Steaming Up the Mississippi by René Goscinny

Why read the book?

Two paddle steamers wager their fortunes on a race up the great river. Lucky Luke captains the Daisy Belle for the honest Captain, while the scheming Captain Barrows runs the rival boat and will sabotage, overload the boilers, and bribe his way to victory.

The river setting lets Goscinny pile on the gamblers, con men and showboat types that crowd the decks. Luke must keep his vessel moving and outwit dirty tricks, from cut ropes to loaded races, all the way to the finish at Saint Louis. Jolly Jumper makes the trip too, an uneasy passenger on the water.

Favourite quote

What I Loved

The change of scene from desert to riverboat is a treat, and Morris draws the steamers and the muddy Mississippi with real affection. The cast of cardsharps and hucksters keeps the comedy rolling between the racing.

Watching Luke, a man of horses, take to the water gives the book a fresh and funny tension.

Key Takeaway

A riverboat race that swaps the saddle for the wheelhouse without losing the fun.

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