Title:	'Twas the Bite Before Christmas: An Andy Carpenter Mystery
	Author:	David Rosenfelt
	Published:	October 10, 2023, Minotaur Books
	No. of Pages:	296
	Cover Price:	$13.99 Kindle

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The 28th installment of the Andy Carpenter Mystery series,'Twas the Bite Before Christmas: An Andy Carpenter Mysteryby bestselling author, David Rosenfelt, finds attorney Andy Carpenter at the annual Tara Foundation (a dog rescue organization) Christmas party. One of the foster volunteers, Derek Moore, who has two adopted dogs from the foundation, is arrested for a local murder. Derek, whose real name is Bobby, admits he had been in the state witness protection program and was previously a member of a gang, but didn’t commit the murder, and Andy believes him and agrees to represent him. Andy investigates, and uncovers plenty of damning evidence.

Although this is part of a thriller series, Rosenfelt is able to tell his story in a way that there is building suspense combined with satire and humor; it’s almost a farce, but is absolutely delightful. He does an excellent job of developing his characters. Andy Carpenter, the protagonist, is someone most of us want to know; he is not only a good attorney, but also a dog lover, which elevates him in most people’s eyes. Bobby is also likeable and well developed, as well as the other supporting characters. There are twists, turns and surprises, especially at the end where the dénouement is quite unexpected.

All told, reading this fun novel will keep most readers on the edge. Those who haven’t previously been acquainted with the series will want to start at the beginning and read them through. Rosenfelt is an excellent storyteller, and readers will certainly enjoy it.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.