The Boys from Biloxi

“Their families lived two streets apart. Their parents and grandparents knew each other well. They went to the same Catholic church, the same schools, played in the same streets, sandlots, and beaches, and fished with their fathers in the Gulf on lazy weekends.”

Hugh and Keith, “The Boys from Biloxi,” are ultimately on different sides of the fight against crime. However, they start out in the same place. This quote emphasizes the similarities of the boys’ early lives, when they are friends, before their paths diverge.

“Jesse had no interest in jeopardizing the safety of his family […] But once planted, the idea would not go away.”

These words depict Jesse’s thoughts when others first suggest that he run for DA. His fears regarding safety are ultimately justified when he’s killed because of his work as DA.

“Poor young Pat Graebel stood at the podium, the butt of the joke, the fool of the hour, the hotshot prosecutor whose case had vanished into thin air.”

The depiction of this criminal case, shown early in the narrative, before Jesse is DA, reiterates how difficult it will be for Jesse to “clean up the Coast” (61). Pat Graebel seems to have an easy case to win—but then witnesses start disappearing or not cooperating. This exemplifies the deep criminal corruption that Jesse will take on.

“Hugh was only sixteen but was mature for his age and could certainly take care of himself. He was showing no interest in college and that was fine with Lance as well. The boy was needed in the family business.”

These words depict Lance’s views on his son, Hugh. They speak to loyalty and the book’s theme of Familial Identity and Legacy. Some fathers might not want their son pursuing a life of crime; for Lance, however, it’s just a matter of taking over the family business.

“[Keith] acted as though all was well, but he knew that these moments were fleeting. The friendships were about to change, or vanish altogether. […] For him and Hugh, it was probably their last beer together.”

These words depict Keith’s emotions after he learns that his father, Jesse, will run for DA. They foreshadow the coming rift between Hugh and Keith, who each remain loyal to their respective fathers as the DA Jesse takes on the crime boss Lance.

“‘There’s nothing clean about politics around here, Jesse. You’re being naive. It’s a dirty game.’

‘It doesn’t have to be.’”

This exchange takes place between Rex Dubisson and Jesse when Jesse plans to run for DA the first time. Jesse’s insistence that “it doesn’t have to be [a dirty game]” is ironic, as he later resorts to ethically questionable tactics to achieve his goals (e.g., media smear campaigns and extortion).

“For Lance, it was the first sign of open warfare from Jesse Rudy.”

This shift in Lance’s attitude occurs after Jesse, as DA, goes after Ginger and her clubs. The choice of the word “warfare,” which implies death and killing, is telling, speaking to the impending violence (including Jesse’s murder).

“Career gangsters like Lance Malco went to prison, or took a bullet, or they died in prison. That was Hugh’s future too.”

These words foreshadow Hugh’s future—dying in prison. However, the author is careful not to directly reveal Hugh’s fate. Other options still exist here, like taking a bullet. By leaving Hugh’s fate open, the book maintains mystery and narrative tension.

“Vice was perhaps the first industry to fully recover after the storm.”

These words refer to the recovery along the Coast following Hurricane Camille. They speak to the old adage that “nice guys finish last,” as it’s the everyday citizens of Biloxi who recover last after the storm—and the criminals who recover first.

“Nuisance law [which] allowed any citizen to file suit to enjoin another citizen from pursuing activities that were illegal and detrimental to the public good.”

Here, the book explains the legal basis on which Jesse arrests Ginger and, later, Lance. This is one example of how the book’s author, a lawyer, takes time to explain legal terms and concepts to enhance the narrative.

“It was time to discuss what to do about Jesse Rudy.”

After Jesse targets Ginger, Lance meets with Fats to “discuss what to do about Jesse Rudy.” This clearly signals that the aforementioned “war” has escalated and people plan to take direct action against Jesse.

“Joe Nunzio got $2,000 cash to vote not guilty.”

This is what’s written in the anonymous note that Jesse gets during Ginger’s trial. It exemplifies the deeply corrupt nature of Biloxi and introduces the concept of jury tampering, which is relevant to both Ginger’s and, later, Lance’s trials.

