The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by David Rosenfeldt

First Sentence: “You looking for work”

As much as defense lawyer Andy Carpenter tries to avoid taking on new cases, anything involved with dogs is a case he can’t turn down. Martha “Pups” Boyer has been reported by her neighbor, Randy Hennessey, to the city for violating the pet-limit zoning law. Andy thinks defending Martha will be simple until Randy turns up dead and Martha is the prime suspect. Even then, Andy has no idea just how dangerous this case may be.

This is a definite example of the don’t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover rule. This certainly doesn’t start out as a happy holiday story. It is, however, a very compelling opening and one that demands you keep reading.

The introduction to the protagonist is also an introduction to the author’s voice (compelling), humor (enjoyable), and cynicism (heavy-handed, at times). It is also a very good segue to the body of the story.

The introductions to Andy’s team are short but memorable and each member makes an impression. The shadowy figure of Cafferty adds a threat and suspense.

If one appreciates a well-done courtroom scene, Rosenfeldt is for you. In this case, it is also another step along the way into a wonderfully twisty plot involving dogs, property, politics, and corruption.

“The Twelve Dogs of Christmas” is an engrossing courtroom suspense that is a great escape from winter weather.

THE TWELVE DOGS OF CHRISTMAS (Legal thriller-Andy Carpenter-New Jersey-Contemp) – G+
Rosenfeldt, David – 15th in series
Minotaur Books – October 2017