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Andy Carpenter #12
Hounded
Andy Carpenter isn't sure what to think when he gets a mysterious phone call from a good friend, policeman Pete Stanton, asking him to drop everything, drive to an unfamiliar address, and bring his girlfriend, Laurie Collins. He certainly isn't expecting to show up at a crime scene. But that's exactly where he arrives--at the house where Pete has just discovered the body of ex-convict Danny Diza. Upstairs are Danny's now orphaned eight-year-old son and basset hound. And that, Andy discovers, is why he and Laurie were called to the scene--Pete wants them to take care of the boy and the dog so they won't get thrown into the "system." This is already asking a lot, but soon Pete needs another big favor from Andy. Pete himself has come under suspicion for Danny's murder, and he needs defense attorney Andy to represent him…and to find out what really happened in Danny's house that day.
David Rosenfelt has done it again. Told with his characteristic humor and wit, Hounded is at once a heartfelt story about family and a page-turning legal thriller.
David Rosenfelt has done it again. Told with his characteristic humor and wit, Hounded is at once a heartfelt story about family and a page-turning legal thriller.
313 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2014
644 people are currently reading
1563 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
75books2,744followersI am a novelist with 27 dogs.
I have gotten to this dubious position with absolutely no planning, and at no stage in my life could I have predicted it. But here I am.
My childhood was relentlessly normal. The middle of three brothers, loving parents, a middle-class home in Paterson, New Jersey. We played sports, studied sporadically. laughed around the dinner table, and generally had a good time. By comparison, "Ozzie and Harriet's" clan seemed bizarre.
I graduated NYU, then decided to go into the movie business. I was stunningly brilliant at a job interview with my uncle, who was President of United Artists, and was immediately hired. It set me off on a climb up the executive ladder, culminating in my becoming President of Marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. The movie landscape is filled with the movies I buried; for every "Rambo", "The Natural" and "Rocky", there are countless disasters.
I did manage to find the time to marry and have two children, both of whom are doing very well, and fortunately neither have inherited my eccentricities.
A number of years ago, I left the movie marketing business, to the sustained applause of hundreds of disgruntled producers and directors. I decided to try my hand at writing. I wrote and sold a bunch of feature films, none of which ever came close to being actually filmed, and then a bunch of TV movies, some of which actually made it to the small screen. It's safe to say that their impact on the American cultural scene has been minimal.
About fourteen years ago, my wife and I started the Tara Foundation, named in honor of the greatest Golden Retriever the world has ever known. We rescued almost 4,000 dogs, many of them Goldens, and found them loving homes. Our own home quickly became a sanctuary for those dogs that we rescued that were too old or sickly to be wanted by others. They surround me as I write this. It's total lunacy, but it works, and they are a happy, safe group.
I have gotten to this dubious position with absolutely no planning, and at no stage in my life could I have predicted it. But here I am.
My childhood was relentlessly normal. The middle of three brothers, loving parents, a middle-class home in Paterson, New Jersey. We played sports, studied sporadically. laughed around the dinner table, and generally had a good time. By comparison, "Ozzie and Harriet's" clan seemed bizarre.
I graduated NYU, then decided to go into the movie business. I was stunningly brilliant at a job interview with my uncle, who was President of United Artists, and was immediately hired. It set me off on a climb up the executive ladder, culminating in my becoming President of Marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. The movie landscape is filled with the movies I buried; for every "Rambo", "The Natural" and "Rocky", there are countless disasters.
I did manage to find the time to marry and have two children, both of whom are doing very well, and fortunately neither have inherited my eccentricities.
A number of years ago, I left the movie marketing business, to the sustained applause of hundreds of disgruntled producers and directors. I decided to try my hand at writing. I wrote and sold a bunch of feature films, none of which ever came close to being actually filmed, and then a bunch of TV movies, some of which actually made it to the small screen. It's safe to say that their impact on the American cultural scene has been minimal.
About fourteen years ago, my wife and I started the Tara Foundation, named in honor of the greatest Golden Retriever the world has ever known. We rescued almost 4,000 dogs, many of them Goldens, and found them loving homes. Our own home quickly became a sanctuary for those dogs that we rescued that were too old or sickly to be wanted by others. They surround me as I write this. It's total lunacy, but it works, and they are a happy, safe group.
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October 12, 2018
We have a young murdered father, his son Ricky, and Ricky’s Basset Hound Sebastian (observed by Andy Carpenter as a fire hydrant lying horizontal on the back seat of his car). As a favour to his friend, police Captain Pete Stanton, Andy not only ‘rescues� another dog, but the dog’s small master, too. Laurie, Andy’s lead investigator and the love of his life, is 100% in favour of the new additions to their family, and Tara (Andy’s smartest-dog-in-the-world-who-will-never-die Golden Retriever) thinks Andy is the greatest for bringing home not one, but two new playmates for her. I adored meeting Ricky and Sebastian in this book.
Within a matter of a couple of days, Andy and Laurie’s entire world turns upside-down when Captain Pete Stanton is arrested for the murder of Ricky’s father. The evidence is plenteous and very incriminating. That’s not the only problem; from Andy’s vantage point it is too plenteous, too incriminating, and far too suspicious to be real.
