What do you think?
Rate this book
Andy Brazil #3
Isle of Dogs
Chaos breaks loose when the governor of Virginia orders that speed traps be painted on all streets and highways, and warns that speeders will be caught by monitoring aircraft flying overhead. But the eccentric island of Tangier, fourteen miles off the coast of Virginia in Chesapeake Bay, responds by declaring war on its own state. Judy Hammer, newly installed as the superintendent of the Virginia State Police, and Andy Brazil, a state trooper and Hammer’s right hand and confidant, find themselves at their wits’ end as they try to protect the public from the politicians—and vice versa—in this pitch-perfect, darkly comic romp.
532 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2001
About the author
Patricia Cornwell
323 books17.7k followersPatricia Cornwell sold her first novel, Postmortem, in 1990 while working as a computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. Postmortem, was the first bona fide forensic thriller. It paved the way for an explosion of entertainment featuring in all things forensic across film, television and literature.
Postmortem would go on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure prize – the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell’s books have sold some 100 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries. She’s authored twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Patricia’s novels center primarily on medical examiner Kay Scarpetta along with her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino. Celebrating 25 years, these characters have grown into an international phenomenon, winning Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 bought the rights to Kay Scarpetta. Working with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg to develop the film and find Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she began working at the Charlotte Observer.
Cornwell received widespread attention and praise for her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. From the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell moved to a job with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a post she would later bestow upon the fictional Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Patricia tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. Her interests span outside the literary: Patricia co-founded of the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. She appears as a forensic consultant on CNN and serves as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital’s National Council, where she advocates for psychiatric research. She’s helped fund the ICU at Cornell’s Animal Hospital, the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and a variety of law enforcement charities. Patricia is also committed to
funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors: “Start writing. And don’t take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
http://www.patriciacornwell.com
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cor...
https://twitter.com/1pcornwell
https://instagram.com/1pcornwell/
Other areas of expertise & interests
Forensics | Forensic Technologies | Ballistics | Weapons | Explosives | Pathology & Autopsies | Crime | Historical and Unsolved Criminal Cases | Jack The Ripper | Helicopter Piloting | Suba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience |
Postmortem would go on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure prize – the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell’s books have sold some 100 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries. She’s authored twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Patricia’s novels center primarily on medical examiner Kay Scarpetta along with her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino. Celebrating 25 years, these characters have grown into an international phenomenon, winning Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 bought the rights to Kay Scarpetta. Working with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg to develop the film and find Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she began working at the Charlotte Observer.
Cornwell received widespread attention and praise for her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. From the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell moved to a job with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a post she would later bestow upon the fictional Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Patricia tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. Her interests span outside the literary: Patricia co-founded of the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. She appears as a forensic consultant on CNN and serves as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital’s National Council, where she advocates for psychiatric research. She’s helped fund the ICU at Cornell’s Animal Hospital, the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and a variety of law enforcement charities. Patricia is also committed to
funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors: “Start writing. And don’t take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
http://www.patriciacornwell.com
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cor...
https://twitter.com/1pcornwell
https://instagram.com/1pcornwell/
Other areas of expertise & interests
Forensics | Forensic Technologies | Ballistics | Weapons | Explosives | Pathology & Autopsies | Crime | Historical and Unsolved Criminal Cases | Jack The Ripper | Helicopter Piloting | Suba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience |
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
May 26, 2014
I'm surprised that I even finished this book. It is one of the worst books I have ever read. I'm a big fan of Scarpetti books but don't read this. I not sure it even rates a star
April 27, 2008
Skip it -- she tried to write humor, but should have stuck with the Scarpetta formula that works.
February 11, 2023
If you are looking for road pirates, state government corruption, fraud, an appearance by Dr. Scarpetta and plenty of humor (mostly dry) then you will enjoy reading this book.
July 25, 2017
Hilarious . Or was it ?
In any case , love Aug of 2005 .
