence, but the mounting evidence begins to shake her faith. Meanwhile, being sequestered with the other jurors in an abandoned hotel gives Sydney and Damon plenty of time to reconnect and uncover the secrets that drove them apart. Their renewed friendship quickly blossoms into romance, but they must keep their relationship hidden to avoid causing a mistrial. As tensions rise both in the courtroom and between the sheets, Sydney faces increasingly difficult choices about justice, loyalty, and love.

This compelling blend of courtroom drama, reality TV satire, and forbidden romance creates an irresistible page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the very end. A super fun read!

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

COURTROOM DRAMA by Neely Tubati Alexander. Harper Perennial (May 20, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063428287. 352p.

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Spotlight Review: RESURRECTION WALK by Michael Connelly

November 10, 2023

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Lincoln Lawyer, Book 7

From the publisher:

From  New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly: Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller enlists the help of his half-brother, Harry Bosch, to prove the innocence of a woman convicted of killing her husband.Defense attorney Mickey Haller is back, taking the long shot cases, where the chances of winning are one in a million. After getting a wrongfully convicted man out of prison, he is inundated with pleas from incarcerated people claiming innocence. He enlists his half brother, retired LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, to weed through the letters, knowing most claims will be false.

Bosch pulls a needle from the haystack: a woman in prison for killing her husband, a sheriff’s deputy, but who still maintains her innocence. Bosch reviews the case and sees elements that don’t add up, and a sheriff’s department intent on bringing quick justice in the killing of one of its own.

Now Haller has an uphill battle in court, a David fighting Goliaths to vindicate his client. The path for both lawyer and investigator is fraught with danger from those who don’t want the case reopened and will stop at nothing to keep the Haller-Bosch dream team from finding the truth. Packed with intrigue and courtroom drama, Resurrection Walk shows once again that Michael Connelly is “the most consistently superior living crime fiction author” (South Florida Sun Sentinel).

“The most richly accomplished of the brothers’ pairings to date—and given Connelly’s high standards, that’s saying a lot.”―Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“A stunning combination of police and legal procedural. . . As always, Connelly makes the tedious work of investigation fascinating as he shuttles between Mickey’s and Harry’s hard-bitten points of view.”―Booklist (starred)

“Another solid series installment from Connelly. This Lincoln Lawyer/Harry Bosch crossover is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats as Mickey absorbs each legal setback. A brief appearance by Renee Ballard, as well as a few other familiar faces from the Harry Bosch universe, will delight fans.” ―Library Journal

https://amzn.to/47o2Btz

As regular readers know, I generally do Spotlight Reviews on Tuesdays. I am making a rare exception for this extraordinary book. Count on this book topping my best books list of 2023!

The new Michael Connelly book is always one of the highlights of my reading year, and this book is truly exceptional; in fact, it may be one of his best. When someone writes as well as Connelly does, book after book, it becomes difficult to parse, but seeing how he has brought both his beloved characters, Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch, to share pretty much equal billing here makes this a winning read for any fan. All of Connelly’s books can stand alone but are so much better and richer for having read the others.

When we last saw Harry, he was in dire straights, suffering from cancer and refusing treatment. But being Maddie’s only living parent has induced him to try an experimental treatment, courtesy of Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, and Harry’s half-brother. By putting Harry on his payroll, Mickey gets him health insurance and a way into this new treatment.

Haller has started a new innocence-type project, and Bosch is the perfect man to handle it. After Haller gets a conviction overturned and wins a mammoth lawsuit against the city, every convict in California is pleading for a chance at the same. Harry is put in charge of reviewing the letters and, if any spark interest, delving into the cases. There is one letter that jumps out at him from a woman who pled no contest and took a plea deal in the murder of her ex-husband. The deeper Harry gets into her case, the more he is convinced that something went very wrong there.

Haller is quickly on board after meeting the woman, but the other factions involved here make this a difficult case. Most of the legal wrangling takes place in front of a judge but no jury, making Haller’s usual charm pretty much irrelevant here but still a delight to read. There are plenty of twists in this legal procedural, but what I really loved was the writing – Haller is in first person, Bosch in third, making it easy to tell whose point of view we are in and how these two very independent men come to rely on each other. Another incredible read from the master of crime fiction.

Note: I love the TV series based on Connelly’s characters. Since Bosch first aired on Amazon Prime, Titus Welliver has taken the Harry Bosch space in my brain. It has continued with Bosch Legacy on FreeVee (also Amazon Prime.) But it didn’t happen when the horribly miscast Matthew McConaughey played the Lincoln Lawyer in the movie, but the Netflix series is so good that I now have Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in my brain as Mickey Haller.

