#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Flop Dead Gorgeous: An Andy Carpenter Mystery by Davide Rosenfelt

This is another good Andy Carpenter legal thriller that was a quick listen.

Flop Dead Gorgeous: An Andy Carpenter Mystery
By David Rosenfelt
Narrator: Grover Gardner

Series: An Andy Carpenter Novel, Book 27 Length: 6hr 43min
Release date: 07-04-23
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Legal Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Lights, camera, action in bestselling author David Rosenfelt’s Flop Dead Gorgeous , as Andy Carpenter goes bicoastal to prove an old friend’s innocence.
Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter remembers every dog that’s come through the Tara Foundation’s doors, but the most well-known alum of the dog rescue organization that Andy founded in Paterson, New Jersey, may be Mamie. Adopted by famous actress Jenny Nichols―Andy’s high school girlfriend―the miniature French poodle is now practically a starlet in her own right.
Andy doesn’t hold it against his friend. In fact, he and his wife, Laurie, have dinner with Jenny while she’s in town filming her next big hit. But after an eventful meal, there’s a plot twist the next morning that none of them see Jenny’s costar is found dead, a knife in his back. It’s not long before Jenny is arrested for the murder and finds herself in need of Andy’s legal services.
While Mamie becomes reacquainted with Tara, Andy’s golden retriever, Andy digs into the lives of the rich and famous.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a millionaire lawyer who would rather be retired and working with his dog rescue, Tara’s Foundation, named after his golden retriever. But Andy is continually pulled in to representing people he knows, or are friends of friends, who are in desperate need of his services. A famous actress, Jenny Nichols, who rescued a miniature French poodle from Tara’s Foundation, has now been accused of killing her current costar. Few people know that Andy dated Jenny in high school so of course he is going to step up to take on her defense.

All of the usual investigation team get pulled in to help. This includes Andy’s wife, Laurie, a former Paterson police officer, Marcus, Andy’s brutish bodyguard, Sam, the finance / computer wizard, and investigator Corey with his K9 partner, Simon. The team begins to pursue connections that bring threats to Andy’s life.

The pattern of these stories is similar. It seems pretty clear the accused is innocent. The actual killer is often attached to the mob, a terrorist group, or similar crime syndicate that has an obscure connection to the victim. Andy and his team are able to gather details but may not be able to get admissible evidence in time for the trial. At the last minute some evidence or admission (often with the help of Federal agents) is delivered to save the case.

Even though this story fits the repeated pattern, the investigation into connected clues and ‘Andy snark’ make the story worth the read/listen. This is an on-going legal mystery series I enjoy and recommend. I have missed a few stories in the middle of the series and I am glad that the later stories are able to be read as stand alone stories with the proviso that you have read the first several books so that you get to know Andy and his team.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner has this series down pat. He provides the perfect accents and attitudes of the characters. I totally enjoy listening to Gardner’s performance of this series.

Source: June 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis

This vintage (1935) dystopian is still relevant to current events.

It Can't Happen Here
by Sinclair Lewis
Read by Grover Gardner

Run Time 14h 28min
Release Date: July 5, 2016
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Genre: Classics, Dystopian, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
First published in 1935, when Americans were still largely oblivious to the rise of Hitler in Europe, this prescient novel tells a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and offers an alarming, eerily timeless look at how fascism could take hold in America.
Doremus Jessup, a newspaper editor, is dismayed to find that many of the people he knows support presidential candidate Berzelius Windrip. The suspiciously fascist Windrip is offering to save the nation from sex, crime, welfare cheats, and a liberal press. But after Windrip wins the election, dissent soon becomes dangerous for Jessup. Windrip forcibly gains control of Congress and the Supreme Court and, with the aid of his personal paramilitary storm troopers, turns the United States into a totalitarian state.

Review:
Doremus Jessup is a smallish town newspaper editor in New England (Vermont) in the 1930s. He is upset when so many people support presidential candidate Berzeliur Windrip who is offering better than a chicken in every pot. Windrip is offering $5,000.00 per person. After Windrip wins, he removes Supreme Court Justices that don’t support his policies and takes control of Congress too. There is no free money. And there is no free speech either. Very soon any grumbling and news opinions speaking out against the government is being squelched.

Doremus is removed from his position but forced to remain in the office to train a Windrip picked new editor in the ropes of publishing. Of course, it is also a way to keep Doremus quiet.

