David Rosenfelt has written a very witty and unique series about reluctant criminal defense attorney Andy Carpenter, who, with the help of his golden retriever, Tara, gets clients acquitted against great odds. I just finished the 8th volume in the series, Dog Tags, which did not disappoint. Andy Carpenter inherited a substantial trust fund after his father passed away, which gives him the freedom to take on as few or as many clients as he wishes, many of whom are pro bono (and never charged a fee.) As a sideline, he and former client Willie run a dog rescue foundation for golden retrievers.

Dogs play a prominent part in the series, and especially in Dog Tags. Milo, a former Army canine from Iraq, returns with his disabled owner Billy Zimmerman, who is accused of murdering a former commanding officer one night.  The police are interested in the dog, who had been trained as a thief after his return to the states. Why would the FBI and various mobsters all be interested in this dog?  In a complex plot with many twists and turns, all clues lead back to a suicide bombing in Iraq which resulted in 18 deaths and Billy’s loss of a leg.

What makes these mysteries unique is the witty one liners and wisecracks that keep the reader laughing while trying to figure out who the bad guys are.  There are some funny and unique supporting characters such as body guard Marcus, who can eat one out of house and home in a single stake-out, and Laurie, Andy’s former cop faithful girlfriend.

To get the background story, the books can be read in order, although each one can also be read as a stand-alone.  Highly recommended, witty series.

1. Open and Shut

2. First Degree

3. Bury the Lead

4. Sudden Death

5. Dead Center

6. Play Dead

7. New Tricks

8. Dog Tags