May 21, 2010
This was quite possibly, not only the worst book I have ever read by Patricia Cornwell, but the worst book I have ever read hands down. What a disappointment. I've kept up with the Kay Scarpetta series (which has also been going downhill in the last few books), and thought I'd branch out and read the other series she has written. The Win Garrano series wasn't bad, and was short and sweet (which made it tolerable). However, the Andy Brazil series takes the cake. Hornets Nest (first in the series) was actually pretty entertaining. But her writing went into a downward spiral with Southern Cross and culminated in her worst novel yet with Isle of Dogs.
First of all, one of the main characters, who was present through the first two books, is not mentioned at all in Isle of Dogs. What happened to her? I kept reading, thinking, she'll address this at some point, but about halfway through the book, I realized it wasn't going to happen. Poor form.
Second, as a native Virginian (and much surprised, as Cornwell is too), I was appalled by how ignorant Cornwell made the majority of her characters sound. Thanks for making every Virginia resident sound like a bunch of redneck, slack-jawed yokels that can't even tell right from left. I can't speak for Tangerians, as I have never been to the island, but I can't imagine they're as stupid and backwards as she has made them out to be, and believe me, I've heard stories.
You should be ashamed of yourself for writing such dreck Patricia Cornwell. How you were able to show your face in public after this disaster baffles me.
First of all, one of the main characters, who was present through the first two books, is not mentioned at all in Isle of Dogs. What happened to her? I kept reading, thinking, she'll address this at some point, but about halfway through the book, I realized it wasn't going to happen. Poor form.
Second, as a native Virginian (and much surprised, as Cornwell is too), I was appalled by how ignorant Cornwell made the majority of her characters sound. Thanks for making every Virginia resident sound like a bunch of redneck, slack-jawed yokels that can't even tell right from left. I can't speak for Tangerians, as I have never been to the island, but I can't imagine they're as stupid and backwards as she has made them out to be, and believe me, I've heard stories.
You should be ashamed of yourself for writing such dreck Patricia Cornwell. How you were able to show your face in public after this disaster baffles me.
May 5, 2009
The only possible redeeming quality of this book is it could be used as fire kindling. This could quite possibly be the worst book ever.
February 3, 2024
Least favorite of her books... if you want a comic romp involving shady government officials... try Sick Puppy by Carl Hiassen... he does this kind of book so much better!
(Reviewed 12/6/08)
(Reviewed 12/6/08)
September 19, 2022
3,75 sterren- Nederlandse hardcover
April 26, 2015
I have not written a review on here before, but am doing so now as I was surprised at the lack of enthusiasm from readers of this book. I loved it for its quirky characters, comedy and the way it valued kindness. I found the animal scenes especially funny! It made me curious about the settings and some of the historical asides. I have not read any books by this author and from the reviews I gather it is pretty different to her usual style so maybe that explains the dislike. I have just bought a couple of the Scarpetta novels so I hope I like those too!
February 8, 2008
I give this book one star only because it is easy to read. I was taught to find something nice to say or don't say anything at all. This one makes that a challenge. Complete with talking blue crabs and trout, the story-line in Isle of Dogs is unbelievable and the characters shallow. I would not recommend this book.
May 25, 2008
This was a huge waste of time. I kept thinking it would get better....it didn't! Too many characters - none likeable, plot (if you can call it that) too confusing.
If this had been the first Patricia Cornwell book I had read, I would never have picked up another. As it is, guess everyone is allowed a bad one once in awhile.
If this had been the first Patricia Cornwell book I had read, I would never have picked up another. As it is, guess everyone is allowed a bad one once in awhile.
February 8, 2013
The story is silly and some what funny and a little scary. The scary part is that I really believe that there are self indulgent politicians with self involved family members, crooked cops and enough stupid people to make this almost a true story. I listened to this as a audio book and am now wishing that there was a way to rated the narration separate from the book. I would rate the book as a 2, but the narrator should be given 4 stars. She did a wonderful job creating separate voices and dialects for the characters. So with mixed feeling I give this audio book a three star rating.
October 27, 2008
This is an absolutely terrible book! Cornwell is author of the Kay Scarpetta series (which I highly recommend for readers of this genre - particularly the earlier books in the series). In fact, the Scarpetta books are considered an influence in the development of the fictional, forensic television series (like CSI).
