Audible Book Review: Nine Lives: A Lily Dale Mystery by Wendy Corsi Staub

I enjoyed this lighter mystery set in a psychic community.

Nine Lives: A Lily Dale Mystery
By: Wendy Corsi Staub
Narrated by: Melanie Ewbank

Series: Lily Dale Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs
Release date: 10-27-15
Publisher: Crooked Lane
Genre: Cozy, Mystery, Psychic, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
After the death of her husband, Bella Jordan and her son need a fresh start. But on their way to stay with family in Chicago, they stop in Lily Dale, New York, and a storm forces them to spend the night.
Brimming with kooky psychics and mediums, Lily Dale is just the kind of quirky little town Bella's late husband always talked about settling down in. So when the local hotelier, Leona, passes away, Bella agrees to step in and help temporarily. The longer she and Max stay there, the more Lily Dale starts to feel like home.
But for Bella, finding a home means finding danger, too. Leona was murdered, and it's up to Bella to track down the killer before her sanctuary comes crashing down in Staub's warm and witty new series debut.
©2015 Wendi Corsi Staub (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Bella has struggled financially after losing her husband to expensive illness and then her job. Her landlord gave her notice, so she is leaving her family home with her five year old son, Max. She isn’t happy to be headed to Chicago to stay with her unpleasant, judgmental mother-in-law. She has little money so plans to camp out each night. The first night, she sees a sign for a campground that puts her in the direction of Lily Dale, New York. A storm and broken down car have her spending the night at an inn whose owner recently died. The neighbor convinces Bella to stay on and take care of the Inn, at least until the car is fixed, although she is implying that Bella is supposed to be in Lily Dale.

Bella soon learns that the town is full of psychics and mediums who profess to speak to spirits. She isn’t quick to believe the avid seers but even her son, Max, is starting to make predictions. Bella is caught between wanting to get out of town and wanting to find a home that is positive for Max and herself. Could Lily Dale be such a home? But it seems she is in danger if she can’t figure out who killed the previous owner.

I enjoyed the quirky community of Lily Dale. Bella doesn’t’ fit in as a psychic, but she does have pretty good instincts and the place grows on her. I enjoyed Max getting to make friends and a few possible future romantic friends for Bella too. I read Wendy Staub years ago and thought that I recalled she provided sound romantic suspense. I enjoyed this lighter mystery and I plan to listen to more in the series. I recommend it to cozy mystery fans who like psychic elements.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Melanie Ewbank perfectly fine. Her voice seemed to match Bella’s character and nature. The audio made it an easy listen for me.

Source: May 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Introducing Agatha Raisin: The Quiche of Death and The Vicious Vet By: M. C. Beaton

These amateur mystery stories were fun. (It is also an “I” title and has an Occupation in the title.)
Introducing Agatha Raisin: The Quiche of Death and The Vicious Vet
By: M. C. Beaton
Narrated by: Penelope Keith, Diana Bishop

Series: Agatha Raisin Mysteries, Book 1-2
Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
Release date: 08-25-16
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Amateur Detective, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death
Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely, and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest. Despite the fact that Agatha has never baked a thing in her life, she is sure the pie she has secretly bought from an upper-crust London quicherie will make her the toast of the town. But her recipe for social advancement sours when the judge not only snubs her entry―but falls over dead!
Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet
Agatha Raisin hasn't quite adjusted to the slow pace of village life, or to the failure of her overtures to her handsome neighbor, James Lacey. Since the new vet in town is young and good looking, Agatha's perfectly healthy tabby endures a nasty physical exam in the name of romance. Unfortunately, his sacrifice is all for naught when the vet is soon found dead. The police call the death a freak accident, but Agatha convinces James that playing amateur detective might be fun. Unfortunately, just as curiosity killed the cat, Agatha's inept snooping is soon a motivation for murder.
©2016 M. C. Beaton (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death
Agatha Raisin sold her successful PR firm to fulfill a dream of retirement in the quiet English village, Carsely. She quickly learns that she is an outsider who doesn’t quite fit in. Agatha has made one friend with the local preacher’s wife who convinces her to join the ladies’ service group which meets to enjoy friendship and plan ways to raise money for good causes. In an effort to gain attention and approval, Agatha enters the club’s baking contest, where she tries to pass off a specialty quiche out of London as homemade. Her fraud may have gone unnoticed except that the clearly biased judge turns up dead the next morning after eating her left over quiche.

