He-e-e-s back. Andy Carpenter and his beloved retreiver, Tara. Andy is a defense attorney and a dog lover. He admits he is lazy and because of a huge bequest, he does not have to work as he is worth millions. At an American Cross Word Convention, where his secretary Edna, is in eighth place, Andy receives an urgent telephone call from Lt. Pete Stanton, Paterson, NJ Police. A good friend, he asks Andy to drop everything and come to a crime scene and make sure he brings Laurie, Andy's girl friend.

Andy Diaz is the victim. He is dead. He was shot. He leaves an eight year old son, Ricky, who now has no family. That's the reason Pete called to make sure Laurie came along, as Pete wants them to take Ricky and his basset hound, Sebastian, home with them. "We have to rescue Ricky from the welfare system.", Pete says.

Danny was a police snitch and served time for assault. When he got out of prison, Pete became attached to Danny and Ricky and helped Danny in Rehab.

Pete is arrested for murder and after they find a huge cache of drugs at his home, selling drugs was added to the charges. He is being framed and set up. Andy takes his case for $1. Time to find a killer. The investigation begins with Andy's Posse headed by Laurie, an ex-cop, Hike, an accomplished "hacker'", and Marcus, indestructible, a big man with very few words but very effective. "ymmmmmmm." is always his reply. ahe trial is eaaiting, funny sometimes, always something new to learn in the legal field, and finally a verdict is reached.

I have been a David Rosenfelt fan for many years and I love his sprinkles of humor, and wisecracks interwoven into the plots. His cast of characters are always fascinating. HOUNDED is another great read by David Rosenfelt.