Dead Men Don't Play Fetch

Andy Carpenter #33

by David Rosenfelt

Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns with Dead Men Don't Play Fetch as Andy Carpenter investigates a wealthy dog lover's unusual death.

It’s defense lawyer Andy Carpenter’s dream to retire. That goal is once again thwarted when he gets a call from Lou, an old friend who he simply cannot refuse, asking for a favor. Lou runs a rehab center, and when one of his patients, a homeless vet, is charged with first degree murder, he needs Andy's help. And of course, Andy will also be called on to care for the accused’s dog, but that’s okay, what's one more dog?

The man that Jason Maddox is accused of stabbing to death is none other than billionaire Paul Vincent, an eccentric businessman and inventor. Bickert dedicated a great portion of his life to philanthropy, with a soft spot for dog-related causes. This led him to befriend Jason, a physicist and war hero, whose life fell apart to the point where he ended up on the streets with his dog, just trying to survive.

But why would Jason possibly have wanted to kill him? Well, for one thing, he was to receive a fortune in Vincent's will. That, coupled with the fact that Jason was at the scene, his fingerprints were on the knife, and Vincent's wallet was in his jacket, made it a slam dunk arrest.

Once again, Andy is enmeshed in a puzzling, twisty case. But in order to reunite a man and his dog, Andy will have to untangle it all.

Genres: Mystery, Humor, Audiobook, Fiction, Dogs, Crime, Mystery Thriller

288 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

I 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.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidr...

Reviews

[Karen]

I have known about this book for months. It has been sitting on my library waitlist for just about that long, too. Even while I waited, I knew it wouldn't actually be released until July 7, 2026. There was something especially satisfying about knowing I'd be the first person in my local library community to check it out.

So why was it worth the wait?

Because if you've followed my reviews for any length of time, you already know that Andy Carpenter is one of my favorite mystery series. Every new release goes straight onto my waitlist, and I happily—and patiently—wait my turn.

Why?

Because these books consistently deliver everything I'm looking for: courtroom drama, humor, dogs, an engaging mystery, memorable reoccurring characters, and, every so often, an ending that genuinely catches me by surprise. That's no small accomplishment for a series now 33 books in.

While many long-running series eventually become formulaic, this one continues to feel fresh.

All I really ask of a series is that it keeps me turning the pages, gives me characters I enjoy spending time with, and offers a story that's simply fun to follow. David Rosenfelt continues to do exactly that. And, of course, it never hurts when there's an adorable dog on the cover. Who could resist?

If you're new to Andy Carpenter, I'm not going to insist you read all 32 previous novels before picking up this one. In fact, I'm still discovering earlier entries that I somehow missed. I'll always encourage readers to start at the beginning of a series if they can, but I also understand how intimidating that can feel when there are so many books—not to mention everything else already waiting on your TBR. So, if you want to start here, that works, because it can be read as a stand-alone, too.

Just know that this installment features the short chapters the series is known for, a lovable new dog temporarily joining the Carpenter family menagerie, and a twisty mystery that keeps the pages flying. It's another thoroughly enjoyable escape for anyone who loves cozy mysteries with a clever, sometimes amazingly intricate, plot.

🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 Stars

[Karen.J.]

4 ⭐️

David Rosenfelt you never let me down, I have loved every one of the “Andy Carpenter” series.

[Bob]


****Another Very Enjoyable Addition To The Andy Carpenter Series!

I won’t get into the plot of Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch as you can read about that in the Amazon/Goodreads Book Description. I’ll just say that Rosenfelt delivers yet another charming Andy Carpenter mystery (the 33rd in the series) — witty, fast-paced and dog-loving as usual. The legal twists are satisfying, and the canine subplot adds heart. Longtime fans will enjoy the familiar humor and characters, though newcomers will miss some backstory. In fairness, while it is predictable in parts, it is always reliably entertaining and, in my opinion, it is a solid, cozy legal mystery.

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.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.

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 dogs, Tara in particular, are ones I wish I had.

#Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch #Net Galley

[Carolyn Walsh]

This is the 33rd book in the Andy Carpenter series. They all follow the same formula, but each one seems new, entertaining, and fast-paced with recurring characters. The books' covers feature a picture of an appealing dog, which usually only exists as a motivational factor. Andy Carpenter is a defence lawyer who is independently wealthy. He only takes a court case when a dog is somehow involved. He is a snide and sarcastic narrator, which provides humour to the story. He has three dogs and helps run a dog shelter.

Jason Maddox is a homeless former war hero, former physicist, and inventor. He is accused of first-degree murder of Paul Vincent, a billionaire, by stabbing him to death behind a rehab shelter. Jason was on the streets with his dog. Andy rescued the dog while Jason was in jail. The case against Jason contains much evidence. His fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and Vincent's wallet is found in a jacket in Jason's home. The Andy Carpenter series always has an intricate plot with serious courtroom drama. A valuable patent is at the centre of the case. Andy's defence is to supply names of possible, alternate killers. We learn that Jason was left a fortune in Vincent's will. Was that known to him, and was it a motive for the killing?
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy available July 07/2026. I highly recommend the Andy Carpenter series, and feel this book can be read as a standalone.