11/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

RESURRECTION WALK by Michael Connelly. Little, Brown and Company (November 7, 2023). ISBN: 978-0316563765. 416pp.

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MUZZLED by David Rosenfelt

July 10, 2020

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The Andy Carpenter Novel, Book 21

From the publisher:

In David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter mystery, Muzzled, Andy and his beloved golden retriever, Tara, are back on the case as a favor to a friend.

Andy Carpenter is a lawyer who would rather not practice law. He’d rather spend his time working with the Tara Foundation, his dog rescue organization, and being with his family and his two dogs, Tara and Sebastian. But when a friend asks him for a favor that involves both dogs and his lawyerly expertise, he can’t say no.

Andy’s friend Beth has found a stray that seems to have belonged to a murder victim–in fact, the man and two of his colleagues died in an explosion a few weeks ago. But when the murdered man contacts Beth, asking for his dog back, Andy knows there must be more to the story. The man claims his life is in danger, and that’s why he disappeared. As much as Andy doesn’t want to get involved–anything to avoid a new case–he can’t help but come to the rescue of a man who’d risk everything, even his life, to reunite with his dog.

Once again, David Rosenfelt delivers suspense and laughter in equal measure in another engaging mystery from “one of the most unforgettable voices in the genre.”

I’m happy to announce the coming across of another in the long and welcome line of novels featuring the adventures of Andy Carpenter. As in the previous books, Andy is accompanied by his stalwart companions including his wife, Laurie, who was a policewoman, his best friend Willy, who is his partner in a business providing dogs for adoption, the very vocal Marcus, his office manager who has developed an antipathy to work, and other sundry characters populating these books.

What is missing is the usual happy ending in which Andy, openly reluctant to working in his profession of defense attorney due to a large inheritance, is forced to handle a case and manages to resolve it successfully. While the happy ending is conspicuously missing in the novel you can bet that all of the dogs that take part in the story end up well.

The story opens in the usual way, Andy must see to the well being of a dog whose owner may soon be sent to prison for murder. Now it does seem strange that the owner is looking for someone to care for his dog when he was blown to pieces along with two other men on a boat they were riding in before the story starts. Don’t worry, all will be explained as we go along, but in the meanwhile, we are treated to David Rosenfelt’s inimitable style of humor, sarcasm, a lot of attention to the dogs involved in the story and the solving of the conundrum of an interesting tale.

I don’t remember if I ever read an Andy Carpenter story that wasn’t a five-star book and in no way boring, in spite of the seeming repetitiveness of the stories. “Muzzled” continues the author’s streak of winners and my recommendation is to read this novel then get on line for the next one as soon as available. And oh yes, don’t worry too much about the ending that is not a happy one. Remember, the dogs come out okay.

7/2020 Paul Lane

MUZZLED by David Rosenfelt. Minotaur Books (July 7, 2020). ISBN: 978-1250257116. 304 pages.

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FEARED by Lisa Scottoline

August 14, 2018

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A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel, Book 6

From the publisher:

In the new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Mary DiNunzio’s ruthless nemesis Nick Machiavelli is back…with a vengeance.

When three men announce that they are suing the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm for reverse sex discrimination—claiming that they were not hired because they were men—Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato are outraged. To make matters worse, their one male employee, John Foxman, intends to resign, claiming that there is some truth to this case.

The plaintiffs’ lawyer is Nick Machiavelli, who has already lost to Mary once and is now back with a vengeance —determined not to not only win, but destroy the firm. It soon becomes clear that Machiavelli will do anything in his power to achieve his end…even after the case turns deadly. The stakes have never been higher for Mary and her associates as they try to keep Machiavelli at bay, solve a murder, and save the law firm they love…or they could lose everything they’ve worked for. Told with Scottoline’s trademark gift for twists, turns, heart, and humanity, this latest thriller asks the question: Is it better to be loved, or feared…

Feared, the sixth entry in the acclaimed Rosato & DiNunzio series, expertly explores what happens when we are tempted to give in to our own inner darkness.

Before it was Rosato & DiNunzio, there were the Rosato & Associates novels, 11 of them. Same series for the most part but it was rebranded six books ago. It is one of my favorite series and it never disappoints – how often can you say that? Especially with so many books!

Set in Philadelphia, Rosato & DiNunzio were an all female law firm until a couple of books ago when they hired a man. I remember being surprised back then, and now it has come home to roost. DiNunzio and all her crazy, loving big Italian family are here and you can just feel the “gravy” dripping off the pages.

