First Degree
By David Rosenfelt  

     Andy Carpenter, Paterson, New Jersey lawyer, is independently wealthy and is able to accept any clients he wishes.

     When Geoffrey Stynes walks into the office, claiming to have killed Alex Dorsey, a corrupt New Jersey cop whose body was discovered burned and decapitated, he wants Andy as his lawyer. Andy refuses.

      However, when Oscar Garcia is arrested for that crime, Andy feels obligated to defend him. Garcia is cleared of the crime, but then the police arrest Andy's girlfriend, Laurie Collins, for the murder.

     Andy believes Laurie has been framed and sets out to prove her innocence. He becomes involved with big-level FBI and CIA activities until he is able to find the power behind the action.

     This is a cleverly-plotted story with engaging characters. The courtroom sequences between Andy and the prosecutor and the judge are intriguing and amusing. The bonding between Andy and his dog, Tara, are endearing.

     First Degree is a light hearted, well-written and enjoyable book.