Agatha becomes friends with the young detective, Bill Wong, as he investigates the murder. Agatha is quick to suggest suspects, but she is also quick to run off to interview them herself. Wong tells her to stay away from the investigation but Agatha just can’t help herself. Of course, she keeps pushing until she places herself in the presence of the murderer.

Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet
Agatha is continuing to adjust to her life in a new, quieter community. Many of the ladies in town are interested in Agatha’s new next door neighbor, an attractive, single man, James. Agatha figures she has the advantage being next door but her interest turns into obsessive pursuit that send James hiding.

When a young good looking vet arrives in town, Agatha, and other ladies, turn their eyes to him. Agatha takes her new tabby cat for a visit only to find the vet rather rough on pet. But he does ask her out, giving her a boost of confidence. When the vet turns up dead, Agatha doesn’t think it was an accident. She soon sets off on her amateur sleuthing again, drawing James into the interviews and unauthorized investigations.

Agatha has a good eye for detail that helps her unravel clues. As in any good cozy, this gets her into trouble. I mostly enjoyed Agatha as a bright, business minded character. I say mostly because her chasing after the men in the second book became annoying to me. I like her friendship with Detective Bill Wong and her slowly growing friendship with others in the community. The mysteries are nicely plotted and made it fun to figure out the villains. I look forward to reading more in the series and I recommend this to fans of amateur, cozy mysteries.

Audio Notes: The stories were read by two different narrators, Penelope Keith and Diana Bishop. They both presented the stories with wonderful British flare and I really didn’t note the difference. I think they captured the main character well and I enjoyed both narrations. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the stories.

Source: 7/19/2021 I picked these from the Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Alphabet, and Occupation goals.

Audio Book Review: Murder in Her Stocking by G. A. McKevett

This cozy mystery wasn't a hit for me. (I love the cover though.)

Murder in Her Stocking
by G. A. McKevett
Read by Mil Nicholson

A Granny Reid Mystery
Run Time 9h 36min
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Christmas, Cozy, Mystery, Women Sleuth
My Rating: 3.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 3.25.

Publisher Description
Christmas has arrived in sleepy McGill, Georgia, but holiday cheer can’t keep temperamental Stella Reid from swinging a rolling pin at anyone who crosses her bad side.
This season, there are plenty. First, an anonymous grinch vandalizes a celebrated nativity display. Far worse, the scandalous Prissy Carr is found dead in an alley behind a tavern. With police puzzled over the murder, Stella decides to stir the local gossip pot for clues on the culprit’s identity, and it turns out that Prissy held a prominent spot on the naughty list. Soon, suspects are piling up like presents on Christmas morning.
Unfortunately, the more progress Stella makes, the more she must confront. With a neighbor in peril and the future of her beloved grandchildren at risk, Stella must somehow set everything straight and bring a cunning criminal to justice before December 25th....

Review:
Stella is a disciplinarian but sweet grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She can be considered pretty fierce by others especially if she is protecting those grandchildren. One night Stella hears a sound in the alley behind the tavern and she arrives in time to hold Prissy Carr as she is dying from an attack. Prissy is a known ‘loose woman’, so she has developed some enemies along the way. The police are investigating but Stella thinks she might be able to uncover the real culprit before Christmas.

Meanwhile Stella is trying to cheer her long-time friend whose husband has left taking all the wealth. Also, Stella is trying to keep her grandchildren from being damaged by their alcoholic mother. The eldest granddaughter, twelve-year-old Savannah, does her best to handle the others but it isn’t easy.

