You’re in for a doggy treat (although not the Milk Bone type, of course). Author David Rosenfelt is a master of timing, understatement, and spoofing. His most recent novel, New Tricks, is an all around good book; a mystery complete with a Patterson, New Jersey based attorney who has a reputation for defending dogs (of the canine variety), a temperamental and outspoken judge named Hatchet, and a lady police chief from Wisconsin who just happens to be the attorney’s long-distance girlfriend. The cast of characters is enhanced by a friend who communicates with the attorney by singing the lyrics of popular songs. The center of attraction is Waggy, an eager and energetic Bernese puppy whose ownership is in dispute.
The mystery immediately grabs the reader’s attention as a mansion explodes, leaving nothing but massive collateral damage and a dead owner. The plot twists, turns and then doubles back on itself. There are plenty of red herrings, hidden motives, puns and double entendres that give an appreciative reader cause to laugh out loud. The plot twists and turns are worthy of The Rockford Files and 77 Sunset Strip, and reminiscent of the style of author Ellen Raskin (The Westing Game).
Highly recommended. A charming tale that’s also a tail wagger!
Grand Central Publishing, $24.99, 309 pages
Reprinted courtesy of Sacramento Book Review
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