Play Dead

In this story Andy reluctantly agrees to try and free a young man who has been convicted of murder. Supposedly he killed his fiance and his dog and tried to kill himself but lived. Andy Carpenter gets involved because he finds a dog that is about to be put to sleep for biting its owner and finds that the dog has been abused and manages to get the dog free. He does it with the help of publicity which brings the dog to the attention of the inmates sister. It is his dog. She convinces Andy to take his case. I love this series because of the author's writing style and brevity. The books are a reasonable length with no filler. I also love that he loves dogs.

Andy Carpenter, attorney extraordinaire, has taken on a new client: a golden retriever named Yogi. The dog is set to be euthanized in a couple of days and Andy wants that stopped, which he manages to do with panache. So, now he is the owner of 2 goldens, his first one being Tara, The Greatest Creature On This And Any Other Planet And If You Can’t See That You’re An Idiot, Carpenter, nicknamed Tara for short. He takes his case and gets a great result. This unlikely beginning morphs into a retrial for a man who has been in prison for 5 years for killing his fiancé. I love Rosenfelt’s style of writing. He has an amazing sense of humor. Probably the funniest part of the book is the Acknowledgements. You have to see it to believe it. I love this series and this one is another winner!

Paterson, New Jersey attorney Andy Carpenter no longer needs to work. His father left him a fortune that remained a secret from Andy (and everyone else) until the elder Carpenter's will was read. When Andy isn't handling one of the rare legal cases that he finds sufficiently challenging and interesting to accept, he's working in partnership with a former client to run a dog rescue operation. He doesn't usually go to the "kill" shelter to choose dogs to fill the rescue's openings, but his partner is away; and that means soft-hearted Andy is the one who's shown a middle-aged Golden Retriever in a death row cage. "Yogi" isn't availabe for rescue because he bit his (supposed) owner. He'll be put down after his quarantine period. After Andy learns why the dog fought back, because that's exactly how it was, he decides to rescue Yogi despite the legal impossibility of doing so. He succeeds - and shortly after he brings Yogi home to live with Tara, his own Golden Retriever, while looking for a suitable "forever" placement, he finds out that Yogi's real name is Reggie. The dog has been presumed dead for the past five years, and his real owner has spent that time in prison after being convicted of murder. Reggie's still being alive makes the entire case against his owner seem suspect, at least in Andy's eyes.

So of course Andy accepts the case when the man's devoted sister asks him to do so. Uncovering enough fresh evidence to win a new trial is only the beginning, and early in the process Andy discovers that he's now someone's target. If he can't be warned off, he may well be killed. Aided by his associate, Kevin; his investigator and bodyguard, Marcus; and his long distance lover, Findlay, Wisconsin Chief of Police Laurie Collins, Andy stays the course even though he's an admitted natural coward when it comes to putting himself in danger. Things get more and more confusing as the case develops. Is the government behind his client's framing? Are some men who are supposed to be dead, killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan? Is it the local organized crime boss? Does it have something to do with his client's work as a U.S. Customs inspector?

I'm reading my way through the Andy Carpenter series, and I'm enjoying it thoroughly. This book is one of its best installments so far. It's a "light" mystery, a quick read with lots of twists and turns; but the best part, as in my opinion should always be true for fiction, is the characters. They grow and develop from book to book, but their cores stay the same. These books are just plain fun.

--Reviewed by Nina M. Osier, author of 2005 science fiction EPPIE winner "Regs"

Having already read, or listened to, a couple of previous "dog in jeopardy" stories by the ever amusing David Rosenfelt, I decided it was time to take a break from more serious reading matter and enjoy a romp with self-depreciating and laid-back attorney Andy Carpenter as he embarks on a mission to save yet another dog from its inevitable fate at the local pound. This dog, however, once belonged to Richard Evans, a man now serving a life sentence for the murder of his fiancée and Andy, being a seeker of justice for the wrongly convicted, becomes involved in a new legal batter to save the lives of both Reggie, the golden retriever, and his master. Play Dead, is more a romp than a no-nonsense mystery and Andy Carpenter is more a male version of Jessica Fletcher or Miss Marple than Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe.