The story is set in the 1980s in Georgia. Stella is a widow in her 60s. The sheriff in town has had a long-time crush on her. It’s been several years since her husband died and maybe its time to accept the help of a willing man.

The story is sweet but has a dreary feel with the level of poverty and struggles for Stella and her family. There are less than likeable characters with cigarettes and booze and perhaps that influenced my view. There is warmth in the grandmotherly wisdom and the strength of the sheriff. Unfortunately, I felt the mystery was disjointed as it shared the spotlight with Stella’s family traumas. There are plenty of favorable reviews so cozy fans might want to try this. I understand it is a spin off from another popular series by this author.

Audio Notes: My lower review may also be the result of my being uncomfortable with the narrator. It may be that Mil Nicholson was a fitting voice for the setting and characters. It just wasn’t comfortable for me. In this instance, the narration detracted from my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/16/2021 Purchased at Chirp for $2.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Eli Carter and the Ghost Hackers, Book 1 The Cat Who Went Bump in the Night by Angela Pepper

This is a quick, light, rather zany story.
#FRATERFEST-5.

Eli Carter and the Ghost Hackers Books 1-3 Series Boxed Set
Written by Angela Pepper
Narrated by John Pirhalla

Run Time 10h 35min
Release date: 08-20-20
Publisher: Angela Pepper
Genre: Cozy, Fantasy, Private Investigator, Supernatural
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

BOOK 1: The Cat Who Went Bump in the Night.

Eli Carter is a smart (yet strange) guy trapped in a dead-end career. When he meets smooth-talking Khan Hart, a self-proclaimed necromancer, he's given the opportunity to become a hero. As soon as he takes the job working for Ghost Hackers, Eli's life takes a turn for the paranormal. For starters, something under his bed is trying to kill him. Now Eli must team up with Khan, face down his fears, and kick the butt of one very strange ghost.

Review:
The blurb covers the summary of characters and events pretty well. Eli is a rather nondescript guy with a girlfriend who is controlling and not likeable by me. I hope he loses her along the way. There is craziness in the mix from the cat-like monster that sits on Eli’s chest at bedtime to the elderly man who thinks something is wrong with his microwave. Eli doesn’t really understand the assignment on his first night out, so he misses the evidence. Yet he returns and stumbles upon a resolution.

This is a quick, easy listen. It is a little confusing but fun. I recommend that fans of paranormal give this a try. I have the box set so I will listen to more.

Audio Notes: John Pirhalla did a good job with the narration. His voice is young and energetic. His delivery enhanced the story for me.

Source: 9/11/2021 Chirp Purchase $.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Holy Chow (Andy Carpenter #25) by David Rosenfelt

This is another good mystery in the Andy Carpenter legal antics, and raises questions of possible enemy infiltration.

Holy Chow, (Andy Carpenter #25)
by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 07-05-22
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Animal, Cozy, Legal, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

I am enjoying this episode in the legal efforts of Andy Carpenter.
In Holy Chow, the next mystery from bestselling author David Rosenfelt, the beloved characters—both human and canine—of this fan favorite series are back on the case with the author’s trademark wit and humor.
Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter’s calling has always been running the Tara Foundation. The dog rescue organization places hundreds of dogs in new homes every year. It’s added up to so many dogs and new owners that Andy can’t even do the math. But there’s one dog—and one owner—Andy will always remember.
About a year ago, Rachel Morehouse came to the foundation looking for a companion. In her sixties and recently widowed, Rachel wanted a senior dog that also needed someone. Andy took a liking to her, Rachel took a liking to Lion, an older Chow Chow, and the rest is history.
That is, until Rachel calls Andy begging for a favor: If Rachel dies, will Andy take care of Lion if her stepson cannot? Andy agrees, no questions asked, and promptly forgets about it... until he receives a call from Rachel’s estate to attend her will reading. Which is where he meets Rachel’s stepson, Tony, who is promptly arrested for his stepmother’s murder. And he wants Andy to prove his innocence.
Andy has continued to learn more about the woman he so greatly admired and the businesses she ran, and holy chow, was this woman impressive. The person who killed her deserves to be held accountable, and if Tony is to be believed, they’re still out there. And that possibility is too much for Andy to remain on the sidelines.

