finished reading

Once again, Andy is trying to retire but a compelling case draws him back into the courtroom.  Although this book is set during the Christmas season, I read it in July and it didn't seem weird.  It's not a Christmasy story.  The beginning of this book introduces us to Sgt. Corey Douglas a retiring officer that wants his K9 partner to retire with him--I have a feeling we're adding to the cast of regulars in these books!  And what a fun introduction!  Andy's brilliant courtroom performances are on point, but it's the investigative work that is highlighted in this book.  I miss more banter with regular characters--although the interactions with Markus are hilarious.

From the publisher:

Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, have started a new Christmas tradition. Their local pet store has a Christmas tree, where instead of ornaments there are wishes from those in need. One poignant wish leads Andy to a child named Danny, whose selfless plea strikes a chord. Danny asked Santa for a coat for his mother, a sweater for his dachshund, Murphy, and for the safe return of his missing father.

It turns out Danny's father doesn't want to be found, he's on the run after just being arrested for a murder that took place fourteen years ago - a murder that Danny's mother swears he didn't commit.

With his trademark humor and larger-than-life characters - including a police officer and his K-9 partner, Simon - Rosenfelt never fails to deliver as Andy and his eccentric crew dash to reunite a family in time for Christmas.