Once again, narrator Grover Gardner does a bang up job of relating this tale of justice gone wrong, even down to assisting me in keeping straight the multitude of characters, from mobsters and government officials to old flames, a new lover and the convicted man's devoted sister. While the presence of all of the supporting characters is admittedly germane in the scheme of things, keeping track of these players could have result in brain overload if not for the talented Mr. Gardner.

Dogs, wit and murder -- the perfect Andy Carpenter trifecta (one which he may very well bet on but, alas, doesn't seem to care anymore if he wins or loses 'cause he is now rich, rich, rich!). This series is always a good one. The plots are well crafted with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. The humor runs throughout the book which make each book enjoyable and relaxing, yet a suspenseful experience. This case involves a murder/attempted suicide -- or was it? Once again, the lovable lawyer investigates and unravels a plot that involves hidden identities and a very dear golden retriever who may hold the key to it all.

"Play Dead" by David Rosenfelt.

This is the 2nd book in the Andy Carpenter series that I've listened to on CD. I have become addicted with joy to this series primarily due to the fact that it is a dog lovers mystery series with the added touch of humor.
In this story Andy astonishingly finds a golden retriever in a cage at the Passaic county dog pound waiting to be euthanized. According to Andy a golden retriever is the last dog that should ever be in this situation. Andy takes on the golden retrievers case and clears him of being a vicious dog.
Andy adopts the dog and brings him home to meet Tara, Andy's dog. Tara and the new member of Andy's family hit it off from the first. While walking both dogs a woman calls out "Reggie" and the golden retriever runs to her.
Andy meets the woman and soon learns that Reggie's original owner is in prison for murder...a crime he did not commit. The key witness to this murder is Reggie. Andy commits himself to finding the real murderer and clearing Reggie's owner. But is it as simple as that?

I highly recommend this story and this series to all dog lovers.

David Rosenfelt loves dogs and it shows. His character, Andy Carpenter, tries to save a Golden Retriever from certain death by going to court and getting the jurors to root for the underdog (no pun intended).

It soon comes to light that this dog is dead – according to court records and that his owner is serving a life sentence for killing his girlfriend. Andy, who is an extraordinarily lazy lawyer, jumps on the bandwagon to save the dog’s owner.

This plot is clever, funny and fast paced. It’s sure to interest any reader who likes dogs and lazy lawyers (in that order).

Andy Carpenter
1. Open and Shut (2002)
2. First Degree (2003)
3. Bury the Lead (2004)
4. Sudden Death (2005)
5. Dead Center (2006)
6. Play Dead (2007)

Many years ago I attended a legal education program where a well-known evidence professor presented a hypothetical case involving a dog who was called to court to give evidence. It was delivered in a humorous and entertaining fashion, and the presentation helped drive home an important legal point that I have remembered for more than 20 years. David Rosenfelt, the creator of a wonderful series of courtroom mystery novels with attorney Andy Carpenter, may have heard that same evidence hypothetical at some point in his career. His newest novel, PLAY DEAD, opens with a similar legal conundrum.

Andy comes to the rescue of a golden retriever, seemingly abandoned by his owner. He is about to be put to sleep by the local dog pound, but Andy goes to court to win a reprieve for him. In the ensuing news coverage, a witness recognizes the dog for an extremely significant reason. Because the animal is alive, her brother, who is serving a life sentence for murder, cannot be guilty of the crime for which he is imprisoned. Thus begins Andy's newest legal battle, an ingenious and entertaining adventure that followers of the series have grown to expect.

Several years ago Andy inherited a large fortune, and the money gives him the opportunity to select a limited number of clients and cases. Large retainers from wealthy criminals are not his priority; obtaining real justice for the wrongly convicted is his reward.

Andy's client in PLAY DEAD is Richard Evans, convicted of the murder of his fiancée and now serving a life sentence. The golden retriever that Andy rescues from imminent death turns out to be Evans's dog. At the time of the killing the dog was four miles out in the Atlantic Ocean. He was presumed to have drowned, but that he now appears alive raises questions about the conviction. First Andy must win a new trial for Evans and then has to convince a second jury that Evans is not guilty.

Meanwhile, Andy is still balancing a long-distance romantic relationship with Laurie Collins, his former investigator who now works in Wisconsin. His loyal office crew and New Jersey cronies are all part of the mix, which makes these books such enjoyable reading.

