Isle of Dogs    by Patricia Cornwell Order:  USA  Can Berkley, 2002 (2001) Hardcover, Paperback, Audio, CD Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth What a delight. I bought Isle of Dogs, thinking I'd sink into a new Kay Scarpetta mystery. Instead I found Unique First, Andy Brazil, Superintendent Judy Hammer, Trooper Truth and a myriad of other characters to both love and hate. The humor and whimsy of this novel is a complete break from the hard-hitting, fast-paced books that normally flow from the well-honed pen of Patricia Cornwell. What fun she must have had concocting this story. Someone is attacking over-the-road truck drivers and stealing their loads. Andy Brazil, new to the State Police of Virginia, is tasked with putting a stop to this. The ensuing chase leads to Tangier Island off the coast of Virginia. The background of the island and its people forms a story on their own. The Governor of that fine state is a real trip. His family could only be dredged up from imagination. A hint of love in the air and, would you believe, talking blue crabs, round out a wonderful tale of fun and mystery. I won't give away the plot. It's too good. You must discover it for yourself. Pick up a copy of Isle of Dogs and treat yourself in these times of terrorism and a sagging economy to a whiff of an escape from the ordinary. I must admit, though, that I do look forward to the next Kay Scarpetta mystery. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews