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RUN AFOUL
by Joan Druett
St Martin's Minotaur, October 2006
288 pages
$23.95
ISBN: 0312353367


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

RUN AFOUL marks the return of Wiki Coffin. Wiki is part of the US Exploring Expedition, which is currently approaching Rio de Janeiro. He is frequently used as grunt labor even though he is the expedition's linguist. Out of the blue, he is ordered to change ships and bunk with several of the scientists traveling with the expedition. This is a stressful change as several of the crew members are somewhat racist and elitist. Eventually this group of scientists manages to develop a pecking order and tensions settle.

Then the astronomer Grimes becomes ill. After a brief sign of recovery, Grimes dies and Wiki finds himself suspected of this murder. Luckily the court clears him of suspicious and rules the death due to natural causes. Wiki has his own suspicions but tries to keep them to himself. As the expedition continues its terrestrial scientific exploration, Wiki begins hunting down a killer. Wiki must discover the truth about Grimes' death before the killer has the opportunity to strike again.

Wiki Coffin is an interesting character. He is half Maori and half American. He seems to have accepted both cultures even though he fits into neither. In addition, he has to deal with the racist actions of his fellow sailors and travelers. This series shows Wiki dealing with these situations and usually coming out ahead as he is not a naïve native but an educated sailor.

Wiki's struggles with society are one of the main driving points of the story. That said, this element could still be stronger. Rather than merely accepting the situation he finds himself in, it would be interesting to see more of Wiki's personal struggles, as this would allow the reader to gain a better understanding of his character.

RUN AFOUL is a slightly dry book. Naval adventures are not my favorite genre. While I am a fan of historical fiction and historical mysteries, I prefer fewer descriptions of naval struggles and more of cultural issues and people. In addition, I prefer books where the writing style is more engaging and the characters are more fully developed. Luckily for me, RUN AFOUL has enough action and adventure to make it worth finishing the book.

Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, October 2006

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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