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First Degree  By  cover art

First Degree

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

Nominated for the Edgar and Shamus Awards, David Rosenfelt's debut novel, Open and Shut, was widely praised by listeners and critics. Rosenfelt returned with this riveting 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.

Crack another case with Andy Carpenter.
©2004 David Rosenfelt (P)2008 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Rosenfelt should win a unanimous verdict: first-rate." ( Publishers Weekly)
"As satisfying as the nuts and bolts of the case are, it's the sheer likability of Andy and the odd assortment of his friends and staff that lifts the story from merely enjoyable to genuinely delightful." ( Publishers Weekly)

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 First Degree

Average customer ratings
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Andy Carpernter Strikes Again

If you could sum up First Degree in three words, what would they be?

I love the Andy Carpenter books, and this one is one of the best.

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Gardner has a great sense of Carpenter's deprecative style. I love all the joke and wisecracks.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Another Favorite

Loved it. Loved the story. Kept me interested. Loved the humor.

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1 person found this helpful

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Excellent mystery - perfect reader - just great

I love this book. I love Andy Carpenter. I love Grover Gardner. I will listen to this book many times

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Story!

I just finished this on my device. I read Open and Shut first. I am hooked on Andy Carpenter and Book 3 is scheduled to be delivered today. The last time I enjoyed a series of a reoccurring lead character was Sue
Grafton's Kinsey Milhone! Keep them coming!!

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Great story

Loved it ! Makes my commute pass very quickly. I enjoy the twists and rurns then how it all connects together.

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I'm hooked on this series

This was my second book, and have already downloaded the third. The narrator does such a good job I now think of him as Andy

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Fun read

This is a well written and fun book. Highly recommend it. Lots of Laugh out loud.

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    5 out of 5 stars

I LOVE THIS SERIES…

I listen over and over!!! You would think it would be so funny but I find myself chuckling out loud. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Start with the first one…

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Great book!!!

The author is clever and very funny. I have laughed out loud many times and look forward to his other books.

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Great author, great performance!

This audiobook is very well performed, The story is a somewhat lighthearted mystery that keeps you guessing . I'm going to download another one of David Rosenfeldt's books right now.!

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