Epico Bayou
Russell, Charlsie. Epico Bayou.
Gulfport, MS: Loblolly Writer’s House, 2009.
310 pp. $14.95 (paperback)
Epico Bayou is a mystery, a work of historical fiction, and a romance novel. The mystery is the most important aspect of the book, with the history as the background for a romance between the hero and heroine. The book is set on the Gulf Coast near Handsboro and Mississippi City, Mississippi in 1897, two cities that were later subsumed by current day Gulfport. An interesting historical note at the beginning of the book details the history of the area and some of the political ramifications of that time period.
The book is populated by a large cast of characters: so many that I was frequently confused, even with the assistance of the “Guide to Characters” in the front of the book. I did not have empathy for most of the characters, which made it difficult for me to become deeply involved in the story. It is a complex mystery with a lot of action and too much that is resolved too quickly in the last few chapters. Nevertheless, the mystery and the historical setting are truly interesting.
Public libraries and academic libraries with extensive holdings in the history of the Gulfport area should consider purchasing this book.
Sheryl Stump
Cataloger
Delta State University
Entry Filed under: Book Reviews
Posted on: August 10th, 2010
