Muzzled (Andy Carpenter, #21)

by David Rosenfelt

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Muzzled is the 21st (!!) Andy Carpenter mystery by David Rosenfelt. Released 7th July 2020 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

I have enjoyed every one of these books since discovering the series some years ago. Every new book feels like a visit with good friends. This one sees Andy still unsuccessful in his bid to retire, this time trying to clear the name of a biotech executive who is accused of murder and trying to fake his own death. As always there are dogs and dog lovers and the returning cast of supporting human characters.

This is a very well written book, full of warmth and humor and believable characters who are three dimensional. The author is also quite adept at the nuts and bolts of storytelling and the story moves along at a good pace. The dialogue, though full of witty repartee, never devolves into corniness and is a fun read overall.

Although it's far from the first book in the series, the necessary backstory information is written in and it works well as a standalone. I strongly recommend the whole series, though it's not necessary to read them in order.

Five stars. I recommend it highly.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.