Rosenfelt has an excellent grasp of the law and the legal process. He paints true portraits of prosecutors and judges, and his courtroom scenes have remarkable vitality. True, Andy sometimes gets away with some shenanigans that might not occur in a real courtroom, but these are his cases and he is the leading man. Under those circumstances, readers can cut him just a tiny bit of slack.

Andy's investigation into the Evans case unearths some very suspicious and potentially lethal evidence. It also portends danger for him. Early on in his investigation, Andy is the victim of a shooting attack on the highway. His assailants are killed, but their deaths raise more questions than answers. Throughout PLAY DEAD, many of the important characters are not who they appear to be. Indeed, Andy can only be certain of Reggie, the golden retriever whose life he has spared. Even the dog's life becomes endangered by those who try to dissuade Andy from his quest for justice.

Rosenfelt has a successful formula for what hopefully will be a long series of enjoyable and entertaining courtroom novels. The American legal system provides the author with substantial fodder for countless new adventures for Andy and his associates. His writing ability seems to be limitless, and readers can await with wonderful anticipation the next adventure of Andy Carpenter's legal career.

--- Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman

I am slowly but surely working my way through this series. Even though the court elements are similar from book to book (after all, the main character has his particular way of trying a case and it is consistent), the author does a fantastic job of keeping the overall stories from falling into a formula or pattern. The mystery in this one is fantastic. Loved how it all wrapped up in the end.

First Sentence: "Andy, you're not going to believe this."

Attorney Andy Carpenter's love of gold retrievers leads to his taking on a case. Richard Evans is serving life in prison for supposedly murdering his fiancée, dumping her body, as well as his dog, overboard from the boat they were on and then attempting suicide. But five years later, the dog turns up alive and Richard's sister convinces Andy to look at the case. When someone tries to shoot Andy, he's even more convinced the pieces just don't fit.

Andy is a delightful character, surrounded by other delightful characters; sometimes almost too much so. Fortunately, it is interesting legal cases, particularly the first one in this book, and trial information that saves this book from being cute. The premise is close to being over the top, but Rosenfelt walks that fine line with the skill of an aerialist. At any point where they story might start to wander off, the action picks up and takes you down a new road. Being from there, I always enjoy his descriptions of New Jersey and the wryness in his character and dialogue are perfect. This was not my very favorite of all his books, but I did definitely enjoy it.

In Paterson, New Jersey affluent attorney Andy Carpenter only accepts cases that interest him since he inherited millions. When he learns that Yogi the golden retriever is going to be executed for allegedly biting his owner, Andy who loves dogs especially this breed, provides a community service by representing this death row canine in this capital case. The court gives Yogi to Andy.

As he walks his dogs, Yogi recognizes a nearby woman. Karen Evans explains that Yogi is actually Reggie, who belonged to her brother, former U.S. Customs Inspector Richard Evans convicted of murdering his fiancée, Stacy Harriman five years ago; Karen thought Reggie was dead. Unable to resist as he witnessed the love between Karen and Reggie and assuming that Richard and Reggie would be even stronger, Andy decides the canine's former owner would not cold bloodedly kill someone he allegedly loves. Andy also thinks he has the key eye witness to the homicide, Reggie. He decides to represent Reggie's former human pet and like a pit bull keeps untangling a conspiracy cover-up that smells government in nature.

Although it sounds like a dog lover fluff legal thriller, PLAY DEAD is a terrific tale due to the eccentricity of Andy who chases the truth like male dogs chasing a female in heat. The story line is fast-paced as Andy sniffs out clues trying to affirm his theory that Richard is innocent. Fans will appreciate this five bark novel starring an unconventional hero with an even more unusual eye witness.

