Epico Bayou

by Charlsie Russell

Book Overview

Charlsie Russell's newest novel is a romantic mystery set against the founding of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's premier port city, Gulfport, at the close of the 19th century. In 1897, the grand old man... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0976982420
• ISBN13: 9780976982425
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Loblolly Writer's House
• Length: 310 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Historical mystery has you guessing until the end!

Reviewed by Marcy Blesy for[...] (12/09) "Epico Bayou" by Charlsie Russell is an engaging historical mystery, suspense, romance all rolled together in one book. The premise of the book is established early. Lionel Augustus, an elderly wealthy Mississippian dies. His estate is to go to his out of wedlock son Clay Boudreaux and his stepdaughter Olivia Lee, but only upon the marriage of the two, who have never met. Olivia and Clay marry by proxy without ever seeing each other. However, Lionel's siblings are furious and crave his money. Many say that when Clay arrives in Mississippi he is actually Troy , Clay's brother, for it is believed that Clay dies in a fire shortly after his proxy marriage. Olivia is confused, not knowing if she is dealing with Clay or Troy . Murders, plots, and affairs take center stage in the book, as does the growing excitement between Olivia and "Clay/Troy." Though the characters are different from Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind," I still found myself drawing some comparisons between Olivia and "Clay/Troy." The passion is definitely there as well as the stubbornness. The cast of characters in "Epico Bayou" is quite large. Thankfully, Ms. Russell has a "Guide to Characters" page at the front of the book. I referred to this guide constantly, even until the end of the book. The plot is very confusing at times, I must be honest. I can truly say that I still do not understand all of the various subplots. However, the main mystery of the story is logical. Ms. Russell writes skillfully drawing the reader into the lives of the characters. Though the cast is large, the main characters are clearly defined and identifiable. The mystery carries the reader to the end with several surprise twists. I enjoyed the book very much. Seeing the characters in my mind so clearly with so much action going on, makes me think that "Epico Bayou" would make a great movie. Perhaps then some of my confusions could be clarified. I recommend "Epico Bayou" and am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Russell's books in the future.

A deftly written romantic mystery that is original, complex, and gothic in its structure

In 1897 Lionel Augustus died. Much to the resentment of his siblings, he left his considerable wealth and property to his bastard son and his much beloved step-daughter -- but with the stipulation that in order to inherit they had to marry. But there are malevolent forces arrayed against them as a couple-- and against each other. A deftly written romantic mystery that is original, complex, and gothic in its structure, "Epico Bayou" demonstrates Charlsie Russell as a master storyteller and her latest novel a truly riveting read from beginning to end. Also highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library collections are her two earlier novels: "The Devil's Bastard" and "Wolf Dawson".