Edgar-finalist Rosenfelt's riveting sixth legal thriller (after 2006's Dead Center) brings independently wealthy Paterson, N.J., lawyer Andy Carpenter to the defense of a very special domestic violence victim, Yogi, a golden retriever alleged to have bitten its owner. Andy uses the court system to spring Yogi from an animal shelter's death row and adopt him, adding the dog to a small family that includes longtime pet golden Tara.
But when the gang goes for a walk that leads to a joyful reunion between Yogi and a woman named Karen Evans, Andy learns Yogi is actually Reggie, presumed dead five years earlier after the conviction of Karen's brother, U.S. Customs Inspector Richard Evans, for the murder of his fiancee, Stacy Harriman. Suspecting Richard's innocence, Andy tackles the case like a dog on a chew toy, undeterred by an intricate web of deception involving a possible government coverup. No shaggy dog story, this puppy's alive with reliable Rosenfelt wit and heart.
This is a great story with a really great beginning. David Rosenfelt seems to start all of his stories with a humorous diversion that leads into the story proper. And 'Play Dead' is no exception. This time out, he has delivered a wonderful tale that is filled with humorous dialog reflecting his characters inner most thoughts, attitudes and personality. Well worth listening to.
BeeJ
2009/05/25
What a voice!!
Grover Gardner is the same narrator who did another book I reviewed (The Cask of Amontillado), but this is the first David Rosenfelt / Grover Gardner combination I have heard. His voice is so PERFECT for the way this Northern New Jersey lawyer was written.
Even the Acknowledgments at the end are so very Andy Carpenter.
And the hook of the golden retriever angle is great. I would recommend it to both Trial Junkies, and Dog Lovers.
I can't wait to start the other