Harriet Klausner

No matter what limitations David Rosenfelt might have in his life, the ability to tell a consistently good, suspenseful and humorous story isn't one of them. With Play Dead, his sixth book, Rosenfelt continues to be one of the freshest voices among today's mystery writers. This stems from his ability to provide interesting plots, credible courtroom drama, lots of humor and well-developed major and minor characters. Andy Carpenter, the main character who is a wise-cracking suburban New Jersey defense attorney, is one that stays in your mind even after you finish the book and is one that I'm looking forward to 'hang out' with in his future legal adventures. Plus, his dog, Tara, is one I wish I had. In Play Dead, Carpenter's devotion to dogs and legal skills merge when he must not only rescue a dog but bring him to the witness stand to reopen a five-year old murder case which sent the dog's owner to prison. I highly recommend Play Dead if you're in the mood for a fast-paced, easy read. However, you might want to first consider reading Open And Shut and First Degree and/or some of the other books in this series, which I think will further your appreciation of Play Dead.

Andy Carpenters cases just keep getting better. I don’t know how Rosenfeld keeps coming up with ideas, but this was another good one. It’s like watching a New Jersey based version of Matlock, New Jersey charm rather than southern charm. Lots of fun.

Play Dead has a very riveting plot and story line, but the writing is very mediocre. It is written mostly in first person, present tense, and reads like notes jotted down rather than a fluid read. There are also some forensic errors -- for example, they apparently never collected fingerprints from the boat? That is a major oversight, and then to convict someone of murder without that evidence; both the prosecution and defense attorney should have demanded that evidence. The dialog is also written poorly, but that said, it is about dogs and mysteries, and those are two of my favorite topics, so I will read more of his books.

David Rosenfelt's "Play Dead," is another installment in his entertaining series featuring New Jersey-based criminal defense attorney Andy Carpenter. Andy worships at the shrine of Tara, his precious golden retriever. He is also a partner in the Tara Foundation, a canine rescue operation. One day, Andy learns from the manager of the Passaic County Animal Shelter that a golden retriever named Yogi is slated to be put down because he bit his owner, Warren Shaheen. A witness says that Shaheen found the dog several weeks earlier, and never made an effort to locate the real owner. In addition, Warren kicked the dog repeatedly, which may have precipitated the attack.

Andy, who is independently wealthy courtesy of a substantial inheritance, can pick and choose which cases he wants to pursue. Since Yogi's plight touches his heart, Andy decides to go to court to save the dog's life. As a result of the publicity that Yogi's case generates, Andy learns that the pooch's real name is Reggie and that he was a key witness to a murder five years earlier. Richard Evans, a U. S. Customs inspector, was convicted of killing his girlfriend, Stacy Harriman. Her decomposed body washed ashore after she and Richard went sailing off the New Jersey coast. Reggie, the golden retriever, was with them on the boat, but he disappeared until Andy's case made him a media hero. Richard's sister, Karen Evans, comes forward to identify the dog, and she asks Andy to do whatever he can to free her brother.

Andy's support staff includes Kevin Randall, his associate and a confirmed hypochondriac, Edna, his slothful secretary, and Marcus, his taciturn and intimidating investigator and bodyguard. Andy's girlfriend, Laurie Collins, is chief of police in Findlay, Wisconsin, and the two are making a valiant effort to maintain their long-distance relationship.

This novel is trademark Rosenfelt. It is filled with snappy dialogue, and Andy, the narrator, can always be counted on to deliver sarcastic quips and put himself down with self-deprecating humor. His best friends and beer buddies include Lieutenant Pete Stanton of the Paterson Police Department and newspaper reporter Vince Edwards, who take turns helping and Andy and teasing him unmercifully. Sam Willis is an accountant a computer hacker who can find arcane information about almost any topic or person.

Unfortunately, Richard Evans's case is anything but a slam dunk. Andy must demonstrate to a judge's satisfaction that a new trial is warranted in a matter that was settled half a decade ago. In addition, someone tries to kill him Andy a result of his effort to free Evans, and powerful individuals in the United States government have taken an unhealthy interest in Andy's activities. "Play Dead" is smoothly written, and it features engaging characters, amusing and well-crafted courtroom scenes, and a plot that is engrossing if somewhat far-fetched. This is a light and breezy summer read that is a must for lovers of shaggy dog mysteries.

PLAY DEAD is David Rosenfelt's sixth book starring his freewheeling, rule-bending New Jersey defense attorney Andy Carpenter. And it's one of his best. PLAY DEAD kicks off with Andy finding out that a golden retriever named Yogi is about to be put down for biting its owner. Andy, having a soft spot for golden retrievers (himself the owner of the glorious Tara), isn't about to let that happen. He goes to court and successfully reverses Yogi's death sentence. And that's that, right?

