And To All A Good Bite
- Judith D Collins
- Sep 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 3
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrator: Grover Gardner
Andy Carpenter #32
ISBN: 978-1250324573
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: 10/14/2025
Format: Audio & e-book
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter investigates a murder that left a dog stranded in And to All a Good Bite, the latest Christmas mystery in David Rosenfelt's bestselling series.
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter can't wait for Christmas. He doesn't care much about the season, unless it's football season. Andy's excited to finally relax and watch the games. But when there's a murder related to an old case in Paterson, New Jersey, Andy puts the games on pause.
Two years ago, a gas leak in an office building led to a tragic explosion that killed seven people. Jeff Wheeler was there to pick up his girlfriend and ran into the building to help. All he heard was the barking of a dog, Rufus, and was able to save him. The pup was the sole survivor and Jeff was named a hero. Initially, Rufus went to the Tara Foundation since his owner had died in the accident. But Andy met Jeff and liked him, respecting his courage and allowed him to adopt Rufus. Since then, Jeff and Rufus have formed an unbreakable bond.
The accident never sat right with Jeff. He believed that one of the building owners was responsible for the tragedy. Now that owner has been murdered and Jeff is arrested for the crime, Rufus is left with Jeff's sister, who begs Andy to take the case. Andy remembered Jeff's tremendous bravery and with the lingering Christmas spirit, decides to help reunite the two.
With David Rosenfelt's signature humor and hijinks, it's time to close this case for good and bid it a good night.
About the Author
DAVID ROSENFELT is the Edgar-nominated and Shamus Award–winning author of almost 30 Andy Carpenter novels, including Dog Day Afternoon; several stand-alone thrillers; nonfiction titles; and several K Team novels, a series featuring some of the characters from the Andy Carpenter series. After years of living in California, he and his wife moved to Maine with twenty-five of the four thousand dogs they have rescued. WEBSITE
My Review
David Rosenfelt makes a delightful return with the much-loved Andy Carpenter series, now in its 32nd installment, titled AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE.
This holiday tale bursts with warmth and cheer, skillfully intertwining a fiery mystery, captivating art, and a chilling murder that sets the stage for an intriguing legal battle. The narrative unfolds amid a whirlwind of humor, featuring the endearing antics of a lovable golden retriever, all while enveloped in the spirit of Christmas. It promises to be the perfect dose of festive entertainment to brighten your holiday season.
About...
-The Incident:
Two years before the book's events, a gas leak led to an explosion at an office building, killing seven people in Paterson, New Jersey.
-Jeff Wheeler's Involvement:
Jeff was at the building to meet his girlfriend, Lisa whom he was planning to propose marriage. He ran in to help during the explosion, engulfed by flames, and the stairs were completely impassable.
He was unable to save anyone, but he did save a Golden Retriever puppy, Rufus, whom he subsequently adopted after being sent to the Tara Foundation. Seven people were inside after hours and perished.
-Jeff's Belief:
Jeff believed one of the building owners was responsible for the tragedy.
-The Murder:
The owner, Jeff suspected of responsibility is murdered.
-Jeff's Arrest:
Jeff is arrested for the murder of Stanley Franklin, leaving Rufus with his sister.
-Andy Takes the Case:
Jeff's sister, Carol Hedrickson, asks Andy Carpenter to represent her brother, and Andy, remembering Jeff's past bravery and with the holiday spirit, agrees to help.
-The Investigation:
Andy and his diverse, fun team investigate the circumstances surrounding the original explosion and the new murder to prove Jeff's innocence.
-A Complicated Case:
The case becomes more complex, revealing a startling discovery about what truly happened during the explosion and the murder, leading to a satisfying resolution.
My thoughts...
As always, when immersing yourself in an Andy Carpenter novel, you can anticipate a delightful blend of laughter, sharp wit, delightful mischief, and an abundance of humor brought to life by Andy and his quirky team: Laurie, Corey, Marcus, Sam, Eddie, and the ever-engaging Edna.
Andy, with his trademark hilarity, finds himself longing for a peaceful retirement, dreaming of spending Christmas basking in the thrill of football games. However, fate intervenes when a charming Golden Retriever enters the scene, compelling him to leap back into action to defend the owner.
Andy's Tara, the faithful, lovable Golden, is always the star of the show, effortlessly managing everyone around her, including the often-reluctant Andy and the dogs he brings home. As a devoted fan of Golden Retrievers, I can't help but reminisce about my own Golden, Duke, who filled my life with joy and companionship for an incredible 15 years.
Whether you're a newcomer to the Andy Carpenter series or a longtime devotee, AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE promises to be an ideal cozy read for the holiday season.
Step into the intriguing world of a semi-retired, quick-witted criminal defense attorney, whose razor-sharp intellect and charm are matched only by his charismatic team of associates.
Together, they find themselves embroiled in a complex and twisting legal case that weaves through the corridors of the courtroom. Amidst the drama, they'll encounter an eccentric art collector, greed, money, and a conspiracy adding layers of intrigue, as well as a web of forgery that threatens to unravel at any moment.
Just when the stakes couldn’t be higher, a gripping murder mystery unfolds, pulling Andy and the team deeper into a world rife with secrets and deception. And throughout this whirlwind of tension, a delightful sprinkle of Christmas cheer infuses the narrative with warmth, humor, and festivity, immersing you in the holiday spirit.
Of course, no Andy Carpenter novel would be complete without the endearing presence of an adorable Golden Retriever puppy, adding yet another layer of charm to this thoroughly entertaining story that’s perfect for both the page and audio rendition.
Audiobook...
I had the delightful opportunity to dive into both the book and its corresponding audiobook, which truly enhances the experience. Grover Gardner’s (fav) narration is a standout feature; his talent for bringing characters to life is unparalleled.
No one else can quite match his ability to capture the essence of Andy Carpenter. Gardner’s passion, wit, and humor infuse every scene with vibrancy, making the story not just heard, but felt. I wholeheartedly recommend indulging in the audiobook—it’s an absolute treat that elevates the entire tale!
Many thanks to Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, #MacAudio2025, and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Oct 14, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
