Fiction Pick of the Week: New Tricks

New Tricks by David Rosenfelt 2010

New Tricks is the 7th book in Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series. I just discovered this author, and in fact this is the first book in the series that I have read. I just couldn’t resist the adorable puppy on the cover. When I picked up the book I didn’t know it was part of a series, although it can certainly be read as a standalone title. But as I love reading mystery series, now I will be able to go back and start the story at the beginning.

Andy Carpenter, a lawyer, is fortunate that he doesn’t have to work much, thanks to a large inheritance from his father. As part of his pro bono work he is given the job to look after a 7-month-old Bernese mountain dog puppy. The puppy is the center of a custody battle between the late owner’s wife and stepson. Before Andy even has a chance to get the dog home, the wife, Diana Timmerman, is killed when her house blows up moments after Andy takes “Waggy” outside. The number one suspect is Diana’s stepson Steven. He is the other person seeking custody of Waggy. After he is arrested for the murder of his stepmother Andy agrees to represent him. As Andy begins investigating to help his client he falls into some dangerous situations.