The K Team, by David Rosenfelt

 I'm pretty sure I've reviewed this on here but, anyway, from August 2020.  Any Rosenfelt book is worth resharing. This was from a Facebook post.

What's everyone reading? Haven't asked for a bit

I just started David Rosenfelt's "The K Team". A spin off of sorts from his Andy Carpenter series as Andy and Laurie and, of course, their wonderful dogs are in it. Marcus, too. So far, quite intriguing, tho' I've loved about everything Rosenfelt has written, so no surprise there. Main character seems to be a retired cop named Corey and his also retired K-9, no lie, Simon Garfunkel. The connecting tie here is that in a previous book Andy was the lawyer that got the police department to let Simon retire with Corey rather than be turned over to a new human handler. In any case, the K Team doesn't include Andy tho' he has popped into the story. Case is just starting to be investigated, so looking forward to picking the book back up and continuing reading.

Good Dog, Bad Cop, The K Team #4, by David Rosenfelt AUDIOBOOK

 

Available March 14,2023   Narrated by Fred Berman    7 hours

Early in the book, main character Corey Douglas notes that while he'll follow the facts, he's hardly impartial. I feel the same way reading, or in this case listening to one of David Rosenfelt's books. I'll set everything else aside that I'm reading for one of them. Even while some of the crimes boggle my mind, it's always been worth every minute of reading or listening.

I'm always intrigued, in particular, when I listen to a book I've already read as an ebook to discover things I've missed. In this case, Fred Berman's narration does an excellent job of reinforcing the worn, often gravelly sounding voice of Corey Douglas, a retired cop, now investigator, who has seen horrible things. It also shows a subtle change when he speaks of Simon, his also retired canine police dog, and girlfriend Dani. I was definitely impressed by how well Berman handled the female voices in the story, at one point being just sure they'd brought in a woman to edit in for Laurie and Dani. Nope, all Berman. Kudos, Fred Berman.

I'll add my original review of the book at the end rather than ramble on about the plot here. Heck, anyone familiar with Rosenfelt's crime depictions knows they almost defy being briefly summarized anyway. Think the world is in danger and only Corey, or Andy Carpenter in that series, stands in the way of total chaos and destruction. Somehow, it all makes sense at the end, usually when it's explained how they figured everything out.

Another thing listening reminded me of is, as much as I enjoy the humor of these books, it's the characters that keep me coming back. Corey is emerging as a strong force in his own right, with his own smart a$$ humor and issues. Girlfriend Dani, as emphasized at the end, is behind him all the way, sweetly asking at the end what "their" next case is, which I'd also glossed over while reading. In other words, if you're like me, listening to an audio of a book you've already read simply adds to the experience. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for allowing me to get to know Corey, Dani, and, of course, Simon better with each book. 

My review of the ebook version follows below...

I've been a fan of David Rosenfelt's books ever since I picked up the first one with a photo of a beautiful dog on the cover. That love affair continues with his K-Team series. A spin-off from the Andy Carpenter series, it features many of the same characters but with the focus on retired cop Corey Douglas and his also retired police dog Simon, no, make that Simon Garfunkel. Simon is a star in his own right. 

While Corey doesn't have the same rapid fire, often in your face humor as Andy, his own humor is just as smart a$$ at times. That's very evident as the book nears its end and he confronts not just the bad guys but the government guys called in to cart away the guilty. Actually, we get to know Corey better and better with each book and it was fun to see the human side as well as the smart investigator determined to right wrongs. His relationship with girlfriend Dani is evolving and although he is determined not to rock the boat, the "M" word as he keeps calling it in his mind seems to be occupying more and more space. Just as Andy tends to talk things out with his beloved Golden Retriever Tara, Corey has lengthy discussions with Simon but, like Tara, Simon is one of those good listeners who offer no advice. True, he probably thinks his human is the slowest thing ever when Corey decides to take up running with Simon, but since Corey, so to speak, controls the treats, Simon tolerates him. So does Dani, who is easy to like. 

Bottom line, although Rosenfelt always seems to toss in some complicated scheme that they wind up investigating, often involving national consequences and the Feds, for me it's always the characters that draw me back, both human and canine. Well, that and team member and surely Superman in disguise Marcus' amazing feats. Sam's a wizard at the computer (think master hacker disguised as mild-mannered accountant) and Laurie, team member and Andy's wife, is no slouch with a gun, as she demonstrates in this book, but they all marvel at Marcus. 

