Unleashed

May 6, 2013
The threat of a major terrorist attack on the U.S. doesn’t dispel the charm of Edgar-finalist Rosenfelt’s 11th mystery featuring Paterson, N.J., criminal defense attorney Andy Carpenter (after 2012’s Leader of the Pack). Andy, who’s independently wealthy and averse to taking on new clients, reluctantly agrees to help his accountant, Sam Willis, with a personal matter. Hedge fund owner Barry Price, an old friend of Sam’s who married the accountant’s high school sweetheart, Denise, wants to hire Andy for some unspecified purpose. Before Andy and Barry can meet, Barry dies in a crash while piloting his private plane. When the police arrest Denise for her husband’s murder, Sam begs Andy to defend her, only to end up needing Andy’s services himself. Meanwhile, key players involved in Barry’s financial dealings start turning up dead. Those who relish Andy’s refreshingly candid and often hilarious courtroom style will particularly enjoy his performance on the witness stand. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House.

Starred review from November 25, 2013
Barry Price calls on accountant Sam Wills and lawyer Andy Carpenter for help with a matter he can’t discuss over the phone. But while driving to meet Barry, Sam and Andy almost hit an injured dog with their car. They stop to help the dog, miss their meeting with Barry, and learn that his plane—which they might otherwise have been on—has crashed. Seasoned narrator Grover Gardner delivers yet another complex performance that offers plenty of intrigue and realistic character interpretations. Gardner’s tone and style are aggressively honest, and he transitions deftly between the book’s characters. A Minotaur hardcover.