The entire team dives in to this one to try and figure out who is framing Pete Stanton � and why. Without some solid answers, there is no question they will lose their Court case. And the answers, the ones that aren’t completely elusive, turn out to be vaporous and disconnected. Pete Stanton, knowing he is innocent, pushed for the shortest possible interval to trial. This means Andy and his team have only a small time frame to shape vapour into some form of solidity.
David Rosenfelt writes with the pace and confidence of an expert. It is almost impossible to put the book down once begun due to the feeling that you might miss something. Silly, I know � but such is the reality of the feelings evoked by his writing: Time is of the essence and I’d better be there for each moment lest the whole case fall apart without me!
As often happens, this book gave me a couple of chuckles along with all the chills and thrills of suspense. I also cried in this book � not once, but twice. Both times were within the last couple of chapters, and this was definitely a first for me in this series.
I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers, dog lovers, and lovers of great storytelling in general.
Within a matter of a couple of days, Andy and Laurie’s entire world turns upside-down when Captain Pete Stanton is arrested for the murder of Ricky’s father. The evidence is plenteous and very incriminating. That’s not the only problem; from Andy’s vantage point it is too plenteous, too incriminating, and far too suspicious to be real.
The entire team dives in to this one to try and figure out who is framing Pete Stanton � and why. Without some solid answers, there is no question they will lose their Court case. And the answers, the ones that aren’t completely elusive, turn out to be vaporous and disconnected. Pete Stanton, knowing he is innocent, pushed for the shortest possible interval to trial. This means Andy and his team have only a small time frame to shape vapour into some form of solidity.
David Rosenfelt writes with the pace and confidence of an expert. It is almost impossible to put the book down once begun due to the feeling that you might miss something. Silly, I know � but such is the reality of the feelings evoked by his writing: Time is of the essence and I’d better be there for each moment lest the whole case fall apart without me!
As often happens, this book gave me a couple of chuckles along with all the chills and thrills of suspense. I also cried in this book � not once, but twice. Both times were within the last couple of chapters, and this was definitely a first for me in this series.
I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers, dog lovers, and lovers of great storytelling in general.
September 22, 2021
3.5 stars
In this 12th book in the series, defense lawyer Andy Carpenter, who'd rather play with his dog than work, represents a cop accused of killing a confidential informer. The book can be read as a standalone.
New Jersey defense attorney Andy Carpenter - who's wealthy enough to take very few cases - agrees to defend his friend Pete Stanton, a cop accused of murdering Danny Diaz.
Diaz, a police informer, allegedly snitched about Pete selling drugs and was shot in his home, leaving behind his son Ricky and dog Sebastian.
Pete was observed at the scene of the crime and drugs were found in his apartment, so things look dark for him.
Andy looks into the case with his live-in investigator girlfriend Laurie.....
�..and a cadre of assistants, including a bone-breaker tough guy,
a computer whiz,
an accountant, etc.
They soon find that some kind of conspiracy involving the deaths of several people from "natural causes" seem to be tied to the Diaz killing.
Meanwhile, Ricky and Sebastian move in with Andy and Laurie (and their dog Tara) while the cops look for the boy's absent stepmother who left the home a while back.
The book reminded me of 'Perry Mason' novels, being partly investigation and partly courtroom scenes, all well-written and compelling.
In addition, Andy is a wise-cracking funny guy, and the humor in the book was an added bonus.
An enjoyable mystery, recommended for all fans of the genre.
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April 25, 2024
It was time for another lighthearted reading treat. Another Andy Carpenter novel to lift up my spirits, this time HOUNDED, the twelfth instalment in the series.
HOUNDED begins with Andy’s friend, police captain Pete Stanton asking Andy to look after eight-year-old Ricky and his bassinet hound Sebastian after Ricky’s father, Danny Diaz, is killed. But soon after, Pete is arrested for the murder, and Andy is tasked with defending Pete while taking care of Ricky and Sebastian. Tara, Andy’s Golden Retriever, likes Sebastian (and Ricky).
It is up to Andy to prove that Pete is innocent and being framed, but he needs a lot of assistance from his team—Laurie, Hike, Marcus, and Sam (especially Sam with his computer hacking skills). Eventually, they uncover a conspiracy that relates to a case that Pete was investigating. Fairly early in the story we, the readers, get glimpses into some parts of this conspiracy, but it is not until near the end that all the members of the murder group are identified.
The story vacillates between the investigation and more lighthearted scenes like the one where Andy, Laurie, Ricky, Sebastian, and Tara play frisbee in the park. It is never the investigation that makes the Andy Carpenter series so appealing, it is the multitude of sarcastic quips that Andy makes that go straight to my heart—wisecracks like:
Unfortunately, I’m not a big fan of depth in relationships; I like to keep my friends in the shallow end of the pool.
All in all, the day gives me a glimpse into what life is like for normal human beings, which will help me if I ever attempt to become one.
And, my favourite:
Five minutes holding on a call is a long time, but at least there’s no recording that keeps cutting in to tell me how important my call is to them, or saying that the call volume is higher than expected. Since some places always claim the call volume is higher than expected, they might want to adjust their expectation level.
