Christmas

I saw this as a library recommendation right before Christmas break, and I just couldn't resist. When my hold request was filled just before break was over, I listened to it anyway.Honestly, though, there is the slightest connection to Christmas and just barely a connection to dogs. No festive storyline - it's a murder mystery. It was a quick read, and it didn't require much concentration. ( )

Possibly the best of Andy Carpenter! I can't be certain because I still have a handful in the series I haven't read. But if you haven't read any of them you can jump right into this holiday one.

Once again Andy failed at retirement when his wife Laurie asked him to take on two cases without pay it's the right thing to do as Christmas is approaching. Like any Christmas loving folks, Laurie's Christmas started right after Halloween and wanted to make wishes come true for a young boy looking for his dad and a retiring K-9 police officer.

There's a surprising twist as story comes to an end. Entertained! ( )

Andy Carpenter's wife Laurie loves Christmas. She starts the holiday early and finishes it way after the season is over. She has decided on a new holiday tradition. Local children leave wishes on a tree at the local pet shop. Laurie plans to fulfill as many of those wishes as she can. One wish particularly gets her attention. Danny asks for a gift for his mom, a sweater for his pet dachshund.....and that santa find his missing dad. Turns out his dad is on the run from a murder charge that he didn't commit. Can Andy Carpenter and his family/friends solve the case and bring this family back together for the holiday?

I enjoyed this book....but I jumped into this series on book #20....so it took me awhile to understand the characters and their personalities, relationships, past history. I think I would have enjoyed the story more or gotten sucked into the action faster had I already been familiar with the series. As it is, I liked the characters and the nice dose of humor, plus action and great investigation. Very enjoyable story!

I think my favorite character has to be Andy's wife. She is intelligent, sassy and a bit extra. Bigger than life. She put a lot of fun into the plot. I love the front cover art. The cute dachshund on the front is what first made me want to read this book! :)

**I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

Andy is working on two cases in this novel. He has been tasked by a retiring cop to represent his canine partner. He would to have his dog be allowed to retire from the force along with him, but the dog is slated to work one more year with a new partner. This case appeals greatly to Andy, always ready to help the underdog. The second case involves a kid and his Christmas wish. Laurie wants to fulfill his wish to have his father home for Christmas. Unfortunately, his dad has just been arrested for killing a young woman years ago. Andy’s involvement in this complicated case puts him in danger. Luckily, he has his team behind him, saving his behind. This mystery is a typical and intriguing Andy Carpenter tale, filled with humor, dogs, danger, and murder. Well written and a delight to indulge in. ( )