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Quick answer: If you like David Rosenfelt, read Spencer Quinn, John Grisham, Michael Connelly and Janet Evanovich. All write fast, witty mysteries with likeable heroes, lively courtrooms and a good sense of humour.
David Rosenfelt is best known for the Andy Carpenter series about a New Jersey defence lawyer who loves dogs, sarcasm and winning impossible cases, and for his K Team books. His fans enjoy the dry jokes, the clean plotting and the heart. The books below offer similar mysteries, legal thrillers and comic crime for readers who want fun without losing suspense.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open and Shut | David Rosenfelt | Adult | the Andy Carpenter start |
| Dog On It | Spencer Quinn | Adult | dog-narrated mystery |
| The Lincoln Lawyer | Michael Connelly | Adult | modern legal thriller |
| A Time to Kill | John Grisham | Adult | emotional courtroom |
| The Rainmaker | John Grisham | Adult | underdog lawyer |
| Presumed Innocent | Scott Turow | Adult | prosecutor in the dock |
| Everywhere That Mary Went | Lisa Scottoline | Adult | female lawyer |
| Dead Irish | John Lescroart | Adult | San Francisco mystery |
| The Monkey's Raincoat | Robert Crais | Adult | Elvis Cole start |
| One for the Money | Janet Evanovich | Adult | comic mystery |
| The Cold Dish | Craig Johnson | Adult | modern Western mystery |
| Primary Justice | William Bernhardt | Adult | courtroom series |
| Compelling Evidence | Steve Martini | Adult | prosecutor's puzzle |
| Guilt by Association | Marcia Clark | Adult | prosecutor's view |
| The Brethren | John Grisham | Adult | judges scheming |
1. Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt
Andy inherits a fortune, takes a case he did not expect and uncovers a conspiracy. The best place to begin.
Best for: the Andy Carpenter start.
2. Dog On It by Spencer Quinn
Chet, a dog, narrates the cases of his human partner Bernie. Funny, warm and very doggy.
Best for: dog-narrated mystery.
3. The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
Mickey Haller works out of his car and defends clients across Los Angeles. Sharp and fast.
Best for: modern legal thriller.
4. A Time to Kill by John Grisham
A lawyer defends a father who killed his daughter's attackers. Grisham's first novel, still gripping.
Best for: emotional courtroom.
5. The Rainmaker by John Grisham
A new lawyer takes on a powerful insurance company. Lighter and funnier than some Grisham.
Best for: underdog lawyer.
6. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
A prosecutor is accused of murdering a colleague. Dense and brilliant, with a famous ending.
Best for: prosecutor in the dock.
7. Everywhere That Mary Went by Lisa Scottoline
Mary DiNunzio, a Philadelphia lawyer, is stalked by a mysterious figure. Funny and tense.
Best for: female lawyer.
8. Dead Irish by John Lescroart
A lawyer-turned-bartender is pulled into a murder involving an old friend. Character-driven and well plotted.
Best for: San Francisco mystery.
9. The Monkey's Raincoat by Robert Crais
A wisecracking Los Angeles detective takes a missing-person case. Fast and funny.
Best for: Elvis Cole start.
10. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Stephanie Plum becomes a bounty hunter. Fast, funny and light.
Best for: comic mystery.
11. The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson
Sheriff Walt Longmire investigates a murder in Wyoming. Dry-witted and atmospheric.
Best for: modern Western mystery.
12. Primary Justice by William Bernhardt
Ben Kincaid, a young attorney, takes on a murder case. Quick and fun.
Best for: courtroom series.
13. Compelling Evidence by Steve Martini
Defence lawyer Paul Madriani defends his own friend. A strong courtroom thriller.
Best for: prosecutor's puzzle.
14. Guilt by Association by Marcia Clark
A Los Angeles prosecutor investigates a case that hits close to home. Written by a former real-life prosecutor.
Best for: prosecutor's view.
15. The Brethren by John Grisham
Three jailed judges run a blackmail scheme. Funny and clever.
Best for: judges scheming.
How to Choose
For more Rosenfelt, start with Open and Shut and continue in order. For humour and animals pick Dog On It. For modern legal thrillers choose Connelly or Grisham. For witty, light mysteries read Evanovich and Craig Johnson. For courtroom puzzles try Turow, Martini or Bernhardt. Rosenfelt's books are short and quick, so they make good weekend reading. Rosenfelt also runs a dog rescue foundation with his wife, which inspired the dog theme in his books. If you want the dogs and wit, begin with Dog On It. If you want the courtroom, pick Grisham or Turow. If you want a lighter tone with a female lead, Evanovich and Scottoline are the best fits. Library holds are the cheapest way to try several authors, and most of these are widely available as audiobooks with strong narrators. Short, quick chapters make Rosenfelt a good author for busy readers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is David Rosenfelt?
An American novelist best known for the Andy Carpenter mysteries.
Where should I start?
With Open and Shut.
Are his books funny?
Yes, especially in Andy's narration.
Does he write standalones?
Yes, as well as other series.
Are the books clean?
Mostly. There is crime, but little graphic violence.
Is he like Grisham?
Both write legal thrillers, but Rosenfelt is lighter and funnier.
Are there audiobooks?
Yes, for most titles.
What should I read next?
Try Dog On It or The Lincoln Lawyer.
Is Andy Carpenter based on a real lawyer?
No, Andy is fictional, though Rosenfelt worked in the film industry and drew on legal research.
What is the K Team series?
A separate Rosenfelt series about a team of investigators, written in a similar light style.
Do you need to read the Andy Carpenter books in order?
It helps for running jokes, but each case stands alone.