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ISLE OF DOGS by Patricia Cornwell G. P.Putnam's Sons, October 2001 432 pages $26.95 ISBN: 039914739X

Here, Cornwell takes a break from the adventures of Kay Scarpetta and returns to some of her more interesting characters, Andy Brazil and Judy Hammer, intrepid police officers. In this story, Brazil is writing essays on the Internet, a small island declares itself independent of Virginia and the Governor is having all kinds of trouble, in what is intended to be a humorous story.

There is one big problem with Cornwell's idea and that is that she seems to have forgotten to add the humour into the mix. I think I raised a smile at one point, which is not what one would expect from a book described as containing 'gripping plot, great characters [and] ironic humour'. When I read 'Hornet's Nest', the first in this series, I found it hilarious and great reading. The second book, 'Southern Cross' was a rushed mess. 'Isle of Dogs', at least does have a vaguely apt title - the dog in question being the book!

Cornwell's characters were just plain bizarre and the good relationship between Hammer and Brazil seems to have evaporated totally. Half of the plot made no sense and instead of laughing at the antics of the people of Tangier, I found myself shaking my head in disbelief. Even the more serious bad characters are nothing but weak caricatures and instead of appearing menacing, are simply laughable.

Cornwell has numerous fans, but this book is a major disappointment. It lacks humour, the plot is nowhere near 'gripping' and there are many, many more books out there with characters that are a lot 'greater' than those here. 'Isle Of Dogs' is really nothing but a waste of time. If Cornwell has any sense, she will leave this series alone before she destroys her reputation.

Editor's Note: This is a review of the UK edition,

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Reviewed by Luke Croll, May 2002

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)

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