Dogged Pursuit
- Judith D Collins
- Jul 15
- 5 min read
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrator: Grover Gardner
Prequel | An Andy Carpenter Mystery
ISBN: 9781250395085
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Minotaur Books
Publication Date: 07/01/2025
Format: Audiobook & e-book
My Rating: 5 Stars (ALC)
In Dogged Pursuit, David Rosenfelt takes readers back to the start of this beloved series as Andy Carpenter begins his career as a defense attorney in Paterson, New Jersey.
Andy Carpenter has spent the three years since graduating law school working as a prosecutor in Paterson. But having seen how the system never looks out for the little guy, he leaves to start his own practice as a defense attorney. His office might be a little bit of a dump, but he's excited to make a change.
Andy goes to the shelter to adopt a dog, where he meets his beloved golden retriever, Tara, for the first time and feels an immediate connection. The shelter is crowded and Tara's been sharing space with a dog named Sunny; Andy hates to break them up and so asks to take Sunny, too, but since there's a pending criminal case involving the owner, he'll need to get written permission for temporary possession.
Andy discovers that Sunny's owner, Ryan Tierney, has been arrested for the murder of his ex-boss. But he takes an immediate liking to Ryan and his clear dedication to his dog, and ends up with his first case along with the two dogs.
This prequel to the long-running and perennially popular Andy Carpenter mysteries is a gift for fans and a terrific entry-point for newcomers.
My Review
DELIGHTFUL!
Fans of the Andy Carpenter series (like myself) will devour this fun and fascinating prequel, DOGGED PURSUIT! David Rosenfelt rewinds, taking us back to the beginning at the start of his law career in Passaic County, New Jersey, and his beloved golden retriever, Tara.
Now, do not be confused, as yes, there is a beagle on the front cover, not Tara the golden retriever; however, there is a story here that includes the Beagle when Andy picks Tara, and a new client accused of murder.
About...
At age 31, Andy has always wanted a dog, but growing up, his mom claimed to be allergic (or so she said-now deceased). Then there was law school, and the last three years he spent working as a prosecutor in Paterson after graduating. His dad, Nelson, was the chief prosecutor (now retired).
Andy, taking a break from his wife, Nicole, who is not thrilled about him not going to work for her father (Senator and wealthy) while he insists on hanging out his own law office shingle from prosecutor to defense attorney.
Living in Franklin Lakes, NJ, near Paterson, where he grew up, he makes a life-changing decision to visit a shelter. There, he forms an instant bond with Tara, the beautiful golden retriever. (whom we all have loved over the years).
But there's a twist-he also meets Sunny, a beagle (Tara's mate). So he wonders if he can take Sonny along with Tara temporarily, setting the stage for a heartwarming and unpredictable journey.
However, there is a stipulation. The Beagle belongs to Ryan Tierney, a man involved in a criminal case (accused of murdering his ex-boss) and needs to obtain his permission to keep him until he is released.
This leads Andy to visit him in jail and ultimately to represent him, as he is now on the other side of the law, working for the defense. This leads to a wild roller coaster ride.
My thoughts...
I LOVED this charming and enjoyable prequel (#31), learning about how the popular and adorable Golden Retriever, Tara, came into Andy's life.
In addition to the fun, inspiring, and charming cozy mystery, there is a suspenseful murder legal case, and a long-time fan's introduction to characters we will meet in the series.
As a massive fan of the series, author, and Tara, I was delighted to find out how they met one another.
I am a lover of golden retrievers (the best dogs in the world). I miss my Golden Duke, whom I got when he was 6 weeks old, and had him for 15 glorious years. I miss him every day, and I never could bring myself to get another dog after that. Best dog ever!
PS I am glad the author keeps Tara alive (no matter the age) which he addresses. I wish we all could do the same in real life.
A must-read #31 in the series prequel for fans! Additionally, if you haven't read David Rosenfelt or the Andy Carpenter series, you are missing out. A gratifying, heartwarming series. Check out his books, his inspiring story, and all his excellent work with dogs.
Audiobook...
As a bonus, fans are going to flock to the audio with a favorite popular narrator, Grover Gardner, who elevated the story with his sense of humor and engaging voice, delivering an outstanding performance. It would not be Andy Carpenter without him. I highly recommend the audiobook and series. Makes me want to go back and read/listen to all the ones I missed.
Recs...
DOGGED PURSUIT is for fans of David Rosenfelt, the Andy Carpenter series, dog fiction, legal, humor, and cozy mysteries.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Minotaur Books for providing an advanced reading copy and to Macmillan Audio for an advanced listening copy, both courtesy of NetGalley. Your support is greatly appreciated and has allowed me to share my honest thoughts with my readers. #MacAudio2025
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: July 1, 2025
Praise
“A prequel fans will cherish as the origin story of Paterson, New Jersey’s snarkiest lawyer.”
―Kirkus Reviews
“Andy's welcome at any age. His sly humor and pursuit of justice makes him my favorite sleuth...Hanging out with Andy Carpenter and his team is always a treat.”
―Rothenberg on WBAI/RADIO
“I loved this look at how Andy began his career and how he & Tara met …We haven't met all the characters who are in the series now, so I'm hoping for a sequel to this sequel. Highly recommended!”
―Deadly Pleasures
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
About the Narrator
Grover Gardner has recorded more than 650 audiobooks since beginning his career in 1981. He's been named one of the "Best Voices of the Century" as well as a "Golden Voice" by AudioFile magazine. Gardner has garnered over 20 AudioFile Earphones Awards and is the recipient of an Audio Publishers Association Audie Award, as well as a three-time finalist. In 2005, Publishers Weekly deemed him "Audiobook Narrator of the Year."
Gardner has also narrated hundreds of audiobooks under the names Tom Parker and Alexander Adams. Among his many titles are Marcus Sakey's At the City's Edge, as well as Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and John Irving's The Cider House Rules. Gardner studied Theater and Art History at Rollins College and received a Master's degree in Acting from George Washington University. He lives in Oregon with his significant other and daughter. READ MORE