[Dawn]

Another fantastic read from one of my favorite authors! I always look forward to another installment in the Andy Charpenter series and it never disappoints! Loved the mystery, loved the sarcastic wit of Andy, the playful banter between him and his wife Laurie, and the 'wannabe boots on the ground detective' Sam - "Talk to me." I hope this series continues for a VERY long time! It always brightens my day when I know I have an Andy Carpenter mystery waiting for me at the end of it.

[Chris]

The same plot over and over again- innocent dog lover wrongly accused of murder and Andy the reluctant defense lawyer. But it works for me as Andy is engaging as ever. And of course there's a final twist even after the verdict is rendered. Andy is like the Dirty Harry of lawyers but without the testosterone.

[Hobart]

★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader. If you like this post, you might like others on that site. Consider checking it out!
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WHAT'S DEAD MEN DON'T PLAY FETCH ABOUT?
Andy gets called by an old acquaintance—one he feels indebted to. Lou Campanelli runs a rehab center, and one of the homeless gentlemen served there has been arrested for the murder of an eccentric billionaire. He's in need of a defense attorney.

He's also in need of someone to care for his dog.

Both of which are Andy Carpenter specialties.

Andy and his team come to a quick conclusion about their client's innocence. But figuring out a defense for him...well, that's going to take some work.

WHY DID I PICK THIS UP? WHY DID I KEEP READING?
I picked this up because after 31 books in the series, how do I not? Okay, I guess I have abandoned some series in the 20s. But those haven't kept things as fresh, kept changing things (while not changing too much).

The banter between Andy and the other characters still works. Andy's changing ideas about his work (earlier in the series he was just trying to do as little as possible, now he's shifted to trying to retire. It's a subtle difference, but it's there). We're getting to know some of these characters in new ways—even as the cast grows a little.

And the mysteries are still clever and the courtroom material never gets old.

WHAT'S THE SAME? WHAT'S DIFFERENT?
As I alluded to above, to keep a series this long-running you have to balance changing things and keeping things the same to satisfy long-time fans without letting them tire of things.

Here's a quick list of things that came to mind:
Marcus is a little more mysterious and dangerous than he's been in the last few books. In fact, he might be his most dangerous here. He also makes a huge blunder—I'm not used to seeing that from him. I'm also not sure how it served the story. I need to think on this some more.

Sam and his hacking are reliable as ever—I'm glad that some of Andy's crew are still uncomfortable with the legality of it, even if some of the others have given up caring.

Andy's uneasy relationship with both the FBI and various organized crime groups continue—I wonder a little about the lengths he goes to with the latter in this book. How far is too far—and how long will he continue in the good graces of some of these mobsters?

We got very little of Edna this go-around, but the jokes made about her worked. Eddie Dowd was practically a non-entity as well. Which is a shame, he should be around for more than some of the behind-the-scenes legal work.

Not only do we have a good amount of action for the Tara Foundation here—which is always good to see—there's discussion about the establishment of another dog rescue in town—and this one will be a nationwide chain. Rosenfelt obviously cares a lot for this kind of work, and it's a pleasure to see him get the chance to dwell on it.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT DEAD MEN DON'T PLAY FETCH?
I really enjoyed this one—and really had a hard time stopping when I needed to go back to work after lunch—I'd have been much more content to finish the book then and there. Everything was firing on all cylinders for this book and It was just a pleasure to read.

Well...almost all cylinders were firing. There was a moment semi-early-on when one of the characters says something that didn't make a lot of sense to me (I'm trying to be obscure here). After going back to check what had been said earlier with what this character said, it really seemed like a misstatement. Maybe Rosenfelt goofed and no editor picked it up. Or maybe because I had an ARC that it would be something to be fixed before the book hit the shelves.

But no. It was a clue. A very intentional thing by Rosenfelt. And boy, I felt sheepish. I really thought I was eagle-eyed by catching that. And, maybe I was. But I was so wrong in my understanding of it. Once I saw it as a clue (and no, I won't tell you how far I was in the book before I realized that*), I really appreciated the way that Rosenfelt worked it in like he did. Even if the realization that I wasn't so clever as I thought I was when the character goofed still smarted.

I guess everything was firing on all cylinders, but me.

It's a clever mystery, perpetrated by believable people, with high stakes for all involved. The characters are fun and engaging. There's really nothing more to ask for.

If Rosenfelt keeps going like this, I'm in for as many books as he cares to write. This would make a fine jumping-on point for those who like a good legal thriller (on the light side). It also works well for people who read some of the earlier books, but didn't keep up. You'll be fine jumping back in.

