The Twelve Dogs of Christmas

An Andy Carpenter Mystery

By: David Rosenfelt

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

Defense lawyer Andy Carpenter usually tries to avoid taking on new cases at all costs. But this time, he's happy - eager, even - to take the case that's just come his way. Andy's long-time friend Martha "Pups" Boyer takes in stray puppies that the local dog rescue center can't handle, raises them until they're old enough to adopt, and then finds good homes for them. Not everyone admires the work Pups does as much as Andy does, however.

With Christmas just around the corner, one of Pups's neighbors has just reported Pups to the city for having more than the legal number of pets in her home under the local zoning laws. Andy happily takes Pups's case, and he feels confident in a positive outcome. Who could punish someone for rescuing puppies, after all, especially at Christmastime? But things get a lot more complicated when Randy Hennessey, the neighbor who registered the complaint against Pups, turns up dead. Pups had loudly and publicly threatened Hennessey after he filed his complaint, and Pups was also the one to find his body. All the evidence seems to point to Pups as the killer, and suddenly Andy has a murder case on his hands. He doesn't believe Pups could be guilty, but as he starts digging deeper into the truth behind Hennessey's murder, Andy may find himself facing a killer more dangerous than he ever imagined.

With his trademark wit, larger-than-life characters, and clever plotting, David Rosenfelt delivers another gripping mystery.

©2016 Tara Productions (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

What a fun story!

I did not particularly enjoy the last couple of books in this usually reliably great series. I was wondering if David Rosenfelt was running out of great plot lines. Well this book completely restores my enthusiasm for the exploits of lawyer Andy Carpenter and his dog(s), family and friends, and reassures that Rosenfelt has not lost his golden touch. If anything, this is one of the best books in the whole series. The story line was just wonderful, a really good blend of characters, story and humor.

In this book, Andy is called to defend "Pups," a woman accused of murdering an annoying neighbor, a woman who is dear to Andy's heart because she, like him, rescues unwanted dogs and cares for them. Andy knows she has to be innocent of the charges, but he (with the help of his wife and friends) must solve the mystery of what has actually happened. Naturally, this leads him into a deeper, sometimes dangerous, look at background issues in her life.

This would be a good story, no matter what. But over time Rosenfelt has created a set of delightful characters who click with (this) reader/listener very well. Including his awesome dog Tara (now joined by canine pal Sebastian). And there are often some laugh out loud moments of humor to lighten everything up. But what really brings these books to life (even the couple past ones I didn't otherwise enjoy as much) is the perfect narration of Grover Gardner. Sometimes a narrator and book just work perfectly together, and this series would be lacking with any other narrator. Altogether, author and narrator have provided a really fun listening experience. I really recommend this book, and also the whole series.

Love the Andy Carpenter series, love the narrater!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! I'm envious of those who have just found David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series and have several books to enjoy. As for the rest of us, we have to impatiently wait for the next book.Best thing is, the author is a great writer AND a great person in real life that's devoted to rescuing dogs that most wouldn't adopt. Even his Facebook posts make me laugh. I'm a huge fan!

What did you like best about this story?

Love the self-depricating, quick witted Andy Carpenter and his fun characters (I do miss the "song talk" with Sam!).

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

Perfection. My favorite narrater. Excellent. You forget it's one person reading for all the characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I always laugh while listening to this series, and the touching moments are spot on.

Any additional comments?

I appreciate a good mystery with a dose of humor and the absence of unneeded gore or anything overly sad. I love good characters that don't all blend together, and a narrater that can bring it to life. This is all of that!

Five Stars to the Narrator

This is not my type of book so I don't want to post a negative review just because I prefer something different ... BUT, what kept me going was the narrator who was excellent.

awesome

dog lovers will love thisone i did!!!
mystery lovers will love this one,i did!!
lawyers may love rhis one, i did but im a doctor & loved it.
Everybody will love this one. i cant wait to read it again

love this Author

Andy Carpenter is one of my all-time favorite characters! Thank you David Rosenfelt for another wonderful book.Please keep Andy Carpenter practicing law and protecting dogs.

Title is a Bit Misleading

All though there is not much Christmas cheer or even mention of Christmas in this book it is another wonderful addition to the Andy Carpenter Mysteries. I always enjoy the twists and turns of the tale and the reliable main characters who never fail to entertain!

Best so far! Twists, turns and wow!!

love this series but this is the best so far. you can't put it down

Audio book was great. perfect voice for this readi

Story was challenging to figure out. Characters were interesting and believable. Good blend of elements.

Great

I love the Andy Carpenter books. This one was particularly good because I could not figure out the ending.

another good Carpenter book

Another wonderful Andy Carpenter book. Just in time for Christmas.
dogs and a trial and Andy with dogs.
Nice and fun