“Go see Cyrus Knapp, the heart doctor. He’s a quack but he’ll do what I say. Tell him since you got arrested you’ve been having chest pains, dizziness, fatigue.”

This quote is yet another example of how corrupt the criminal justice system is. These words are spoken by Lance’s lawyer, who knows that he can help delay Lance’s trial—and keep him out of jail longer—with these kinds of tricks.

“This is ruthless […] It’s blackmail.”

Lance’s lawyer says these words to Jesse after he threatens to rat out Hugh to the FBI unless Lance takes a plea deal that includes prison time. These words epitomize the moment when Jesse, the narrative’s “good guy,” turns “bad,” using immoral and illegal tactics to further his goals.

“As [Keith] and [his childhood friend] Joey left [Egan’s] room and headed for the elevators, they passed Room 301, semi-private. Lying in the first bed, with his leg in the air, was the man who killed Jesse Rudy.”

This quote exemplifies the power of having a third-person omniscient narrator. Keith and Joey aren’t aware that Jesse’s killer is steps away. However, the omniscient narrator reveals how close they are to him. This allows for greater tension and excitement.

“Jesse Rudy’s death was never mentioned. Lance had not been involved in it, and he was worried that his unpredictable son had done something stupid.”

Lance’s view regarding Hugh’s actions speaks to the dangers of being loyal—even to family. Lance isn’t impressed by Hugh’s loyalty but rather finds it “stupid” that Hugh tried to avenge his father.

“When she heard the wonderful news that she would be a grandmother, she finally broke down. The emotion was contagious, and in an instant the entire family was having a good cry. Tears of joy.”

This quote depicts Agnes’s reaction at learning that Keith and Ainsley are having a baby. This is one of many “family moments” that the author is careful to include, emphasizing that this isn’t just a crime book or a legal thriller but a tale about family.

“The two had once been the same size. In their glory days as twelve-year-old stars they were roughly the same height and weight, though no one bothered to measure back then. As they grew, their genes took charge.”

This passage occurs when Hugh and Keith appear in the courtroom simultaneously, drawing a contrast between their present and their future. The idea that “their genes took charge” directly relates to how the boys grew up to be physically different. Additionally, the mention of genetics relates to the boys’ disparate familial backgrounds—the DA’s son versus the crime boss’ son—that guide each boy’s future.

“Death row is the safest place in prison. There’s no contact with other inmates.”

The final part of the book looks more closely at the US prison system and capital punishment. The idea that death row is the safest place in prison is potentially jarring—a reminder that, although imprisonment is prevalent in the book, it’s a serious issue.

“Far from a swift and painless death, the execution was botched and it was clear that Gray suffered greatly.”

This description of an execution helps tease out the book’s debate regarding capital punishment. The narrative doesn’t offer a clear stance on whether capital punishment is right or wrong but portrays both sides of the coin through Gray’s case: Gray committed an egregious act—the rape and murder of a three-year-old—and even admitted to more rapes (so he’s unquestionably guilty). However, his death is so painful and grotesque that it casts doubt on whether capital punishment is ever appropriate—even for such a serious criminal.

“He was sixty-two years old. […] His favorite son was on death row. His marriage was long gone. Though he still had plenty of assets, his empire was in serious decline. His friends had deserted him. […] The Malco name, once feared and respected by man, was mud.”

This quote, about Lance, illuminates another angle about the US criminal justice system that the book touches on lightly—the question of rehabilitation. Lance is one of many prisoners who struggle to find their place in the world after incarceration.

“I want him [Hugh] executed.”

Keith says these words to the governor when the asked for his opinion regarding potential clemency for Hugh. They exemplify Keith’s ruthless nature—also evident in his aggressive ascent to power (a young DA, then the youngest AG in the state, and likely a future governor). They also speak to loyalty and the theme of Familial Identity and Legacy, given that Keith’s main aim is to avenge Jesse’s death.

“For a long time, I’ve dreamed of watching your execution, but I can’t do it. I’m flying to Biloxi to sit with my mother.”

Keith says these words to Hugh in their final conversation, on the night of Hugh’s execution. Again, these words raise questions about whether capital punishment is ever okay. Although Keith wants Hugh to die, in theory, he doesn’t have the guts to watch it happen.