Isle of Dogs by Patricia Cornwell
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Isle of Dogs by Patricia Cornwell makes a stab at black humor but in this writer’s opinion, at least, begs her to return to her psychological thrillers, such as Predator, which featured Kay Scarpetta as the main character.
While this book is as well-written as any other that Ms. Cornwell has presented to the public the way that the characters are depicted, appears to this reader to be a character assassination of people in power.
The plot centers around a proclamation by the governor of Virginia (Governor Crimm) that is so asinine that I found it to be totally ludicrous . The only saving grace was that she did include at least one semi-intelligent character, Andy Brazil (a Virginia state trooper). The mystery itself has really nothing to do with this proclamation, however, but is centered around a group of psychopathic murderers who preform random acts of violence and have kidnapped Popeye, a dog belonging to Judy Hammer (Superintendent of the Virginia State Police) who will do anything to get it back.
Overall while I admire Ms Cornwell’s gift for detail and her ability to put it into print, this book is not on a par with her previous mysteries and should be given a pass for those who seek believable characters and plots.
Tags: book, review, isle of dogs, patricia cornwell, black humor, mystery
6 Comments
Susan
January 26th, 2007
at 8:47pm
I loved the book. I laughed the entire time. Maybe it is because I once lived in the Richmond area and had a boyfriend from Tangier Island.
reflections
January 27th, 2007
at 3:55am
Dear Susan
Thank you so much for sharing your opinion.
Jackie
Anna
March 4th, 2007
at 2:28pm
This book was definitely a departure from her usual style, but it was very funny. I love the crabs and trout plotting their escape and other almost over the top silliness, quite unexpected and enjoyable.
reflections
March 6th, 2007
at 4:31am
Anna
Thank you so much for your comment. I really appreciate any and all comments as I am trying very hard to do this as a service, If others view my site they can then read your comments and get a fair evalustion of the book from other readers.
Jackie
Carol J. Wedekind
March 17th, 2007
at 10:19pm
This is definitely a departure from Patricia’s usually serious themes. However, what a pleasant experience to read “Isle of Dogs.” It was simultaneously light-hearted and serious. Balancing ridiculousness with seriousness begs the reader to differenciate between the two. Thus reminding me of a John Le Carre line in “The Russia House”, “the line between actually very serious and actually very funny is actually very thin.” “Isle of Dogs” challenges the reader to find this line. It’s a delight and I recommend it very highly. Right on Patricia. . .
reflections
March 18th, 2007
at 4:32am
Thank you Carol. I have had a few comments similar to yours and really appreciate the different perspective that you offer. Please feel free to comment on any of my other reviews. Have a pleasant day. Jackie