How many times have you read a book and said "ah ha" right
from the very beginning when you were certain you knew who
the bad guy was. Well in A KILLING TIDE you will have many
"ah ha" moments. Then you have to sit back, regroup and see
where you went wrong. This is P.J. Alderman's first book and
by the end of it you will find yourself all ready hoping
there will be a follow-up. The central theme of the book is
an investigation into arson and murder aboard one of the
fishing trawlers. But that's way too simplistic. There's a
lot going on in Astoria, Oregon a fishing village with a
long history that revolves around several generations of
locals. Everyone knows everyone and so they are immediately
suspicious and wary of newcomers or even those that have
left to pursue careers but then return to this little hamlet
by the river. The fishing industry in Astoria is in a slump
right now and those with real grit will be able to weather
the downturn and hang on till better times return. And just
to add still another dimension to the town there seems to be
something sinister going on that has all the fishermen and
other locals scared and anxious. Kaz Jorgensen has been
beckoned back to the village by her friend Lucy with the
message that Gary -- Kaz's twin brother -- is in trouble. Gary
has had difficulty returning to a normal life after his
stint in the military and because of his paramilitary
training he is first in line as a suspect when the village's
problems begin. Enter Michael Chapman as the new fire chief
whose first assignment is to investigate the fire on board
Gary's trawler which looks suspiciously like it was set to
cover up a murder. Now the fun starts as Kaz and Michael
with some help from some rather interesting friends try to
ferret out the real culprit and keep from becoming a victim
themselves. Not an easy task but that's what makes the book
a real page turner.
If P.J. Alderman first foray into writing is any indication
then we should be on the receiving line for some enjoyable
books. Her characters are very real and kind of rough around
the edges, which is what make them so wonderful to get to
know. Even the bad guys have their moments. That was what
made it an interesting ride to see who was responsible for
the murders, arson and general mayhem. Alderman, who paints
a wonderful picture of the lives and trials of the fishermen
born into a life aboard the trawlers and have to
circumnavigate treacherous waters, brings the story to life.
Kaz Jorgensen is used to fear—the anxiety of negotiating
treacherous currents as she captains her family’s fishing
trawlers, the terrifying nightmares of the day she almost
lost her life on the river. But now a man is dead, an
arsonist has set the Anna Marie ablaze and her brother is
missing, accused of both crimes. How much more can she
take?
Michael Chapman knows how to take the heat—as fire chief
he’s dealt with more than his share. No way can he afford
to get involved with the sister of a suspect. But the
scorching attraction between him and Kaz burns out of
control. Whatever happens, he can’t allow another woman to
die because of him.
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