Review:
Andy is a wealthy criminal lawyer who would rather enjoy his dog rescue foundation, the Tara Foundation, than practice law. Still, he always gets pulled into a case – or there wouldn’t be a story. In this episode, Rachel Morehouse, who adopted an older Chow Chow named Lion, calls Andy to ask if he would take care of Lion if her stepson won’t, if she dies. A few days later Andy gets a call to attend the reading of Rachel’s Will. When Rachel’s stepson, Tony, is arrested for her murder, he asks Andy to take his case.

Andy reluctantly takes the case and pulls together his investigative team: wife and investigator Laurie, retired cop and investigator Corey with K9, Simon, bodyguard Marcus, finance/ computer wizard Sam, and co-counsel Eddie. The crew is ready to find theories to overcome the circumstantial evidence that points to Tony as the murderer.

As Andy and the team push for clues, some of the witnesses begin to die. Then someone comes after Andy hoping to stop him. Of course, that won’t work with Marcus around, and Andy gets to show his talents in trial once again. He begins to present a story of foreign infiltration that could be scary.

I enjoy the trail of clues as well as the procedures in court in this series…all wrapped in with Andy’s sardonic snark. I enjoy each episode and recommend that mystery fans start at the beginning.

Audio Notes: I always appreciate Grover Gardner as the narrator for this series. He captures the voices of the different characters. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Source: June 2022 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2022NetGalley and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman

I totally enjoyed this Historical mystery.
A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder
Written by Dianne Freeman
Narrated by Sarah Zimmerman

Run Time: 8h5m
Featured in: Agatha Award Winner
Release Date: June 26, 2018
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Genre: Cozy, Historical, Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher Description
Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, enjoys more freedom as a widow than she did as a wife. After an obligatory year spent mourning her philandering husband, Reggie, she puts aside her drab black gowns, leaving the countryside and her money-grubbing in-laws behind. With her young daughter in tow, Frances rents a home in Belgravia and prepares to welcome her sister, Lily, arriving from New York—for her first London season.
No sooner has Frances begun her new life than the ghosts of her old one make an unwelcome appearance. The Metropolitan police receive an anonymous letter implicating Frances in her husband’s death. Frances assures Inspector Delaney of her innocence, but she’s also keen to keep him from learning the scandalous circumstances of Reggie’s demise. As fate would have it, her dashing new neighbor, George Hazelton, is one of only two other people aware of the full story.
While busy with social engagements on Lily’s behalf, and worrying if Reggie really was murdered, Frances learns of mysterious burglaries plaguing London’s elite. The investigation brings death to her doorstep, and Frances rallies her wits, a circle of gossips, and the ever-chivalrous Mr. Hazelton to uncover the truth.

Review:
Frances Wynn is a young widow at the turn of the century, 1899. Frances is an American heiress who married into nobility to become Countess of Harleigh. The marriage didn’t turn out as pleasant as she would like so she is glad to be finishing her period of mourning for her wastrel and unfaithful husband, Reggie. She is also ready to leave the Harleigh Estate and her greedy, mooching brother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Frances takes her young daughter and moves into a home in the nice Belgravia neighborhood of London. Her first surprise is to discover that George Hazelton is her next-door neighbor. George is a very nice man, but he is one of two people who knows the true and embarrassing circumstances regarding Reggie’s death by heart attack.

Frances doesn’t want to seek help from George again, but he is ready and willing to help protect her when the police receive an anonymous letter implying that Frances poisoned her husband. Frances is also coping with a lawsuit by her brother-in-law trying to get control of her funds. The arrival of her younger sister, Lily, for her first season in London might be a problem except she comes baring funds that will help Frances in the interim. Frances’ aunt is helpful as Lily’s chaperone and a wise guide to Frances.