I encourage you all to do so.

* Very.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

[BookAddict]

This crafty wordsmith is someone whose work I’m completely new to, and if this Andy Carpenter adventure is any indication, I have a lot of catching up to do.

Not only does it have a snappy, sarcastic tone that I thoroughly enjoy, but what's not to love about an attorney determined to retire so he can focus on his dog rescue but somehow keeps getting dragged back into working for well-deserving clients who wouldn’t get justice without his help?

When philanthropist Paul Vincent is murdered, a vagrant dog owner, Jason Maddox, is accused. The director of the addiction recovery where Jason and his dog, Hope, live asks Andy to defend Jason. And then things get really interesting.

I can’t help but love this reluctant attorney who does the right thing, sometimes begrudgingly, and finds his way to the truth, all while letting the dogs have their deserved spotlight. Charming, witty and humorous with just the right touch of irreverence, this is one guaranteed to please even the most finicky reader.

[Star Gater]

#33 in the series, while my least favorite I would have still read if given a warning, FOMO.

Felt like just the bare bones of Andy, I wanted more of his snarkiness and humor.

Of course along with the previous 32 I would recommend.

[Cindy]

Entertaining as ever, what a terrific series! This one revolves around a recovering addict (and dog lover, of course) falsely accused of killing a billionaire who was a friend of his. Andy reluctantly takes the case and, with most of his team (Edna was conspicuously absent, likely due to an AI-generated excuse), works tirelessly to find the real killer. Grover Gardner’s narration is spot on as always.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the #AndyCarpenter audiobook of #DeadMenDontPlayFetch for review purposes. Publication date: 7 July 2026.

[Tiffany]

Oh how I flew through this book, there were so many funny and sarcastic moments, courtroom drama, dogs (yay! Tara!), a very entertaining mystery and even tho it is number 33 in the series it was very easy to be a stand alone read.

Andy Carpenter is a defense lawyer, even if he is ready to retire, and only seems to take cases that involve dogs. He meets up with Jason Maddox, a former war hero and physicist and inventor. He is being accused of first-degree murder of a billionaire, Paul Vincent.
While Andy is meeting with Jason he finds out that Jason has a dog and she is currently being held at a shelter, he immediately gets a signature to rescue the good girl until Jason's trial is over. (Do we love that? Yes we do!)
Jason is very adamant he did not kill Paul, but all of the people that seem to have connections with Jason and/or Paul are dropping dead or getting sick. It really is looking like time is running out for Jason on many aspects.

[Donna Lewis]

I love the Andy Carpenter series. Andy is witty, sardonic and humorous. He’s a great lawyer, but these books are not necessarily about trials—more about how Andy and his team go about investigating crimes and getting their clients out of prison.

Also, Andy is a dog lover and most often the innocent people he defends also are dog lovers. I say “innocent,” because Andy only accepts cases where he believes his client is innocent.

Andy explains that “history says that my gut is right a solid 50 percent of the time. Maybe a little less.”

The trial—there is always a trial—is complicated, but Andy relies on his wits rather than the famous “fingers crossed” and “thumbs up.”

Another winner.

[Joyce]

This is the 33rd book in the Andy Carpenter series. Andy has become like a beloved friend I catch up with when a new book in the series comes out. This is not great literature and sometimes almost formulaic in the plots, but I never tire of them. One of the biggest reasons is that at least several times in each book Rosenfelt writes something new that just makes me laugh outloud. Bring on another 33. Please.

[Jeannie Oppliger]

Andy Carpenter is another fun read. There is always a touch of humor and sometimes it is laugh-out-loud funny. The formula is always the same: somebody is accused of murder who is absolutely innocent, Andy comes out of retirement to defend the accused, there is a trial, and at the last minute all is solved. The reader is kept guessing. It is always fun.

[Barbara Blindauer]

Book 33 in the Andy Carpenter series. The only bad thing I can say is that I finished it n now must wait for the next Andy Carpenter book. Andy represents a recovering alcoholic is accused of murdering an eccentric, rich man. Andy gathers his group and they sift through the case trying to find a way to prove their client is innocent as well as who did it. Although predictable it is a great read.

[Jerry]

I’ve had a chance to read most of these books, and they’re always a blast! This time, I’d suggest giving the audio version a listen. It doesn’t seem to quite hit the same chord as reading them for me.
Thanks to neutrally for the advance copy

[Ken Mattes]

The recent edition of the Andy Carpenter series.
The dual threads of a wrongly charged individual and criminal activity behind the scenes causing the incarceration.
Of course a wonderful dog is associated with the wrongly accused.
A nice twist at the end.
Enjoy the read/listen.

[Karen Shipman]

Another installment in the Andy Catpenter series. As usual it does not disappoint. Our wise cracking, reluctant defense lawyer works to save an innocent young man set up for a murder. He and the team must follow the money to get to the bottom of
their scheme. I highly recommend this highly readable series.

