First Degree (Andy Carpenter Series #2) »

DAVID ROSENFELT is the former marketing president for Tri-Star Pictures and lives in Southern California.

Nominated for the Edgar and Shamus Awards, David Rosenfelt’s debut novel, Open and Shut, was widely praised by readers and critics. Now Rosenfelt returns with a riveting new mystery, First Degree, featuring irreverent and dynamic lawyer Andy Carpenter… When a cop’s body is found burned and decapitated, the last thing Andy Carpenter expected is for a stranger to waltz into his office and admit to the crime. For the wise-cracking millionaire defense attorney suffering from “ lawyer’s block,” the case looks like a no-brainer…until the cops pick up another suspect: Andy’s lead P.I. Laurie Collins, who happens to be the love of his life. Soon Laurie’s facing conviction for the grisly murder and Andy must desperately try to save her. All he had wanted was a case to sink his teeth into. Now he gets one that’s a kick in the head…and the heart.

The New York Times

Rosenfelt smartly balances his hero's bushy-tailed charm with a fast-paced plot, sophisticated courtroom techniques and enough colorful sidekicks (and lovable dogs) to keep this new series on its entertaining track. — Marilyn Stasio