While trying to protect Lily from unsuitable suitors, Frances becomes involved in the activities of a thief who is taking valuables during the society events. Suddenly Frances, with the help of George, is trying to solve the possible murder of her husband, protect Lily, and uncover a thief.

I really enjoyed the characters, the mysteries, and the turn of the century setting of this story. Frances is a good mix of decorum with the addition of American independence. Most Victorian historicals are before vehicles and telephones so it was interesting to have these elements included in the story. There is attraction between Lily and George but not yet romance. I will definitely be picking up book 2 of the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean, historical cozy mysteries.

Audio Notes: Sarah Zimmerman does a beautiful job with the narration. I liked the voices and the pacing – all good. I will enjoy listening to more by this narrator.

Source: 9/27/19 Chirp $1.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Night of the Living Deed by E.J. Copperman

This is a fun, cozy mystery perfect for a spooky month (or other days) listen.
Night of the Living Deed
By: E.J. Copperman
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi

Book 1 in the Haunted Guesthouse series
Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 10-22-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Cozy, Ghost, Supernatural, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Welcome to the first Haunted Guest House mystery - the getaway every reader can afford.
Newly divorced Alison Kerby wants a second chance for herself and her nine-year-old daughter. She's returned to her hometown on the Jersey Shore to transform a Victorian fixer-upper into a charming-and profitable guest house. One small problem: the house is haunted, and the two ghosts insist Alison must find out who killed them.
©2010 Jeffrey Cohen (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Alison is a new divorcee who has returned to her hometown with her nine-year-old daughter, Melissa. Alison plans to turn a Victorian ‘estate’ home on the Jersey Shore into a guest house for vacationers. Shortly after beginning the remodeling of the house, she begins to experience unusual events, one of which knocks her out. When she comes to, she is surprised to have a man and a woman hovering over her. The problem is, they aren’t real people… they are ghosts. Alison learns that Maxi, the former owner of the house, and Paul, a private detective she hired, were murdered, and died in the house.

Alison doesn’t want her friends to think she is crazy, but she soon realizes that Melissa can see the ghosts too and she hasn’t been shy about sharing the sightings with her school friends. More disturbing is the fact that Alison receives threats to get out of the house. The local police detective doesn’t give the threats much credit, so Alison sets out to investigate with the insistence and guidance of Paul.

This is a fun listen with some tongue in cheek banter. Maxi is a bit of a pistol who is ready to take her frustrations and resentment out on Alison. The investigation leads Alison to interview various characters, several of whom had opportunity and possible money motives. Alison also finds a spark with Melissa’s history teacher who is eager to see the house and has a theory why someone may be pushing to get the owners out of the house.  I like the deed and history connection.

I enjoyed the characters, living and deceased, and the mystery. There are a couple of fun twists as the story reaches resolution. I am glad that I have more books in the series which came free through the Audible Plus catalog. I recommend this to fans of cozy mysteries with ghostly ‘friends’.

Audio Notes: Amanda Ronconi is a fine narrator who delivers these characters with fitting voices and distinguishing quirks. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: October 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Murder on New Year's Eve, A Ridgeway Rescue Mystery, Book 1, by P. Creedan

The mystery is fine but the character seems like a teen.
Murder on New Year's Eve
A Ridgeway Rescue Mystery, Book 1
By: P. Creeden
Narrated by: Shaniese Reyes

Length: 1 hr and 11 mins
Release date: 08-15-19
Publisher: Pauline Creeden
Genre: Cozy, Animal, Mystery
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 3.75.