Slowly members of Doremus family and community are impacted. His son-in-law is murdered for speaking out, leaving his daughter festering for revenge. But many in the community accept the new local government, including the brown shirted military that is present to keep the people in line.

Eventually Doremus is recruited to aid an underground effort to revolt against the fascist policies of Windrip. A handful of locals are printing underground news and distributing it out to other disgruntled communities across the northeast. The group is at risk since there are spies, even from their neighbors. An attempt to escape to Canada falls through and Doremus and his cohorts end up in a local jail /camp for dissenters.

The story includes “sheeple” and minor, individual heroics. It includes commentary on historical forms of government which is informative. I didn’t find the book particularly exciting, but it was interesting. And it is even more interesting that it was written before WWII and the rise of Hitler.

This text from this vintage work is still timely as in today’s world you hear unrealistic promises in campaigns, and you see censorship of free speech even by supposed journalists. It made me wonder how this could happen, but when you see people willing to rely so much on government that they give up freedoms and rights. This story was satire, but today it is scary and distressing. I recommend this classic to readers who are willing to read about how fascism and censorship can be used to change society.

Audio Notes: I have enjoyed Grover Gardner’s narration in many different works. His dry delivery fit well with this story. I’m glad I had the opportunity to listen to this classic.

Source: 7/10/19 Chirp Purchase $3.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Review: Santa's Little Yelpers by David Rosenfelt

I always enjoy the legal process and police procedures of this series. This did not disappoint.
Santa's Little Yelpers
An Andy Carpenter Mystery
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Series: An Andy Carpenter Novel, Book 26
Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
Release date: 10-11-22
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Animals, Lawyer, Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
This program is read by award-winning longtime series narrator, Grover Gardner.
"Listening to Grover Gardner narrating a David Rosenfelt novel is like sliding into favorite slippers at the end of a long day: One feels the joyful gratification of a perfect fit."—AudioFile Magazine on Bark of Night
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his humorous investigating team return in Santa's Little Yelpers, the next Yuletide mystery in David Rosenfelt’s bestselling series.
'Tis the season in Paterson, New Jersey: Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are surrounded by holiday cheer. It’s even spread to the Tara Foundation. The dog rescue organization, not used to having puppies, has their hands full with a recent litter. Eight puppies are a lot to handle, and Andy is relieved when his co-worker Chris Myers agrees to foster them.
Myers, a newer employee at the Tara Foundation, did time for a crime he swears he didn’t commit. When Myers discovers a key witness against him lied on the stand, he goes to Andy to ask for representation in getting the conviction overturned. Myers thinks they can have this wrapped up by Christmas, no problem.
But when the witness is murdered, and Myers is arrested for the crime, things go from bad to worse. Suddenly, it’s all elves on deck to make a list and check it twice, so they can prove Myers is innocent.
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.
©2022 David Rosenfelt (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Once again, a murder case falls at the feet of reluctant attorney Andy Carpenter. A newer employee at the Tara Foundation, Chris Myers, previously spent time in jail for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. When a key prosecutor witness in his case is on the cusp of recanting his testimony, the man ends up dead. Myers is the primary suspect since he was present when the man was killed. It might appear coincidental but really it is a well-planned frame up.

Andy is pulled in to represent Myers and Andy soon is calling on his full investigative team to take on the case. Par for course, the deeper Andy probes, the more bodies appear, and his own life is put at risk.

This is an easy listen. As usual, the plot has twisty suspect lines that might involve the mob or radical groups. The FBI might even get involved. You just don’t know until Andy ferrets out the bad guys. I totally enjoy this series and recommend this to mystery and legal procedure fans.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner delivers wonderful narration. The few times I have read a book in this series, I can still hear Gardner’s voice. The narration adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2022 NetGalley. 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.

Audible Book Review: Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold

This space sci fi has battles, dangerous enemies, and a conflicted, mild, romance.