(This latter quip was especially relevant to me, given that, during the past two weeks, I was put on hold for 45 minutes and 30 minutes respectively, by two different Canadian corporations, and the annoying “on hold� messages stopped me from doing something productive—like reading—while waiting.)
Andy Carpenter novels should never been examined too closely for logic, because I was left wondering, at the end, whether they ever discovered where the bodies of innocent victims were hidden. Instead, the author preferred to end on a high note, with all the good guys in attendance for an important celebratory observation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
Dog Eat Dog (Andy Carpenter, #23)
Leader of the Pack (Andy Carpenter, #10)
Dead Center (Andy Carpenter, #5)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HOUNDED begins with Andy’s friend, police captain Pete Stanton asking Andy to look after eight-year-old Ricky and his bassinet hound Sebastian after Ricky’s father, Danny Diaz, is killed. But soon after, Pete is arrested for the murder, and Andy is tasked with defending Pete while taking care of Ricky and Sebastian. Tara, Andy’s Golden Retriever, likes Sebastian (and Ricky).
It is up to Andy to prove that Pete is innocent and being framed, but he needs a lot of assistance from his team—Laurie, Hike, Marcus, and Sam (especially Sam with his computer hacking skills). Eventually, they uncover a conspiracy that relates to a case that Pete was investigating. Fairly early in the story we, the readers, get glimpses into some parts of this conspiracy, but it is not until near the end that all the members of the murder group are identified.
The story vacillates between the investigation and more lighthearted scenes like the one where Andy, Laurie, Ricky, Sebastian, and Tara play frisbee in the park. It is never the investigation that makes the Andy Carpenter series so appealing, it is the multitude of sarcastic quips that Andy makes that go straight to my heart—wisecracks like:
Unfortunately, I’m not a big fan of depth in relationships; I like to keep my friends in the shallow end of the pool.
All in all, the day gives me a glimpse into what life is like for normal human beings, which will help me if I ever attempt to become one.
And, my favourite:
Five minutes holding on a call is a long time, but at least there’s no recording that keeps cutting in to tell me how important my call is to them, or saying that the call volume is higher than expected. Since some places always claim the call volume is higher than expected, they might want to adjust their expectation level.
(This latter quip was especially relevant to me, given that, during the past two weeks, I was put on hold for 45 minutes and 30 minutes respectively, by two different Canadian corporations, and the annoying “on hold� messages stopped me from doing something productive—like reading—while waiting.)
Andy Carpenter novels should never been examined too closely for logic, because I was left wondering, at the end, whether they ever discovered where the bodies of innocent victims were hidden. Instead, the author preferred to end on a high note, with all the good guys in attendance for an important celebratory observation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
Dog Eat Dog (Andy Carpenter, #23)
Leader of the Pack (Andy Carpenter, #10)
Dead Center (Andy Carpenter, #5)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 20, 2025
Recently finished #12 in David Rosenfelt's legal thriller series based on attorney Andy Carpenter and his beloved dog Tara, as well as the cast of characters we have all grown to know and love in this series.
While Rosenfelt's books are typically short and formulaic, they offer interesting plots with unexpected outcomes, ongoing developments within the ensemble of characters, and fantastic personality and dialog from Main Character Andy Carpenter which I really enjoy. This book was no different, but it stands out in that the person in legal trouble is Andy's good friend, detective Pete, and not a stranger. It also introduces not 1, but 2, major changes in Andy's personal life (no spoilers)!
One thing I struggle with in this series is keeping track of the many peripheral characters and their importance as I speed through the book. In the future I think I will make a 1-page cheat sheet to refer to as I'm reading to make sure I'm getting all the nuance of the plot. 5-stars. I will also note that I have read several of the series in Kindle format, but really recommend the audiobook version of this series, as the narration brings the stories and characters to life and is very entertaining.
While Rosenfelt's books are typically short and formulaic, they offer interesting plots with unexpected outcomes, ongoing developments within the ensemble of characters, and fantastic personality and dialog from Main Character Andy Carpenter which I really enjoy. This book was no different, but it stands out in that the person in legal trouble is Andy's good friend, detective Pete, and not a stranger. It also introduces not 1, but 2, major changes in Andy's personal life (no spoilers)!
One thing I struggle with in this series is keeping track of the many peripheral characters and their importance as I speed through the book. In the future I think I will make a 1-page cheat sheet to refer to as I'm reading to make sure I'm getting all the nuance of the plot. 5-stars. I will also note that I have read several of the series in Kindle format, but really recommend the audiobook version of this series, as the narration brings the stories and characters to life and is very entertaining.
August 9, 2014
The latest Andy Carpenter book is, in my opinion, a return to form for . Where the last few books have had some over-the-top insanity, using recent (real world) terror events and outlandish plot devices, this was somewhat more sedate, but in a good way. This time around, Andy's detective friend Pete Stanton is accused of murdering a friend and being a drug dealer, and it's up to Andy and the team to defend him. As usual, in the process, they (mostly Andy this time) figure out who set Pete up and why without the insane theatrics of recent books in the series. Sure, there were crazy courtroom antics and some tense investigative moments, but in the end, justice prevails.
