New Tricks: A Novel by David Rosenfelt (Grand Central Publishing, $24.99, 320 pages; also available as a Mass Market Paperback for $7.99)
You are in for a doggy treat – not to be confused with Milk Bone biscuits. Author David Rosenfelt is a master of timing, understatement and spoofing. This Andy Carpenter novel, New Tricks, is an all-around good read; a mystery complete with an attorney who has a reputation for defending dogs (of the canine variety), a temperamental and outspoken judge nicknamed 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 attention is Waggy, an eager and energetic Bernese puppy whose ownership is in dispute.
An exploding mansion with collateral damage that murders the owner is the attention-grabbing action that marks the beginning of the mystery story. 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. For readers under the age of 50, author Ellen Raskin (The Westing Game) comes to mind.
Highly recommended. A charming tail wagger!
Ruta Arellano
A review copy was provided by the publisher. “Packed with shootings, explosions, murder, and gritty courtroom drama… a treat.” USA Today
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