Shards of Honor
Series: Vorkosigan Saga (chronological), Book 2
By: Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
Release date: 05-01-09
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Fantasy, Military Science Fiction,
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
It was the wrong war, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, for the wrong reasons. And Captain Cordelia Naismith of the Betan Expeditionary Force would be forced into a separate peace with her enemy, Lord Vorkosigan.
Shards of Honor is the novel in which Lois McMaster Bujold introduced the science-fiction world to Barrayar and Aral Vorkosigan, Beta Colony and Cordelia Naismith. From this beginning the author has created a multigenerational saga spanning time as well as space.
Bujold is generally recognized as the current exemplar of the character-based science-fiction adventure story.
©1986 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Cordelia is the Captain of a scientific survey crew that is exploring an uninhabited planet. Cordelia and one of her men return to camp to discover it destroyed and her team gone except for one man who has been killed by a nerve disruptor.

Cordelia is next surprised to learn the attack was by a Barrayaran force that is now off chasing Cordelia’s ship in space. Then Cordelia and her Ensign are confronted by an enemy soldier. Her crewman is injured and Cordelia becomes the prisoner of Barrayaran Captain Aral Vorkosigan who has been shot and abandoned in an act of betrayal. Cordelia won’t leave her man behind so she convinces Vorkosidan to help drag him as they head off to a hidden Barrayaran base to get supplies.

This starts the beginning of an interesting, and ultimately beautiful friendship. Vorkosigan first saves Cordelia, then she saves him, and his friends, particularly a man soldier, Sargeant Bothari, will save her again. Along they way Cordelia learns dangerous secrets. Vorkosigan’s leaders are intent on attacking a nearby world, Escobar, to control the jump hole there. Cordelia must get home to warn her people and help prevent the attack on Escobar.

Cordelia is from a planet that is scientifically and technologically advanced. Barrayar is a warrior-race with an aristocratic/feudal type society. Cordelia slowly learns that there is a great deal of infighting and machination in the Barrayar leading class. Cordelia and Vorkosigan may have developed a certain respect and interest in each other but their ability to continue a relationship is greatly limited.

Cordelia eventually gets safely home only to have her superiors question her loyalties. Has her mind been altered to slip her back in her world as a double agent?

I enjoyed the characters, the danger, and the suspense. Bujold has created a complex world in the aristocratic juggling of the Barrayar society. As the title indicates, the characters struggle to find honor in their activities. Best, I was delighted by the very mild development of the romance. I thought this was book 1, but apparently it is book 2 in reading order. I am glad I have books 1 and 3 to continue this series.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner is a wonderful narrator although I am accustomed to hearing him narrate other works (like the Andy Carpenter series). It took me a few minutes to adjust to his voice in this sci fi setting. Somehow I think Gardner’s voice matched Vorkosigan’s character.

Source: December 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Best in Snow by David Rosenfelt

As usual with this series, I enjoyed the legal aspects and mystery... and dogs.

Best in Snow
(Andy Carpenter #24)
by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner

Series: Andy Carpenter Series, Book 24
6 hours and 52 minutes
Release date: 10-19-21
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Animals, Holidays, Legal Procedures, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
In this Christmas mystery, Best in Snow, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are on the beat after a body turns up in the snow and a journalist is nowhere to be found.
Christmas has come early to the town of Paterson, New Jersey, in the form of a snowstorm that left over two feet of snow on the ground. Lawyer Andy Carpenter likes snow - to a point - but he misses the walks he takes his dogs on every day.
When the snow starts to melt, and a body is discovered, Andy ends up in the office of the local newspaper editor. The murder victim is that of crooked businessman Thomas Lansing, who had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Lansing had him fired for libel. Now, the young reporter - and prime suspect - isn’t answering his phone...and everyone is worried.
Andy agrees to take the case, though it’s not looking good this holiday season. The snow is piling up - along with the evidence - in the next Christmas mystery in this best-selling series from David Rosenfelt.
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books
©2021 David Rosenfelt (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Wealthy and want-to-be retired lawyer, Andy Carpenter, is out walking the dogs when his main dog, Tara, sniffs out a body under the snow. It turns out to be the local mayor and the police are quick to focus on a young reporter, Bobby Nash, who had reason to have a grudge. When they find blood in Bobby’s trunk, he is arrested for the murder. One of Andy’s drinking ‘buddies’, Vince, a newspaper editor and Bobby’s former boss, coerces Andy into taking on the defense representation.

Evidence builds against Bobby as his car and phone are placed at the scene and the mayor’s wife advises the police that Bobby made threatening phone calls a few days before the murder. Unfortunately, Bobby isn’t able to help much with the facts as he was in a car accident shortly after the murder and has no memory of the events. When a potential witness is killed, it seems to turn the search away from Bobby who was in the hospital. Until it is determined that the source of the second murder could have been set up before Bobby was arrested.

Still, Andy sees lots of holes in the evidence. He just needs more facts to lead the jury to a different conclusion – to reasonable doubt. Andy gathers his quirky crew of investigators, and they get busy searching out alternate suspects. Attempts to eliminate Bobby and Andy make it clear that there are other suspects to be found.

As usual in this fun series, the Carpenter Team is able to dig out good facts pointing to bad actors further afield. The necessary details don’t get to Andy until the eleventh hour and he and his client have to wait out the jury verdict.

I enjoy this series for its unique characters. Andy has a snarky personality but his crew dish right back at him. I also enjoy the legal proceedings, in preparation and presentation. The writing is concise and moves along at a good pace. I recommend this story to fans of legal procedure mysteries. Each book is a new murder or criminal event so they can be read as standalones. However, I do recommend reading the first several to get to know the characters… and that may lead to reading more in the series.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner is the voice of Andy Carpenter and pulls me right into the story. I have read one or two of the books on Kindle and I still can hear Gardner’s voice. I have to smile as soon as I start listening. I love listening to this series.

Source: 9/9/2021 from NetGalley. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Dog Eat Dog, An Andy Carpenter Mystery (Book 23) by David Rosenfelt

I enjoyed this quick legal mystery.
Dog Eat Dog, An Andy Carpenter Mystery (Book 23)
by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 07-06-21
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Dogs, Legal Thriller
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, work to free a man who risked it all to help a dog in need.
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, enjoy walking their dogs, Tara and Sebastian. By this point in their marriage, it’s routine. When out for one of their strolls, their simple ritual isn’t so simple anymore. Across the street, a man is mistreating his dog. Three things happen at once: Andy yells, Laurie runs to stop the abuse, and so does a closer passerby, who so thoroughly beats the owner that both are arrested when the cops arrive.
Andy scoops up the dog and takes him to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that’s always been his true passion. Meanwhile, at the police station, the passerby is identified as Matthew Jantzen, and he’s wanted for murder. Andy and Laurie are struck by the fact that Jantzen, a man on the run, would nevertheless intervene to help a dog, and decide to find out more.
Dog Eat Dog, the twenty-second installment in the Andy Carpenter series, features the charming cast of characters - old and new - that David Rosenfelt is known for and the dogs that accompany them.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a wealthy semi-retired lawyer who would rather spend his time walking his beloved dogs with his beloved wife, Laurie. Andy likes to avoid work when he can but isn’t about to let injustice pass by. An evening walk with their dogs lands Andy in a new case when a stranger steps in to rescue an abused dog. The man gets arrested – not just for beating the abuser but for a pending double murder charge. Andy reluctantly agrees to help the accused, Matthew, as he is returned to Maine to face the two-year old charge. Matthew insists he is innocent, but it will be hard to overcome the evidence of Matt’s DNA on the hand of the dead man.

Andy tries to leave Matt in the hands of the local defense attorney, but he just can’t do it. When Matt’s newly discovered half-sister pleads with Andy to take the case, he agrees. Andy relocates to Maine to begin the trial prep but soon runs into a threatened attack alone in the parking lot. Laurie isn’t about to allow that to slide, so soon the team, including Laurie (and the dogs), bodyguard/muscle Marcus, and hacker/accountant whiz Sam, arrive in Maine. Laurie’s other K-9 investigator, Corey, and his German Shepherd Simon arrive soon after.

Andy and team do their usual thorough job of turning over the rocks and digging the dirt for other suspects. This brings out connections to drug dealers and an extreme militia group and also leaves bodies in the wake of questions. But Andy still must address the DNA problem.

I enjoy this series and the narrator. There are always several suspects, often FBI involvement and usually a trail of bodies. I love following the trial questions and ‘watching’ as Andy presents the evidence that leads to reasonable doubt, and reveals the true villains. The fast-moving plot is enhanced with Andy’s self-deprecation and snarky banter.

While I was listening to this 23rd installment, I got my husband to listen to book one, Open and Shut, which he enjoyed. The stories can be read as standalones but it is much more fun to have at least read the first several in the series so you know the team characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy mysteries with legal procedures ... and dogs. 

Audio Notes: I am sure I have noted it in prior reviews of this series, but Grover Gardner, is the wonderful, fitting voice of Andy Carpenter. Gardner has an appropriate NJ/NY tone delivering distinct voices with appropriate energy. I love listening to the stories and hear this narrator even if I occasionally read an ebook version.

Source: NetGalley 6/3/2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Unleashed, Andy Carpenter, Book 11, by David Rosenfelt

This is a fun series I like to revisit regularly.
Unleashed
Andy Carpenter, Book 11
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-23-13
Language: English
Publisher: Listen & Live Audio, Inc.
Genre: Legal Procedures, Mystery, Traditional Detective
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Audie Award Winner, Mystery, 2014
Andy Carpenter's accountant, Sam Willis, receives a surprise call from Barry Price, a friend he hasn't spoken to in years. Barry needs Sam's financial acumen and Andy's legal expertise. But when Sam almost runs over an injured dog on the way to Barry's house, he can't drive off without waiting for help. By then, Barry's taken off on a private airplane headed to who-knows-where. Soon after they learn that Barry's plane has crashed, and they come to the terrifying realization that Sam was also supposed to have been killed on that plane. Barry was in far more serious trouble than either of them knew, and for Sam and Andy, the trouble is only beginning.
©2013 Tara Productions, Inc. (P)2013 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Review:
Andy continues in his usual lackadaisical lifestyle. He is wealthy enough that he doesn’t need to work … which is just fine with him. His wizard accounting friend, Sam, contacts Andy to ask his help for another friend, Barry. Sam is on his way to meet with Barry but gets delayed when he hits a dog. Sam stops to care for the injured animal which turns out to be fortunate as Barry’s private airplane, where Sam was to join him, crashes.

Sam, who has adopted the injured golden retriever, presses Andy to represent Barry’s wife when she gets accused of murder. Andy reluctantly agrees to the case because it means his love, Laurie, a former cop, will stay in town to help with the investigation. The team gathers: Laurie, Sam and his geriatric group of computer hackers, Hike, a cynical attorney who works with Andy, and Marcus, Andy’s massive bodyguard. The investigation sends Andy and Marcus to Maine for the first lead. They have a short meeting with their contact but before the next morning, the man and his friends are found dead. The team soon realize that Barry was involved in something more serious than some accounting problems. Soon the trouble comes hunting for Sam and Andy as they have to dodge bullets and then Barry’s wife fingers Sam for the murder.

There is a certain formula to the Andy Carpenter mysteries. Dogs play a part and before the mystery is solved, Andy and Laurie call in the FBI through their friend Cindy. I still enjoy the journey with the convoluted plots and the snarky characters. Each story can be read alone but I do think they are more fun if you read the early ones to learn the personalities of the characters.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner does his usual solid delivery for this series. He delivers the snark with a dry sense of humor that adds to the story for me. I totally enjoy listening to this series.

Source: November 2019 Audible Purchase $10.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Leader of the Pack by David Rosefelt

I always enjoy the mystery and the self-deprecating humor of this series.
Leader of the Pack
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Series: Andy Carpenter, Book 10
Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-27-12
Language: English
Publisher: Listen & Live Audio, Inc.
Genre: Legal Thriller, Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Over the course of his legal career, Andy Carpenter has lost a few cases. But that doesn't mean he forgets his clients. Andy has always been convinced that Joey Desimone, a man convicted of murder nine years ago, was innocent and believes that Joey's family's connections to organized crime played a pivotal role in his conviction. While there isn't much Andy can do for him while he serves out his prison sentence, Joey suggests that he check up on Joey's elderly uncle. He'd rather not, but as a favor to Joey, Andy agrees to take his dog, Tara, on a few visits.
The old man's memory is going, but when Andy tries to explain why he's there, it jogs something in the man's mind, and his comments leave Andy wondering if Uncle Nick is confused, or if he just might hold the key to Joey's freedom after all this time. Andy grabs on to this thread of possibility and follows it into a world where the oath of silence is stronger than blood ties, and where people will do anything to make sure their secrets are kept.
©2012 David Rosenfelt (P)2012 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a criminal defense lawyer who gets to be very selective about his cases since he is independently wealthy. One of his previous clients, Joey Desimone, is in jail for killing his former lover and her husband. Joey insists he didn’t commit the murder but was the prime suspect due to his family ties with organized crime. Joey asks Andy to visit his elderly uncle. Andy takes his lovely golden retriever, Tara, along to visit. Uncle Nick seems to have lost touch with reality, but something disturbs him and he shares what seems to be a random statement. This sets Andy off searching clues even as deaths begin to occur around the investigation. The plot expands to a bigger issue with a few good twists before the conclusion.

