MADreads

A new series for spring reading

April 10th, 2008 Katharine - Sequoya

Forget spring cleaning, I am in the mood for spring reading out in the warm sun.  Come on warm sun!  Maybe it was my early Trixie Belden reading habits, but I just love a good mystery series.  Some of my favorites are Julie Smith’s Skip Langdon novels, Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware books and Lauren Henderson’s Sam Jones stories.  And now I have found another character to add to the list, David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter.  Here’s the scoop on Andy Carpenter.

Open and Shut, Rosenfelt’s first novel after ditching the movie biz for a writing career, introduces us to wiseass New Jersey lawyer Andy Carpenter.  Carpenter takes on a death row convict’s appeal at his father’s request and tries to uncover the truth about why the guy was set up in the first place.  This drama is acompanied by Andy’s personal situation of breaking up with an ex-wife and becoming more friendly with his ex-cop turned investigator pal Laurie Collins.  Oh, and Carpenter has inherited $22 million from his father and has no idea where he got the money.  The plot thickens and Carpenter’s courtroom antics help solve the mystery.

Because I liked his first book so well, I dived into book two.  First Degree is about Carpenter’s next case which involves his new lady friend Laurie.  One of her ex-cop colleagues has turned up beheaded and burned up in a deserted warehouse.  Possible mob and FBI ties links to the victim introduce some shady characters into Carpenter’s office.  Once again Carpenter’s lawyer expertise uncovers the crazy connection between the dead cop, the mob and the FBI.  But can he keep his woman out of the clink?  You’ll have to read it to find out.

First person narrative and loads of sarcasm make Rosenfelt’s writing style very appealing.  As someone who walks a dog everyday I also enjoyed Carpenter’s relationship with his true love, Tara, his golden retriever, who plays a significant role in Andy’s day-to-day life.  Fast-paced legal thrillers for spring reading, have fun!

Entry Filed under: Mystery, Recreational Fiction, Thriller