Publication July 4, 2023
When a book is exceptionally good, one you look forward to every time, you hate to see it end. Such was the case with "Flop Dead Gorgeous", by David Rosenfelt. Independently wealthy, lawyer Andy Carpenter works hard to avoid working. This time, however, it's personal. The accused, movie star Jenny Nichols who, as Andy frequently reminds us, is someone he dated (briefly) in high school. She also adopted a mini-poodle, now called Mamie from the Tara Foundation, so there's no question Andy will be involved. With him comes his usual team, wife Laurie, Marcus Clark, ex-cop Corey and his retired police dog Simon, and Sam, who is the ultimate master of computers. All are fully fleshed out, even the dogs. Even Edna, Andy's adverse-to-work office clerk/secretary, gets some quality time.
I won't detail the plot, the publisher's blurb does an excellent job, and simply tell you to sit back and enjoy the ride. As usual, the book's opening scene seems to have no connections to anything....until it does. From there on it's a roller coaster of fun gatherings and some not so fun encounters as Andy does a deep dive into the investigation. Let's just say, Laurie's good but he's lucky to have Superman in disguise, er, Marcus, at watching his back.
The FBI, hired killers, cyber crimes, foreign spies, and, well, lots more are involved. Through it all, Andy retains his snarky sense of humor and walks the dogs, although I will note that he isn't pretending to be a tough, brave guy this go-round. Probably wise. Marcus is tough enough for all of them, and Laurie and Corey are by no means slouches. Andy and Laurie are just glad son Ricky is away on a school trip through the worst of the danger.
Bottom line, if you love courtroom/detective mysteries with an ample helping of humor, great characters, and some Hollywood glamour (Andy says to remind you he once dated Jenny), and dogs, you'll enjoy this one. Just be prepared for that conflicting urge to both draw out the fun while wanting get to the bottom of it all at the end. The entire series is that good and this one had a surprising twist at the end, at least one I wasn't expecting.
Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #MinotaurBooks for letting me catch up with Andy's never dull world. The glittery Hollywood touch was an extra plus. Guess Rosenfelt was recalling his own movie making days.
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