I always enjoy the good mystery crafted by Rosenfelt and the self-deprecating humor of his quirky character Andy. Each of the main characters, Andy, his love, Lori, and his friends, Pete and Sam, are portrayed with very real-to life traits. There is almost always a connection with an organized crime family.  Tara and the rescue foundation he founded with a friend are a steady part of Andy's life even if they are not central to the plot. Each story is self-contained and entertaining. I recommend this story and the series to those who enjoy mystery with natural life humor.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner does a great job narrating. He is the voice for Andy. The combination of story and presentation makes these easy, enjoyable listens.

Source: 2017 Audible Sale Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenges.

Audible Book Review: One Dog Night by David Rosenfelt

Every time I listen to one of these I remember how much I like this series!

One Dog Night

Written by: David Rosenfelt

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Series: Andy Carpenter, Book 9

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:07-22-11

Publisher: Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Genre: Mystery, Legal Procedures

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

For six years Noah Galloway has lived with a horrible secret and the fear that his rebuilt life could be shattered at any moment. Now his dread has become a certainty, and he has been arrested for the arson murder of 26 people.

David Rosenfelt, a native of Paterson, New Jersey, is a graduate of NYU. He was the former marketing president for Tri-Star Pictures before becoming a writer of novels and screenplays. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife and 35 dogs.

Grover Gardner, a Washington, DC.-based actor, director and audiobook narrator, has been a member of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, as well as Resident Director at Everyman Theatre in Baltimore.

©2011 David Rosenfelt (P)2011 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a wealthy lawyer who doesn’t like to work. Although an excellent and winning defense lawyer, he takes cases only when circumstances compel him to. Often those compelling circumstances include a dog. Andy has a rescued golden retriever, Tara, and is co-owner of a dog rescue shelter which is primaryly operated by a friend and former client.

Andy is currently in his usual non-working status when a young woman approaches him. She has come to ask him to defend her husband, Noah, who has been accused of setting a fire six years earlier in which 26 people were killed. Andy questions why he should talk to her husband, much less represent him. The response is surprising and gets Andy to the first interview. What he learns after that keeps him on the case in spite of seemingly overwhelming circumstantial evidence and the fact that Noah initially believes himself guilty.

Bit by bit Andy and his team begin to uncover clues that support Noah’s innocence. The team includes a former police officer turned private investigator, Lori, who is also Andy’s love; a giant-sized muscle man, Marcus; a brilliant but negatively critical lawyer, Hike; and a computer/financial wizard, Sam. This time Sam engages the help of his senior’s computer class to help track the phone connections and the money. And of course, Tara who serves as a walking sounding board when not ferreting out actual clues.

Andy doesn’t have to prove who set the fire to win the case. But he does have to pull together the pieces of an alternate theory so he can create reasonable doubt in the mind of the jurors. It is a bonus if (like Perry Mason stories of old) he can expose the true culprit. Andy knows he is on the right track as possible leads and witnesses turn up dead before he can secure their stories, much less their testimony.

As the tidbits of facts are woven together, Andy’s team uncover a blackmailing scheme and connections to a terrorist cell that must be stopped. There is a last-minute rush to stop the terrorists even if security reasons might keep the FBI from using the details to convince the Judge to stop Noah's trial.

I love the wonderfully crafted plot and the self deprecating humor in this legal mystery series. It is great to read/listen as Andy skillfully cross examines the witnesses trying to create a reasonable doubt. He begins to put together the puzzle pieces of facts that reveal the true motive for the arson. It takes attention to detail to connect the dots in this twisted chain of events that involves elements dating back over six years. I highly recommend this series to readers who love tales of solid mystery and legal procedure.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner is “the voice” of this series. He successfully presents the voices and personalities for each of the characters. His methodical narration contributes to the wry humor that flows through the story. I love listening to this series!