I love these books for how fun and light they are. It was a nice diversion from real life and I devoured the audiobook in a couple of nights of listening (and a couple lunches). If you've been frustrated by recent Any Carpenter books, you'll be happy to see a return to the "old" style of book. Andy, even though he's a fictional character, is probably the only New York sports fan I'd want to watch a game with. ;)
I love these books for how fun and light they are. It was a nice diversion from real life and I devoured the audiobook in a couple of nights of listening (and a couple lunches). If you've been frustrated by recent Any Carpenter books, you'll be happy to see a return to the "old" style of book. Andy, even though he's a fictional character, is probably the only New York sports fan I'd want to watch a game with. ;)
September 23, 2021
This is a Legal Mystery, and this is the 12th book in the Andy Carpenter series. I really loved this book, and During this book so much happens to Andy's normal life. I enjoyed the mystery in this book, but I found Andy learning to round with everything that is throw into his life during this book. I think this is my favorite book in this series that I have read so far.
May 15, 2014
The twelfth book in the Andy Carpenter series proves once again that to be friends with Andy means that his lawyerly skills will be called upon to defend you from murder. This time it’s series regular and police captain Pete Stanton that stands accused (personally, my fingers are crossed that the thirteenth book in the series will feature Edna as the accused - a murder at a crossword convention sounds like the perfect fodder for Rosenfelt’s blend of mystery and comedy). The murder of Danny Diaz puts his young son under the care of Andy and fiancee, Laurie. This family dynamic adds to the series and the characters� overall personal arc and growth.
In the tradition of the series, this is fast-paced and a lot of fun to read. And behind one “simple� murder, lurks a much larger plot. The characters rally together and I especially enjoy the way Rosenfelt chose to end this book - it definitely makes for a surprise and adds to my excitement for the next book in the series. This is a great addition to the series and the plot holds some genuine surprises in its twists and turns. And, as always, there are plenty of laughs along with the thrills. In the more recent books in this series, this one definitely ranks amongst my favorites!
In the tradition of the series, this is fast-paced and a lot of fun to read. And behind one “simple� murder, lurks a much larger plot. The characters rally together and I especially enjoy the way Rosenfelt chose to end this book - it definitely makes for a surprise and adds to my excitement for the next book in the series. This is a great addition to the series and the plot holds some genuine surprises in its twists and turns. And, as always, there are plenty of laughs along with the thrills. In the more recent books in this series, this one definitely ranks amongst my favorites!
November 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am really enjoying the Andy Carpenter series.
I am really enjoying the Andy Carpenter series.
February 9, 2022
If you like the Andy Carpenter series (and who doesn't?), you'll love this one. All the main characters are here, with police Captain Pete playing a prominent role as the client accused of murder. I missed the old fart computer club, though, although I can't think of any of their names.
The story was pretty involved and excitement was kept at a high level with people getting killed pretty regularly. At least the deaths were not violent. Actually, quite the opposite but the results were the same. And the ending! If you like happy endings, this one can't be beat. Since all the books in this series seem to have happy endings, I don't think I'm giving anything away. It's happy, but it's not like Andy, his wife, and child all live happily every after, but it's close.
The story was pretty involved and excitement was kept at a high level with people getting killed pretty regularly. At least the deaths were not violent. Actually, quite the opposite but the results were the same. And the ending! If you like happy endings, this one can't be beat. Since all the books in this series seem to have happy endings, I don't think I'm giving anything away. It's happy, but it's not like Andy, his wife, and child all live happily every after, but it's close.
April 4, 2019
Some major developments included here with the mystery. 4.5 stars
December 12, 2022
How did this get 4.1 stars? A combination of Pollyanna feel goods along
G with everybody involved in a coverup getting killed. And then it ends with a classic Deux Machina and an unbelievable happy ending!
Only Carpemter's wait made it possible to make it thru.
G with everybody involved in a coverup getting killed. And then it ends with a classic Deux Machina and an unbelievable happy ending!
Only Carpemter's wait made it possible to make it thru.
August 24, 2015
Rosenfelt's books are always good, fun fast reads that keep you guessing until the end. This one is no exception.
February 14, 2018
Since Andy is reluctant to take on any cases, he is lazy and has lots of money (his words not mine), I thought that his friend Captain Stanton was going to be found guilty and the nest book dealing with the fallout of that verdict. Not to be! So, moving on to Who Let the Dogs Out.
August 29, 2014
First things first: is this not the cutest cover image ever?
Secondly, I'm not a Today watcher, but my wife is when she's home sick from work. This mini-rant from Andy was exactly what I've been thinking.
On to the book itself, which is what I'm supposed to be talking about --
By this time it's pretty much assumed that Andy will be taking in a dog for the duration of whatever case he takes up (after being forced/tricked into it by this point), and he does so this time -- a six year-old Basset Hound named Sebastian. However, this one comes with an accessory Andy's not used to -- an eight year old boy named Ricky.