However, Isle of Dogs is not part of the Scarpetta series. I couldn't even slog through to the end in audio format. Wincing in embarrassment for the author, I went online to check out the reviews of others who had dared to read the entire book. The reviews were overwhelmingly negative (1-star or less). Here are just a few quotes that express my sentiments: - "It's just stupid," "Waste of money," "a truly bad novel." If this was Cornwell's first novel, it would never have been published. If this is a reader's first encounter with Cornwell's writing, sadly it will most likely be their last.
The unabridged CD version is 14 hours long (12 CDs; narrator Michele Hall). I made it to the 5th CD, grumbled at my husband about how incredibly bad it was, packed it up and returned it to the library. At least I did not spend any money on this dog.
However, Isle of Dogs is not part of the Scarpetta series. I couldn't even slog through to the end in audio format. Wincing in embarrassment for the author, I went online to check out the reviews of others who had dared to read the entire book. The reviews were overwhelmingly negative (1-star or less). Here are just a few quotes that express my sentiments: - "It's just stupid," "Waste of money," "a truly bad novel." If this was Cornwell's first novel, it would never have been published. If this is a reader's first encounter with Cornwell's writing, sadly it will most likely be their last.
The unabridged CD version is 14 hours long (12 CDs; narrator Michele Hall). I made it to the 5th CD, grumbled at my husband about how incredibly bad it was, packed it up and returned it to the library. At least I did not spend any money on this dog.
May 19, 2010
I was a die-hard Cornwell fan and even stuck with her when the quality of her writing began to go downhill. Because her early books were so compelling, I kept believing in her long after her gold had turned to dross. However, "Isle of Dogs" was the straw that finally broke the camel's back. It's clear to me that Patricia Cornwell has lost respect for her fans and thinks they'll buy whatever she's selling, no matter how poorly written. Is this what happens when authors start believing their own PR? I wash my hands of you, Patricia Cornwell.
January 2, 2008
How bad can you rate a book? I feel like a liar for giving it one star- surely there is a minus star I can put. I've been reading Cornwell since she started writing and have enjoyed her books. This one is still not finished [and only the 2nd book in my life I haven't been able to finish!] I believe she was drunk the entire time she wrote an took bad advice from a bartender [no offense to bartenders!].
November 15, 2011
I was entertained. Her legion of fans seem to hate it, but that's typical when people depart from the expected. It was a bit ragged, but still I laughed and liked the character of Andy Brazil. I hope she keeps trying this genre. The Trooper Truth essays were the weakest part to me, the bizarro characters the best part.
August 14, 2013
This is one of my favourite books!
Quite unlike Ms Cornwell's usual books (although I am a fan of her work). This is a very funny book. Great story with some brilliant characters.
Particularly enjoyable to all those collectors of trivets, especially if you have a seeing eye horse! Lol!
This is a must read!
Quite unlike Ms Cornwell's usual books (although I am a fan of her work). This is a very funny book. Great story with some brilliant characters.
Particularly enjoyable to all those collectors of trivets, especially if you have a seeing eye horse! Lol!
This is a must read!
May 29, 2021
This story was very different - quirky & strange characters, comedy with talking animals/fish - different way to investigate the murders - seemed to have a lot of "filler" pages - Not an author I usually read & may not again.
January 21, 2009
I keep thinking that there were redeeming qualities about the book - but I can't think of any right now...perhaps the history angle? Not sure what to make of it...
March 17, 2009
Absolute drivel! Do not read Patricia Cornwell's Andy Brazil series. It is lousy.
Her Kay Scarpetta series is good though.
Her Kay Scarpetta series is good though.
July 23, 2019
This is not a Patricia Cornwall book of Kaye Scarpetta of forensic fame, which I enjoy.
It is a comedy of sorts, black but mainly silly, unbelievable and ultimately boring, except for absolutely gruesome crimes that are too violent for my taste. Yes, in the first fifty pages Cornwall intrigued me and made me laugh, but by page 200, half way through the story with talking crabs and fish added to the cast of stupid incompetent corrupt police and bad guys and a kidnapped dog; and nasty overweight daughters of an almost blind governor, the interesting history of the Virginia island and Trooper Truth were not enough to keep me reading.
