Attorney Andy Carpenter reluctantly returns to the side of his Wisconsin cop ex-girlfriend to assist in the defense of a young man who may be innocent, a case that is complicated by the secrets of a mysterious religious group.

Rescuing a golden retriever from euthanasia, wisecracking New Jersey defense attorney Andy Carpenter learns that the dog was involved in a previous owner's murder conviction and is persuaded by the man's sister to reopen the case.

"Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is at the Tara Foundation's annual Christmas party. The dog rescue organization has always been his true calling, and this is one holiday tradition he can get behind because every dog that's come through the rescue-and their families-are invited to celebrate. This year's party is no exception. But before the stockings can be hung by the chimney with care, homicide detectives ruin the evening. Derek Moore, one of the...