Open and Shut

By: David Rosenfelt

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Whether dueling with new forensics or the local old boys' network, irreverent defense attorney Andy Carpenter always leaves them awed with his biting wit and winning fourth-quarter game plan.

But the fun stops the day Andy's dad, Paterson, New Jersey's legendary ex-DA, drops dead in front of him at a game in Yankee Stadium. The shocks pile on as he discovers his dad left him with two unexpected legacies: a fortune of $22 million that Andy never knew existed...and a murder case with enough racial tinder to burn down City Hall.

Struggling to serve justice and bring honor to his father, Andy must dig up some explosive political skeletons - and an astonishing family secret that can close his case (and his mouth) for good.

Crack another case with Andy Carpenter.

©2002 David Rosenfelt (P)2008 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"As soon as readers finish this remarkable first novel, they will begin clamoring for a second Andy Carpenter adventure." ( Booklist)
"Brisk dialogue, careful plotting, and solid spadework." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Enjoyed it!

I really enjoyed Andy Carpenter's sense of humor! Getting the a case you know chuckle during the listening was fun!

Liked it more than I thought I would

So many readers I follow seemed to love this, so decided to try Rosenfelt even though I generally don't like lawyer and courtroom-based mysteries. I also get nervous when a new (to me) author writes a protagonist who has a meaningful relationship with his or her dog - especially when there is someone out to "get" the protagonist, and more especially when the author is male (maybe it's just me, but I think male authors are more likely to kill animals in a book, while female authors are more likely to kidnap or injure them. if you know what I mean.)

Anyhow, there were nice twists, some nerve-wracking (to me) moments, and enjoyable characters. Grover Gardner gives a terrific performance as well, so I am truly looking forward to the rest of this series.

Great series!

I Started reading Andy carpenter because I bought a book on sale that was somewhere at least halfway through the series. I loved it and wanted to read more so I started reading the reviews and saw that the first books are abridged and people complained about them, so I skipped those and went to book 7, a book which I also loved. I decided at that point to go ahead and start at book 1 and go through the series from beginning to end, and I’m glad that I did. There is a spot in this book that it clearly seems like they left something out, but it was easy to get past and the overall book was so enjoyable, I cannot recommend it enough. If you like light mystery with lots humor and stories that keep you guessing, then this is the series for you.

Great book.

This was my first book by David Rosenfelt and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. The storyline was good and it was also very funny. I am presently reading the 2nd book in the Andy Carpenter series. I will continue to read Mr. Rosefelts books.

Open and Shut

Grover Gardner is the most interestingly and
enjoyable reader I have ever listened to. He
adds so much to the story and his inflections
are perfect.

Engaging story

Loved the narrator and felt it perfect for the story. This is my second Rosenfelt Tara and her lawyer companion story. Love more Tara.

Demille like characters!

The story is presented in a logical order and the characters are richly developed. Andy Carpenter, the criminal defense lawyer, is similar in character, wit, and synicism to Nelson Demille's New York City detective John Correy. Open and Shut is an entertaining book that keeps you captivated, entertained, and ammused throughout the entire book.

A comedic trial mystery

The narrator brings the wonderful characters to life in a story with unexpected twists in the plot. This is the first in the Andy Carpenter series and makes you want to read the sequels.

Entertaining but forgettable

Entertaing, good humor and snappy comments. Good performance. A great time passer but not a book you remember, I actually allready forgot what the case was all about. Anyway, recomenden. It was my first Rosenfelt, but not the last. Good narration.

A 'Fun' Listen

Maybe a crime novel shouldn't be characterized as a fun listen, but I'm focusing on the hero of the story who is self deprecating and has a witty thought or remark for almost every situation in his life. These types of books are enjoyable when doing my chores around the house or spending time on my hobby. A book that is crafted well enough to keep your interest and provide a few chuckles, but you won't have to refer to your dictionary every couple of sentences. Call me shallow, but I will look for more of David Rosenfelt's books. I just think Andy Carpenter is a hoot!