New Tricks

By: David Rosenfelt

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Andy Carpenter gains possession of an adorable Bernese puppy whose owner was brutally murdered. Few can rival Andy's affection for dogs, and he will do whatever it takes to insure that this little pup doesn't fall into the wrong hands. However, his playful new friend is valued by several people, many of whom are willing to resort to violence to get what they want.

It will take more than Andy's usual courtroom theatrics to save this dog, including a little help from his beloved Golden Retriever, Tara. Andy soon discovers that anyone around him is in danger, including his longtime girlfriend, Laurie, and he will have to muster all of his wits to save those he holds most dear.

David Rosenfelt, a native of Paterson, New Jersey, is a graduate of NYU. He was the former marketing president for Tri-Star Pictures before becoming a writer of novels and screenplays. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife and 35 dogs. Grover Gardner, a Washington, D.C.-based actor, director and audiobook narrator, has been a member of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, as well as resident director at Everyman Theatre in Baltimore. Recently, he has been active in educational theater, directing student productions for local universities, and teachings graduate-level courses in acting and voice-over work. He has recorded over 450 audiobooks and was named by AudioFile magazine as one of "Best Voices of the Century".

©2009 David Rosenfelt (P)2009 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Rosenfelt injects this clever installment with courtroom twists, a peek into some scary DNA research and a romantic surprise." ( Publishers Weekly)

New Tricks

I love all of David Rosenfelts Books, especially as he preserves his same cast of loveable characters from his equally good past offerings. Grover Gardener's readings brings the entire cast to an enjoyable life. Life is full of stresses & David's stories bring an enjoyable relief, plus some excellent knowledge of legal proceedures. Well done & worth the price of admission. I highly recoment this, & all of Rosenfelts Books. I don't know how the author does it but the endings are always full of suprises. John Wagner, Professional Grandpa

another great book in a series

Andy is back! another great book with all the great characters!
be sure to listen to this one

Another terrific book in the Andy Carpenter series

This has become one of my all time favorite mystery series. And I am very picky - very. Good mysteries are hard to come by - and a writer who can add in humor and interesting characters has got me in his fan club - David Rosenfelt is as good as anyone out there and I can't wait until another book in this series comes out. Rosenfelt has discovered what so many topnotch mystery writers know - a good mystery works better with an "ensemble cast" rather than just one all knowing - or all muscle! - detective with a cohort. Alas, the one non-series book Rosenfelt came out with was really terrible - so I hope he stays where his voice is: with Andy Carpenter in New Jersey with his dog and his friends. Incidentally, totally by coincidence, we adopted a 2 year old golden retriever mix last year - although I have a hunch that Carpenter's love of goldens was in my mind, unbeknownst to me. If so, I owe him a lot of thanks for opening my eyes to my beloved Cooper. And thanks for many hours of happy reading and listening to audio books by Rosenfelt. Although, it is painful to know that some of his books are only available in abridged versions - and that is a travesty committed on any book. No more abridged Rosenfelt, I beseech you. And no more non-series books either.

Loved it!

If you like the other Andy Carpenter novels, then you will like this one just as well. Grover Gardner is a great reader for these books. I like that Lori is more involved in this book. I hope there will be another one.

I skipped Ahead

Would you listen to New Tricks again? Why?

I would listen to New Tricks again after I listened to book 1 and missed books 2-6. Somehow I didn't pick up that it was Book 7, not by fault of Audible that makes it clear. Anyhow the characters in the synopsis I recognized so I got and while I'm somewhat curious what happened in the other 6 books, not so much as they reference in this book and I get it :) I listened to book 1 and loved it so this was just fine, but I think I would have been happy to listen to the missing 5. Anyhow, it's a good story, the characters we know are all here so it's a comfortable and satisfying read :)

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

I think the narrators accent is perfect for the person and location of this setting and brings it to perfect "life"

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

When someone chooses something the main character wants but you really don't know which way it will go - I don't want to ruin anyone's expectations, it's just that a choice is finally made which brings a relief.

Any additional comments?

The book, the narrator - it all makes for a great break and a great story which is what I look for in my "reading" - be it audible or "the old fashioned way". I want to be able to get lost in a story, a good story and so far this series provides that :)

Love this Series.

I had enjoyed all of the earlier books in this series but hadn't read a new one in a while, so I happily picked up a couple in the last sale. What a treat it was to return to the dry humor and entertaining life of sporadic defense lawyer Andy Carpenter, combined with genuinely interesting insights into court case development and trial techniques. It's refreshing to find a mystery story that doesn't take itself too seriously or dwell at length on blood and gore. One feature I particularly like is that the relationships with other parties involved in the case, including policemen, prosecutors, even deep down Judge "Hatchet", are cordial and understanding, a nice change from the "loner in opposition to all forces in authority" model that dominates much of this literature. Grover Gardner does a perfect job of portraying Andy Carpenter and his observations of himself and the personalities and circumstances revolving around him -- and Gardner seems to enjoy every minute of it. Plus I'm not in essence a dog lover, but it's easy to appreciate the dogs that, err..., "people" this series!

My first "Andy Carpenter" mystery!

I pray there will be no end to Andy Carpenter & Company nor of Grover Gardner's narration of same. As I read other reviews, I realize my review has already been written many times over. Laugh out loud entertainment, wonderful, well-developed characters (any of whom I'd like to call friend) and of course, Tara, his golder retriever. And, again, the very dry humor. Mr. Rosenfelt's books will always be at the top of my wishlist.

Just as good second time listened to.

story and narration excellent. and will definitely get more by this author . Thank you

Entertaining

As usual this is a winner from Rosenfeldt. It is entertaining and well written and keeps you involved in the story. Good narration.

You'll Howl with Laughter

If you could sum up New Tricks in three words, what would they be?

entertaining, funny, enjoyable

What was one of the most memorable moments of New Tricks?

Andy's description of all the people at his house eating him out of house and home had me chuckling off and on all day. Andy's view of the world is rather off center, and very funny.

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

His voice is perfect for this. I had just finished listening to Stephen King's 11-22-63, and it took me a few minutes to get used to the sound of his voice...to me he sounds a little like Billy Crystal. He is clear, easy to understand, and her reads Andy's thoughts with a it of dry wit and it works perfectly.