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Dead Center  By  cover art

Dead Center

By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Publisher's summary

If there aren't any real-life lawyers as entertaining, as witty, and as willing to tilt at windmills as Andy Carpenter, Edgar-finalist Rosenfelt's engaging series hero, then there should be.

Carpenter, the Paterson, N.J., lawyer whose wealth allows him to work as seldom as he chooses, is recovering from the loss of the love of his life, Laurie Collins, who has moved home to Findlay, Wis., to become the acting chief of police. When Laurie calls Andy for help after arresting 21-year-old Jeremy Davidson for murders that she thinks he didn't commit, Andy can't resist heading off to Findlay with his faithful dog, Tara.

There's damning evidence against Jeremy, accused of killing two young women, one of whom he was romantically involved with. Andy is forced to pry into the closed society of Center City, home of the victims and a peculiar religious sect called the Centurions.

Dead Center is our Editors' Pick for Mysteries and Thrillers. Find out what else made Audible's Best of 2006 list.
©2006 David Rosenfelt (P)2006 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

  • Audie Award Finalist, Mystery, 2007

"Written with flair and humor, this is perfect light reading." (Publishers Weekly)
"Those who like the added complexity of character-driven mysteries will find much to enjoy in this award-winning series." (Booklist)
"Grover Gardner's narrative style is clear but low-key, a style that fits Andy Carpenter, Rosenfelt's series hero....His reading perfectly evokes the suspense and drama of a criminal investigation." (AudioFile)

Featured Article: The Best Cozy Mysteries to Keep You Warm This Holiday Season


We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best cozy mystery audiobooks to help brighten up your winter listening. Here you'll find contemporary and historical cozies, classic whodunits and ingenious heist stories. While varying in tone, plot, and setting, these picks all share an irresistible holiday atmosphere. You'll find snowstorms galore, bakeries full of tasty holiday treats, glittering get-togethers, and picturesque English villages decked out in their holiday finest.

What listeners say about Dead Center

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Another Great Listen

What made the experience of listening to Dead Center the most enjoyable?

Both the main story and the side stories were interesting and the narrator was spot on. I did not want to stop listening and was sorry to hear it end.. The small town issues are mostly the same as my small town and well written. And the town of zealots in the side story was intriguing. The narrator captivated me instantly. He truly became the main character immediately.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The New Jersey lawyer meets Wisconsin!

laugh-out-loud, law-enforcement, snark-fest, snow, lawyers, culture-shock, cults

The mystery tale is creative, and there's the issues between Andy and his ladylove, but that's not the best of it all for this Wisconsinite! It's all the frozen tundra snarks and the foodie fun! No way does Wisconsin or its people come off badly. Unless, of course you object to our winters, potluck suppers, or basic kindness. I loved it!
Grover Gardner really shines as narrator.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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I hate reviews

loved it snappy humor sassy quick and a dog to boot ! what more can u ask for

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Series!

I love this author! And adore the reader! Great book, all-around fun reading book twice!

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  • Overall
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Good Story

Enjoyed the characters and the story surrounding them. Will keep you interested until the end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous

Absolutely fabulous! Witty characters and great story line.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Dead Center

I just finished reading this and found I still had a smile on my which is a tribute to the author and the narrator.
This book is extremely well written, funny, serious and thoughtful all in one. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look for more from this author.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

funny but no plot

The main character's wisecracks are funny, and he seems likeable, but there's not much plot.

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2 people found this helpful

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Keep at it because it has a rather slow start

Where does Dead Center rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is in the middle

What did you like best about this story?

The mystery was not obvious.

Which character – as performed by Grover Gardner – was your favorite?

The main character

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The author is quite witty.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

LOVED IT!! FUNNNNNYYYYYYY

I laughed out loud other drivers must have thought I lost my mind. Love the humor and wit. Wanted more. Love Andy. Can't wait for more books!!

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1 person found this helpful