"Bark Humbug", by David Rosenfelt

Andy Carpenter book #34

A legal thriller

This mystery centers on the highly publicized murder of a state governor candidate pulling Andy out of early retirement after he agreed to be part of a photospread profiling celebrities and their dogs not realizing it was a ploy to get him to represent murder suspect Jon Lowery, who got his dog Luna from Andy’s Tara Foundation a couple a years before…..Andy reluctantly defends Lowery….. and we are propelled right into the murder scene, the dubious investigating methods and the court room shenanigans.

Using his usual formula Mr. Rosenfelt has our hero followed and threatened, his associate Marcus Clark beating people to extract information, Sam hacking to get locations and of course we have Laura doing her thing and spoiling the boys.

This is a fun read full of sarcastic remarks and playful banters and many many amusing passages. Andy definitely hates Christmas music preferring to be waterboarded than listening to it… oh and hates emojis…😊.

As usual, at trial Andy is at his best poking holes in the testimony of the prosecution witness and going all out to defend Lowery. What a surprise ending we are left with ….

As always Mr. Rosenfelt has penned an entertaining blend of mystery and legal thriller with humorous elements. Definitely “Bark Humbug" has a solid and fast-paced plot played out by colourful players.

Enjoy

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and Netgalley for this ARC

"Murder at River Run Run Inn" by Sloane Foster

A Marnie Devlin Cozy Mystery

This book is an introduction to the series only 60 pages or so, perfect to read between intense novels or when you are waiting for someone. This was a promotion I found hard to resist.

In a few words:

Marnie Devlin wanted a quiet stopover with her loyal Chihuahua, Taco, before her destination in Willow Springs. Instead, she finds herself in a gathering of influencers brimming with grudges. When Roxie Belle, one of them, turns up dead during a blackout and everyone is trapped all eyes are on the newest arrival Marnie.

My thoughts:

Short and sweet and to the point this fun story is fast paced and one that kept me engaged for a huge 60 pages 😊but way too short….

"Wild Pivot", by Jen Thompson

Notes from a Political Life Rewritten

From Capitola Hill to Australia

This memoir traces Jen Thompson journey from political ambition to personal transformation. It is said through short and engaging vignettes.

It opens on February 14, 2023 while Jen was attending an outdoor screening at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney, Australia, reflecting on the past year. After running a successful political campaign to elect Congressman Jim Talent to the U.S. Senate she needed to escape and her place was Australia…where she finally felt liberated. She has turned down numerous high-level offers and from there Jen Thomson shared with us her life story from her childhood growing up in a Christian Scientist family to recounting the stressful years as a political strategist to living a life of freedom.

The book is divided in 2 parts with chapters moving between the past and the present, mixing painful and jarring details. Ms. Thompson recounts her days working for the Congressman and describes how she was driven working long hours consumed by fear of failure. She also mentions the horrific car accident and the aftershock when she realized her life needed to change. She goes on telling her story with unflinching honesty.

“Wild Pivot is a compelling memoir and a powerful testament to courage. This is a deeply human account said from the bottom of the heart and once you started to read it you will find it is very hard to put down. This book is so well said and originally presented.

Thank you, Fauzia Burke from FSB Associates for this wonderful inspiring book