Deck the Hounds: An Andy Carpenter Mystery by David Rosenfelt (Minotaur Books, $24.99, 336 pages)
In time for the holidays, Andy Carpenter finds himself caught up in a new dilemma. One would think that after 17 prior novels, author David Rosenfelt might run out of tales – nope, not even close. Rosenfelt draws in his reader with the signature dry humor his fans demand.
It’s a few weeks until Christmas, which means that wife Laurie and son Ricky are eager to cut and decorate a tree. Andy isn’t ready for all the accompanying activity knowing it will last well into the New Year. We know how that goes…
Andy finds himself caught up in the troubles of Don Carrigan, a homeless man whose dog, Zoey, ends up in a quarantine after biting an attacker. Never fear, there are resources and deep pockets where Andy is concerned. Faithful fans know that when there’s trouble, Andy is called on to don his lawyer persona and come to the rescue.
Author Rosenfelt can be counted on for a charming narrative from Andy as well as plenty of interactions with Marcus, Pete, Sam, Edna, et al. Quotes from popular songs, TV shows and advertising keep the tale current. It’s such a relief to escape into the mostly kind-hearted community in New Jersey where they reside.
Highly recommended.
Murder at the Mill by M.B. Shaw: An Iris Gray Mystery (Minotaur Books, $27.99, 448 pages)
Next we leap across the Atlantic to Hampshire, England. M.B. Shaw is a new author for this reviewer. Murder at the Mill is the first in a new series featuring Iris Gray. Iris is a well-regarded portraitist who is estranged from her failing playwright husband, Ian McBride. She has fled London to a rental, Mill Cottage, located on the grounds of Mill House, a large manor with surrounding acreage. Iris is hoping to sort out her current situation and find the courage to divorce Ian.
Dom Weatherby, a famous mystery writer, is the owner of Mill House, Mill Cottage and the land. Ariadne, Dom’s wife, is the perfect hostess and wife. The cast of characters gently and organically expands as the events of importance for each of them unfolds. One event triggers the next and so on. The key event is the Weatherby’s annual Christmas party. Everyone is invited – the famous as well as the townspeople of the village of Hazelford, which is up the lane from the mill.
Of course there’s a murder, because the title guarantees it. In some aspects Murder at Mill House resembles the game of Clue. Author Shaw is a masterful writer. She’s able to trick the reader into believing that you have it all figured out. The whole is a most enjoyable read.
Highly recommended.
Ruta Arellano
Review copies were provided by the publisher. Deck the Hounds was published on October 16, 2018. Murder at the Mill will be released on December 4, 2018.
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