For attorney Andy Carpenter, it is truly a dog’s life. The fictional attorney is the lead character in the courtroom novels of David Rosenfelt. Actually, courtroom and dog kennel might be the more appropriate description. WHO LET THE DOG OUT? is the 13th Andy Carpenter mystery, and the author has not lost his touch.

Andy Carpenter is not your typical lawyer. Independently wealthy, he has the luxury of taking only a limited number of cases --- essentially those where he believes his client is truly innocent. He is also irreverent and unafraid of authority. Those elements make reading these mysteries an elegant mix of humor accompanied by a page-turning pace that readers will truly enjoy. Carpenter and Rosenfelt share a love for dogs, and each of these novels stars a canine in some important role. The publication of WHO LET THE DOG OUT? has been accompanied by LESSONS FROM TARA, a nonfiction work discussing Rosenfelt’s experience in dog rescue.

"WHO LET THE DOG OUT? is the 13th Andy Carpenter mystery, and the author has not lost his touch.... The number 13 may be unlucky for some, but not for David Rosenfelt and Andy Carpenter."

Each of the Carpenter mysteries features a regular cast of associates. Over the years they have grown into a family, albeit a somewhat unique clan. Willie Miller, Andy’s first client, was wrongfully convicted of murder. Through Andy’s efforts, he was vindicated and received a large cash settlement. That money was used to establish the fictional Tara Foundation that cares for abandoned and orphaned dogs, which mirrors the real-life organization established by Rosenfelt. Laurie Collins, now a retired police officer, first appeared in the series as Andy’s girlfriend; she is now his wife, and they have adopted a son. The cast also includes Pete Stanton, a local police officer who often provides Andy with important assistance on his cases. Not to be forgotten is Marcus, Andy’s muscle, a man of mystery who often is tasked by Andy to do the impossible and always gets it done.

WHO LET THE DOG OUT? begins with the kidnapping of a dog from the Tara shelter. Her name is Cheyenne, and no one can find a motive for her abduction. But when she is located, the apparent dog-napper is next to her with his throat cut. Tommy Infante is arrested for the murder, and Andy reluctantly becomes his attorney; he is not certain that Infante is, in fact, an innocent man.

The action in the novel takes place against a parallel story of diamond-smuggling and domestic terrorism. Rosenfelt weaves the two plots together in alternating chapters. Obviously they all come together in an entertaining conclusion, but before that can take place, Andy must attempt to weave his courtroom magic to obtain justice for his client. Rosenfelt’s courtroom scenes, although slightly beyond the pale, are always wonderful to read. Andy exhibits humor and skill, and his zingers, whether directed to opposing counsel or to the judge, always hit the mark.

This series is a joy to read. The quirky characters all contribute to making the novels humorous but not slapstick. And, of course, the character who often cannot speak, the canine, is the one readers may find the most enthralling. Even non-dog-lovers will be entertained by these novels. The number 13 may be unlucky for some, but not for David Rosenfelt and Andy Carpenter.