A dead deer is found submerged in a lake with its leg tied to a tree. A drifter is found murdered in an abandoned farm house. Aided by his furry companion, Omar, and his quirky former employee, Liz, Dr. John Love reluctantly is drawn out of his retirement as a former high-tech entrepreneur into a world of drugs and murder. Together, they must balance the conflicting priorities of the local authorities, the DEA and a shadowy Government agency for whom John once worked to determine exactly what is disturbing the usually idyllic backwoods of southern Virginia. DOG DAYS OF AUGUST is a slightly offbeat mystery that goes against the grain of traditional, edge-of-the-seat thrillers. It is lighthearted and irreverent, and occasionally even heartwarming, but woven throughout is a constant undercurrent of intrigue and suspense.