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Andy Carpenter #10
Leader of the Pack
Over the course of his legal career, Andy Carpenter has lost a few cases. But that doesn't mean he forgets his clients. Andy has always been convinced that Joey Desimone, a man convicted of murder nine years ago, was innocent and believes that Joey's family's connections to organized crime played a pivotal role in his conviction. While there isn't much Andy can do for him while he serves out his prison sentence, Joey suggests that he check up on Joey's elderly uncle. He'd rather not, but as a favor to Joey, Andy agrees to take his dog, Tara, on a few visits.
The old man's memory is going, but when Andy tries to explain why he's there, it jogs something in the man's mind, and his comments leave Andy wondering if Uncle Nick is confused, or if he just might hold the key to Joey's freedom after all this time.
Andy grabs on to this thread of possibility and follows it into a world where the oath of silence is stronger than blood ties, and where people will do anything to make sure their secrets are kept.
Riveting, suspenseful, and highly entertaining, Leader of the Pack is bestseller David Rosenfelt's latest entry in his much-beloved Andy Carpenter series.
The old man's memory is going, but when Andy tries to explain why he's there, it jogs something in the man's mind, and his comments leave Andy wondering if Uncle Nick is confused, or if he just might hold the key to Joey's freedom after all this time.
Andy grabs on to this thread of possibility and follows it into a world where the oath of silence is stronger than blood ties, and where people will do anything to make sure their secrets are kept.
Riveting, suspenseful, and highly entertaining, Leader of the Pack is bestseller David Rosenfelt's latest entry in his much-beloved Andy Carpenter series.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published July 17, 2012
564 people are currently reading
1446 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
74 books2,928 followersI 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...
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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 515 reviews
May 8, 2018
From the cover of my eBook: ”Rosenfelt walks a line between pulse-pounding suspense and laugh-out-loud humor . . . One of the best in the business.” –Associated Press
I have only said this myself through each of my last 9 reviews of Mr. Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series. And I will say it again: What they (AP) said.
The suspense is of the white-knuckles variety, and the witty humour arrives just in time to save those knuckles from cracking under the pressure of intensity. And then there’s Tara, Andy’s Golden Retriever. She gets to shine as a therapy dog in this book, making hospital visits and home visits to an organized crime killer. What?
Pretty much ever since I’ve known him, Andy Carpenter has been seriously rich due to the $22M his father left him when he died. That means he can pick and choose his cases – mostly those where he is convinced his client is innocent and where he pulls out all the stops to ensure his freedom.
There was a time, however, when Andy was so poor he took on any case that came his way – and he lost quite a few of them. In this story, he picks up some lint along the way and sees a little trail that leads away from his imprisoned client from “back then” and off on a zig-zag course to somewhere else. Where that “somewhere” is, Andy doesn’t know but he becomes convinced he has to find out.
Then the surprises start to pop – one after another.
This series continues to be first class right down the line, and although Andy claimed he is retiring after this one, he has a habit of declaring that at the end of most of his trials. I am very much looking forward to the next novel in the series to see what happens to his resolve.
After I catch my breath, of course.
I have only said this myself through each of my last 9 reviews of Mr. Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series. And I will say it again: What they (AP) said.
The suspense is of the white-knuckles variety, and the witty humour arrives just in time to save those knuckles from cracking under the pressure of intensity. And then there’s Tara, Andy’s Golden Retriever. She gets to shine as a therapy dog in this book, making hospital visits and home visits to an organized crime killer. What?
Pretty much ever since I’ve known him, Andy Carpenter has been seriously rich due to the $22M his father left him when he died. That means he can pick and choose his cases – mostly those where he is convinced his client is innocent and where he pulls out all the stops to ensure his freedom.
There was a time, however, when Andy was so poor he took on any case that came his way – and he lost quite a few of them. In this story, he picks up some lint along the way and sees a little trail that leads away from his imprisoned client from “back then” and off on a zig-zag course to somewhere else. Where that “somewhere” is, Andy doesn’t know but he becomes convinced he has to find out.
Then the surprises start to pop – one after another.
This series continues to be first class right down the line, and although Andy claimed he is retiring after this one, he has a habit of declaring that at the end of most of his trials. I am very much looking forward to the next novel in the series to see what happens to his resolve.
After I catch my breath, of course.
August 24, 2025
I love the Andy Carpenter series. I love that no matter what happens, there are always dogs in the story – with happy endings. So, there is something to be said about this attorney, Andy Carpenter, who is also the founder of the Tara Foundation (named after his golden retriever, Tara) that is a dog rescue organization.
And, as readers who love a bit of courtroom drama and a cozy mystery that needs to be solved, we can usually count on it in each of his stories, too.
Also, as a series, if readers can read the books in order, that is certainly encouraged. First book in the series, “Open and Shut” review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
But for me, I always appreciate the donations to my Little Free Library Shed, especially if it was a book in the series I missed. And, that is the case with this one. And, since I have been very familiar with everything about this series, I was still comfortable reading this one out-of-order.
The other thing that I can always count on with Rosenfelt’s writing, is a formula that works. Typically, I grow weary with formulaic stories. But for some reason, this one resonates with me. He always starts off his first chapter (which gratefully are always short) with something “foreboding.” And then, he weaves it into the story where finally whatever happened in that first chapter catches up to the rest of the story, seamlessly.
Oh, and did I mention the sense of humor displayed throughout his books? That is part of the series charm, too.
“As far as I know, Tara hasn’t barked it to a soul.”
And, of course there is always a dog on the book cover to capture readers hearts and attention.
Well, now that I got all these things out of the way, to share with you, let’s get on with the review of this particular book.
So, what trouble does Andy Carpenter find himself in now? Or, in Andy’s world, who might he be defending and why?
In this story, readers learn that there are some cases that Andy hasn’t won as a defense attorney. As the narrator, Andy explains that he believed they were truly innocent even if they were found guilty by a jury of peers. And, in those cases where he has gained quite an attachment to the client, he does his best to visit those that are still incarcerated for the crime. Like Joey Desimone.
When visiting Joey Desimone, he shares that Tara is now a therapy dog for the local hospital. So, Joey asks if he would visit his Uncle Nick with Tara, who isn’t doing so well. Upon fulfilling his request, Uncle Nick says something that leads Andy to believe there is more to the crime that was unknown at the time, that convicted Joey. So, what can he do with this information? Is it enough to re-open the case? And, could it possibly prove his client is truly innocent, as Andy has always believed?
With adept attention to details that provide clues to readers, Rosenfelt provides twists and turns that will keep readers a bit off-balance. But the page-turning energy still continues up to the final page. With a truly great ending twist!
And, as readers who love a bit of courtroom drama and a cozy mystery that needs to be solved, we can usually count on it in each of his stories, too.
Also, as a series, if readers can read the books in order, that is certainly encouraged. First book in the series, “Open and Shut” review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
But for me, I always appreciate the donations to my Little Free Library Shed, especially if it was a book in the series I missed. And, that is the case with this one. And, since I have been very familiar with everything about this series, I was still comfortable reading this one out-of-order.
The other thing that I can always count on with Rosenfelt’s writing, is a formula that works. Typically, I grow weary with formulaic stories. But for some reason, this one resonates with me. He always starts off his first chapter (which gratefully are always short) with something “foreboding.” And then, he weaves it into the story where finally whatever happened in that first chapter catches up to the rest of the story, seamlessly.
Oh, and did I mention the sense of humor displayed throughout his books? That is part of the series charm, too.
“As far as I know, Tara hasn’t barked it to a soul.”
And, of course there is always a dog on the book cover to capture readers hearts and attention.
Well, now that I got all these things out of the way, to share with you, let’s get on with the review of this particular book.
So, what trouble does Andy Carpenter find himself in now? Or, in Andy’s world, who might he be defending and why?
In this story, readers learn that there are some cases that Andy hasn’t won as a defense attorney. As the narrator, Andy explains that he believed they were truly innocent even if they were found guilty by a jury of peers. And, in those cases where he has gained quite an attachment to the client, he does his best to visit those that are still incarcerated for the crime. Like Joey Desimone.
When visiting Joey Desimone, he shares that Tara is now a therapy dog for the local hospital. So, Joey asks if he would visit his Uncle Nick with Tara, who isn’t doing so well. Upon fulfilling his request, Uncle Nick says something that leads Andy to believe there is more to the crime that was unknown at the time, that convicted Joey. So, what can he do with this information? Is it enough to re-open the case? And, could it possibly prove his client is truly innocent, as Andy has always believed?
With adept attention to details that provide clues to readers, Rosenfelt provides twists and turns that will keep readers a bit off-balance. But the page-turning energy still continues up to the final page. With a truly great ending twist!
July 31, 2017
Not at all believable but good fun.
April 3, 2025
In this 10th book in the humorous 'Andy Carpenter' series, the Paterson, New Jersey defense attorney gets a new trial for a man he thinks was wrongly convicted.