This is from my Audible TBR shelf. It qualifies for Audio Book Challenge, Mount TBR and “O” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Haraken: A Silver Ships Novel by S. H. Jucha

This is great entertainment with good characters, conflict and creativity.
Haraken: A Silver Ships Novel
By: S. H. Jucha
Read by: Grover Gardner


Series: The Silver Ships Series, book 4
Runtime: 10.9 Hours
Recording: Unabridged
Release date: 7.12.2016
Publisher: Scott H. Jucha
ISBN-13: 978-1-5047-2567-5
Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Nine years of tranquility came to an abrupt end when a Méridien starship entered the Hellébore system, sounding a dire warning for Alex Racine, the Haraken president. Unwanted visitors had arrived again. But this time, they’re not alien; they’re human. Claiming to have followed the course of a colony ship launched a millennium ago when Earth wrestled with resource wars and climate change, the mission commander, Antonio García, requests a meeting with the planet’s leaders. The Earthers profess a kinship with all humans, and their great desire is to have Méridien join their United Earth (UE). Alex Racine journeys to Méridien to investigate and uncover the Earthers’ intentions. In the Haraken world, SADEs (self-aware digital entities) have been freed from their boxes aboard the Méridien-built starships. The mobile SADEs are powerful players in Alex’s strategies, inventing ingenious methods to investigate the Earthers and their ship. Complicating matters, the Méridien leadership is in turmoil. The Council Leader insists her people ignore the Earthers, but this path has costs. As tensions escalate, García sends a request for support to his superiors back on Earth, lest his discovery of the rich, Méridien worlds, boasting unbelievable advanced technology, slip through his grasp. A UE battleshiop heeds the call, escalating the pressure for action. Join the journey as the Harakens and Méridiens work together to protect their planets and their way of life from the newest invaders.
© 2016 by S. H. Jucha

Review:
Alex Racine is the president of Haraken, a planet of humans in a far system that includes two other planets, Méridien and the New Terrans. These peoples are distant decedents of two Earth colonies that went different ways over 700 years before. One group is much more technically advanced than the others which sets up conflicts and challenges, as well as alien attacks, which are presented in books 1 – 3.

Alex is clearly the “golden boy” to most of the population. Only the Counsel of the Méridien appears to be threatened by Alex’s control and popularity. She wants to control her government and people and keep them away from Alex and his AI friends, the SADEs, self-directed digital entities (AIs now mobile!).

An Earth explorer ship arrives in the system and is interested, then amazed by the advanced technology. The Méridien leader refuses to acknowledge or talk with the Earth ship. This puts the Earth leaders in the position of planning to overtake the planets by force is they can’t negotiate subjugation. Alex arranges to meet with the Earth leader in a social setting hiding his true authority. The Earth ship appears to have superior fighting power and Alex is aware of the threat of these forces. He must figure a way to convince them to leave his worlds alone. If not peacefully, or by trickery, then by force.

Alex’s character is a bit of a ‘super hero’ but he is likeable. I especially liked his interaction with the SADEs who are delightful characters, especially Alex’s best friend, Julien. The Earther personalities are forceful and several are unpleasant bullies with conquest mentality. I enjoyed the conflicts within the system and from the threat of the Earther ships.

The author slips in subtle (or not so subtle) portrayals of various political factors. It isn’t hard to think of our own world and leaders of differing styles, temperaments, personal goals and motives.

I was a little concerned that I had not read books 1 through 3. I think there could have been a bit more backstory as there was only a little hint of the prior stories. This adventure is fairly well self-contained with a full plot that can stand alone. I will be going back to get the prior books which have been on my Audible Wish List. I definitely want the next book, Sol when released on audio. I recommend this to sci fi fans who enjoy space opera.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner is a well known, marvelous narrator. (I enjoy his narrations of the Andy Carpenter Series by David Rosenfelt.) Grover managers to portray the various voices and emotions so I become immersed in a story that comes alive. The narration made this an extra pleasure of reading entertainment.

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. This qualifies for Audio Challenge and H in Alphabet Soup.

Audiobook Review All Cry Chaos by Leonard Rosen

This is a thrilling mystery with complex philosophical arguments woven in.

All Cry Chaos (Henri Poincare series, Book 1)

by Leonard Rosen
read by Grover Gardner

Book ID(6345) - 10.5 hrs (est.), Published - 09/01/1

Genre:  Mystery and Suspense
My Rating:  4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Series: Henri Poincare | Publication Date: September 1, 2011
[This is the MP3CD audiobook format.]

All Cry Chaos, a debut thriller by the immensely gifted Leonard Rosen, is a masterful and gripping tale that literally reaches for the heavens.

The action begins when mathematician James Fenster is assassinated on the eve of a long-scheduled speech at a World Trade Organization meeting. The hit is as elegant as it is bizarre. Fenster's Amsterdam hotel room is incinerated, yet the rest of the building remains intact. The murder trail leads veteran Interpol agent Henri Poincare on a high-stakes, world-crossing quest for answers.

Together with his chain-smoking, bon vivant colleague, Serge Laurent, Poincare pursues a long list of suspects: the Peruvian leader of the Indigenous Liberation Front, Rapture-crazed militants, a hedge fund director, Fenster's elusive ex-fiancee, and a graduate student in mathematics. Poincare begins to make progress in America, but there is a prodigious hatred trained on him--some unfinished business from a terrifying former genocide case--and he is called back to Europe to face the unfathomable. Stripped down and in despair, tested like Job, he realizes the two cases might be connected--and he might be the link.

This first installment in the Henri Poincare series marries sharp, smart mystery to deep religious themes that will keep both agnostics and believers turning pages until the shattering revelatory end. Anyone who enjoys the work of John le Carre, Scott Turow, Dan Brown, and Stieg Larsson will relish Rosen's storytelling and his resourceful, haunted protagonist. Others will appreciate his dazzling prose. Still others, the way he bends the thriller form in unconventional ways toward a higher cause, in the vein of Henning Mankell in The Man from Beijing. In short, All Cry Chaos promises to become a critical success that garners a broad readership throughout the nation and across the globe.

Review:
Henri Poincare is an Interpol agent using police protocol and years of observational investigative expertise to get the criminals. Although he is dedicated to his work he also has a warm relationship with his eccentric, artist wife, his brilliant son and his adorable grandchildren who love their “Popi.”

Poincare’s great-grandfather was Jules Henri Poincare, a noted 19th-century French mathematician and philosopher.  Oddly, Poincare’s newest case involves the assassination of another renowned mathematician, James Fenster.  The murder involved unique rocket fuel accelerate so there are leads to follow even though there is little of the body left to work with.

Fenster was a brilliant man whose work was supported by a wealthy financier.  He was scheduled to speak at a World Trade Organization Conference although it wasn’t quite clear how he was going to mix mathematics with the economy of globalization.

Meanwhile there are terrorist and suicide bombings being committed by a radical group of Christian believers. These fanatics think causing chaos will bring the rapture quicker and they are counting down the days.

A war criminal whom Poincare put into jail threatens Poincare’s own family.  Poincare is torn between his desire to protect his family and his need to track down leads after letting an important witness slip.  Tragedy strikes and it isn’t clear if Poincare can recover or if he himself might sink to acts of violent vengeance.

Poincare travels through Europe and America picking up clues and racing against time. The murder investigation crosses with the radical attacks and he faces those preaching God’s messages in earnest with a deadline in sight.  Other witnesses present mathematical modeling and theories of structure and pattern that defy chaos even as humankind seems to create and dwell in chaos.

I enjoyed the Biblical references and the philosophical arguments. Poincare is a classic, detail oriented investigator with a younger more impulsive, partner as his sounding board and protector.  Poincare has to search out the “who and why” of the crimes while coping with personal tragedy and  broader questions of why things happen and what life is about.

The writing is crisp and well suited to the twists in the mystery where suspects are not as expected. There is a subtle wit that helps the flow especially since the mathematics, philosophy and tragedy add complexity.

I listened to this on MP3 Audio and found it a great performance by Grover Gardner.  I recognized Gardner’s easy flow and grasp of wit from other audiobooks. However after the first hour or so Gardner was able to capture Poincare’s own character so that I forgot about prior narrations. Gardner does a great job delivering the suspense, misery, weariness, complexity and action of the story.

If you are a mystery fan of twisted clues, and willing to puzzle some mathematical and religious arguments, I highly recommend this. I hope there will be more Poincare stories to come in the future.

Some brief quotes that I liked and jotted while listening:
Two levels below street grade ... turned out to be a graveyard for cellular signals.
Failure woke him up to himself.

Thank you to Audiobooks Jukebox and Blackstone Audio for the opportunity to review this fine mystery.