Holy Chow

In Edgar finalist Rosenfelt’s wry 25th Andy Carpenter novel (after 2021’s Best in Show), the semiretired Paterson, N.J., defense attorney arranges for Rachel Morehouse to adopt a Chow Chow through his dog rescue organization, the Tara Foundation. When Rachel suddenly dies, Andy is surprised to learn she ran a multibillion-dollar corporation and left the Tara Foundation $2 million. He attends the reading of the will, where he meets her stepson, Tony, a high school chemistry teacher who had been staying with Rachel as they attempted to build a relationship after the death of Tony’s estranged father. When an autopsy reveals that Rachel was murdered with potassium chloride, the police arrest Tony and charge him with murder. Believing in Tony’s innocence, Andy takes on the case and employs his team of investigators to help mount Tony’s defense. Despite a large cast of recurring characters, Rosenfelt is shrewd about how he showcases each person so that readers new to the series won’t get lost. He also crafts a satisfying mystery with just the right balance of humor, fast-paced dialogue, and well-executed action pieces. This long-running series remains as fresh as ever. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (July)