[Diane]

Another fun legal mystery featuring defense attorney Andy Carpenter and his team.

[Nancy Duhaime]

Always entertaining to read one of these books.

[Gina]

I recommend the audio version of this because Grover Gardner is perfect for the voice of Andy Carpenter. This has all the good stuff, including quite a twist. Some violence, but not too graphic. Andy’s sarcastic humor balances it out.

[Bobbi]

Another enjoyable book in this series. As usual, lots of good LOL moments.

[Maria Elston]

I just love Rosenfelt!

[Mary]

Love my Andy Carpenter books! Exactly what I needed to read now!😊

[Diane Davis]

Dear David, you have to write faster. Once I start one of your new books I can't put it down, therefore I finish it in a day or two and then I have to wait for your next one. This one was great and I surprised myself that I figured out the murderer rather quickly. So now I will just sit quietly and wait for the next thrilling episode of Tara and Andy..

[Barbara]

In this 33rd book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, Andy defends a man accused of murdering a billionaire.

*****

Ever since he inherited a large fortune, New Jersey defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases.



Instead, Andy spends time with his wife Laurie; plays video games with his 16-year-old son Ricky; visits his dog rescue operation called the Tara Foundation;



and plays with his three pooches - golden retriever Tara; basset hound Sebastian; and pug Hunter. Andy takes Tara and Hunter for long walks every morning and evening, but lazy Sebastian prefers to do his business in the yard, between naps.





In his spare time, Andy also likes watching sports on TV and hanging out with his friends, newspaper editor Vince Sanders and Homicide Captain Pete Stanton, at Charlie's Sports Bar. Since Andy is a millionaire, he always pays the bill - and sometimes gets useful information in return.



Despite his reluctance to work, Andy feels compelled to take a new case when he gets a call from his friend Lou Campanelli, who runs a drug and alcohol rehab program called 'A Day at a Time'. Lou asks Andy to represent a recovering alcoholic called Jason Maddox, who has a tragic story.



Jason saw his son killed by a shark, after which he became a homeless alcoholic. Lou helped Jason get clean, and Jason - a physicist and tech expert - now lives at the rehab center with his dog Hope, and helps out with the clients.



Jason Maddox has been accused of killing a billionaire inventor named Paul Vincent, who was stabbed in an alley behind 'A Day at a Time'. Lou insists Jason is innocent, and Andy - who's a sucker for dogs like Hope - takes the case.



Andy decides the best way to exonerate Jason is the SODDI (Some Other Dude Did It) defense, so Andy assembles his associates. This includes 'The K Team' detective agency, whose investigators are: Andy's wife Laurie Collins - a former police officer;



Corey Douglas - a retired cop; Simon Garfunkel - a K-9 German shepherd who worked with Corey at the Paterson Police Department;



and Marcus Clark - the toughest, scariest guy on the planet.



In addition to The K Team, Andy calls in his accountant Sam Willis - who can hack into any computer anywhere;



his assistant attorney Eddie Dowd - who's especially good with paperwork and motions;



and his secretary Edna - who draws a paycheck but doesn't do any work; this time, Edna claims to be getting a dental implant, which prevents her coming to the office.



Andy and his squad turn up an array of alternative suspects including Vincent's former business partner, who lost money when Paul broke up the partnership; a drug dealer Vincent put in prison; a mob boss; a driver who had a fender bender with Vincent; Vincent's former stepson; people in Vincent's will; and more.



As always in these books, Andy ribs the prosecuting attorney. This time the prosecutor is Dylan Campbell, whom Andy has beat three times. Andy tells Dylan, "This is your chance to become the Buffalo Bills of prosecutors", referring to the fact the Bills are famous for having lost four Super Bowls in a row.



The Andy Carpenter novels are always humorous, with Andy making sarcastic quips and jokes throughout. There are also courtroom scenes, and Andy usually scores points off prosecution witnesses. Still, there's not a 'Perry Mason' moment when someone confesses, so Andy has to sweat it out during jury deliberation. When Andy happily exposes the real killer, we find out about the modus operandi and the twisty motive, which is trademark David Rosenfelt.



I enjoy these books, but the formula is getting a little old. Still, I'd recommend the mystery to Andy Carpenter fans.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Grover Gardner, who does a fine job.

Thanks to Netgalley, David Rosenfelt, and Macmillan Audio for an ARC of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Judy Collins]

"Andy Carpenter's dream of permanent retirement is shattered when he is called to defend a homeless war hero framed for a billionaire's murder."

In Dead Men Don't Play Fetch, (Andy Carpenter #33) Edgar-nominated author David Rosenfelt delivers a wonderfully witty, fast-paced, and effortlessly entertaining New Jersey courtroom legal mystery novel.

