Leader of the Pack

By: David Rosenfelt

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Over the course of his legal career, Andy Carpenter has lost a few cases. But that doesn't mean he forgets his clients. Andy has always been convinced that Joey Desimone, a man convicted of murder nine years ago, was innocent and believes that Joey's family's connections to organized crime played a pivotal role in his conviction. While there isn't much Andy can do for him while he serves out his prison sentence, Joey suggests that he check up on Joey's elderly uncle. He'd rather not, but as a favor to Joey, Andy agrees to take his dog, Tara, on a few visits.

The old man's memory is going, but when Andy tries to explain why he's there, it jogs something in the man's mind, and his comments leave Andy wondering if Uncle Nick is confused, or if he just might hold the key to Joey's freedom after all this time. Andy grabs on to this thread of possibility and follows it into a world where the oath of silence is stronger than blood ties, and where people will do anything to make sure their secrets are kept.

©2012 David Rosenfelt (P)2012 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Every installment in the series is a joy!

This series fits the lawyer/crime/mystery parameters.
The main characters each have a history and make contributions to current cases.
The tone is light hearted and sarcastic. Grover Gardner narrates this perfectly.

I have enjoyed every one and often listen to them as a a break between deeply disturbing books.

The usual excellent Andy Carpenter

Would you listen to Leader of the Pack again? Why?

Possibly although I almost never listen to a book more than once.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Leader of the Pack?

I thought that Andy solved the dilemma of a guilty client quite well.

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

I have listened to the entire series. This is excellent as they all are. I feel that it is Andy Carpenter telling the story. Gardner is terrific.

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

Absolutely

Any additional comments?

This is my favorite series of books. I only wish that each book was longer and that there were more of them.

Andy is back with the same old antics.

You gotta love Andy Carpenter and Grover Gardner makes his character perfect. The whole gang is back trying to help out the innocent and get the bad guys. Andy is such a fun loving goof ball who love to annoy and loves his dog Tara. Offen times I find myself laughing out loud with the antics they come up with. This series is an automatic down load for me, one I can share with my mother and both of us enjoy it immensely. But start out with 1. Open and Shut to know the whole story.

Gone to the dogs -- and the dogs win

Where does Leader of the Pack rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Maybe in the middle, but of a certain type it ranks high. Rosenfelt's books are entertaining.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No. The overall tone of a Rosenfelt book is such that you know it will work out fine in the end -- but remain interested in how that happens.

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

His somewhat odd voice is perfect for Rosenfelt's writing. He captures what I think is the spirit of the books.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not that I remember, but I am writing this review a good many weeks (and mysteries) later.

Any additional comments?

I will continue to read or listen to Rosenfelt for light entertainment. Maybe a guy's version of chick lit....

Rosenfelt and Gardner do it again; smooth as butta

This is about the seventh book in the Andy Carpenter series, and by now we have come to know the loosely-formed family around Andy. Each case he takes on is interesting, and he always finds ways to tell us things about his dog, Tara, and his dog rescue foundation, The Tara Foundation, run by a guy he sprung from prison on a trumped-up charge. The current case takes Andy into mob territory, which is common for him, despite the fact that he paints himself as something of a schlemiel. What initially looks like two local murders turns into something extremely larger. The very end of the book is another twist of our expectations, which I have come to appreciate from Rosenfelt. Grover Gardner can simply do no wrong. No matter what the subject, he has one of the friendliest, most comfortable voices around, and it is always a pleasure to listen to him. These books are not great literature, and they are not meant to be: they are fun. Period. They may be a bit formulaic, but if you like the formula, as I do, then that just doesn't bother. I also like the quirk that Andy is wealthy and doesn't have to work, meaning that each case he takes on has to grab him in some way. If I won the lottery, as people say, this is what I would do with my life. Turning the books into mass-market successes is the icing on the cake.

Monday morning will be a killer

Any additional comments?

Andy is as simple as it gets. He admits his dislike for work and I find his sense of humor to be fantastic. We listen together (spouse and myself) and it just kills me when our schedules turn and I must wait to begin listening again. We hold on to each word and laugh out loud with Andy's antics. The crimes are being described more graphically and this might not thrill some listeners. What I like most about David Rosenfelt's books are the real human traits of Andy, Lori, Pete and Sam. They have funny things to say and they don't take everything too seriously. Some of the plot is stretched too strange to be real, but this is why it is called fiction. I think the best part to the Andy Carpenter series is the "feel good" approach to daily life. A body needs laughter as much as air, water, food and shelter.

A Slight Change in the Formula

Another winning combination with Andy and his crew, narrated by Grover Gardner. A slight twist to his usual formula (I wo't spoil it). So you will enjoy it even more!

These are great stories very entertaining

Another good book by Rosenfelt, I enjoyed it, just like the rest of the series.

Love Andy and Tara

Would you consider the audio edition of Leader of the Pack to be better than the print version?

Never read any of the print versions to me Grover Gardner is Andy Carpenter. My favorite characters are Andy and of course Marcus.

What other book might you compare Leader of the Pack to and why?

None this is just one really great story, with a real twist at the end NO SPOILERS FROM ME.

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

Grover Gardner is one of my favorite narrators, he does characters and emotions really well. You always know who's speaking.

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

I love this series, I've listened to many of the first few several times already. I know I'll listen to this again. There's not enough hours in the day to listen and do my job too. (sad to say)

Any additional comments?

I hope more Andy Carpenter books will be written, with Grover Gardner doing the narration.

Best series!

Love all the Andy Carpenter series books. My favorite thing is that they are all read by the same guy who does a great job! I hate it when they change narrators (the voice over people) mid series so this partnership works really well!!! Can’t wait for more!