Publisher's Summary
Ridgeway Rescue Mysteries can be enjoyed in one to two hours. Perfect for when you're waiting for an appointment or just want a fast listen. Don't miss out on this quick, clean, cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the end!
It's New Year’s Eve, and 20-year-old Emma Wright has a date with her crush - well, not a real date, but she can dream! Colby Davidson, the K9 search and rescue deputy, is allowing her to accompany him while he’s on patrol at the Ridgeway Illumination Festival. Though they are just friends, she’s still hoping for a possible kiss at the end of the festivities.
When a stranger asks them to help take some pictures at the event, Emma and Colby are happy to oblige. But their assistance turns them into alibis for the man’s whereabouts while his girlfriend was killed. Most of the clues point to a robbery gone bad, but Emma doesn’t believe all of them point that way. Was it really a robbery, or was it murder?
©2018 Pauline Creeden (P)2019 Pauline Creeden

Review:
Emma, a twenty-something, is the daughter of the local Sheriff and has a crush on the K9 search and rescue deputy, Colby. Colby has a well-trained K9 Shepherd, Gabby, while Emma is struggling to train her new foster dog, Molly, an exuberant Saint Bernard puppy.

Colby has agreed to have Emma accompany him on the New Year’s Eve patrol at the Ridgeway Illumination Festival and she is hoping for a kiss. As the lighting event proceeds the lights will spell out Happy New Year. A stranger steps up and asks that Colby and Emma take his picture with the lights. Before the last lights are lit, Emma’s father arrives to question the man about the death of his girlfriend. As alibi witnesses, Emma and Colby join the Sheriff and the suspect as the crime scene is investigated. Initially the clues indicate a robbery gone bad but Emma spots details that challenge that theory.

I did enjoy the mystery even though I struggled with Emma’s character. She is sweet and very observant, but her crush is expressed much more like a teen than a twenty-year-old. The story writing also seemed a juvenile style. Still, this is an easy, quick listen with a fun mystery to enjoy especially on New Year’s Eve.

Audio Notes: Shaniese Reyes is a new narrator for me. Her young voice certainly fit the story which she delivers more as a read rather than giving unique voices to the characters. This contributed to the ‘young’ sound of the book.

Source: Sale at Audible November 2019 $5.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The K Team by David Rosenfelt

Full of the usual Rosenfelt humor and mystery... and dogs included.

The K Team
by David Rosenfelt

File Size: 3187 KB
Print Length: 292 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250257190
Publisher: Minotaur Books (March 24, 2020)
ASIN: B07S7L676S
Genre: Canine, Cozy, Mystery, Private Investigator
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

From bestselling mystery author David Rosenfelt comes a new series – a spinoff of the much beloved Andy Carpenter mysteries – about a dynamic new investigative team featuring a determined former cop and his loyal German Shepherd.
Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, Simon Garfunkel, have recently retired from the police force. Not ready to give up the life yet, they come up with a proposal for fellow former cop, Laurie Carpenter, and her investigating partner, Marcus. Laurie and Marcus – who help out Laurie’s lawyer husband Andy on cases – have been chafing to jump back into investigating on their own, so they are in.
They call themselves the K Team, in honor of Simon. Their first job as private investigators comes to them from Judge Henry Henderson, who's known as a very tough but fair judge, and they've all come up against him in court at one time or another. Though it's hard to believe, Judge Henderson is being blackmailed and extorted, and he doesn't want to involve the police--he needs the K Team to figure out why.

Review:
Corey Douglas is a retired Paterson, NJ cop. He was fortunate to get to retire with his K-9 partner, a Shepherd, Simon Garfunkel. Corey used to work with Laurie Carpenter and they have now joined to start a firm of private investigators, with their third partner, Marcus, who tends to be as much a bodyguard as an investigator.

The new team is called in by a local judge who wants them to uncover a blackmail scheme that is threatening him. Andy Carpenter (Laurie’s husband), a languid but sharp lawyer, is present but not part of the team at the Judge’s request. The team begins their intrepid investigation and Corey runs along a few herrings. Bit by bit they hone in on the truth. Although I guessed part of the mystery there were reveals and surprises through the end.

Corey is an interesting character – a cop with confidence but commitment issues that are part of his storyline. I enjoyed this team and was glad that Andy got to step in to help. The tone, plotline, and characters will be very familiar to those who enjoy the Andy Carpenter series. The reading is comfortably engaging with the author's usual humor. I would recommend it to those who already enjoy Rosenfelt and to those who would like to find a new, easy reading mystery series that includes canines as added characters.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020 TBR, 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.