*****
Ever since he inherited a large fortune, defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases.
Instead, Andy likes to hang out with his girlfriend Laurie Collins and his golden retriever Tara; watch sports; schmooze with his friends; help run a canine rescue operation called 'The Tara Foundation'; and so on.
Six years ago Andy defended Joey Desimone, who was tried for killing a married couple called Richard and Karen Solarno.
Joey had an affair with Karen, and was angry when she broke it off, but swears he didn't kill the couple. Joey was convicted anyway, and Andy thinks it's because Joey's father is Carmine Desimone, head of the Desimone crime family.....so 'guilt by association.'
Now, new information has emerged about the victim Richard Solarno. It turns out Richard - who worked for mob boss Carmine Desimone - had a side gig selling weapons to right-wing militias. Six years ago, a Montana militia threatened Richard's life because he sold them inferior guns.
Dylan Campbell, the prosecutor in Joey Desimone's case, was informed about these threats, but didn't share the information with the defense. This 'prosecutorial misconduct' opened the door for a new trial, and Andy is now defending Joey again....while Dylan Campbell is fuming.
As Andy prepares his new case, he looks into Richard Solarno's shenanigans six years ago, and identifies people (other than Joey) who might have wanted to kill Richard. This opens a HUGE can of worms because a group of people with VERY evil intentions don't want their activities exposed. For this reason, the greedy cabal is killing off people right and left, and Andy himself is in danger.
Andy is assisted in his trial preparations by the following people:
⦿ Laurie: Andy's girlfriend, a former cop who's now a private investigator.
⦿ Sam: Andy's accountant, a computer genius who can hack into anything and everything. Sam is anxious to be a 'real detective' with 'boots on the ground', but when Sam gets his feet on the ground, things don't go so well.
⦿ Hike: Andy's law partner, who - in Andy's opinion - is the most boring man on earth. Just being in Hike's presence makes Andy sleepy. On the upside, Hike is very good at writing up motions.
⦿ Marcus: a security expert who's so big and tough you'd be better off with him than with a platoon of marines. Laurie often dispatches Marcus to watch Andy's back.
⦿ Edna: Andy's secretary, whose 'work' consists mostly of picking up her paychecks.
The plot is overly contrived and the villains' demonic scheme is too stomach-churning for a cozy mystery. Still, the book has a good dose of humor, and it's always great to visit with Tara, who's (briefly) a therapy dog in this story.
I'll keep reading these books because - though they're formulaic - Andy's sarcastic remarks make me laugh, and these fun cozies are good 'palate cleansers' between darker tomes.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
August 17, 2023
LEADER OF THE PACK is another book in the Andy Carpenter series that I loved. I read it three months ago and didn’t post a review because I was busy. I still remember the plot, and the playfulness, more than three months after I finished. It is an easy 4-star read; I plan to continue to read books from this series. There are many, and they don’t have to be read in order to follow the plots or ‘get’ the humour.
In LEADER OF THE PACK, Andy is using Tara, his Golden Retriever, as a therapy dog. He also feels guilty about a client whose case he lost several years earlier. The client was the son of a known gangster but Andy believes he’s innocent—at least innocent of the murder that put him in jail. After once more talking to this former client, Andy visits his uncle, ostensively to provide therapy dog comfort; the uncle, a former mob enforcer, is now sickly, his mind deteriorating. During the visit, the uncle says something that might reveal underlying complications regarding the prosecution case that convicted Andy’s client. Andy doesn’t realize this at the time, but shortly thereafter the uncle is murdered, and so Andy starts investigating, eventually uncovering a flaw in the original prosecution case.
There are twists and turns in the storyline, lively action, and an ending that I definitely didn’t see coming. And throughout, Andy’s sarcastic comments. A convoluted plot and plenty of humour made it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
In LEADER OF THE PACK, Andy is using Tara, his Golden Retriever, as a therapy dog. He also feels guilty about a client whose case he lost several years earlier. The client was the son of a known gangster but Andy believes he’s innocent—at least innocent of the murder that put him in jail. After once more talking to this former client, Andy visits his uncle, ostensively to provide therapy dog comfort; the uncle, a former mob enforcer, is now sickly, his mind deteriorating. During the visit, the uncle says something that might reveal underlying complications regarding the prosecution case that convicted Andy’s client. Andy doesn’t realize this at the time, but shortly thereafter the uncle is murdered, and so Andy starts investigating, eventually uncovering a flaw in the original prosecution case.
There are twists and turns in the storyline, lively action, and an ending that I definitely didn’t see coming. And throughout, Andy’s sarcastic comments. A convoluted plot and plenty of humour made it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
September 10, 2025
4 Stars for leader of the Pack: Andy Carpenter, Book 10 (audiobook) by David Rosenfelt read by Grover Gardner.
Andy ends up over hearing something that leads him to believe that one of his clients may be innocent. He’d lost the case years ago but this might change everything. Maybe he could get a new trial. I hope Andy knows what he’s doing, he’s messing with a dangerous family.
Andy ends up over hearing something that leads him to believe that one of his clients may be innocent. He’d lost the case years ago but this might change everything. Maybe he could get a new trial. I hope Andy knows what he’s doing, he’s messing with a dangerous family.
December 4, 2024
Andy Carpenter #10 is a fulfilling novel based on Andy trying to get incarcerated Joey Desimone a new trial and hopefully out of prison. Joey happens to be mob-connected, but never went into the 'family' business. Readers get an interesting cross section of 2 mob families, girlfriend Laurie, accountant/IT hacker Sam, new law partner Hike, and bodyguard Marcus. Plus Tara the dog of course.
Like all Andy Carpenter books, there is some serious investigation work, legal explanations, and scary situations, but just when it might get too serious, we get Andy's really funny and self-deprecating dialog. That's what keeps me coming back for more - I know I'll get a legit legal procedural where we have the requisite hacker, muscle and love interest, but it never feels 'heavy.'
5 stars for consistency and entertainment value.
Like all Andy Carpenter books, there is some serious investigation work, legal explanations, and scary situations, but just when it might get too serious, we get Andy's really funny and self-deprecating dialog. That's what keeps me coming back for more - I know I'll get a legit legal procedural where we have the requisite hacker, muscle and love interest, but it never feels 'heavy.'
5 stars for consistency and entertainment value.
June 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I always enjoy David Rosenfelt’s books especially when they are narrated by Andy Carpenter.
I always enjoy David Rosenfelt’s books especially when they are narrated by Andy Carpenter.
August 28, 2015
The Leader of The Pack is an Andy Carpenter novel. Andy Carpenter is a very rich lawer who gets to pick and choose his cases because of his wealth. He would much rather be betting sports, eating pizza and drinking than work. He is drawn back into a case he lost six years previous causing his client to go to prison for life. He gets tangled up with the bad doings of the mob trying to exonerate his client.
This book had much humor and was a delightful read.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
This book had much humor and was a delightful read.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
October 20, 2015
Without giving it away, this is another good 'Andy' courtroom read. Plenty of twists and turns and focuses on the local Mafia Dons, Solarno and Desimone.
There wasn't much of Edna (Admin assistant) in this one and I was thankful for that. Sam's (the sing song lyrical accountant) life's in danger in this story but we are still not seeing his lyrics in print again, so disappointing. Marcus (bodyguard) is still one big bad dude and is always looking out for the team. Laurie (Andy's love) doesn't have much of a role in this book as well. 'Hike' (Andy's newest partner) is still around and doing what he does best. Tara has tried her 'paws' at therapy dogginess for seniors which is a nice idea.
This novel in the 'Andy' series isn't as intense as previous ones but as a loyal fan, I won't expect a extravagant story every time. Still enjoyable!
There wasn't much of Edna (Admin assistant) in this one and I was thankful for that. Sam's (the sing song lyrical accountant) life's in danger in this story but we are still not seeing his lyrics in print again, so disappointing. Marcus (bodyguard) is still one big bad dude and is always looking out for the team. Laurie (Andy's love) doesn't have much of a role in this book as well. 'Hike' (Andy's newest partner) is still around and doing what he does best. Tara has tried her 'paws' at therapy dogginess for seniors which is a nice idea.
This novel in the 'Andy' series isn't as intense as previous ones but as a loyal fan, I won't expect a extravagant story every time. Still enjoyable!
December 13, 2017
It's interesting as I power read (listen) my way through this series trying to catch up that I find I'm not as bored with the plot and characters as I would be with some other series. I'm still enjoying this. Andy and Tara still make me smile and Marcus still makes me laugh.
July 6, 2021
A former client of Andy’s who is in prison and Andy thinks he is innocent so Andy is searching for a way to get a new trial. After he gets a trial he has to find a way to get the jury to believe that his client is innocent. Really interesting how Andy puts it all together with a twist at the end.
February 7, 2015
Always a fun read! Interesting plot with New Jersey mob family.