The story hinges on a reluctant, dog-loving defense attorney navigating immense professional and systemic hurdles to exonerate a homeless veteran framed for a high-profile billionaire murder. 

Irreverent courtroom legal strategy vs. an ironclad murder setup. A lawyer's desperate dream of permanent retirement turns into a high-stakes, paranoid investigation when a routine favor for a friend forces him to dismantle a complex frame-job and care for yet another rescue dog. 

Elevator Pitch
A charming, quick-witted legal thriller following millionaire defense attorney Andy Carpenter as he reluctantly stalls his retirement to defend a homeless war hero accused of stabbing an eccentric, dog-loving billionaire to death.

Review Breakdown

Intro Defense attorney Andy Carpenter wants nothing more than to finally retire and run his dog rescue organization, the Tara Foundation. But his plans are instantly shattered when his old friend Lou Campanelli calls in a major favor. One of Lou’s rehab patients—Jason Maddox, a brilliant former physicist and war hero who has fallen on hard times—is arrested for the brutal stabbing death of eccentric tech billionaire Paul Vincent.

The police consider it an open-and-shut case: Jason was found at the scene, his fingerprints are on the knife, Vincent's wallet is in his pocket, and he stands to inherit a massive fortune in Vincent's will. Andy steps in to defend the veteran, and naturally, takes in Jason's beloved dog, embarking on a twisty legal battle to prove his client was meticulously set up. 

Series
Book 33 of 34 in the highly acclaimed, long-running Andy Carpenter mystery series. 

Setting
The familiar, bustling streets and formal courtrooms of Paterson and northern New Jersey contrast with the hyper-wealthy estates of tech inventors. 

Vibe
Wry, comfortingly formulaic, and highly addictive. It delivers the fast-moving legal wit and animal-centric charm of a classic Rosenfelt novel, matching the lighthearted investigative momentum of Janet Evanovich. 

Genre Legal Thriller / Traditional Detective Mystery / Cozy Procedural. 

Themes
~The Systematic Failure & Marginalization of Homeless Veterans
~The Deep-Seated Greed Surrounding Massive Corporate Inheritances
~The Incorruptible Loyalties Found in the Canine Bond
~The Futility of Retiring from a Lifelong Legal Calling

Standout Characters
~Andy Carpenter: The snarky, millionaire defense attorney whose lazy exterior masks a fiercely sharp legal mind and a massive soft spot for rescue animals.
~Jason Maddox: The framed homeless veteran and former physicist who must trust Andy's team to navigate a mountain of fabricated evidence.
~The Accused's Dog: The loyal canine companion who serves as the ultimate motivation for Andy to break his retirement and win the case. 

Author Writing Standout
David Rosenfelt showcases his signature gift for laugh-out-loud courtroom comedy and sharp legal maneuvering. He packs the narrative with quick, breezy chapters, expert red herrings, and a brilliant legal defense strategy that completely revitalizes the classic whodunit layout. 

Takeaway
A flawless frame-job by an anonymous killer can trick the police, but it cannot survive a defense lawyer fueled by a love for dogs and an absolute hatred of working hard.

Title Significance
Dead Men Don't Play Fetch functions as a classic, humorous Rosenfelt play on words—subverting a grim murder mystery element into a lighthearted nod to the rescue dogs that perpetually anchors the series. 

Metaphor
Vincent's multi-million-dollar will serves as a flawless metaphor—a highly polished, philanthropic document on the outside that breeds lethal, predatory greed among those lurking in its shadows. 

Why You Should Read
Having read every single book in this series, I can safely say that stepping back into Andy's world feels like catching up with old friends, making this an absolute must-read for lifelong fans. 

My Thoughts

HAVING READ EVERY SINGLE BOOK IN THIS SERIES, ROSENFELT NEVER MISSES. "A comforting, delightfully snarky, and exceptionally clever legal mystery that delivers pure courtroom perfection for dog lovers."

The narrative pacing is pure comfort-food perfection. Rosenfelt delivers the goods flawlessly. The dialogue is incredibly snarky, the mystery has a phenomenal turn of the screw, and the legal courtroom scenes are written with fantastic strategic precision. 

Audio 🎧Standout
GROVER GARDNER DELIVERS AN ELITE, EARRPHONES-AWARD-WORTHY PERFORMANCE.
"The definitive voice of Andy Carpenter returns with his signature New Jersey cadence, capturing every ounce of dry wit and self-effacing humor."

Listening to the audiobook narrated by the legendary Grover Gardner is an elite, mandatory experience. Having listened to him for years, Gardner's performance style is celebrated for perfectly capturing Andy's specific northern New Jersey accent, cynical cadence, and dry, self-effacing delivery. His vocal consistency across this massive series effortlessly distinguishes between Andy's snappy courtroom theatrics and his tender heart for his canine co-stars. 

Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
"A stellar, five-star legal thriller that proves book thirty-three is just as delightfully witty and engaging as the first."

Recs
Read this if you devoured the entire Andy Carpenter catalog, The #1 Lawyer by James Patterson, or the witty Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben. 

🐕Dog Centric:
~A Chet and Bernie Mystery Series by Spencer Quinn
~Melanie Travis Mystery Series by Laurien Berenson

Special thanks to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio #MacAudio2026, and Netgalley for sharing an advanced reading and listening copy for my honest thoughts>

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date July 7, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
July Newsletter
July 2026 Must-Read Books

[Bookreporter.com Mystery & Thriller]

There are a couple of very good reasons that David Rosenfelt has now produced 33 extraordinarily successful Andy Carpenter mysteries, including the latest entry, DEAD MEN DON’T PLAY FETCH.

First of all, the plots of these novels are always tightly constructed so that the solutions to each mystery are perfectly sensible, especially upon review. We can almost always find foreshadowing and clues that point us in the right direction. Yet we rarely are able put them together the way that Andy and his team do. That's why Andy is a famous defense attorney, and it's also why we never tire of reading Rosenfelt's books. We love guessing the outcome, the identity of the murderer, and the results of the trials of Andy's clients, but we usually are not successful in our sleuthing efforts.

I urge both Andy's fans and newcomers to read DEAD MEN DON’T PLAY FETCH as a matter of personal pride. For the first time in 33 tries, I correctly predicted the killer’s identity. However, this does not exactly make me an all-star in the Sleuthing Major Leagues. One out of 33 is a sleuthing batting average of .030. So I am to sleuthing what Bob Uecker was to Major League Baseball.* But Uecker's career batting average was a hefty .200. So my detective efforts make Uecker look like Babe Ruth. (Andy would appreciate this comparison as he's a huge sports fan.) Rosenfelt has fooled me over and over again because his talent for devising case-breaking solutions is extraordinary.

The second reason for the popularity of this series is, of course, the dazzling sense of humor that permeates each novel. We could read a hundred of these books and never feel that we've had too much of Andy's self-deprecating comments, the insult humor that characterizes his relationships with all the other characters (both friend and foe), and the first-person narrative and dialogue that always produce smiles and laughter.

To make sure that I am not exaggerating the humor quotient that I experience in this series, I applied my official test of literary humor to this latest installment. I scanned the book and paused at 25 random pages to see which ones generated a broad smile, a laugh-out-loud moment or both. The final score was a perfect 25 out of 25. And I'm sure all of Andy's many fans would emerge with the same score, a batting average of .1000 --- reminiscent of the accomplishments of the Babe and even Shohei Ohtani, if I may be so bold on Rosenfelt's behalf.

Now to the plot. The beginning features the murder that will be at the center of the entire novel. The victim is Paul Vincent, who was a multibillionaire. The accused is Jason Maddox, a recovering drug addict who's been living at an addiction rehab center where the back door faces the alley in which the crime has taken place. It's a gruesome and gory scene. Vincent was stabbed with an eight-inch-long blade that went through his back and heart and out his chest. Blood is all over the place.

Jason hears the noise back there and runs down into the alley, sees the body, pulls out the knife, and realizes that his unlikely friend is dead. Soon the police arrive and find Jason near the body, holding the weapon, standing there with blood all over himself. They eventually find his fingerprints on the knife. To make matters worse, they discover Vincent's wallet in a pocket of Jason's jacket, which is in a closet in the rehab building. To them, Jason is so obviously the culprit that they never even consider the possibility that he may be innocent, and they don’t investigate any further.

Andy is talked into being Jason's defense attorney, although he dreads taking the case as he’d much rather be at home watching sports on TV. Nevertheless, he gets his whole crazy but magnificent team together. His wife, Laurie, an ex-cop, is the head investigator. Corey, also an ex-cop, and his ex-police dog, Simon Garfunkel, are another investigating team. Sam, Andy's accountant and expert computer hacker, will do exactly that job. Marcus, also recognized as Superman (although he is not vulnerable to kryptonite), is the investigator and, even more importantly, Andy's bodyguard. Edna sports the title “Secretary,” though she's actually avoider-of-work-in-chief. When Andy tries to assign a job to her, “emergency dental work” always seems to keep her away from the office.

Then we encounter all of Andy's suspects: two or more infamous gang leaders and hitmen (there are, after all, several million dollars at stake from Vincent's will), some of Jason's acquaintances and close friends, spouses of other important male characters, Vincent's wife, and Vincent's partner in their shaky but potentially profitable company.

The whole scene presents a huge set of roadblocks to Andy's case in court. The best defense, of course, would be proof that a person other than Jason is the murderer. But, all those suspects notwithstanding, he cannot prove definitively that one of them is the killer. So he must rely on his creativity and brilliance to convince the jury that there is reasonable doubt regarding Jason's guilt.

