Book Review: Sudden Death

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

Sudden Death     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
David Rosenfelt
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Legal Setting
Series: Andy Carpenter # 4
Mysterious Press, 2005, 306 pps.

The author has created a wonderful and likable character in attorney Andy Carpenter. Andy is a defense attorney with a team of sidekicks that are also dear and devoted friends. Sudden Death deals with the defense of Kenny Schilling a running back for the Giants. The fact that the murder victim is found in Kenny’s closet and Kenny has held the police at bay with a gun preventing their entry to his residence does not make defending Kenny a slam dunk. The victim is Troy Preston a wide receiver for the Jets. The fact that Andy is an avid sports fan makes the case even more interesting for Andy. Andy daydreams of being a great athlete himself but admits to himself he would never make the grade.

Andy is pretty much at a loss as to how to proceed with Kenny’s defense. To make matters worse his investigator and girl friend Laurie is considering moving back to her hometown leaving Andy with only his dog Tara for company. Not only does Andy have Kenny’s defense to worry about but also he is concerned with his own romantic future.

Andy learns that Troy Preston has been pretty heavily involved in drugs but when he tries to place the blame on a drug deal the mobsters are suddenly out to get Andy. Marcus, one of Andy’s team, determines to protect Andy and anyone who gets in Marcus’ way won’t want to come up against him a second time.

But drugs are not the answer in this case and you will be surprised at the twist that the case takes and even more surprised at the conclusion. I look forward to the next Andy Carpenter novel.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM