Dead Center (Andy Carpenter Book 5)

Just when his books feel looks a formula, David Rosenfelt twists things around. Fun, irreverent, and mystery that’s hard to solve. Enjoy!!

I have read two of the other books in this series and really liked them both. This is the best yet. It is a fascinating look at a self contained religious community in Wisconsin that is somehow involved in the murders of two local girls. The premise is a bit of a stretch but if you buy the premise its a fast moving, funny book. Tara Andy's Golden Retriever goes with the hero to see his old girlfriend who is now the police chief of the local town that includes the religious community. The author in real life has a rescue organization that has saved thousands of dogs from pounds. The humor is what sets this book apart. Humor is a rare component in any modern book and that makes Dead Center even more enjoyable. Andy just has a funny take on life. I am more of a PI or police procedural person than a courtroom drama fan but the author's take on trials and all that goes into a defense is interesting and detailed.

Andy Carpenter, celebrity lawyer, is off to Findley, Wisconsin at the request of his ex-girlfriend. Laurie wants him to defend a local boy accursed of double homicide. Spending a protracted period in a small Midwestern town is not Andy's idea of living, but the case has its attractions. Its hopelessness appeals to him. The bodies buried in the back yard make things look pretty bad for Andy's client.The homicide victims were members of a weird local cult headquartered in a nearby town and closed to outsiders. The bizarre beliefs of the Centurians, and their determination to obstruct Andy's investigation, add spice to the plot.Courage is not one of Andy's defining qualities. He never rescues people; they are more likely to rescue him. I like the fact that he's no superhero. Happily there is a menacing black Deus ex Machina in these books named Marcus who works for Andy as an investigator and bodyguard. Whenever Andy's life is in danger, we hope and pray for Marcus to appear. One flick of his wrist or flash of his heel and the bad guys are on the ground, writhing in pain. I never tire of seeing this guy in action.Andy's dog Tara, who stays with him in Wisconsin, has a strong presence in the story. Tara somewhat makes up for the capriciousness of Andy's ex-girlfriend.Andy Carpenter generally operates in Patterson, New Jersey. So the setting in small town Wisconsin is kind of fun for a change. The reader can look forward to lots of humor about cheese, beer and freezing temperatures.I'm finding this series consistently entertaining.

This installment of the series takes place our of Patterson, NJ, so it places the characters in a context that causes the whole story to be out of sorts. It also involves a cultish religious community that is always a strange topic to develop. However, if you are a fan of the series, you will enjoy this book, too. It is just sort of weird and maybe far-fetched when you think of the violence perpetrated in relation to the characters.The Andy Carpenter series has been a found treasure for me. I first began reading Open and Shut because I saw the golden retriever on the cover. Being a golden lover, I checked it out and have loved the series. Each book has its own mystery and verve, and they all present an appealing array of characters with Andy Carpenter at the center. This book is indicative of the series overall by offering an entertaining, smartly written mystery with ongoing character development of likeable characters. It has suspense and for the most part a believable plot. And, of course, it features golden retrievers as well as other furry friends. I recommend this book and the series.

This is my 5th book of his. Can’t wait for the next one. The dialogue for some reason is so interesting and as good as the mysteries. The characters too. But I think it’s the guy next door quality i Like the most of Andy carpenter that keeps me coming back to them The books are addictive

David Rosenfelt's books are go to books for me. I know I will always read a good mystery with humor when I chose to read his books. I am late to the series so Dead Center number 5 is my latest read. I read series in order. I like to choose his books when I have finished several ho-hum books and want to be entertained.Laurie has gone home to Wisconsin and is acting chief in a small town. She asks for Andy's help when two young girls in a neighboring town are brutally murdered. Andy is trying to recover from her leaving to move back to Wisconsin. He decides to just visit and see what the situation is and then will make up his mind. He and Tara (the best dog in the world who will never die) go to Wisconsin. It was an interesting read with humor. I really like this series. I have the next books already lined up on my Kindle.

Can’t resist a self-deprecating guy, a tough beautiful woman, a loving and loyal dog, and a courtroom and cop procedural all rolled into one. David Rosenfelt has just the right mix of things I enjoy in fiction; I’m hooked!

Dead Center has Paterson NJ defense attorney traveling to the Midwest to take on a case at the request of his beloved but now ex-girlfriend Laurie Collins, who has become police chief of her hometown police force. It is a pleasure to read a book in this series without the tedious characters of Andy’s friends the obnoxious newspaper editor and the police lieutenant. Andy makes new friends locally as he defends a man he believes is innocent and further believes that the crime involves a secretive religious cult in a neighboring town. The danger Andy faces and the action he is involved in reach a new height even for this usually action-filled series. I can’t give more details without spoilers so I will just say that this is entry into the series is the best so far of a very fine series.

The characters are heart warming. I found myself laughing out loud at the comments in the book, and was hooked after reading "Bury the Lead" -- so much so that I had to read more in the series. I also broke my cardinal rule of not lending my treasured books (since I keep them in pristine condition) because I was raving about the books.

This book was described as 'Very Good'. The spine was broken and some pages were badly stained.

Enjoying this series. Fast paced, lots of laugh out loud humour, usual characters, legal and court procedures and bad guys. Onto the next golden book in the series.