David Rosenfelt

David Rosenfelt is an American mystery novelist recognized for the Andy Carpenter series, a collection of legal thrillers that combines courtroom drama, humor, and a focus on dogs. Rosenfelt is the author of the Andy Carpenter mystery series, though his career began in the film industry, where he served as president of marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. He wrote and sold several feature films and television movies before transitioning to fiction writing full time.

Rosenfelt has written more than 30 novels and several TV movies. The main character in most of his mystery books is Andy Carpenter, an attorney and dog lover. The series follows Carpenter in and out of the courtroom with his golden retriever, Tara, offering a blend of legal suspense and comedic elements that appeal to fans of legal thrillers and dog lovers alike. In addition to the Andy Carpenter books, Rosenfelt expanded the universe with the K Team novels, featuring investigator Corey Douglas and K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel, and the Doug Brock thrillers, which center on a New Jersey state trooper dealing with amnesia. He has also written stand-alone thrillers such as "Don't Tell a Soul," "On Borrowed Time," "Heart of a Killer," and "Airtight," focusing on ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.

Rosenfelt is an Edgar-nominated and Shamus Award–winning author. His debut novel, "Open and Shut," launched the Andy Carpenter series, and his second novel, "First Degree," was named a best book of the year by Publishers Weekly. "Bury the Lead" was selected by the NBC Today Book Club. Critics have noted that the appeal of the series lies in the wit of its narrator, with the Andy Carpenter novels often described as a humorous alternative to traditional legal thrillers.

Rosenfelt's commitment to animal rescue is a significant aspect of his life. He and his wife founded the Tara Foundation, which has saved thousands of dogs. Their home became a sanctuary for dogs that were too old or ill to be adopted elsewhere. After living in California, the couple moved to Maine with 25 of the dogs they had rescued. This journey inspired his nonfiction memoir "Dogtripping," which recounts moving his animal companions across the United States and details the creation of the Tara Foundation. He later wrote "Lessons from Tara," a nonfiction book reflecting on the lessons learned from Tara and other rescue dogs, focusing on themes of loyalty, patience, and relationships.

With a substantial body of work, a dedicated readership, and a commitment to animal welfare, Rosenfelt is a prominent figure in contemporary mystery fiction. He is also a keynote speaker on topics including authorship, animal rescue, fiction writing, marketing, and the entertainment industry, bringing the same humor and insight to his presentations as he does to his novels.