David Rosenfelt’s latest book should come with a warning: Reading it most likely will cause you to have a new, can’t-miss series on your hands. Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter novels are beloved by readers who enjoy the clever whodunits, the canines and the protagonist’s self-deprecating humor. The same can be said for his spinoff series about a group of private investigators known as the K Team, the third installment of which is the newly released CITIZEN K-9.

"CITIZEN K-9 is a hit in terms of being a twisty mystery with subtle humor throughout, featuring characters whom we grow to admire. And, of course, there are the dogs."

Seven years ago, two people disappeared from a high school reunion and were never seen again. The car belonging to one of them is found in a parking lot, but there are no bodies, and there is no evidence or apparent motive for anyone to have killed them. The Paterson Police Department has created a cold case division and hires the K Team to help solve this baffling case. The K Team consists of Laurie Collins, Andy Carpenter's wife and a former cop; Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, German shepherd Simon Garfunkel, both retired officers; and Marcus Clark, the enforcer we admired in the Andy Carpenter series for communicating in grunts and his almost superhuman strength and ability to thwart the bad guys.

As mystery readers know, we must be on the lookout for red herrings. In CITIZEN K-9, Laurie, Corey and Marcus quickly figure out who ordered the murders. Could it really be that easy? Our intrepid team doesn't want to stop investigating; they are determined to find out where the bodies are and why Kim Baskin was murdered along with Chris Vogel. While Vogel seemed to have a risky lifestyle that consisted of drugs and gambling, Baskin not only had nothing fishy in her life, she really had almost no connection to Vogel except that they both attended the reunion. So what is really going on here?

We hear the story from Corey’s point of view as he tells us what is happening and his thoughts on the progress of the investigation. We also learn about his personal life; his girlfriend, Dani, lives with him most of the time and is a real keeper. I am pleased to report that Andy Carpenter also makes appearances in this series. And in keeping with his persona, these cameos are always chuckle-inducing. In addition to "borrowing" Andy, the team uses Sam Willis, the tech wizard who almost magically finds important information that proves invaluable in solving mysteries. As a former cop, Corey is on the fence about Sam's extremely unorthodox (read: illegal) methods, but it becomes easier to accept them when the results are in.

Rosenfelt often includes truly depraved villains in his books, and this novel is no exception. Although he doesn't reveal all the clues until the very end, there are definite hints along the way regarding the nature of the crimes here. CITIZEN K-9 is a hit in terms of being a twisty mystery with subtle humor throughout, featuring characters whom we grow to admire. And, of course, there are the dogs.

In real life, Rosenfelt and his wife have rescued over 4,000 canines and continue to take in huge homeless dogs (like mastiffs) in need. They are true animal lovers! His book release events usually benefit local animal rescues, and hearing him speak is a brilliantly enjoyable experience. Just picture visiting with Andy Carpenter.