Genre: Legal Thriller
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Although I am seemingly reviewing the novel Open and Shut, I am really hoping to introduce you to a wonderful series of books (the 12th one due out in July), about a defense attorney who captured my heart several years ago. Andy Carpenter is a charmer. His sense of humor is often sarcastic but never mean. His literary illusions keep the English teacher in me happy, and his discussions with his golden retriever, Tara, keep the whimsical part of me well satisfied.
Open and Shut is probably the weakest of his books, but it is still quite entertaining and introduces us to several of the characters. Much like Harlan Coben's series featuring Myron Bolitar, the supporting characters often steal the show, but also like Myron, Andy knows how to bring the spotlight back on him.
This book introduces us to Andy's dad, Nelson, who is a straight laced District Attorney. Andy and his dad are close, and when Nelson asks him to defend a death row rapist/murderer who is seeking a new trial, Andy agrees. Nelson had originally prosecuted the case, and something seems a little off to Andy. Unfortunately, Nelson dies during a Yankees game the two attend, and Andy is left on his own to solve the puzzle. He is also left an unexpected 22 million dollar estate. Andy never had much respect for wealth or power, but this money allows him to take only cases that he believes in and builds a great foundation for the books that follow. He is also left a very old photograph that leads him to question how involved his dad was in that case so many years ago.
Andy lives in suburban New Jersey, and I enjoy his descriptions of the area. He is also an ex-athlete and major sports nut, and this brings another dimension to his stories.
Last, but certainly not least, I loved following his attempts to romance different women throughout the series. I suggest that you buy the first few books because you won't want to stop once you get involved with this group of characters.
- Beverly
Publisher - Grand Central Publishing
Date of Publication - November 2008
Open and Shut is probably the weakest of his books, but it is still quite entertaining and introduces us to several of the characters. Much like Harlan Coben's series featuring Myron Bolitar, the supporting characters often steal the show, but also like Myron, Andy knows how to bring the spotlight back on him.
This book introduces us to Andy's dad, Nelson, who is a straight laced District Attorney. Andy and his dad are close, and when Nelson asks him to defend a death row rapist/murderer who is seeking a new trial, Andy agrees. Nelson had originally prosecuted the case, and something seems a little off to Andy. Unfortunately, Nelson dies during a Yankees game the two attend, and Andy is left on his own to solve the puzzle. He is also left an unexpected 22 million dollar estate. Andy never had much respect for wealth or power, but this money allows him to take only cases that he believes in and builds a great foundation for the books that follow. He is also left a very old photograph that leads him to question how involved his dad was in that case so many years ago.
Andy lives in suburban New Jersey, and I enjoy his descriptions of the area. He is also an ex-athlete and major sports nut, and this brings another dimension to his stories.
Last, but certainly not least, I loved following his attempts to romance different women throughout the series. I suggest that you buy the first few books because you won't want to stop once you get involved with this group of characters.
- Beverly
Publisher - Grand Central Publishing
Date of Publication - November 2008
