Book Review-Open And Shut

Title: Open and Shut
Author: David Rosenfelt
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Legal Mystery
Publication Year: 2002

Open and Shut-a legal mystery by David Rosenfelt and first in the Andy Carpenter series. I'm a sucker for high voltage courtroom drama and legal thrillers. It could be one of the reasons I fell in love with a lawyer among million other reasons.

Book Blurb-Whether dueling with new forensics or the local old boys' network, irreverent defense attorney Andy Carpenter always leaves them awed with his biting wit and winning fourth-quarter game plan. But Andy prefers the company of his best friend, Tara, to the people he encounters in the courtroom. Tara, a golden retriever, is clearly smarter than half the lawyers who clog the courts of Passaic County. However, just as it seems Andy has everything figured out, his dad, New Jersey's legendary ex-D.A., drops dead in front of him at a game in Yankee Stadium. The shocks pile on as he discovers his dad left him with two unexpected legacies: a fortune of $22 million that Andy never knew existed and a murder case with enough racial tinder to burn down City Hall. Struggling to serve justice and bring honor to his father, Andy must dig up some explosive political skeletons and an astonishing family secret that can close his case (and his mouth) for good.

My Take: Andy's father (former DA) urges him to appeals for a death row inmate, Willie Miller, whom he prosecuted 7 years ago. Willie was convicted for the murder of Denise McGregor, young reporter in a dark alley behind the bar where he works.

Andy's father dies leavening him an astounding fortune of 22 million dollars, which Andy is totally unaware of. He also stumbles upon a picture of his father along with three other men neatly tucked away for almost 35 years old. This almost coincides with crediting of 2 million dollars in his father's account, unused, now has grown into 22 million.

On personal front, he is separated from his wife, Nicole, daughter of senator and childhood friend of his father's, Philip Gant. He is currently dating his private investigator, Laurie Collins. After his father's death, Nicole returns in an attempt to save their marriage. It creates friction between Andy and Laurie, who still continues to be his investigator.

As he builds a defense in Willie's case, he was threatened, being set up as a pimp (the courtroom scene had me in splits), beaten up in his office, and a murder attempt. These events further convince him of Willie's innocence. Who wants desperately to put an end to this case? Is there a real connection between the photo and the killer? Will Andy be successful in proving his client 'Not Guilty'? Will he be able to save his marriage? Need to read the book for that right?

Truth unravels in a rattling way. I was able to guess whodunit, but not the motive. It is racy, edgy, and perfectly fit the bill of legal mystery-thriller. The story runs in first person narration and gives insight into the protagonist's nature. Andy is a dog lover and has a cute golden retriever, Tara whom he calls the best dog in the world. Their chemistry and relationship is very endearing. He is quirky, witty, and sarcastic to the core. He will go to any extent to save his client. He is die-hard baseball fan, so there are a lot of references to them, which was kind of getting on my nerves. Andy is undoubtedly most likable character than any of Grisham's.

The supporting characters like Laurie, Kevin, Edna, Pete Stanton are very well portrayed. It has brusque and caustic humor; suspense; and right dosage of court drama. So what not to like? It is for certain a page-turner, gratifying, and has control over the readers. I have already got my hands on other Carpenter series. Need I say more.

PS: David Rosenfelt was nominated for Edgar award for best first novel by an American author.