You see, Andy's friend Pete Collins was pretty good friends with Ricky's dad, Danny Diza, and an Uncle-figure to Ricky. And Ricky's was just murdered, so until the system is able to place Ricky in a permanent home, Pete asks Laurie and Andy to take him in. Why doesn't Pete do that? Well, he's going to be arrested for Danny's murder. Never mind that Pete Collins is about the best that the local Police Department has. Thankfully, he does have super-defense attorney as his best friend.
The number of people in Andy's social circle who haven't charged with murder is getting pretty slim at this point. He's either going to have to make other friends, or do some marketing. Hate to have to see Andy defend Marcus.
Ricky's presence brings out a side in Laurie we had heretofore not seen, but should've known were there. Similar sides in Edna (of all people) and Marcus (!) are brought out as well. Very fun to see the latter two, and heartwarming to see the former. The Ricky-factor alone elevates this particular Carpenter novel.
This case involves a conspiracy, as is almost always the case lately. But this time, it's on a smaller scale -- no worldwide terrorist networks or anything. Just one murder leading to a few others that are trying to be kept quiet by some mysterious and nefarious people. It's definitely in Andy Carpenter's wheelhouse, and just the thing his readers are looking for.
Here's the thing that bugs me, and is a minor spoiler -- very minor since I'm describing something that didn't happen: At no point in time did Andy or Laurie -- or some psychologist/counselor they hire -- talk to Ricky about the events of the night his father was killed. He was upstairs when it happened. I'm not saying it wouldn't have been tough, it likely wouldn't have given Andy much to work with in the defense (I know that because I read Rosenfelt's narration, Andy didn't), but still, you've got to do it to save Pete's neck, right?
Other than that, the only beef I have is that I talked myself out of the solution at one point. I was pretty annoyed with myself when Andy figured it out.
Despite the ongoing drought of song-talking between Andy and Sam, this is one of the better entries in the series, and was a lot of fun to read. It featured the typical courtroom antics, banter between Andy and the gang, adoration of Tara, and so on. Not to mention the laugh-out-loudest Marcus joke ever, some welcome character arcs developments, and the most "awww"-inducing closing paragraph that I've read in ages.
Secondly, I'm not a Today watcher, but my wife is when she's home sick from work. This mini-rant from Andy was exactly what I've been thinking.
I am a creature of habit, and by this time I am always in the den, watching the CBS Morning News. I used to watch the Today Show, until they came up with something called "The Orange Room." Basically, they go there to tell us what people are tweeting to the Today Show Orange Room. People who would take the time to tweet to the Today Show Orange Room are month the people in the world whose opinions interest me least, so I stopped watching it.
On to the book itself, which is what I'm supposed to be talking about --
By this time it's pretty much assumed that Andy will be taking in a dog for the duration of whatever case he takes up (after being forced/tricked into it by this point), and he does so this time -- a six year-old Basset Hound named Sebastian. However, this one comes with an accessory Andy's not used to -- an eight year old boy named Ricky.
You see, Andy's friend Pete Collins was pretty good friends with Ricky's dad, Danny Diza, and an Uncle-figure to Ricky. And Ricky's was just murdered, so until the system is able to place Ricky in a permanent home, Pete asks Laurie and Andy to take him in. Why doesn't Pete do that? Well, he's going to be arrested for Danny's murder. Never mind that Pete Collins is about the best that the local Police Department has. Thankfully, he does have super-defense attorney as his best friend.
The number of people in Andy's social circle who haven't charged with murder is getting pretty slim at this point. He's either going to have to make other friends, or do some marketing. Hate to have to see Andy defend Marcus.
Ricky's presence brings out a side in Laurie we had heretofore not seen, but should've known were there. Similar sides in Edna (of all people) and Marcus (!) are brought out as well. Very fun to see the latter two, and heartwarming to see the former. The Ricky-factor alone elevates this particular Carpenter novel.
This case involves a conspiracy, as is almost always the case lately. But this time, it's on a smaller scale -- no worldwide terrorist networks or anything. Just one murder leading to a few others that are trying to be kept quiet by some mysterious and nefarious people. It's definitely in Andy Carpenter's wheelhouse, and just the thing his readers are looking for.
Here's the thing that bugs me, and is a minor spoiler -- very minor since I'm describing something that didn't happen: At no point in time did Andy or Laurie -- or some psychologist/counselor they hire -- talk to Ricky about the events of the night his father was killed. He was upstairs when it happened. I'm not saying it wouldn't have been tough, it likely wouldn't have given Andy much to work with in the defense (I know that because I read Rosenfelt's narration, Andy didn't), but still, you've got to do it to save Pete's neck, right?
Other than that, the only beef I have is that I talked myself out of the solution at one point. I was pretty annoyed with myself when Andy figured it out.
Despite the ongoing drought of song-talking between Andy and Sam, this is one of the better entries in the series, and was a lot of fun to read. It featured the typical courtroom antics, banter between Andy and the gang, adoration of Tara, and so on. Not to mention the laugh-out-loudest Marcus joke ever, some welcome character arcs developments, and the most "awww"-inducing closing paragraph that I've read in ages.
