First Degree

By: David Rosenfelt

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins

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)

Love Andy Carpenter stories

I love the humor in these books! The personalities, Andy's relationships with Tara, his dog, Laurie (the love of his life), and others, interesting, fun, great read. I just hate how David Rosenfelt feels the need to put in disgusting murders, as if that is what makes the book interesting. Decapitated head in a plastic bag, buried by evil people in his back yard (to make Laurie look guilty of murder)?? Yuck!!

Another good funny story

It's fast and fun and thoroughly enjoyable. A decent legal drama with characters you like and can believe, with a large dash of funny thrown in.

No point in going over the story... it's not a difficult story to follow and seems to be wrapped up just a bit too quickly and conveniently and the underlying "frame job" doesn't quite ring true (i.e., the reason why would anyone bother going through all the effort to do the frame job is not really clear.)

The narrator is the same as in the first in this series and is very good (though he sounds like Klinger from MASH).

Regardless, however, it's a pleasant fun read and I'm off to get the next in the Carpenter series.

great courtroom case

best story with a maximum amount of law and courtroom drama. the dialog and the reader are the best ever.

Every book in this series just gets better

David Rosenfelt really knows how to draw you into a mystery. Not only that, he can really make you laugh out loud. I've listened to three books in this series so far. this is one of my favorites. Some one complained about the narrator. I've listened to Grover Gardner narrate several book, in this one he's using a New Jersey accent and does it perfect. ( even though I live in NY now my family is from Jersey ) when he narrates other books he really has a different voice. Mr Gardner is one of my favorite narrators. I say to anyone thinking of purchasing a book to listen to the free "listen" that audible offers. It gives you a taste of the narrator. Many times I find the story it self can get you past a narrator who is not as good as some, and it is the words that captivate. the reader. Can't wait to read the next.....

David Rosenfelt does not disappoint!

This second Andy Carpenter novel seamlessly continues where the first left off with a great cast of characters and a few new ones who work into the plot well. I look forward to the next one.

Surprises and Pleasure

I really love this series, this author, and this narrator! I just wish all were unabridged like this one. There is real life here without being overwhelmed by sex and such. A good clean story.

Great all the way

This is one funny lawyer ...makes me laugh out loud and still a good mystery of cops and conspiracy and good guys/bad guys story with sufficiently varied and interesting characters, second Rosenfelt I've listened to and plan on getting them all.

Dog loving Groucho Marx, Esquire

David Rosenfelt's witty and engaging writing paired with perfectly delivered narration by Grover Gardner make for an entertaining reading/listening experience.
The characters and plot line are well developed and kept me engaged in the story throughout.
I began the series with Who Let The Dog Out. A good stand alone read but there are several references letting me know there was prior history so I started at the beginning. So much falls beautifully into place.

So far with three of the books read I would say the quality is consistently crafted.

If you love animals, charitable champions to the underdogs, and a witty sense of humor, you will enjoy this series.

suspenseful and fun!

loved it ! the entire Andy Carter series is wonderful. I'm reading the whole series.

Engrossing

Great dialogue. Engrossing plot.
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