# Open and Shut

By David Rosenfelt · Andy Carpenter, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/open-and-shut-299f3383/

Andy Carpenter’s father leaves him two surprises: a fortune he cannot explain and a request to defend a convicted murderer. As the New Jersey lawyer takes Willie Miller’s case toward retrial, questions about his father’s past become dangerous to ask.

## What makes it funny?

Andy’s courtroom behavior can test the patience of the very people he needs to persuade. Kirkus describes judges and juries irritated by his antics, while the publisher’s description ranks his golden retriever Tara above much of the legal profession for intelligence.

### The comedy at work

A defense attorney’s job requires persuasion and tact, and Andy’s wisecracks make that harder. His distrust of important people gives the legal maneuvering a running comic edge.

### Try this if…

Courtroom-mystery readers who enjoy an argumentative, irreverent lead have a clear point of entry. Readers in book groups also recommend the continuing Andy Carpenter series to dog lovers.

### Good to know

The case involves a death-row retrial, political secrets and racial tension. Threats and physical violence accompany the jokes. Readers recommend starting the continuing series with this book.

## What to expect

- Genre: Crime & thriller · Mystery
- Kind of humor: Banter
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novel
- Published: 2002

## Sources & further reading

- Review: [Kirkus review](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/david-rosenfelt/open-and-shut-2)
- Book information: [Fantastic Fiction: first Andy Carpenter novel](https://www.fantasticfiction.com/r/david-rosenfelt/open-and-shut.htm)
- Publisher: [Publisher: ebook and description](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/david-rosenfelt/open-and-shut/9780446551076)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/bookrecommendations/permalink/6810358839038871)