The More the Terrier by David Rosenfelt

 

Christmas Carols, eggnog, and someone accused of murder can only mean one thing. An Andy Carpenter Christmas mystery from David Rosenfelt. 

BJ Bremer was discovered by police standing over the dead body of Professor Steven Rayburn in Rayburn's home. When some cash and the professor's Rolex were found in BJ's home, it didn't take the police long to stop looking for anyone else. It also helped that the two had a loud argument in class over one of Bremer's grades. 

Fortunately, BJ and his mom once adopted a dog that had been fostered by Andy Carpenter. When the dog gets loose, it makes its way to Andy's house. This ultimately leads Andy to BJ's mother, and soft touch, that he is, Andy ultimately takes BJ's case.

Andy, as always, is the last one to know that he is going to take the case. Even with a mountain of physical evidence, the motive for the murder remains weak. Andy's investigation leads to connections between Rayburn and some online bullies who may be criminals in real life. It also uncovers a shady lawyer and some Russian mob connections that stretch from New Jersey to Chicago. As the trial gets underway, Andy has a lot of evidence of potentially criminal goings-on, but still no clue as to why Rayburn had to die. Will he be able to create enough doubt in court? Or will BJ be facing life behind bars? 

The fun of these mysteries is the journey as much as the destination. Andy's sardonic sense of humor, his team of delightful and varied investigators, and some tense moments when his life is in danger make these books so much fun. Add in an intricate plot that bumps up against national security and takes some serious skill to unravel and you have another lovable entry in this long-running series.

Grover Gardner does his usual masterful job with the narration. He will forever be the voice of Andy Carpenter whether I'm reading or listening to these stories, because why mess with perfection. He is perfectly in tune with the pacing and humor of this book.

A Christmas setting, a thorny mystery, a heaping helping of humor, and those oh-so-adorable dogs make a great story.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.