I'm back with Book of the Week, although I might miss a week here or there.

Play dead / David Rosenfelt

I love David Rosenfelt’s nonfiction books about his animal
rescue activities, and although I had heard good things about his Andy Carpenter mysteries, I
didn’t want to read any for fear I would be disappointed. But no disappointments here! At first I thought it would be a lightweight
read, however, the “plot thickens” with its seemingly unsolvable mystery. Stirred into the mix are wisecracking humor,
colorful characters and a starring role for dogs. The dog star in this case is Reggie, a golden
retriever who is called upon to give evidence in court. From the dustjacket: “Andy pushes the
boundaries of the law even further as he struggles to free an innocent man by
convincing an incredulous jury to take canine testimony seriously.”

Booklist review: *Starred review* “In the sixth Andy Carpenter
mystery, Rosenfelt turns his love of golden retrievers into a cracking good
yarn. Andy, the New Jersey attorney whose inheritance of $22 million has
diluted his work ethic ("I am work-ethically challenged," he tells
us), tends to take a case only when it interests him. When he learns that a
beautiful retriever is scheduled to be put down after biting its owner, he
decides to represent the dog in court. He is successful, but soon his delight
at saving the animal's life turns to amazement--or at least bemusement--when he
discovers that the dog may be a key witness in a five-year-old murder. There
are many ways this novel should have failed (the whole premise is iffy, for starters),
but Rosenfelt skillfully avoids every trap into which he might have fallen.
There is no way you can read this novel without becoming completely caught up
in the story. As always, Andy's offbeat, outspoken personality shines on every
page, and the balance of humor and mystery is dead-on. There is nothing else to
say about this fine novel, except this: read it as soon as you can.”