Edgar-finalist Rosenfelt's riveting sixth legal thriller (after 2006's Dead Center) brings independently wealthy Paterson, N.J., lawyer Andy Carpenter to the defense of a very special domestic violence victim, Yogi, a golden retriever alleged to have bitten its owner. Andy uses the court system to spring Yogi from an animal shelter's death row and adopt him, adding the dog to a small family that includes longtime pet golden Tara. But when the gang goes for a walk that leads to a joyful reunion between Yogi and a woman named Karen Evans, Andy learns Yogi is actually Reggie, presumed dead five years earlier after the conviction of Karen's brother, U.S. Customs Inspector Richard Evans, for the murder of his fiancée, Stacy Harriman. Suspecting Richard's innocence, Andy tackles the case like a dog on a chew toy, undeterred by an intricate web of deception involving a possible government coverup. No shaggy dog story, this puppy's alive with reliable Rosenfelt wit and heart.
With 22 million bucks in the bank, Defense Attorney Andy Carpenter has little need to carry much of a case load. Golden retriever Yogi is cooling his paws on Death Row at the local animal shelter, charged with biting his owner. Carpenter, a dog-lover, takes the case, causes a nationwide media frenzy, and helps Yogi beat the rap. But that's just the beginning. PLAY DEAD is a gem, and narrator Grover Gardner polishes it to perfection. His nasal tone and staccato cadence nail the North Jersey setting. His timing and style for Rosenfelt's one-liners and smart-aleck dialogue are right on target. The plot is packed with twists, and Gardner's narration makes it a ride not to be missed. T.J.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine
