Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "First Degree: An Andy Carpenter Mystery" by David Rosenfelt

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Review of "First Degree: An Andy Carpenter Mystery" by David Rosenfelt

In this 2nd book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, the criminal defense lawyer has his girlfriend as a client. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****

Ever since defense attorney Andy Carpenter inherited 22 million dollars from his father, he's been very picky about the cases he takes.

So when Geoffrey Stynes waltzes into Carpenter's Paterson, New Jersey office and says he's about to be arrested for killing a cop named Alex Dorsey, Carpenter refuses to represent him.....even though Andy knows Dorsey was a corrupt officer.

Carpenter's girlfriend Laurie Collins, a former cop, worked under Dorsey and knew he was bent. When she reported the slimeball to police higher-ups, however, Dorsey was barely rebuked and Laurie was pushed out of the police force. She now works as Andy's private investigator.

In the end case, Stynes isn't charged with Dorsey's death. Instead, a drug dealer named Oscar Garcia is arrested for the murder, and Andy - knowing Garcia is innocent - feels obliged to defend him.

Garcia has an alibi, though, and the authorities proceed to arrest Andy's gal Laurie for Dorsey's murder.....and they have a LOT of evidence.

Andy becomes Laurie's attorney, and - when he starts looking into the case - discovers that the rigmarole with Stynes and Garcia was someone's elaborate scheme to frame his sweetheart. Andy and his colleagues go into high gear to prepare Laurie's case. Even Edna - Andy's work-averse secretary - toils day and night to help clear Laurie's name....much to Andy's amazement. 😊

Laurie gets a speedy trial, and the courtroom scenes are very entertaining, with Andy constantly wisecracking and outwitting the prosecution. It's like a comedy version of Law and Order.

Andy also takes time to hang out with his golden retriever Tara, an endearing pooch who loves walks, treats, and attention.

Thus Andy is thrilled when another one of his clients, Willie Miller - who's about to get a settlement for wrongful imprisonment - adopts a rescue dog. In the end, Willie's affection for canines leads to good news for the dog population of Paterson, New Jersey.

Of course Laurie's situation is eventually resolved, and some surprises crop up along the way.

I enjoyed this entertaining light mystery and recommend it to fans of the genre.

Rating: 3 stars

3 comments:

Jacqui Murray--Writer-TeacherJune 12, 2019 at 11:12 AM
I've read many of this series. Loved it, still like it, but 3/5 sounds about right.
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Carla Loves to ReadJune 12, 2019 at 12:32 PM
Nice review Barb. I have read a few later ones in this series and have wanted to go back and read the beginning ones. I think I might finally make time to do that.
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Barb SafferJune 12, 2019 at 2:56 PM
Thank you for your comments Jacqui and Carla.😊🌹🌺
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Barb's Book Reviews

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Review of "First Degree: An Andy Carpenter Mystery" by David Rosenfelt

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