ARC Review: Animal Instinct by David Rosenfelt

Animal Instinct
Author: David Rosenfelt
Series: K Team Novels, 2
Publication: Minotaur Books; 1st edition (April 6, 2021)

Description: The K Team is back in the second installment in this spinoff series from bestselling author David Rosenfelt's beloved Andy Carpenter mysteries.

Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, a German shepherd named Simon Garfunkel, are recently retired police officers turned private investigators. Along with fellow former cop Laurie Collins and her investigating partner, Marcus, they call themselves the K Team, in honor of Simon.

The K Team’s latest case – a recent unsolved murder – gives Corey a chance to solve "the one that got away". Corey knew the murder victim from his time on the force, when he was unable to protect her in a domestic dispute. Now, he is convinced the same abusive boyfriend is responsible for her murder. With some help from Laurie’s lawyer husband, Andy Carpenter, the K Team is determined to prove what the police could not, no matter the cost. What they uncover is much more sinister than they could have imagined.

Known for his dog-loving stories and addictive characters, bestselling mystery author David Rosenfelt presents Animal Instinct, the second installment in this engrossing new series about a dynamite investigative team and their canine partner.

My Thoughts: Corey Douglas and his K-9 companion Simon Garfunkel are both retired police officers. They have moved on to be part of an investigative team working in the private sector, often for attorney Andy Carpenter.

When Corey learns that Lisa Yates has been killed, he is brought back to a case that he wasn't happy about. Corey was called to a domestic situation between Lisa and her live-in boyfriend Gerald Kline but, when Lisa wouldn't accuse Gerald even though he obviously hit her, Corey's hands were tied. Now, for his own piece of mind, he decides to look into what first appears to be a drive-by shooting.  Corey's sure that Gerald had something to do with it. 

Corey is assisted by the rest of the K Team - Laurie Carpenter and Marcus Clark with assists by Andy Carpenter, Sam Willis, and Simon Garfunkel. Corey is surprised to be called to Gerald's home one evening for what he is told is evidence. When he arrives, Gerald is dead. Corey calls the police but a couple of days later he is arrested for the murder. Someone has built a really nice frame right around Corey including blood spattered track clothes.

Andy is drafted by Laurie to take Corey's case and the whole team tries to find out what is going on...because the bodies just keep piling up. 

I liked that the story was from Corey's point of view because he is quite a character. I liked the twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing almost to the final page. 

Fans of the Andy Carpenter mysteries will enjoy this series too. They have the same wit, quirky characters, and interesting plots that the other series has.  

Favorite Quote:

The unspoken implication was that Laurie can handle matters with more sensitivity than me. She's saying that because she can handle matters with more sensitivity than me. On the sensitivity level, I probably rank just below Mike Tyson.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.