Collared

By: David Rosenfelt

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Lawyer Andy Carpenter's true passion is the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization he runs with his friend Willie Miller. All kinds of dogs make their way to the foundation, and it isn't that surprising to find a dog abandoned at the shelter one morning, though it was accompanied by a mysterious anonymous note. But they are quite surprised when they scan the dog's embedded chip and discover that they know this dog. He is the "DNA dog".

Two and a half years ago, Jill Hickman was a single mother of an adopted baby. Her baby and dog were kidnapped in broad daylight in Eastside Park, and they haven't been seen since. A tip came in that ID'd a former boyfriend of Hickman's, Keith Wachtel, as the kidnapper. A search of his house showed no sign of the child but did uncover more incriminating evidence, and the clincher that generated Wachtel's arrest was some dog hair, notable since Wachtel did not have a dog. DNA tests showed conclusively that the hair belonged to Hickman's dog. Wachtel was convicted of kidnapping, but the dog and baby were never found.

Now, with the reappearance of the dog, the case is brought back to light and the search for the child renewed. Goaded by his wife's desire to help a friend and fellow mother and Andy's desire to make sure the real kidnapper is in jail, Andy and his team enter the case. But what they start to uncover is far more complicated and dangerous than they ever expected.

©2017 Tara Productions, Inc. (P)2017 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"With neighborly ease and a sly wit, one of audio's true originals, Grover Gardner, again gives voice to David Rosenfelt's bestselling amateur sleuth and dog lover, Andy Carpenter.... There are lots of wisecracks and self-deprecating asides, and Gardner's wonderful combination of the rhythms of Sam Spade and the irreverent tones of Mark Twain make this diverting whodunit a listening treasure." (AudioFile)

Boy, this series just gets better and better!

Grover Gardner is the *perfect* narrator for this delightful series, in which Andy Carpenter (an attorney so wealthy, he would prefer not to even have to work--so chooses which cases to take, in order to spend more time with his wife, child and beloved dogs Tara and Sebastian). In this case, he decides to defend Keith Wachtel, whom he believes to be falsely imprisoned for the kidnapping of a child, and now in jail.

David Rosenfelt has just the right touch with his combination of good plot, touch of humor and sometimes amusing sarcasm, and cast of characters that work really well together. Unlike many books in series, these can usually be read out of order without spoiling the rest--and I appreciate that about them, too. As usual, here are several good suspects, a good story that works through all the clues in patient fashion, and as ever--some of the best narration around. Ironically, I don't think I'd enjoy Grover Gardner's voice for every book. But for this series, I can't think of anyone better. Enjoy!

Good Tara

She does it again . Another fun read . If you liked Andy before you like him again. While the story is convoluted and David struggled to make it come together, it all works out in the end. But we really don't read the Tara series for the literary content do we.

A return to form

I was extremely pleased to see the return to form for the latest Andy Carpenter book. It was refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable. Normally, when I start an Andy Carpenter book I don't want to put it down until I finish it and this one was no exception. Thank you for a great read!

Guffawed until I gasped!

I always look forward to a new Andy Carpenter book, knowing I'm in for witty quips galore (plus some great action and courtroom drama). David Rosenfelt nails my sense of humor like nobody else can, with his twisty plot lines, his marvelous characters, and his wonderfully dry wit! I think "Collared" outdoes his previous books, which is quite a feat indeed. I literally was gasping for breath during some incredibly hysterical dialogue. Add to all this the love of innocent animals shown by Andy and his cohorts, and one has everything one needs to be happy and content immersed in a great book!

Classic Carpenter

One of my favorite mystery series, Rosenfelt doesn't disappoint. Less focus on dogs, Laurie & other human relationships than some of the books, but lots of twists & turns.

Excellent-as usual!

My challenge - waiting months and months for the next installment, then devouring the listen in a matter of days. Keep on, Mr Rosenfelt, keep on.

Collared really mixed up

I really like David Rosenfelt’s stories, both the Andy Carpenter Series and his other books. I am slowly making my way through the Series. I love books that include dogs in the story! The narrator was good but could have been better.

good entertainment

loved it! it captured my attention immediately. the story was fun and unpredictable. good read.

Great read!

AAA-s usual Andy saves the day and slowly becomes a better human being! Great read!

Excellent as Always

This book is a bit different. Far less concentration on the dogs and also less concentration on the trial. A bit more plot. This is probably one of his better novels so very difficult because this whole series of superb.