New Tricks [Mass Market Paperback]

The pun is simply too obvious and alluring to avoid, but with apologies to all, David Rosenfelt's writing is going to the dogs. Rosenfelt is the author of an entertaining courtroom mystery series featuring New Jersey attorney Andy Carpenter, a criminal defense lawyer with a unique law practice. Andy inherited a small fortune from his father. This wealth allows him the independence to practice law when and for whom he chooses, and his small coterie of co-workers includes several unique and talented individuals.

Andy is a dog lover. Previous books in the series have involved canines as central figures in his cases. Even his own golden retriever, Tara, has played a prominent role. In NEW TRICKS, Andy has another canine client, Waggy, a Bernese mountain puppy who he must shepherd through a custody battle in court.

Waggy's custody is the subject of a courtroom battle between the heirs of the recently murdered Walter Timmerman, a multi-millionaire pharmaceutical baron. Timmerman's homicide has caused a rift between his widow Diane and Walter's son Steven, a prime suspect in Walter's murder. After accepting the assignment as guardian of the dog, Andy proceeds to the Timmerman estate to take custody of his client. Shortly after his arrival, an explosion rocks the house killing Diane. Steven is now more than a suspect; he is the defendant in a double-murder case. Fortunately for him, Andy believes he is innocent.

The Carpenter regulars all make appearances in NEW TRICKS. His hypochondriac associate, Kevin Randall, does the heavy legal lifting while fighting off every disease known to man. Edna, his office assistant, makes work avoidance an art form. Every lawyer must have sources in law enforcement and journalism, and Andy has Lieutenant Pete Stanton of the Patterson, New Jersey Police Department, and Vince Sanders, editor of the local newspaper. My favorite of the Carpenter clan is Marcus Clark, the part investigator, part bodyguard who protects Andy during his frequent moments of peril. Marcus is unlike any man, and Rosenfelt's humorous descriptions of this gentle muscleman make for entertaining adventures.

Last, but certainly not least, is the love of Andy's life, Laurie Collins. Laurie served as an investigator for Andy, then a client, and eventually left New Jersey to become chief of police in a small Wisconsin community. Andy and Laurie's romantic relationship has had its ups and downs. Returning to New Jersey for a brief visit, Laurie is shot by an assassin whose intended victim is Waggy. As Laurie's life hangs in the balance, Andy discovers that the case against Steven is far more complex than he originally thought. Rosenfelt always keeps his plots topical, and NEW TRICKS is no exception. There is an interesting discussion of DNA research and technology woven through the novel, which may well prove to be a motive for the murders.

Rosenfelt writes wonderful courtroom scenes, laced with humor and sarcasm. Andy gets away with quite a bit in court, as he often baits prosecutors, judges and police officers. The quirky humor is endearing and enjoyable. Along the way, there are also some unique and unforeseen plot twists and turns. Rosenfelt keeps the action moving both in court and in Andy's personal life. NEW TRICKS is a great read whether you are a fan of the series or a newcomer.

--- Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman

Returning in the latest installment of this series is Andy Carpenter the lawyer that has found himself billed as both the "Lawyer to the Dogs" as well as a dog lunatic. Yes he has represented his fair share of canines and yes he does love dogs especially his own and absolutely he is trying to keep his rescue foundation thriving, but this is not a title he appreciates since he is trying to practice law with clients that do not have four legs. But Andy finds himself again being assigned to represent a dog in a custody case after its owner is unceremoniously murdered in the wrong part of town and his new wife and son are fighting over custody. This on the surface appears to be a simple enough case but of course it is not because that would make Andy's life uncomplicated which it is anything but since he inherited millions, the love of his life, Laurie, moved too many states away and his dog Tara started questioning his every move.

Before the dog in question, a hyper Bernase Mountain Dog and descendant of a Westminster Best in Breed named "Waggy", is even in the car the widow is blown up in her house right after Andy walks out. With a blink of an eye the widow's step son and other litigant for Waggy's custody is arrested by the police for her murder as well as his father's. That would seem enough for anyone to deal with but wait that isn't the half of it as Andy decides the son didn't do it and takes it upon himself to represent him against the murder charges. Of course he still has to keep the dog safe even with the bodies piling up and the distraction of his girlfriend Laurie in town for an extended visit. Before too long though this case becomes even more personal as Laurie is mistakenly shot and critically wounded when the gunman tries to kill Waggy. Andy has so much going on in so many directions that he is having trouble sorting through the good from the evil but Laurie will recover, Waggy will find the right home and Steven his client will get off on the charges. Or so this is how it plays out in Andy's head!

With help from Laurie's investigator Marcus, his partner Kevin and the sprinkling of various branches of law enforcement here and there Andy works through the details to get to the answers which never seem to add up. For every answer there is a wall thrown up that throws off the direction he is pursuing but he however does know that the one common factor is Waggy Nothing seems clear except it all revolves around Waggy and while this dog is valuable due to its lineage is that enough for someone to want it dog dead? Andy doesn't believe it is but trying to figure out the dog's value and get his client off on the murder charges is more than enough for today so let's see what tomorrow has in store.

This book is absolutely a delight from page one. I did not expect to dislike it as mystery's are always fascinating but this angle of man, dog and client is wonderful as well as it is entertaining. I do not believe you need to be a dog lover to fall for Andy and his troop of characters because there is enough for everyone all around with a mystery, a little love angle and some very interesting people who Andy has surrounded himself with. Wonderful does not begin to describe this book and if you don't own it you absolutely should!

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I've said it before and I'm saying it again now -- no matter what limitations David Rosenfelt might have in his life, the ability to tell a consistently good, suspenseful and humorous story isn't one of them. With New Tricks, his seventh book featuring Attorney Andy Carpenter, Rosenfelt continues to be one of the freshest voices among today's mystery writers. This stems from his ability to provide interesting plots, credible courtroom drama, lots of humor and well-developed major and minor characters. Andy Carpenter, the main character who is a wise-cracking suburban New Jersey defense attorney, is one that stays in your mind even after you finish the book and is one that I'm looking forward to 'hang out' with in his future legal adventures. Plus, his dog, Tara, is one I wish I had. In New Tricks, Carpenter's devotion to dogs and legal skills merge when he represents an adorable Bernese mountain puppy, whose owner was brutally murdered in a custody fight. I highly recommend New Tricks if you're in the mood for a fast-paced, easy read. However, you might want to first consider reading Open And Shut and First Degree and/or some of the other books in this series, which I think will further your appreciation of New Tricks.

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