Edgar-finalist Rosenfelt's riveting sixth legal thriller (after 2006's Dead Center) brings independently wealthy Paterson, N.J., lawyer Andy Carpenter to the defense of a very special domestic violence victim, Yogi, a golden retriever alleged to have bitten its owner. Andy uses the court system to spring Yogi from an animal shelter's death row and adopt him, adding the dog to a small family that includes longtime pet golden Tara. But when the gang goes for a walk that leads to a joyful reunion between Yogi and a woman named Karen Evans, Andy learns Yogi is actually Reggie, presumed dead five years earlier after the conviction of Karen's brother, U.S. Customs Inspector Richard Evans, for the murder of his fiancée, Stacy Harriman. Suspecting Richard's innocence, Andy tackles the case like a dog on a chew toy, undeterred by an intricate web of deception involving a possible government coverup. No shaggy dog story, this puppy's alive with reliable Rosenfelt wit and heart.
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Release date
May 15, 2007 -
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781593163730
- File size: 221779 KB
- Duration: 07:42:02
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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AudioFile Magazine
With 22 million bucks in the bank, Defense Attorney Andy Carpenter has little need to carry much of a case load. Golden retriever Yogi is cooling his paws on Death Row at the local animal shelter, charged with biting his owner. Carpenter, a dog-lover, takes the case, causes a nationwide media frenzy, and helps Yogi beat the rap. But that's just the beginning. PLAY DEAD is a gem, and narrator Grover Gardner polishes it to perfection. His nasal tone and staccato cadence nail the North Jersey setting. His timing and style for Rosenfelt's one-liners and smart-aleck dialogue are right on target. The plot is packed with twists, and Gardner's narration makes it a ride not to be missed. T.J.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine -
Publisher's Weekly
Starred review from February 26, 2007
Edgar-finalist Rosenfelt's riveting sixth legal thriller (after 2006's Dead Center
) brings independently wealthy Paterson, N.J., lawyer Andy Carpenter to the defense of a very special domestic violence victim, Yogi, a golden retriever alleged to have bitten its owner. Andy uses the court system to spring Yogi from an animal shelter's death row and adopt him, adding the dog to a small family that includes longtime pet golden Tara. But when the gang goes for a walk that leads to a joyful reunion between Yogi and a woman named Karen Evans, Andy learns Yogi is actually Reggie, presumed dead five years earlier after the conviction of Karen's brother, U.S. Customs Inspector Richard Evans, for the murder of his fiancée, Stacy Harriman. Suspecting Richard's innocence, Andy tackles the case like a dog on a chew toy, undeterred by an intricate web of deception involving a possible government coverup. No shaggy dog story, this puppy's alive with reliable Rosenfelt wit and heart. -
Publisher's Weekly
July 30, 2007
Gardner's breezy, slightly sarcastic delivery is just what's needed for Rosenfeld's breezy, slightly sarcastic mysteries featuring multimillionaire New Jersey lawyer Andy Carpenter. The yarns, told in first-person, present tense by the attorney, often have the feel of standup comedy routines, and this latest is no exception. (“She wanted to get me before I went to work,” Carpenter says of an early wakeup call. “She must think I'm a dairy farmer.”) Happily, Gardner possesses a comedian's timing and knows exactly where the laughs are. The plot centers on a golden retriever that was thought to have perished at sea five years ago along with its murdered mistress. Following the animal's lead, Carpenter winds up constructing a new defense for the man imprisoned for the murder. Gardner's vocal interpretations of the other characters all sound a little like him. This is appropriate, since, after all, Carpenter is supposed to be the one telling us this witty, well-plotted, highly entertaining shaggy dog story. Simultaneous release with the Warner hardcover (Reviews, Feb. 26). -
Library Journal
November 1, 2007
The latest mystery featuring Paterson, NJ, defense lawyer Andy Carpenter is a blast. After adopting a dog from an animal shelter, Andy learns the dog may be the clue to solving a five-year-old murder of a customs inspector's fiancée. Andy decides to conduct his own investigation, which leads to meetings with the mafia, multiple attempts on his life, and some explosive courtroom scenes. But the minimalist plot is secondary to the excellent protagonist; his relaxed perception of his job and life is amusing and appealing and will draw in even the most jaded mystery fan. "Play Dead" listeners will garner plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as trite one liner-induced groans. Reader Grover Gardner is worthy of the myriad awards he has won; his laid-back, humorous approach will win over new listeners and surely please old fans. Recommended.Jesse Light, Memorial Hall Lib., Andover, MACopyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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