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Andy Carpenter — by David Rosenfelt
Andy Carpenter Series in Order: 34 books
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Open and Shut
Book - 1
"I hate DNA more than I hate opera. I hate it more than I hate meaningless touchdowns by the underdog that cover the spread when I'm betting the favorite .... I hate DNA because it's boring, because I will never understand it, and because it almost a...
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First Degree
Book - 2
When a cop's body is found burned and decapitated, the last thing Andy Carpenter expects is for a stranger to waltz into his office and admit to the crime. For the wisecracking millionaire defense attorney suffering from "lawyer's block," the case lo...
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Bury the Lead
Book - 3
"I watch sixteen football games over nine hours. It's an extraordinary accomplishment... With the remote secure in the palm of my hand, or more often resting on my chest, I am all powerful. I haven't missed an important play since the Carter administ...
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Sudden Death
Book - 4
"The fact is, I could strip naked, jump on the defense table, and sing, and it wouldn't be the lead story on the news tonight. The lead will be that Kenny Schilling, football star, is facing the death penalty." With an inherited windfall of $22 mi...
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Dead Center
Book - 5
In Dead Center, we find our beloved Andy carpenter reentering the dating scene -- God Bless him. Surprisingly he's a hot commodity, but that's not necessarily a good thing. His friends are offering up their two cents on his dating life, but of ...
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New Tricks
Book - 7
Attorney Andy Carpenter is about to represent an adorable Bernese mountain dog puppy, whose owner was brutally murdered, in a custody fight. Few can rival Andy's affection for dogs, and he's determined to keep Waggy from falling into the wrong hands....
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One Dog Night
Book - 9
For six years Noah Galloway has lived with a horrible secret and the fear that his rebuilt life could be shattered at any moment. Now his dread has become a certainty, and he has been arrested for the arson murder of twenty-six people. What he needs...
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Leader of the Pack
Book - 10
Over the course of his legal career, Andy Carpenter has lost a few cases. But that doesn't mean he forgets his clients. Andy has always been convinced that Joey Desimone, a man convicted of murder nine years ago, was innocent and believes that Joey's...
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Who Let the Dog Out?
Book - 13
A lawyer by day, Andy Carpenter's true passion is the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization he runs with his friend Willie Miller. So, it's frightening when there's been a break-in at the foundation building. It turns out that a recently rescu...
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The Twelve Dogs of Christmas
Book - 15
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 lo...
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Deck the Hounds
Book - 18
This Christmas mystery, featuring criminal defense lawyer Andy Carpenter and his faithful golden retriever, Tara, showcases Rosenfelt's trademark humor and larger-than-life characters. Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter doesn't usually stop to help ...
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Bark of Night
Book - 19
The next novel in David Rosenfelt's witty, heartfelt mystery series featuring lawyer Andy Carpenter and his faithful golden retriever, Tara. When defense lawyer Andy Carpenter's veterinarian asks to speak to him privately at the checkup of his go...
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Dachshund Through the Snow
Book - 20
This Christmas, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, can't say no to helping young Danny and his dachshund, Murphy. Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, have started a new Christmas tradition. Their local pet store has ...
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Silent Bite
Book - 22
Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are finding that all is not calm or bright in Silent Bite, the latest Christmas mystery in this heartwarming series from bestselling author David Rosenfelt. Lawyer Andy Carpenter can finally take a br...
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Dog Eat Dog
Book - 23
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, work to free a man who risked it all to help a dog in need Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, enjoy walking their dogs, Tara and Sebastian. By this point in their marriage, it's routin...
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Best in Snow
Book - 24
In this Christmas mystery, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are on the beat after a body turns up in the snow and a journalist is the prime suspect. Christmas has come early to the town of Paterson, New Jersey, in the form of ...
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Santa's Little Yelpers
Book - 26
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his humorous investigating team return in Santa's Little Yelpers, the next Yuletide mystery in David Rosenfelt's bestselling series.'Tis the season in Paterson, New Jersey: Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tar...
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Flop Dead Gorgeous
Book - 27
Lights, camera, action in bestselling author David Rosenfelt's Flop Dead Gorgeous, as Andy Carpenter goes bicoastal to prove an old friend's innocence.Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter remembers every dog that's come through the Tara Foundation's doors, ...
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'Twas the Bite Before Christmas
Book - 28
In National Bestseller David Rosenfelt's 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas, all through the Carpenter house, five dogs are stirring, and not even Andy can get out of working this next case at his door.Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is at the Tara Foun...