May 11, 2014
I've never read David Rosenfelt before, but that's part of the deal as a Vine reviewer--you try new authors. Hounded (Minotaur Books 2014) had a big, cuddly hound on the cover so there was no way to pass it up. I'm a dog lover to the extreme. I often add dog pictures to my blog posts just because they're cute. Plus, the book blurb promised a sense of humor. My mind went wild imagining a funny hound solving mysteries or getting in the way of the crimestoppers so I grabbed it from the list.
The book is nothing like that. Yes, humor is woven throughout, but the hound's only input is to be adopted by the main character, go for walks with him, and sleep. Still, I found the book fun, well-scripted, nicely-paced, and I will be reading Rosenfelt's other books. Looking at his list in the front piece of Hounded, it's clear he too is a dog lover--lots of books with dog-themed titles which I'm now suspicious of.
Hounded is the next in Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series about a defense attorney who made so much money (I don't know how), he only takes cases that appeal to him. This case, he's tricked into taking --after he first agrees to watch the son and hound dog of a dead man.
It gets weirder from there.
Rosenfelt is a good storyteller, the novel well-paced, with just the right balance of action and drama and an acerbic wit that I enjoy in fiction. The hero of the series, Andy Carpenter, is interesting. By his own admission, he's lazy, wealthy, with a humble self-deprecation that filters throughout the story--
"I'm not a big fan of depth in relationships. I like to keep my friends in the shallow end of the pool."
He's not your usual hero defense attorney. I love that he's afraid of everything ("As someone who was scared of the cookie monster until I was seventeen, it's intimidating to me.") with an interesting philosophy of life--one that many of us can relate to ("I don't know enough to know what is important and what isn't, so I treat everything as if it is crucial. Not to do so would mean that I might gloss over something that is vital to our case").
My only complaint is that it's written in present tense. I'm not a fan of that sort of story, but as usual, I got used to it. Absolutely recommended to friends and strangers.
The book is nothing like that. Yes, humor is woven throughout, but the hound's only input is to be adopted by the main character, go for walks with him, and sleep. Still, I found the book fun, well-scripted, nicely-paced, and I will be reading Rosenfelt's other books. Looking at his list in the front piece of Hounded, it's clear he too is a dog lover--lots of books with dog-themed titles which I'm now suspicious of.
Hounded is the next in Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series about a defense attorney who made so much money (I don't know how), he only takes cases that appeal to him. This case, he's tricked into taking --after he first agrees to watch the son and hound dog of a dead man.
It gets weirder from there.
Rosenfelt is a good storyteller, the novel well-paced, with just the right balance of action and drama and an acerbic wit that I enjoy in fiction. The hero of the series, Andy Carpenter, is interesting. By his own admission, he's lazy, wealthy, with a humble self-deprecation that filters throughout the story--
"I'm not a big fan of depth in relationships. I like to keep my friends in the shallow end of the pool."
He's not your usual hero defense attorney. I love that he's afraid of everything ("As someone who was scared of the cookie monster until I was seventeen, it's intimidating to me.") with an interesting philosophy of life--one that many of us can relate to ("I don't know enough to know what is important and what isn't, so I treat everything as if it is crucial. Not to do so would mean that I might gloss over something that is vital to our case").
My only complaint is that it's written in present tense. I'm not a fan of that sort of story, but as usual, I got used to it. Absolutely recommended to friends and strangers.
October 22, 2022
I am surely biased at this point. The books in this series are a home run for my bullet points on what makes an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed and the plot is dynamic and exciting. I liked this book a great deal. At it's conclusion it provided more avenues to explore going forward. It enhanced the author's options and made the series less formulaic. I hope you have read one or two of this series and find it as enjoyable as i do.
May 1, 2014
Doing the right thing really is that easy
Andy Carpenter is a highly skilled lawyer that may lack the motivation but never the ability to get his client set free. When his friend, police Captain Pete Stanton falls into a set of circumstances that find him behind bars for a murder he did not commit, Andy jumps into action and does he best to connect pieces of the puzzle that do not fit. Calling on his team to lend a hand and having his love Laurie coordinate all the individuals becomes a matter of doing the right thing for a great guy no questions asked.
There are so many variables and loose ends that make no sense apart but in the path of pulling things together Andy realizes nothing is coincidental it is all interlaced. How what appear to be random deaths might be murders and who is the mastermind behind all this mayhem Andy cannot even venture to guess. The question of why his friend is being set up when all he wanted to do was help out is the biggest question because the main victim in this case is a man Pete put on the path of reformation that seemed to stick. He was a dedicated worker, husband, and father which all came about due to the insight of one police officer that saw something good in a man going bad.
The one loose end that is causing the most conflicted problems for Andy and his live in love Laurie is Ricky the dead man’s son. They have taken him in and are making sure he is safe and well cared for, but with no family left and a foster care system for him to fall into but what about the day after tomorrow when a decision about whether he stays with them or not has to be made.
Every reader looking for a mystery buried so deep in great characters and brilliant story telling should pick up a David Rosenfelt book, they always entertain.
Andy Carpenter is a highly skilled lawyer that may lack the motivation but never the ability to get his client set free. When his friend, police Captain Pete Stanton falls into a set of circumstances that find him behind bars for a murder he did not commit, Andy jumps into action and does he best to connect pieces of the puzzle that do not fit. Calling on his team to lend a hand and having his love Laurie coordinate all the individuals becomes a matter of doing the right thing for a great guy no questions asked.
There are so many variables and loose ends that make no sense apart but in the path of pulling things together Andy realizes nothing is coincidental it is all interlaced. How what appear to be random deaths might be murders and who is the mastermind behind all this mayhem Andy cannot even venture to guess. The question of why his friend is being set up when all he wanted to do was help out is the biggest question because the main victim in this case is a man Pete put on the path of reformation that seemed to stick. He was a dedicated worker, husband, and father which all came about due to the insight of one police officer that saw something good in a man going bad.
The one loose end that is causing the most conflicted problems for Andy and his live in love Laurie is Ricky the dead man’s son. They have taken him in and are making sure he is safe and well cared for, but with no family left and a foster care system for him to fall into but what about the day after tomorrow when a decision about whether he stays with them or not has to be made.
Every reader looking for a mystery buried so deep in great characters and brilliant story telling should pick up a David Rosenfelt book, they always entertain.
January 24, 2016
If you've read most of the Andy Carpenter series, you'll no doubt love this one. I've invested my emotions into this series and can not imagine not reading about Andy Carpenter, Tara and the gang at least once a year.
January 10, 2015
There are obviously a lot of people who enjoy the Andy Carpenter series. I'm just not one of them. I don't want to rain on your parade, but will give my opinion simply to provide another view of these books.
The monologues and dialogues were very "cutesy" and extremely juvenile. In fact, I was wondering why this book was not in the YA section of the library. As someone very much involved with the justice system in my adult life, I do not appreciate his [seeming] lack of respect for judges and the judicial process.
The monologues and dialogues were very "cutesy" and extremely juvenile. In fact, I was wondering why this book was not in the YA section of the library. As someone very much involved with the justice system in my adult life, I do not appreciate his [seeming] lack of respect for judges and the judicial process.
February 4, 2015
A delightful mix of mystery and humor in a tale that is also intriguing and entertaining. Attorney Andy Carpenter finds himself to be a temporary guardian, along with his girlfriend Laurie, to a young boy and his basset hound. But the crux of the matter is that his friend, Pete Stanton has been accused of murder. In defending his friend, Andy puts himself in danger, following a trail of bodies that hopefully will lead to the real killer. When all is said and done, Andy discovers a truth about himself that will change his life. A great story from beginning to end.
October 20, 2016
Another typical Andy Carpenter book well read by . Dogs didn't play a big part in it, the verdict was foreordained, & Rosenfelt is getting more repetitive, but it was still fun. This is another series that should be read in order since there is a lot of character history, but it stands well enough on its own.
July 7, 2021
What a breath of fresh air after starting two lurid books that were unreadable!! This is my first Andy Carpenter book and I loved it - no profane language or graphic sex scenes, just a fun clean adventure.
Lots of raves reviews for this series and I’ll agree with them - sort of like a trip to Mayberry! Looking forward to reading all the rest, even out of order👍
PS 07/06/2021 Yes there is a Danny, Ricky’s dad.
Lots of raves reviews for this series and I’ll agree with them - sort of like a trip to Mayberry! Looking forward to reading all the rest, even out of order👍
PS 07/06/2021 Yes there is a Danny, Ricky’s dad.
July 27, 2014
The latest book in the Andy Carpenter series was a very enjoyable read! Grabbed me from page one and held on to the end.
April 10, 2018
First I have to say I bought this book because of the cover thinking that an animal (preferably a dog) was helping solve the case. Well it wasn't. The book was a very enjoyable read even though characters were already developed since it is the 12th in a series. Andy Carpenter, an attorney is the lead character in the book together with his girlfriend Laurie and his posse are out to prove that their best friend, Pete, the police captain is innocent for the murder or a CI. Throw in the CI's son and his dog whom Pete talked Andy into taking care of so the child isn't lost in the system. It's a rollercoaster ride when almost everyone that can help set Pete free winds up dead. Kind of disheartening but Andy pulls it off or shall I say one of Andy's employee's friend saves the day. Light and fast reading so if you like a book that isn't hard to follow this is it. Chapters are short and to the point. David Rosenfelt is the female Janet Evanovich but at least you know where his relationship ends.
April 18, 2019
This was an utter delight on audio. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the reader, Grover Gardner, before, and he was excellent.
A library patron recommended this series to me, so I took it for a spin. I don’t know how I ended up starting with book 12, but it worked out OK. I definitely want to go back to the beginning and see how this ensemble cast formed their relationships.
Andy’s voice is very funny—I laughed a lot while I was driving to and from work. I was wondering if I’d be bored with the courtroom stuff, but it was good too. I haven’t ever read a mystery with a lawyer as the protagonist, but I really liked this one.
A library patron recommended this series to me, so I took it for a spin. I don’t know how I ended up starting with book 12, but it worked out OK. I definitely want to go back to the beginning and see how this ensemble cast formed their relationships.