Wrong. It turns out that Yogi is supposed to have been dead for five years now. Yogi's real name is Reggie, and the actual owner is Richard Evans. Here's where it gets good. Five years ago, Evans was convicted of killing his girlfriend on his private boat, with Reggie believed to have been thrown overboard. Evans has spent the past half decade in incarceration. But, now, Reggie's sudden re-appearance calls to question the events surrounding the murder. Reggie, Andy supposes, might even be the key to finding out what really happened. When Richard's sister Karen asks him to prove her brother innocent, Andy caves.

It won't be easy, naturally. First, Andy and his oddball team have to present probable cause in order to get the case re-opened, and then there's that little thing of actually winning the re-trial. If that's not enough of a challenge, certain outside forces aren't willing to play nice (the mob, the U.S. Customs, an unknown federal government agency). And it's not enough that Andy finds his phone being tapped; now thugs are taking potshots at him.

In the light legal thriller genre, I hang my hat(s) on Paul Levine and David Rosenfelt (Paul Levine's Solomon Vs. Lord series, by the way, rocks mightily.). Both authors excel in balancing tongue-in-cheek with courtroom suspense. In PLAY DEAD Rosenfelt tops Levine just a tad with Andy's unprecedented and off-the-wall act of putting a dog on the witness stand ("The defense calls Reggie Evans."). And, somehow, Rosenfelt manages to pull it off, making the somewhat implausible plot seem logical (I don't really see real life lawyers getting away with half what our hero gets away with). Andy Carpenter, irreverent and maybe even a bit of a physical coward, continues to ingratiate himself with the reader. Work-ethically challenged and wealthy as sin, Andy can pick and choose his cases. That he'd take on the underdog cause of a convicted murderer, primarily because he owns a golden retriever, probably says everything there is to say about Andy.

For suckers of romance, there's ample sighting of Andy's Wisconsin Sheriff paramour, Laurie, who becomes concerned with Andy's case and flies in to Jersey on a makeshift vacation. Seems that long-distance thing is working out well for these two. For now. For quirkiness, the rest of the regulars are also here, including the monosyllabic and intimidating P.I./bodyguard Marcus, Andy's sarcastic cop buddy Pete, that computer hack Sam Willis (who often challenges Andy in a song quote-off), and Andy's hypochondriac law partner Kevin. Oh, and let's not forget the wondrous golden retriever Tara, who runs Andy's world and is magnanimous enough to share her home with Reggie.

I've always come away with a good feeling after finishing an Andy Carpenter book, and it's no different with PLAY DEAD. It's a whodunit which is perplexing enough (although it's one of those mysteries which'll have you slapping your head later and thinking, "Dang, I should've seen that coming." I didn't see it coming). The courtroom scenes leave you enough of Andy being Andy (although, he doesn't quite grandstand as much as he has in prior books). Not to be a Pollyanna, but this really ends up being a feel-good and heartwarming story. Especially if you love dogs. If you're into skullduggery, there's a far-reaching conspiracy which seeks to stump Andy at every turn. And, if you're just in this for a good time, well, then, Andy's snarky commentaries and observations will keep you on the smirky side of life.

Next to finally, chalk up the high-spirited Karen Evans as a very winning character. Dare I hope she'll become a recurring character? She was certainly hanging out enough in Andy's workplace.

Finally, check out Rosenfelt's acknowledgement page. It's a hoot.

murder, murder-investigation, conspiracy, contemporary, snarky, suspense

Two trials, multiple deaths, governmental obfuscation, and a dog that appears and is later kidnapped. Very suspenseful and very good.

Play Dead is my first David Rosenfelt book...I know, I know I read the series "out of order" but the timing was perfect. I have the flu so I just rested and read the book in 24 hours (okay I slept a lot in between) and I am giving it the top rating because it was an entertaining read. Living in NYC, you feel like you need a lawyer just to find out fun things about your basic human rights being violated, perhaps sueing, etc. and I actually hired the next William Kunstler but much cuter. After reading this book I would hire Andy Carpenter!