The nerve-wracking suspense builds to a terrifically effective climax followed by a surprising denouement that only a supremely talented mystery author can provide. I cannot guarantee that every reader will appreciate Rosenfelt’s gifts as much as I do. But my crystal ball tells me that many will find DEAD MEN DON’T PLAY FETCH to be a perfect demonstration of a unique literary talent. And my crystal ball is a much more accurate predictor than my detective skills when I try to figure out the identity of the actual killer. So I urge you, dear reader, to attempt some guesses about the novel's conclusions. I promise you'll have some real fun doing so.

* For all you non-baseball fans: Bob Uecker (RIP) was a Major League Baseball player whose sad yet almost laughable lack of hitting ability was virtually universally recognized among baseball fans. But after his brief baseball career ended, he used his deadpan self-deprecating comedy skills (just like those of Andy Carpenter and David Rosenfelt) to become a famous comedian, TV star, film actor and announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers for many years. He called himself Mr. Baseball, and he eventually was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in honor of his huge talent for making the sport fun.

Reviewed by Jack Kramer

[Books Data]

Dead Men Don't Play Fetch, the thirty-third installment in David Rosenfelt’s beloved mystery series, defense attorney Andy Carpenter finds himself once again reluctantly pulled back into the courtroom. Andy is a man who loves nothing more than his golden retrievers, his wife, sports, and doing absolutely as little legal work as humanly possible. His ultimate, perpetually thwarted dream is to simply retire and spend his days managing the Tara Foundation, his dog rescue operation in Paterson, New Jersey. However, Andy has a fatal flaw when it comes to his retirement plans: he is incredibly loyal to his friends, and he has a soft spot for anyone who loves dogs as much as he does. When an old friend reaches out with a desperate plea for help, Andy’s dreams of a quiet life are predictably put on hold.

The disruption to Andy’s peaceful existence comes in the form of a phone call from Lou Campanelli, an old acquaintance who runs a local rehabilitation center called A Day at a Time. Lou is someone Andy feels indebted to, making it impossible for the lawyer to refuse a favor. Lou’s facility caters to people trying to rebuild their lives, and one of his current residents is a man named Jason Maddox. Jason is a former physicist and a war hero whose life tragically fell apart, leading him to a life on the streets where his only constant companion was his loyal dog. Jason has been trying to get back on his feet at the rehab center, but his progress is violently derailed when he is arrested for first-degree murder.

The victim is Paul Vincent, an eccentric billionaire, brilliant inventor, and highly litigious philanthropist who was found stabbed to death in an alley right behind A Day at a Time. Jason was actually the one who notified the police after discovering the body, but the authorities quickly turned their suspicions toward him. From a law enforcement perspective, the case against Jason Maddox is an absolute slam dunk. The physical evidence is incredibly damning: Jason was at the scene of the crime, his fingerprints are undeniably on the murder weapon, and the victim’s wallet was found tucked inside his jacket.

To make matters worse for the defense, the prosecution has a rock-solid motive. Despite their vastly different socioeconomic backgrounds, the billionaire and the homeless veteran had struck up an unlikely friendship based on a mutual passion for dog-related causes. Vincent had recently promised to put Jason in charge of a massive new nationwide chain of animal rescue facilities, and as a result, Jason was slated to receive an absolute fortune in Vincent’s will. With millions of dollars on the line and irrefutable physical evidence linking him to the scene, Jason looks incredibly guilty to everyone except Andy and his team.

Of course, what ultimately seals the deal for Andy isn't just his friendship with Lou or his belief in Jason’s innocence; it is the fact that Jason’s dog needs a place to stay while his owner is locked up in a jail cell. Andy eagerly takes the dog under his wing, reasoning that anyone who inspires such devotion in a canine cannot possibly be a cold-blooded killer. With the dog safely looked after, Andy quickly concludes that his client is being framed. However, proving that innocence in a court of law against a mountain of physical evidence will require a monumental effort.

Andy mobilizes his standard, highly unorthodox crew to investigate the life and death of Paul Vincent. The team includes Marcus, Andy’s terrifyingly effective, incredibly dangerous, and fiercely loyal investigator who handles the heavy lifting, as well as Sam, the brilliant hacker who operates well outside the bounds of legality to gather crucial information. As they dig into the billionaire’s past, they realize that a highly litigious and wealthy man tends to leave a long trail of bitter enemies. Since they cannot mount a standard affirmative defense against the physical evidence, Andy’s strategy relies on introducing a parade of viable alternative suspects to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury.

The investigation quickly uncovers several dangerous individuals who had far better reasons to want Vincent dead than a dog-loving veteran. Andy and his team link the billionaire to Matthew Bender, a former business partner in a startup who had a massive falling out with the victim. They also look closely at Vincent’s stepson, Ethan Davenport, who is heavily connected to a dangerous crew of drug dealers, money launderers, and violent enforcers. As if that were not enough, the search for the truth forces Andy to cross paths with members of organized crime, testing the limits of his uneasy relationships with local mobsters and putting his own life at considerable risk.