Like dogs? Like action packed thrillers? Humor?  Like interesting characters that will grow on you? Curious about how investigators work? Ever wanted to save the world? This one is for you. Lots of thrills and fun along the way, not to mention solutions that will make you wonder how the heck author David Rosenfelt comes up with this stuff. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #MinotaurBooks for letting me rub elbows with this amazing team (and their dogs) again. 5 stars from me and four paws up and a tail wag from my own furry wonder, Daisy.

The Lost (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery #3), by Jeffrey B. Burton

I tend to stick to cozy mysteries as opposed to those, like this book, with a darker, more sinister feel. It was definitely that but, hey, I mean, how can I not be drawn to a book with such a beautiful Golden Retriever on the cover. After reading the prologue, however, which was chilling, I wasn't so sure about my decision but decided to press on. I'm glad I did. Oh, not that the story line got any less dark or less chilling, but Mace and Kippy, along with Golden Retriever Vira, as in Elvira, the Oak Ridge Boys' song, won me over.

As for the plot, well, it basically comes down to don't tick off foreign mobsters. Mace, who was only recently and reluctantly talked into carrying a concealed weapon and hates guns, seems badly outmatched. But, he has police girlfriend Kippy, who keeps her gun handy and loaded, watching his back. Even more importantly, he has Vira. Her uncanny ability to not just find dead bodies but then somehow lead her team to the killer is no longer in doubt. She does exactly that this time, too. The hard part seems to be finding the necessary evidence to stand up in a court of law. In the meantime, there's a dead mother and missing child, not to mention missing jewels. All tied up in the mesh that involves the foreign mob.

The initial murderer is evident immediately, especially given Vira's talents. But, why murder Calley? Where is the missing daughter? Could Vira be mistaken? Nah. Not likely. Who is the body found in the park? Is it connected? Who is calling the shots of the ransom attempt?  Druckman is beyond rich, so why the connection to a pawn broker, of all things? Has the foreign mob moved in on pawn brokers? Will the missing daughter's escape plan work? Who is the blond woman with her? How do Kippy and Mace find the hiding place? Is Mace brave or foolhardy when he launches himself at attempted abductors? Wait, where are Vira and Scarf, the missing-again daughter? Scarf? What do hot air balloons have to do with anything? How will Mace find Vira? Not telling. You'll have to read the book for the answer to these and so many other questions.

Overall, although a bit out of my comfort range, I enjoyed the story although the frequently changing view points threw me off momentarily each change. Despite this, while it was disturbing to ponder such heartless scheming and murder,I liked Mace and it was interesting the watch Mace's behavior and pride in Vira and the rest of the pack. Vira and "The Finders," as Mace has dubbed them, emerge just as distinctly as characters as Mace and Kippy. Far from being superheroes, they emerge as down-to-earth people who love dogs and, hmm, each other? I think I may have to take a deep, calming breath and read the next book when it comes out.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to Vira and her human friends. Loved how Mace came up with their names, especially Sue. 

Murder Most Grave (Granny Reid #4), by G.A. McKevett

Small town. Check. Cute (mostly) kids. Check. Dog. Check. Hunky sheriff. Check. Good friends. Check. Murder. Check. Er, make that double check. Double murder. And I wasn't sure who did it until the end, so this one keeps you guessing. It also was fun to visit an ol' favorite's, ie the Savannah Reid series, and see what Savannah and the rest of her siblings were like as children. I have a real soft spot for Waycross, I have to admit.

In any case, while the murder is the focus, we get to see the younger version of Grannie, aka, Stella Reid, and her relationship with the sheriff, Manny, develop. Although all her thought of him in the story sometimes seemed a bit much, the use led to a dramatic ending. I've also got to mention that having grown up in the South, albeit Florida, not Georgia, I felt myself falling right into the rhythm the use of so many Southern colloquialisms conjured up. Heck, I found myself jotting down several as I read simply because, "I swear on my mama's best pecan pie", they delighted me so. In fact, Manny sums up Stella and Savannah nicely at one point with, "You Reid gals are full of sass and vinegar". Is it any wonder Stella gets all "twitterpated" at times when she's around him?