I love the characters, the setting and the mystery, which had a shocking ending – perfection! Don’t miss it.

8/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

FEARED by Lisa Scottoline. St. Martin’s Press (August 14, 2018). ISBN 978-1250099594. 400p.

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OUTFOXED by David Rosenfelt

July 21, 2016

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An Andy Carpenter Novel, Book 14

David Rosenfelt has written many successful novels featuring defense lawyer Andy Carpenter. There are a large number of similarities in the books; Andy has inherited a great deal of money so he does not have any pressing need nor does he really want to work. He loves dogs and his first love is sharing a business with Willie Miller, a man that he saved from execution by the state. Their business is rescuing dogs and setting them up with qualified owners. He is in love with Laurie, who was once with the police, still shares a lot of contacts, and is now married to Andy plus sharing an adopted son. He maintains an office manned by a secretary who devotes her time to doing crossword puzzles and little else.

With the above factors appearing in every Andy Carpenter book and all books leading to a trial for a where Andy must prove someone innocent, in spite of the odds against them, is what makes them so popular and keeps us going back for more. Surely one thing is the tongue-in-check approach to the characters. But most of all are the little changes involved in each novel.

During one of the many lulls in Andy’s legal work, he and his partner Willie, have come up with a plan to train dogs for prisoners in the hope that they will adopt them when released from prison. Brian Atkins, completing a five year sentence, is helping with a fox terrier named Boomer, and they hope he will adopt the dog upon release. But, and this is the but that really begins an Andy Carpenter novel, one day Andy comes to the prison and finds that Brian has utilized Boomer in a unique escape plan. The next day the man that Brian claimed had framed him is murdered, and the Carpenter brigade finds itself involved with a new client, and the need to keep Boomer.

David Rosenfelt does it again. The novel keeps the reader engrossed, and at the end satisfied, and impatiently awaiting the next Andy Carpenter book. As usual very well done.

7/16 Paul Lane

OUTFOXED by David Rosenfelt. Minotaur Books (July 19, 2016).  ISBN 978-1250055347.  336p.

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CHASING JUSTICE by H. Terrell Griffin

September 3, 2015

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Matt Royal is a retired attorney and self proclaimed beach bum, enjoying his comfortable life on Longboat Key off the west coast of Florida, except he comes out of retirement for each book – and this is the ninth – of the series.

This time the police chief’s wife, Abby Lester, is accused of murder. The best way to keep Abby out of jail would be to find the real killer, so Royal hires an investigator to help out. The evidence is shaky at best; a wine glass found bedside with Abbey’s fingerprints on it, and a series of emails, supposedly signed by Abby, sent to the victim, including one on his last day on earth threatening to kill him, except the emails weren’t sent from her computer, and her fingerprints are nowhere else in the apartment.

Royal’s detective girlfriend is working on a different murder case, but you don’t have to be a detective to realize these two murders are related somehow. Royal stumbles through the case, leaping over every hurdle thrown his way until the foregone conclusion. A comfortable, if not exciting read for legal thriller fans.

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9/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

CHASING JUSTICE by H. Terrell Griffin.  Oceanview Publishing (September 1, 2015).  ISBN 978-1608091416. 384p.

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Posted by Stacy Alesi

THE UNYIELDING FUTURE by Brian O’Grady

September 2, 2015

Click to purchase

Click to purchase

Brian O’Grady brings his readers into a world that introduces the concept of forces that act as Yang and Yin in the course of human events. They can prevent massacres, on the other hand arrange for murders and guide the actions of humans. These are not just abstract entities, but humans, long lived, 2 thousand year old humans that can interact with normal people if they so wish.

O’Grady puts a doctor and his family into the paths of two of these entities when they are part of a major accident and a seemingly old man arrives on the scene. In spite of what appears to be advanced age and consequent weakness this individual saves many lives and appears normal once the deed is accomplished.

The novel is both perplexing and enticing. What is the motivation of these people since there is more than one.  Are they truly the Yang and Yin of our world representing opposite reactions to events, or they are part of the same following similar patterns and drives. The answers are not so clear but do cause  thinking that might admit that such forces exist and influence events. A compelling read and certainly stimulating a desire to read more of Brian O’Grady’s books.

9/15 Paul Lane

THE UNYIELDING FUTURE by Brian O’Grady. Story Plant, The (September 8, 2015). ISBN: 978-1611882162. 350p.

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Posted by Stacy Alesi

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