Muzzled

Happily retired Andy Carpenter can never resist “unretiring” to help someone in trouble, as shown in Edgar finalist Rosenfelt’s intricately plotted 21st mystery featuring the Paterson, N.J., defense attorney (after 2019’s Dachshund Through the Snow). Beth Morris, director of the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue organization Andy supports, alerts Andy that Alex Vogel, who was reported killed in a recent boat explosion with two other men, is coming by to claim his lost dog. Vogel tells Andy that he’s the target of assassins—a tale both Andy and the police find hard to believe. When Vogel is arrested for the murder of the two other men, Andy agrees to represent him, because anyone who would risk his life to reunite with his beloved dog can’t be all bad. Andy and his crack investigative team must uncover the real killer before Vogel is convicted of murder—or murdered himself. The courtroom proceedings fascinate, and a shocking twist will catch readers by surprise. It’s a pleasure to spend time with bighearted Andy, a capable, self-aware, and witty lead, and his quirky teammates. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (July)