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.