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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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wonderful story

The story line is intriguing, some good humor too! Wish they could do without the couple of fowl words!

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  • Overall
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Five Star Doggy Smile

Loved it. Good story full of sardonic humor with the perfect light-hearted voice of Grover Gardner.

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Sublime.Don't think twice .It's wonderful

once again this author presents us with an entertaining fast paced wonderful detective legal thriller. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I can't wait to listen to the next episode.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

We loved the book and....

we especially loved the reading. What a great voice Grover Gardner has. I can't imagine any other narrator for this work, Gardner just seemed so perfect! I have listed to 20+ hour books lately and found First Degree to be fast, enjoyable and a real thrill. I'll certainly look at other David Rosenfelt novels.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Another great one!

I love the way this guy writes. He cracks me up with his sarcasm. His girlfriend and dog are funny. I even like the way his friend Pete takes advantage of him by making him always pay for the dinners. Another great read. Never change the narrator either, he is perfect!!!

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3 people found this helpful

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Lots of fun

Fun characters with sassy mouths, plus a good mystery story. I will definitely order more of this series.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Can I be Andy and Tara's friend?

I LOVE Andy, I LOVE Tara...I would love to spend a lot of time with either or both of them. Laugh-out-loud funny--getting weird (or envious?) looks from fellow freeway drivers--certainly makes a horrible commute much more fun.

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Didn't See That Coming

Another good book in the Andy Carpenter series. Lawyer, dog lover and humor. Never get too serious, but keeps you thinking.

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1 person found this helpful

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Great story with with a fun, humorous style

I didn't care for the narrator's voice at first, but after a while the voice seemed to match the character. it was well read and a very interesting story, made more fun bye a witty banter, mainly going on in the main character's head.

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I love this series!!!

I am new to the Andy Carpenter series. This is my second book to listen to. Both have been great and really enjoy the reader’ s performance!

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