Dachshund Through the Snow

Edgar-finalist Rosenfelt’s winning 20th mystery featuring Paterson, N.J., defense attorney Andy Carpenter (after Bark of Night) focuses on a cold case: the murder of 18-year-old Kristen McNeil, whose body was found near an abandoned stadium 14 years earlier. For Christmas, little Danny Traynor has three wishes: a coat for his mother, a sweater for his dachshund, and for Santa to find his daddy and bring him home. Laurie, Andy’s former police lieutenant wife who knows Danny’s mom, talks Andy into tracking down the boy’s father, Noah. Noah is in fact hiding from the police, who are about to arrest him for Kristen’s murder, based on new DNA evidence that links Noah to the crime. It looks like a slam dunk for the prosecutor, but when Andy and his team start to dig, they uncover a larger conspiracy that puts Andy’s life at risk. Meanwhile, Andy establishes a genial relationship with Simon, a retired police dog, and Simon’s handler. A strong plot, likable characters, and plenty of wry humor keep the pages turning. Dog lovers won’t want to miss this one. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (Oct.)