Andy’s voice is very funny—I laughed a lot while I was driving to and from work. I was wondering if I’d be bored with the courtroom stuff, but it was good too. I haven’t ever read a mystery with a lawyer as the protagonist, but I really liked this one.
April 26, 2022
Super fun 😍
July 15, 2023
A great read, bit of everything, loved the humour and four legged companions. The court drama was great and not too intense.
July 7, 2018
My first Andy Carpenter. Excellent summer reading! I prefer Rosenfelt's Doug Brock series and his stand alone novels, but Hounded was an unexpected pleasure.
May 9, 2014
Another Enjoyable Addition to The Andy Carpenter Series!
In Hounded, the eleventh book in the Andy Carpenter series, Carpenter, a suburban defense attorney who most definitely is not in the market for a new client, feels obligated to take on the case of his good friend, police Captain Pete Stanton. Stanton is arrested and charged for the murder of an ex-convict, Danny Balfour, that he has befriended. In addition to Carpenter being asked to be Stanton's defense attorney, he and his girlfriend are asked by Stanton to take in Balfour's 4-year old son and dog. If you are familiar with Carpenter from previous books you could guess how comfortable he feels about caring for a young child!
I've said it before and I'm saying it again now -- no matter what limitations David Rosenfelt might possibly have in his life, the ability to tell a consistently good, suspenseful and humorous story isn't one of them. With Hounded, Rosenfelt continues to be one of the best 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. In particular, wise-cracking Andy Carpenter, is a character that stays in your mind even after you finish the book.
That being said, having read all of the books in this series, I have become extremely familiar with Rosenfelt's successful formula and, thus, usually know what to expect. This, in turn, has sligtly reduced the level of excitement and surprise that I felt from earlier books in the series. As such, after finishing the last few books prior to Hounded, I hoped that Rosenfelt would introduce some new twists with his character's to help freshen up the series a bit for me. In Hounded, without saying how and run the risk of spoiling things for you, Rosenfelt has taken steps to fulfill my hope for the series.
I remain a loyal fan of this series and look forward to hanging out with Carpenter and his "crew' in his future legal adventures. Plus, his dog, Tara (who does not have much of a role in this book), is one I wish I had.
In Hounded, the eleventh book in the Andy Carpenter series, Carpenter, a suburban defense attorney who most definitely is not in the market for a new client, feels obligated to take on the case of his good friend, police Captain Pete Stanton. Stanton is arrested and charged for the murder of an ex-convict, Danny Balfour, that he has befriended. In addition to Carpenter being asked to be Stanton's defense attorney, he and his girlfriend are asked by Stanton to take in Balfour's 4-year old son and dog. If you are familiar with Carpenter from previous books you could guess how comfortable he feels about caring for a young child!
I've said it before and I'm saying it again now -- no matter what limitations David Rosenfelt might possibly have in his life, the ability to tell a consistently good, suspenseful and humorous story isn't one of them. With Hounded, Rosenfelt continues to be one of the best 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. In particular, wise-cracking Andy Carpenter, is a character that stays in your mind even after you finish the book.
That being said, having read all of the books in this series, I have become extremely familiar with Rosenfelt's successful formula and, thus, usually know what to expect. This, in turn, has sligtly reduced the level of excitement and surprise that I felt from earlier books in the series. As such, after finishing the last few books prior to Hounded, I hoped that Rosenfelt would introduce some new twists with his character's to help freshen up the series a bit for me. In Hounded, without saying how and run the risk of spoiling things for you, Rosenfelt has taken steps to fulfill my hope for the series.
I remain a loyal fan of this series and look forward to hanging out with Carpenter and his "crew' in his future legal adventures. Plus, his dog, Tara (who does not have much of a role in this book), is one I wish I had.
July 27, 2014
From the very first Andy Carpenter book. "Open and Shut," I have been hooked. Bestselling author David Rosenfelt created characters his readers have fallen in love with, consider friends, and can't wait to be invited into their lives again and again. "Hounded" is book 12 in the series, and without giving anything away, something long-time fans have been waiting for.
Andy Carpenter is a sarcastic, intelligent, funny lawyer. A little bit lazy, but so likable and genuine. The people in his life are recognizable in our own lives as well. Author David Rosenfelt is not only talented, but also one of the good guys. Dogs play an important part in his stories and in his life. He rescues golden retrievers and also works with rescue groups around the country. That information is what first drew me to the series many years ago, but it's Rosenfelt's cleverness at creating a good "who dunnit" that keeps me coming back for more.
"Hounded" is a fun read with all the twists, turns and surprises we've come to expect in a Andy Carpenter mystery.
Andy Carpenter is a sarcastic, intelligent, funny lawyer. A little bit lazy, but so likable and genuine. The people in his life are recognizable in our own lives as well. Author David Rosenfelt is not only talented, but also one of the good guys. Dogs play an important part in his stories and in his life. He rescues golden retrievers and also works with rescue groups around the country. That information is what first drew me to the series many years ago, but it's Rosenfelt's cleverness at creating a good "who dunnit" that keeps me coming back for more.
"Hounded" is a fun read with all the twists, turns and surprises we've come to expect in a Andy Carpenter mystery.
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