Bottom line, an easy, fun read. Set in the 1980's, seemingly during the Bush-Dukakis presidential campaign, it's a fun trip back in time with delightful characters one will wish they could spend some time with. Thank you #NetGalley and #KensigntonBooks for inviting me to time travel back into McGill, GA, and enjoy their company. 

Citizen K-9, by David Rosenfelt

I am a huge fan of David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series and, as such, came into this audio book with certain expectations. I initially found the going slow, rare for me with Rosenfelt. Corey Douglas is no Andy Carpenter but he has his own style and sense of humor, however. It's more subtle perhaps than Andy Carpenter readers are accustomed to but as the story went along and I began to fall into the rhythm, it emerged more fully. Corey is also dedicated to not just his dog, retired canine officer Simon Garfunkel, but his lady and when a subtle threat to her is sent, he becomes even more focused, if that is possible. Oh, still cool and collected but laser focused on eliminating the threat to her, even if it rests on shaky legal grounds or costs him his life.

Let's just say, just like Andy, Corey has a talent for putting himself in dangerous spots. Of course, Laurie and Marcus have his back. Ex-police officer Laurie, as Andy's wife, can also call on his lawyer know-how as needed, even if Andy quips constantly where he should be sending his bill. As always, Marcus is a force onto himself and, heads up, we learn something new about Marcus in this episode. Shhh, don't tell Andy.

The plot is based on the K-Team being hired to investigate a cold crime of pretty much their own choosing. It's almost a no-brainer that they would opt for the one regarding the death of a high school classmate after a reunion that Laurie and Corey both attended. As Corey and the team follow the clues with an assist from Andy and his accountant, computer hacker wiz Sam, it becomes increasingly obvious that there is someone out there who doesn't want this crime to be solved. Who are they annoying? Well, besides the mob? What do drugs and gambling have to do with it? Could the male victim's job be related? Where are the vicitms?

Bottom line, if you come into "Citizen K-9" with an open mind and allow the rhythm to cast its spell, you're likely to enjoy it tremendously. And, oh, did I mention, that Andy's dogs make an appearance? I may have had no clue who did it until the big reveal but, quite frankly, didn't care. I just sit back, turned on the audio and let narrator Fred Berman lure me onto the roller coaster that, as always, is a David Rosenfelt book.

Thank you #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for inviting me to drop in on the doings in Patterson and hang out with the K-Team and visit Andy's dogs again. Kudos for Rosenfelt's continued involvement in the real life Tara Foundation, btw. 

Out of Temper (Bean to Bar Mysteries #3), by Amber Royer

I loved this book. While the plot was intriguing and intricate, it was the depth of character that kept me focused. We learn a great deal about main character Felicity as the book opens, including the reason for her wariness at boarding a cruise ship. Her late husband died in a boating accident. She has invited along a friend, however, Autumn, a former mystery writer. Imagine her surprise to discover the cruise has a theme for this outing, a murder mystery one. To complicate matters, Logan, who seems to have some sort of police background, and Arlo, an old boyfriend and now a cop, are aboard. Then she sees the blogger/writer who made her relatively famous for her prior involvement in murder investigations is there, too. We learn more about each of these characters and others as the book progresses, including Felicity's sudden awareness that she perhaps doesn't know her friends as well as she thought she did.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot but do want to mention that one of the things that most intrigued me was finding out how past life events had influenced who the characters were today. For instance, at one point Arlo admits to having always had a nagging feeling that he wasn't good enough, perfect enough for people to stay after his father had abandoned him as a child. Rather than give in to the darkness that such thoughts might evoke, however, he notes that he became a police officer to "fight the darkness in human nature rather than succumb to it." That sort of depth is impressive from any author, especially in what I'd at first thought would be a light, easy cozy mystery read. Kudos to author Amber Royer. I am definitely planning to not just go back and read the prior books in this until now new-to-me series but will be following it from now on.

Bottom line, a deviously intricate and intriguing murder plot to follow along with some equally intriguing characters. Toss in an adorable former police dog, Satchmo, a Beagle who worked largely the drug division and helps sniff out some vital clues, and this one is a winner.

Thank you #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial, not to mention author #AmberRoyer for this great new series. I'm glad to discover the #BeansToBarMystery series