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Dog Day Afternoon
Book - 29
Paterson, New Jersey's favorite reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter returns in Dog Day Afternoon, the next mystery in this fan favorite series from National Bestselling Author David Rosenfelt. Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter has run the Tara Foundation -- ...
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The More the Terrier
Book - 30
The next installment in David Rosenfelt's bestselling Andy Carpenter series brings a lone pup to his doorstep, but when it comes to dogs, The More the Terrier.Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is relieved to be headed back to Paterson, New Jersey, afte...
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Dogged Pursuit
Book - 31
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 a...
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And to All a Good Bite
Book - 32
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 m...
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Dead Men Don't Play Fetch
Book - 33
Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns with Dead Men Don't Play Fetch as Andy Carpenter investigates a wealthy dog lover's unusual death.It's defense lawyer Andy Carpenter's dream to retire. That goal is once again thwarted when he gets a call fr...
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Bark Humbug
Book - 34
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter helps a desperate sister investigate the widely publicized murder of a gubernatorial candidate in Bark Humbug, the latest Christmas mystery in David Rosenfelt's bestselling series.This time, Andy is serious about retir...
Series Premise
The Andy Carpenter series is a legal mystery series built around a defense lawyer who takes on difficult criminal cases despite preferring a low workload. Each book centers on a specific trial, typically involving a client facing serious charges and evidence that does not fully support the prosecution's case. Andy works closely with investigators and security specialists to uncover overlooked details and challenge assumptions. The structure combines courtroom strategy with off-the-record investigation.
Andy Carpenter Series Reading Order
🔄 Best Read in Order · Start with Book 1: Open and Shut
Standalone stories, but characters and relationships develop across the series.
The series can be read in any order, as each book features a self-contained legal mystery with its own central case, defendant, evidence, and courtroom resolution. There are no overarching serialized plots, major cliffhangers, or heavily dependent multi-book arcs that require strict sequencing -- new readers can jump in anywhere and enjoy a complete, satisfying thriller without prior context. The Andy Carpenter series books in order are best experienced in publication sequence, as character relationships and personal developments progress across the series. Each novel presents a complete legal case with a clear resolution, allowing the central mystery to stand on its own. However, Andy's personal life -- including his marriage to Laurie Collins and the formation of his investigative team -- evolves over time. Reading out of order means missing how these relationships develop and how the team dynamic takes shape.
Explanation of reading order types
Andy Carpenter Series Characters
Andy Carpenter is a defense attorney known for his sarcastic narration, reluctance to work, and commitment to proving his clients' innocence. Laurie Collins, his partner and later wife, plays a central role in investigating cases and uncovering key evidence. Marcus Clark handles security and enforcement, while Sam Willis supports investigative work. Andy's golden retriever, Tara, is a constant presence and influences both his personal life and decisions.
Setting of the Andy Carpenter Series
The series is set primarily in Paterson, New Jersey, with scenes taking place in courtrooms, law offices, and crime scenes tied to each case. Legal proceedings form a core part of the narrative, with trial strategy and cross-examination driving key moments. Investigations extend into surrounding areas as needed to follow leads. The consistent setting supports the procedural structure of the series.
Tone & Themes of the Andy Carpenter Series
The tone blends legal suspense with humor, driven by Andy's first-person narration and dry commentary. Themes include wrongful conviction, the reliability of evidence, and the ethical role of defense attorneys. The series also explores loyalty, trust, and the balance between personal life and professional responsibility. Humor provides contrast to the seriousness of the crimes.
Is the Andy Carpenter Series Worth Reading?
The Andy Carpenter series is a strong choice for readers who enjoy legal mysteries with a consistent protagonist and evolving supporting cast. The combination of courtroom drama and investigative work offers variety within each book. Recurring characters add depth beyond individual cases. It suits readers looking for both episodic stories and character continuity.
Content Warnings and Heat Level
The series includes murder investigations and discussions of violent crime, though graphic detail is limited. Courtroom conflict and criminal behavior are central to the plots. Romantic content is minimal and secondary to the legal narrative. The overall tone remains accessible.
The Andy Carpenter series combines self-contained legal cases with ongoing character development. Reading the books in order enhances the experience by showing how relationships and team dynamics evolve. It offers a consistent mix of humor, investigation, and courtroom drama.
Books in this series fall into the following genres
Genres
Themes
People / Creatures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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