April 20, 2022
Again another good story with the characters I love so much. The global scale of the crime/issue is a little too big for my tastes on this sort of series. That is my one critique. I would rather some smaller crimes or issues. The material will be just as compelling without the over the top feel of the challenges some times. I will keep on reading it though. So enjoy you Andy and your family and friends.
October 23, 2022
While the title is appropriate for the story in a literary sense, I couldn't get the song by the Shangri-Las out of my mind. I was hoping for at least a big car crash scene.
"Look out! Look out! Look out! Look Out!
A client who got a guilty verdict is in prison (Not the candy store) and there's new information on the case. Enough for a retrial. (Get the picture? Yes, we see!)
Meanwhile, the members of a conspiracy connected to the case are killing each other off to become the leader of the pack.
Still...The Shangri-Las. oooo-OOOOO-oo-OOO
"Look out! Look out! Look out! Look Out!
A client who got a guilty verdict is in prison (Not the candy store) and there's new information on the case. Enough for a retrial. (Get the picture? Yes, we see!)
Meanwhile, the members of a conspiracy connected to the case are killing each other off to become the leader of the pack.
Still...The Shangri-Las. oooo-OOOOO-oo-OOO
September 15, 2021
This is a Legal Mystery, and this is the 10th book in the Andy Carpenter series. I have to start off saying I love the characters in this series and love this series, but this was not my favorite book in the series so far. There was not to much cute dog time in this book, and I felt the mystery was really unbelievable. I also did not love the all the parts their where looking into the mystery/case in this book, but I cannot get into it to far without giving away anything in the book. Just know that the case/mystery in this book is really different from the other books in this series.
November 25, 2021
I like this series a lot. It's my great escape for when I need something humorous, exciting, and fun (assuming you consider killing 28,000 people fun). It's was pretty uplifting in many ways, mostly involving Tara, his dog. In this story, Tara does some time as a comfort dog in a hospital. Evidently, she's pretty good at that, since it mostly just involves letting people pet her, which she likes. Tara always plays a big part in his stories, which usually makes me wish I had a dog.
The stories are not very believable, but the people are fun and it's always entertaining. One of the most fun of the people is Marcus, who acts as a bodyguard when needed, and he always seems to know when he'll be needed. And he always comes through. He could fight a dozen Jack Reachers without even breathing hard. And the dialog - he must utter at least a dozen words per book, although half of them are one-word sentences like "yup". He manages to kill several mafia toughs in this one.
If you expect any realism in your books, you might want to skip these. If you don't like wiseguys, ditto. But he's pretty funny most of the time, I think, and that's something we need more of these days.
The stories are not very believable, but the people are fun and it's always entertaining. One of the most fun of the people is Marcus, who acts as a bodyguard when needed, and he always seems to know when he'll be needed. And he always comes through. He could fight a dozen Jack Reachers without even breathing hard. And the dialog - he must utter at least a dozen words per book, although half of them are one-word sentences like "yup". He manages to kill several mafia toughs in this one.
If you expect any realism in your books, you might want to skip these. If you don't like wiseguys, ditto. But he's pretty funny most of the time, I think, and that's something we need more of these days.
February 20, 2015
Leader of the Pack by David Rosenfelt.
The two reasons why I keep coming back for another Andy Carpenter mystery actually isn't the mystery. It's Andy's love for Tara his dog and his sarcastic humor. This story was no exception to those reasons. Humor throughout the book kept a smile on my face. I so enjoyed Andy & Tara's walks together while conversing about his case. Andy would give Tara a run down of the situation and Tara might move her head in a direction as Andy decidedly took that as Tara's answer or Tara noticing a squirrel. What a hoot!
The mystery itself finishes with a bang! I had not seen that coming in the least.
The two reasons why I keep coming back for another Andy Carpenter mystery actually isn't the mystery. It's Andy's love for Tara his dog and his sarcastic humor. This story was no exception to those reasons. Humor throughout the book kept a smile on my face. I so enjoyed Andy & Tara's walks together while conversing about his case. Andy would give Tara a run down of the situation and Tara might move her head in a direction as Andy decidedly took that as Tara's answer or Tara noticing a squirrel. What a hoot!
The mystery itself finishes with a bang! I had not seen that coming in the least.
May 6, 2019
No one combines humor with suspense quite like David Rosenfelt. In this installment in the Andy Carpenter series, Andy discovers some new evidence that allows for a retrial of one his clients, now imprisoned for six years. Though his father is in the mob, Joey insists he never entered the family business. Much happens in this mystery: murders, drug running, kidnapping, near murders, rescues, a trial, and therapy dog visits, among other things. But don’t forget the humor that is liberally sprinkled throughout this gripping and suspenseful tale.
