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Wiki Coffin is continuing his journey with the US Exploring Expedition of 1838. He has few close friends on the voyage, as he is a 'half-breed' and not considered suitable company by many. With one of his few friends, George Rochester, Wiki is sent to help explore Shark Island as one of their scouts thought he saw pirate activities on the hillside. Shark Island is on the route that they will take to Rio de Janeiro when their charting is complete. Obviously the expedition leaders want to prevent any problems from occurring. George and Wiki travel with their enemy Captain Wilkes. Wilkes will be in charge once they reach the island and George will command the vessel. Captain Wilkes and his men find a damaged sealer at the island. There is no evidence that pirates are on the island, but there is evidence that pirates had been in the area before. The boat's owner invites Wilkes and his lieutenant to have a drink and plan their rescue. Shortly after Wilkes' arrival, the owner is dead and he is the most likely suspect. Wiki boards the ship to help find the murderer. He is familiar with the owner's widow Annabelle and her family. Wiki does not believe everything he has heard about the murder but he is not able to find any contradictory evidence. As much as he does not want to, he will help clear Wilkes' name and find the true killer. SHARK ISLAND looks at the case of one's place in society and that matter of personality. Although Wiki Coffin is supposed to be a 'half-breed', he does not act that differently from any of the other crew members. Yes he does not wear shoes most of the time, but he is more educated and articulate than most of his company. In his case, being different is not as evident as it is with some of the other characters. Annabelle does not meet the standards of a New England wife. She would much rather dance and entertain. Many feel that this is due to her New Orleans childhood while others believe it is simply her personality. Regardless of what her ways are due to, she stands out when compared to any other woman. This makes her a likely suspect, in the mind of the sailors, that she is guilty of adultery and murder. In her case, her otherness makes her an enemy of traditional life. SHARK ISLAND is the second book to feature Wiki Coffin. The first book in this series is A WATERY GRAVE.
Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, November 2005
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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