Play Dead

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
fiance, 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.

• author: David Rosenfelt