August 21, 2021
I have read 12 other books since I hooked up with Andy Carpenter, so this was like a family reunion! All the old favorite friends. Good plot with an unforeseen ending.
And yes………..on page 48 there was Danny - the waiter who could juggle 6 complicated orders without writing them down. I think he had a hidden tape recorder!
One more book to finish this series, but am on a long waiting list at the library. He also has a new book that isn’t out yet.
And yes………..on page 48 there was Danny - the waiter who could juggle 6 complicated orders without writing them down. I think he had a hidden tape recorder!
One more book to finish this series, but am on a long waiting list at the library. He also has a new book that isn’t out yet.
February 21, 2024
I usually really like David Rosenfelt and the Andy Carpenter series. I did not care for this book. It was too complicated to follow, and [I thought] there were too many unnecessary twists. Everything got muddled and murky, making this book difficult to keep reading... but I did finish. And, the ending was not even satisfying. If you are into the Andy Carpenter series, and you come across this book, I suggest just passing over it.
October 23, 2014
Better than the last one, about the same as the rest of the series. Well read & very twisty. This is the last I can get at this time. It was a fun series to listen to - legal murder mysteries with dogs & a fun, self-deprecating hero. The other characters are all memorable, if somewhat overblown, too. They're fun reads.
March 14, 2020
Another fine installment in a fun series.
Spoiler alert!!!!
Just reminding myself this one is about the dam in Peru and the drug shipments, so I'll know to skip it next time I'm re-reading the series. It's not as good as some of the other books.
Spoiler alert!!!!
Just reminding myself this one is about the dam in Peru and the drug shipments, so I'll know to skip it next time I'm re-reading the series. It's not as good as some of the other books.
January 12, 2022
In this book, Andy is concerned about a former client he had six years ago. He was accused of a double murder and Andy lost the case, sending him to prison. However, Andy thinks he is innocent and in reviewing the case finds new evidence that creates a new trial. While following the new evidence, he learns of a possible arms deal going down in Peru and is sure it is connected to Joey's family, who is the Mafia in New Jersey. Is Joey innocent, or has he taken the first steps on joining in with the criminal side of his family?
March 27, 2024
This Andy Carpenter novel was a complicated one. I had trouble keeping all the entangled plot elements straight. But it all came together in the end in a slam, bang finish, which may be sending our beloved cast of characters off in a slightly less courtroom based direction for a while. Is Andy hanging up his lawyer shingle?
March 11, 2023
Well ! Andy hasn’t won all of his cases in his career.
Heart stopping moment when Sam gets into big trouble.
There are little clues as to the bad guy honcho (as there was in last book) but have to be thinking like Andy (or a top investigator) to figure them out.
Key words: Peru, mafia, Marcus, 6 yr inmate Joey,
Tara: therapy dog, re-trial.
Heart stopping moment when Sam gets into big trouble.
There are little clues as to the bad guy honcho (as there was in last book) but have to be thinking like Andy (or a top investigator) to figure them out.
Key words: Peru, mafia, Marcus, 6 yr inmate Joey,
Tara: therapy dog, re-trial.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
Another story that is full of twist and turns. I really enjoyed this one.
January 5, 2025
One of my favorite series. I go back and visit from time to time.
June 4, 2012
David Rosenfelt is a briliant writer of mystery. I love a good mystery, but have a hard time finding many that just grab me. Leader of the Pack is the 10th book in the Andy Carpenter series, but can be enjoyed as a stand alone if you so choose. Andy is a rescuer of Golden Retrivers and lawyer who is well off enough to pick when he takes a case. Leader of the Pack is full of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I was so rivited with the 10th book in the series I will defenantly be starting from the beginning of the Andy Carpenter series, Open and Shut. David Rosenfelt has captured my heart with Leader of the Pack and I now where to turn for my mytery fix.
April 29, 2023
Leader of the Pack is my 10th Andy Carpenter book by David Rosenfelt, and I guess you already know I like them quite a bit to keep reading them. This one was no exception. I like the characters a lot and the banter is amusing. This plot revolves around Andy trying to get a client that was convicted of murder a number of years ago a new trial. Nothing is simple, of course, and Andy winds up in the middle of gun running and multiple homicides. It's a rough ride but it works out well for Andy and others, not so well for some others. A surprising ending but a good one. A very strong 4 but not quite a 5.
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