As the trial dates loom and the courtroom battles begin, Rosenfelt delivers the signature legal maneuvering and sharp, sarcastic wit that fans of the series have come to expect. Andy uses his self-deprecating humor and sharp legal mind to chip away at the prosecution's case, balancing intense cross-examinations with his trademark banter. Underneath the humor and the thrilling twists of the murder investigation, the narrative remains grounded in a heartwarming quest for justice. At its core, the story is about fighting for those who have been marginalized by society and doing whatever it takes to reunite a broken man with his beloved dog, proving once again that Andy Carpenter might complain about his job, but he is the best friend a person—or a dog—could ever have in their corner.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle]

Andy Carpenter is back in Dead Men Don't Play Fetch, and at this point his retirement plan is basically a vision board made of lies. This man has “retired” more times than a pop star on their farewell tour, and yet here he is… putting on pants, taking a case, and pretending he had a choice in the matter.

This all kicks off because Lou Campanelli calls him, and Andy, once again cursed with a conscience and zero boundaries when it comes to dogs, folds immediately. Lou runs a rehab center, one of his patients, Jason Maddox, gets arrested for murdering a billionaire, and suddenly Andy is like, “I GUESS I WILL RUIN MY OWN PEACE AGAIN.” And yes, obviously Jason has a dog. Of course he does. At this point, Andy doesn’t take cases, he adopts them via emotional support canine.

And the case? Oh, it’s BAD bad. Jason’s fingerprints are on the knife, he’s at the scene, the victim’s wallet is in his jacket… like sir, this is not circumstantial, this is a full crime starter pack. If this were a group project, Jason looks like the guy who put his name on the murder in bold font. But Andy takes one look at him and goes, “Nah, vibes are off,” which is either elite legal instinct or the beginning of a spiral that will absolutely involve Marcus threatening someone in a parking lot.

The victim, Paul Vincent, is exactly the kind of billionaire who makes you go, “Oh, so everyone wanted you dead, got it.” He’s pouring money into dog charities, which we love, but also apparently collecting enemies like it’s a hobby. Philanthropist with a side of chaos. You know that trope where someone dies and suddenly everyone’s like “well… I mean…”? That. That is this man. The suspect list is basically a lineup of people who all had VERY valid reasons to snap.

So Andy and the team start digging, and this neat little “open and shut” case immediately unravels into a mess of secrets, side plots, and increasingly suspicious people. And this is where the book hits that sweet spot, because the mystery actually mysteries. It twists, it turns, it throws in just enough chaos that you’re constantly recalibrating like, “Wait, do I know anything? Have I ever known anything?”

Meanwhile, Andy is doing his usual routine of complaining like this is the worst inconvenience of his life while also being wildly good at his job. It’s his brand. He’s like if someone filed a legal brief entirely out of spite and somehow won. Watching him work is deeply satisfying, because he acts like he’s being forced into this at gunpoint when really he just cannot resist fixing something that’s broken… especially if a dog is involved.

And the K-Team? Still perfection. Laurie continues to be the only person who can out-logic Andy and also emotionally body-check him when needed. Marcus remains terrifying in a way that feels comforting, like a human security system who also might break kneecaps for justice. Sam is hacking everything that has ever existed, probably including my WiFi as we speak. It’s chaos, but it’s competent chaos, which is the best kind.

But what really sneaks up on you is the emotional core. Because Jason isn’t just “wrongly accused guy #47,” he’s a man who had a whole life, lost it, and is now hanging on by a thread… and that thread is his dog, Hope. And listen, I was not prepared to care this much, but here we are. That relationship hits you right in the chest, quietly, like “hey, what if this case actually matters?” Rude. Effective. I hate it. I love it.

The mystery plays fair, too. There are enough clues that you could figure it out, but also enough misdirection that when the reveal hits, you’re sitting there like, “Oh. Oh wow. I have been a fool.” And I respect a book that lets me feel smart for 80% of it and then humbles me in the final act.

Is it familiar? Yes. But in the way your favorite comfort show is familiar. You’re not here for reinvention, you’re here for Andy being Andy, dogs being perfect, and a case that somehow spirals into something way bigger than it looked at the start. And it delivers. Again. Rude.

Cozy, clever, funny, and emotionally sneak-attacked me with a dog. Andy Carpenter may never retire, and honestly, neither will my attachment to this series. 4.5 stars.

Whodunit Award: For Making Me Side-Eye Every Billionaire While Emotionally Bonding with a Dog Named Hope

Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the ALC and ARC, for once again enabling my very specific addiction to sarcastic lawyers, chaotic investigations, and dogs that could absolutely ruin me emotionally. I see what you’re doing. I support it. I will not recover.