Dead Center

By: David Rosenfelt

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

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)

Light touch, fun for a break

The reviews of other Audible members encouraged me to purchase this book, and it was just what I wanted: a dog-loving detective with a New York (or is it New Jersey?) accent has an adventure and in the process, works with his estranged girlfriend, now police chief, to resolve the crime. I liked that this detective loves dogs, and also, loves a strong, accomplished woman. I audio-pod a lot of non-fiction, so this was just what I needed - a fun frolic, entertaining, light, and easy to hear...

Sound quality drags it down

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes! With the caution that the sound quality is absolutely tinny and terrible. Even worse than Brilliance - and that is saying something.

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Laughs - because he gets it just right! He is just BRILLIANT in his interpretations and pauses - and he us NOT doing silly female voices - he is perfect. A true shame that the sound is tinny and only mid register - it is awful - because the reading is first class. The sound does make you tired. It is like listening to an AM station on radio. I avoid that.

Could you see Dead Center being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Is is a TV series being read out loud - LOVE IT! Stars.... Hmmmm , Josh Hammell maybe.

Any additional comments?

Change distributor for the audible content! If I didn't like David Rosenfeldt's books that much - I would NOT buy them as audible, I already avoid Brilliance - unfortunately I now have another one to avoid - Listen & Live Audio, Inc...

Totally enjoyable

If you want to really sit back and have some audio fun you need to listen to this book.It kept my interest from the opening word to its conclusion.I laughed out loud!

The best and “funniest “ so far.

Funny in quotes because I went from a perpetual grin to chuckling out loud in different parts. What a delight! Love the detecting parts and especially the larger role for Tara. Onward to #4!

Good story plus very 'cute'

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

Good exciting story- the kind that you don't want to put down. Plus it has the added benefit of having some very cute moments

Have you listened to any of Grover Gardner???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First one

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Exceptional

David .you are a marvelous writer please do nothing but write. I enjoyed this last book even more than the previous ones. and the previous ones were delicious . keep writing brother you make my life tolerable. I walk in the street and laugh out loud listening to your audiobook

Maybe Robert Parker lives on?

NO ghastly descriptions of murders, no unnecessary foul language- just good mysteries and characters that are believable and fun to know!! Witty dialogue in shades of Spencer and Hawk.

fun

love the main character, love the narrator, love the dog! this book is a treat.

Definitely Not Dead

Dead Center is a light hearted easy and enjoyable listen. This is the first book Ive read in the apparent Andy Carpenter series. It stands alone and is hilarious, full of barbs and sarcastic wit at its finest. I found myself bursting out laughing many times throughout the book. The mystery itself was easy to figure out, but the character of Andy and his interactions with others more than made up for the storys lack of suspense. Recommended for those days when you dont want anything too serious and need a good chuckle.

not one of the better DRs

I usually like the "doggie-style" legal thriller niche which DR has so successfully carved-out for himself. But this one was too focussed on the romance end of things (the police-girlfriend who moved to Findlay, Wisc.) Also, while there were some good court/legal scenes (always a pleasure), the ethical inconsistency was overwhelming (defense atty bedding down the local chief of police); that just wouldn't play out in reality, even in Findlay (probably esp. in Findlay)(e.g., LA Mayor Villaragossa's romantic interlude w/ the TV reporter). But for DR and Tara fans, it is an interesting read (even if not the best).