Open and Shut is a legal thriller narrated by lawyer Andy Carpenter, a rather charming fellow with a lovely golden retriever named Tara. He takes on the appeal of a death row inmate at his father's urging. Then Andy's father has a heart attack, dies, and ends up leaving him 22 million dollars (Andy had no idea he had the money) and an old photograph. The story of trying to save Willie, the death row inmate, is told in the present tense with the readers discovering what's happening right along with Andy. Engaging characters make this work. Carpenter has a terrific sense of humor and is a sports buff. His private eye (former cop) girlfriend, Lauren, adds a lot to the book. The reader will want to race through it to find out what happens, reacting along with Andy to discoveries. Carpenter's courtroom histrionics give one pause, but seem to work for him. Highly entertaining. After finishing this one, I read all the books in the series - at the moment, there are seven others; First Degree, Bury the Lead, Sudden Death, Dead Center, Play Dead, New Tricks, and Dog Tags. Hopefully, there will be even more to come.
Submitted by Kathy R @ Zablocki
