The Biloxi Traveler: A Mississippi Gulf Coast Mystery

Rating:
Summary: The ending leaves the reader yearning for more
Review: Wilma Knox is a clinical psychologist hailing from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as engaging in itinerant travel. She is a poodle and cat enthusiast. She has published numerous articles in national and international journals. THE BILOXI TRAVELER is her third novel.

Kerry is the epitome of a Southern magnolia, working as a veterinarian in her father's clinic and developing a lasting relationship with her fiancé, Frank Borth, Sheriff of Harrison County and ex-Vietnam vet. They plan to be married in October, but Frank decides to travel to Bogota, Columbia as a mid-level ambassador. Frank and his companions are kidnaped, and Kerry embarks on a cruise across the Atlantic to keep her mind off of Frank's fate. She is officially accompanying her Aunt Bess and Flush, a nervous spaniel who is Kerry's charge for the trip. Kerry is worrying about Frank non-stop, but manages to get involved in the murder of Jeremy, an art gallery owner from Mobile with less than perfect morals and behavior: "You said there were times when he tried your patience; I didn't know him long but he certainly tried mine. He gave my aunt a painting of a flower arrangement, very medieval looking in its lighting, colors and design. Just when she was really fond of it and redecorated her bedroom to set it off, he wanted it back. What can you say? The painting was his, but he seemed a little cruel."

THE BILOXI TRAVELER is mostly character driven, with all sorts of hidden agendas. The setting is mostly on a cruise ship, which is a great place for murder. Kerry is a likable lass who is a bit sheltered and definitely prone towards anorexia when the going gets tough, but she is also intelligent and resourceful. The orchestrated presence of dogs throughout the story is a delight, and adds quite a bit to an already rich plot.

Ms. Knox has made for pleasant, light reading of this Agatha type of cozy. The settings are beautiful; the characters are, for the most part, refined and upper class, and the human emotions are accurately drawn and fun. The ending leaves the reader yearning for more. Well done!

Shelley Glodowski
Senior Reviewer