My Mom born in the Bronx is a New Jersey convert, not me, and she insisted I read David Rosenfelt's books because he writes about New Jersey and because of Tara, the lawyer's dog. I pass on the first reason but Mom was right about Tara. I am a huge dog lover although I have never had a dog; I think of the 45 at the dog shelter as mine! I volunteer at BARC so I appreciated this book even more for the many mentions of the dog shelters and the great love the author has for dogs.

It is not an earth shattering novel but it is fine and you get the vibe the author has the emotional make up of golden retriever and the main character too, even if he is a defense attorney (usually aka pitbulls) and oh, boy, a Mets fan. Mets fans are a unusual people and so is Andy who even has very good friends in the police dept. Go figure? Hey it is fiction and fun. I liked "Peter" the police detective a lot. There is very little earthy humor, my favorite but I found myself laughing and turning the page. Anything doing with ehem, I won't tell you anymore but if you read the book and think about it -- you know why I really enjoyed reading this book.

Dog lovers and mystery lovers well really enjoy this book.

Rosenfelt has done a terrific job keeping Andy Carpenter "fresh." With already a bunch of books about Andy winning "impossible" cases for clients that even Andy thinks are guilty, the author takes a new direction. Andy rescues a golden retriever (using pretty clever courtroom tactics) which he then adopts. Shortly after the sister Karen of Richard Evans who is the really owner of the dog (Reggie) approaches Andy to let him know that Richard is in jail for killing a girlfriend and Reggie. Karen was always sure of Richard's innocence and Reggie still being alive helps to prove that the prosecution's case was incorrect.

Andy agrees to try to get a new trial for Richard. As he does he seems to open a hornets nest of bad guys trying to stop Richard from government agents to the mob and shady customs officials. Andy elicits the aid of his normal entourage of associates (Kevin, Laurie, Marcus, Sam) to help him right the injustice to Richard and to stay alive himself while doing it.

Readers of the author's prior books will really enjoy this one. Newer readers will like it but will really love it if they can go and read some of the previous titles first.

What is Grisham Disease, you might be asking? It's when we readers aren't given all the information we need to help have a book make sense until we get to the last chapter, when all the missing details are handily provided. Grisham first displayed this disease in The Pelican Brief, and Rosenfelt shows some signs of it here.

Before we get to the last chapter(s) of this book it was a 5-star effort. Humor, mystery, suspense, and excellent pacing permeate the pages. The characters, though not as goofy as Evanovich's crew, are real and familiar to us long-time readers. The mystery is excellent (too excellent, as we're not give all our info until the book is almost over!).

I love this series, and will be back for the next installment despite my quibblings.

Andy Carpenter is visiting an animal shelter to pick up dogs for his foundation when he learns of Golden Retriever, Yogi on death row. He comes up with creative defense and saves the Yogi. Later he learns the dog is officially dead according a court records of a murder. Andy gets interested in the case and becomes involved. He saved Reggie can he gets his owner a new trial?

At the risk of going against the grain here - Play Dead is easily the dumbest book I've read in quite some time. I finished it simply to state that I did as I now review it. The book has the sophistication level and wit of a "Three's Company" episode - all that's missing is the canned laugh track.

This is the sixth entry in the Andy Carpenter series; Andy an independently wealthy defense attorney who takes on cases/clients that "move" him.

The book opens with our hero taking on the "legal" case of a dog on death-row. The poor hound has been found guilty of biting its "questionable owner" - as evidenced by the scars the dog bears - and is now in a shelter. The shelter is co-owned by our hero and after the requisite 10 days the hound will be "put down". After hours of research and thinking outside of the box, and unfortunately almost 60 pages, our brilliant legal eagle concocts a brilliant solution - He adopts the dog.

After "winning" the canine case Andy is promptly contacted by a woman whose brother was convicted of murdering his fiancee five years earlier. The impetus for the call - she recognized the aforementioned dog on the TV. Since Andy is a celebrity lawyer, his doggie case received vast media attention; this new "client" specifically recognizing the scars the dog bears. Never mind that it's been five years since she's seen the dog - which went missing at the time of the murder - or the fact that five pages earlier the scars were the "key" to Andy's case to save the dog, i.e. the result of mistreatment by the previous owner. With a leap of faith and before one can say, "Here Fido!", Andy is "moved" and takes on the case of the wrongly imprisoned brother/murderer.

This should give you a "feel" for both the pace and plot level of this book - and it goes downhill from there. "Clues" literally fall into Andy's lap and the initial case and trial which put his client behind bars are proved incorrect by some stellar investigation performed by Andy and his team. For instance Andy's crack computer whiz gets on the Web and finds out the murder victim wasn't who she said she was. (You'd think someone in law enforcement would have thought of this 5 years earlier, but no...)Hmmmmm, very mysterious, must mean some vast conspiracy and of course it is. This superficial level of investigative work and mystery solving goes on for 200+ pages and the less than satisfying solution comes out of nowhere in the last 10 pages of the book.

After a promising debut this series quickly ran out of steam. To say this book was "phoned in" implies a level of effort nowhere evident in the reading. Very disappointing.

Sure, Play Dead has some cutesy elements. The book opens with a heart-tugging story of a golden retriever, creating a huge "aw[...]" factor.

But the book actually goes way beyond cute. It's got a solid plot. I didn't find myself peeking ahead or wishing I could edit out a few paragraphs here and there.

The hero Andy maintains a consistent voice with a strong personality. He's got the typical amateur sleuth toolkit: the friendly cop, the computer genius, the helpful sidekick and of course the romantic interest.

The plot seems straightforward. Andy gets hired to prove the innocence of a man who has been in prison for five years. The key witness seems to be a dog; a dog who was supposed to be dead.

Poking around the Mafia and the government, and risking his own life, Andy uncovers the truth. It's a mystery lover's dream: tidy, plausible and ultimately satisfying.

For someone who has an innate distrust of the legal system, this book demonstrates how the "OJ effect" works. When you have enough money, you can dig deep and question the police case.

Early mysteries (think Perry Mason) showed the victorious defense attorney gaining immediate release for his client. The DA would admit defeat, acknowledging the need to serve justice.

Rosenfelt doesn't sugar-coat. District attorneys will fight to keep evidence out of court that suggests the defendant is innocent. It's not about guilt or innocence; it's a contest, as if the stakes were no higher than a football game.

Play Dead is worth reading on many levels. It's much more than a cute dog book. If you're called to jury duty, take it along. When they ask if you have questions, you just might have a few.

Another great Andy Carpenter story!!! I enjoy every one of his books...the humorous writing is what keeps me coming back! I recommend them to any dog lover, or anyone who enjoys the twist of words that makes one laugh!!!

"Play Dead," a novel by David Rosenvelt is a great book. David has lots of other novels like "Shut Up". I really liked this book because it wasn't one of those books where you know what's coming next. It is very suspenseful, which makes you want to keep reading. This is a great lawyer book and has very good detail. I think people that plan to be lawyers should read this book but doesn't mean it is limited to them.
This book is about a lawyer who has a passion for golden retrievers. He tries to get a dog from being put down which leads to another case which puts his life in jeopardy.
The best thing about the book is how it makes you think of all the hints and clues they give out early in the book to help solve the case at the end.

I like the author's Andy Carpenter stories generally, but this one was a bit far fetched. Things do not make a lot of sense which distracted from an otherwise interesting story line. It does have good humor and witty dialogues, both externally and internally. Worth a quick read, but not one of my favorites.

If you love dogs: Buy this one!! Lots of unexpected 'turns of events'. Attorney Andy Carpenter, saves the golden retriever's life, in a courtroom. Then the same dog and Andy, have to go to court to save the dog's master, who's been wrongly accused of murder. Keeps you involved and reading! Very entertaining.

A 2007 Summer reading list - mini review.

David Rosenfelt returns to form with a more intricately plotted and less predictable entry in his Andy Carpenter series than his flat previous effort Dead Center. After his trip to the Midwest, Andy is back in New Jersey and to doing what he does best: cracking jokes and cold cases. The humor is subdued a little, but generally right on target. Tip: do not miss the acknowledgments.

I find Rosenfelt's novels to be extremely entertaining and easy to read. The use of the plural form of the word 'novel' might be a bit of an overstatement, since one could argue that he has rewritten the same novel six times. Same characters, same plot, same outcome and no surprises on any of them. Yet, I have read all six and enjoyed every one.

His style is funny, witty and I love the sarcasm and self deprecation of the main character. All in all, it makes for light, enjoyable reading for those days when you just feel like relaxing and let the mind rest.

Eight hours of good, engaging and fun listening. Story is enjoyable, with humor and mild suspense and a fun, if a bit absurd (so what?), premise. The bad guys are enjoyably bad, the good guys have good days and bad days, and the protagonist is a wonderful New Jerseyan with New Jersey sensibilities, read by what sounds like a solid New Jerseyan who likes being a New Jerseyan and wants you to enjoy it, too. One of the better books we've listened to in a while.

This was my first David Rosenfelt book but it won't be my last. It was very enjoyable! He kept me guessing pretty much 'till the end (though I had an inkling about the solution but couldn't figure out the "how".)

Rosenfelt makes his main character very likeable - smart, but with a self-deprecating humor. That humor pops up fairly often, but never inappropriately so that suspense is maintained where it needs to be.

This was a complex, intriguing plot. I look forward to enjoying Rosenfelt's next books.

I don't read very many contemporary mysteries because I either dislike the main character or find the situation(s) boring. It was the book's cover that caught my eye (being a dog lover) and the great reviews so I decided to take the plunge. Once I started it was very difficult to put this book down! Andy Carpenter is a fun character, I loved all the minor characters as well and the story had plenty of twists to keep it compelling. And, of course, the dogs! I highly recommend this book. Can't wait to read 'New Tricks'!

With Play Dead, David Rosenfelt has done it again. His fumbling, endearing criminal defense attorney Andy Carpenter, dog lover extraordinaire, finds himself smack dab in the middle of another mystery he can't say no to. Add to his frantic desire to save a lovable golden retriever, an even more desperate sense that the dog's original owner is not the murderer he's accused of being, and you have a book you can't and won't want to put down. Rosenfelt has Janet Evanovich's seal of approval because, like her, he makes us laugh while also keeping us on the edge of our seat. Grab a cool one, plop into your favorite chair and enjoy. This one's the perfect summer read.

Even though sometimes it feels like some of the scenarios are a little bit of a stretch, it is a lovely book that you would not want to put down even for 5 minutes, especially if you are a dog lover and a truth-fighter. Just remember - your doggie still needs a walk :-)

All of the Andy Carpenter books are great. The stories are told in first person and I listen to the audio books. Andy is funny and the supporting characters are good people you care about. You find yourself rooting for them to succeed. Easy reads/listens with snappy dialog and interesting story lines.

This is my first David Rosenfelt book, to be honest I went for it because of the dog involved in the plot (not to mention the cover shot...what can i say...i'm a dog person). Anyway, great book; a wonderfully entertaining read. I am now looking forward to reading his previous works.

His humor is in the same dry witty genre as Janet Evonovich and Harlan Coben.

David Rosenfelt is one of my favorite writers right up there with Harlon Coben, James Grippando and Ridley Pearson. I have read all his books and can't wait for the next. Andy Carpenter is funny, lovable and so all male. Everyone of Rosenfelt's books were so hard to put down, I highly recommend starting with his first book and continuing to read all six.

Another solid book by David Rosenfelt! As always with Rosenfelt, he provides a quick and enjoyable read. He did a pretty good job of keeping me guessing. Play Dead is a page turner. Anyone who likes a good murder mystery with some dry wit and man's best friend thrown into the mix should pick up a copy of Play Dead. You won't regret the few hours of escape you get!

Raymond Chandler is back. Just not with the trenchcoat. Or the noir. Or in LA.

Okay, how about the illegitimate son of Raymond Chandler and Tammy Hoag is back? Hmmm, Tammy is a little too gritty. Maybe Patricia Cornwell? No, too much medical stuff. John Grisham or David Baldacci? Much closer. But how would they have a son with Raymond Chandler? Maybe they all used a surrogate?

If you are a fan of legal thrillers, Raymond Chandler and dogs, add Play Dead add to your "must read" list.

This book completely surprised me with the realistic musings and the clever use of words. It made me laugh out loud quite a few times. All that on top of a murder-mystery plot: I could not expect more. This was my first book by David Rosenfelt and I intend to track down all his other books.