It is a comedy of sorts, black but mainly silly, unbelievable and ultimately boring, except for absolutely gruesome crimes that are too violent for my taste. Yes, in the first fifty pages Cornwall intrigued me and made me laugh, but by page 200, half way through the story with talking crabs and fish added to the cast of stupid incompetent corrupt police and bad guys and a kidnapped dog; and nasty overweight daughters of an almost blind governor, the interesting history of the Virginia island and Trooper Truth were not enough to keep me reading.
Read
January 23, 2008I only put this book on my list because it was by far the worst book I have ever read. If I could give it negative stars I would. I even wrote to the publisher demanding my money back. Story is horribly unbelievable bordering on plain stupid. It has talking crabs- enough said. I already think Patricia's writing style is questionable and this book only highlighted her weakness.
February 14, 2008
Though I appreciate the fact that she is apparently trying to spread her wings from the typical Scarpetta novels, this misses it for me. There are places that simply left me shaking my head, wondering how the book could have made it onto the bestsellers list. But I won't give up on her yet....
February 4, 2009
I love Patricia Cornwell, but this book is convoluted and all over places. I'm about 100 pages into the book, and the main plot has barely been touched. I hate giving up on books, but this one is being returned to the library without being finished.
January 15, 2008
This is the worst Cornwell book I have read. The other non-Scarpetta books were okay this one...I could not even finsh.
June 11, 2009
This was an absolutely stupid book. The author's attempts at humor fall short of the mark. Read the Kay Scarpetta novels, but do not waste time on this one.
December 31, 2011
Read part of this one years ago. I'm pretty sure I gave up when the fish started talking.
August 12, 2020
What fun— who knew Patricia Cornwall could be funny?
September 29, 2022
Well, this was not very satisfying. I rather enjoyed the first two books in this series. This one went WAY off course. No idea what the author was going for here, but it does not, in the least, match the style of the first two. It's like it went into a different genre or something.
Andy Brazil and Judy Hammer are both in this one...now part of the Virginia state police. Deputy Virginia West, co-worker and on and off again girlfriend of Andy and something of a friend to Judy Hammer has disappeared completely in this story...there in book 2, gone in book 3. Where'd she go? She is alluded to by Andy once, but otherwise we get NO indication what happened to her, where she went or why no one seems to care that she's disappeared off the face of the planet. And sadly, SHE was the character I liked in the series, not Andy. Andy is basically the truly, spectacularly, pretentious ass in this story. He annoyed the crap out of me. His "Trooper Truth" essays were just...stupid. His attitude that he knows everything and can solve any problem...also annoying. And the relationship between him and Hammer is just weird.
Then, add in the the strangeness of fish and crabs communicating and playing dead to escape being eaten...and so much absurdity in an attempt to be funny but it feels like it's trying to hard. This was not really to my taste. It had some interesting parts, which is why the 2 stars, but on the whole, not great.
Andy Brazil and Judy Hammer are both in this one...now part of the Virginia state police. Deputy Virginia West, co-worker and on and off again girlfriend of Andy and something of a friend to Judy Hammer has disappeared completely in this story...there in book 2, gone in book 3. Where'd she go? She is alluded to by Andy once, but otherwise we get NO indication what happened to her, where she went or why no one seems to care that she's disappeared off the face of the planet. And sadly, SHE was the character I liked in the series, not Andy. Andy is basically the truly, spectacularly, pretentious ass in this story. He annoyed the crap out of me. His "Trooper Truth" essays were just...stupid. His attitude that he knows everything and can solve any problem...also annoying. And the relationship between him and Hammer is just weird.
Then, add in the the strangeness of fish and crabs communicating and playing dead to escape being eaten...and so much absurdity in an attempt to be funny but it feels like it's trying to hard. This was not really to my taste. It had some interesting parts, which is why the 2 stars, but on the whole, not great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2017
Absolutely awful. I'd have never dreamed Ms. Cornwell could write such a terrible book, but there it is. I bought it when it was first published in 2001, but sold it on Amazon as fast as I could.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews