Phantom River

Columbia River #2

by P.J. Alderman

A woman who earns her living on Oregon’s treacherous Columbia River...

Bar pilot Jo Henderson knows all the myths and legends of her native Astoria, but her knowledge of the undercurrents in local events proves more deadly than she thought possible when an explosion dumps her into the Columbia’s icy winter waters. Though she survives her first "accident", she's unknowingly become the target of a ruthless killer.

A man sworn to save lives at the risk of his own...

When Bostonian John MacFallon took the job of Astoria's police chief, he left evil behind—he thought for good. But with the suspicious “accidents” piling up, Mac uncovers a plot that threatens to cripple the regional economy and destroy the woman who has quickly become far too important to him.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2013

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author P. J. Alderman has spent more than two decades in the Pacific Northwest port towns that inspire her romantic thrillers and mysteries. Her contemporary Columbia River thriller, A Killing Tide, was a RITA finalist and recently climbed the charts to stay on the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists for eight weeks.

Alderman's Port Chatham cozy mysteries are based on the history of one of the Pacific Northwest's most notorious port towns. Also bestsellers, these books take readers on a journey back in time to a lawless nineteenth century waterfront, blending history, murder, and present-day supernatural sleuthery.

Reviews

[Redd Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting was wonderfully depicted. It felt like I knew the community of mariners at the mouth of the Pacific Northwest’s Columbia River. The detective was all the qualities a woman may dream about and the female lead provided a roll-model of what woman can be.

Phantam River was not as much a thriller as an amped-up mystery. And although I pegged the culprit early, I couldn’t trust my judgement and was compelled to continue. As with any good mystery, I was pulled along well past bedtime. Phantam River would have been better to read on the plane than to relax at night.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another totally immersive mystery in Astoria. Really compelling mystery and wonderful characters. My only complaint is that this author doesn't seem to be very prolific. I want to read 100s of her books!!!! They are that good. This series is a keeper.

[Crystal L Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Alderman brings to life the characters that live their lifetime on the water. The mystery and suspense keeps you enthralled. One of the best books I've read in a long while

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series.

I have read 3 of PJ Alderman's books and loved them all. Kept me on the edge of my seat with each book. Didn't want to put it down and was disappointed when they ended. Now on to the next one.c

[Suzie Quint · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this as much as the first book in the series. Instead, it felt like a rerun. Same story, different names.

[Sherri Lawry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fine Thriller

This is the 2nd time I've read this series & I enjoyed it just as much. I don't know why she stopped writing as both her series were well worth reading.

[Robin Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. By the time of the big reveal, I didn't think I could take much more.

I'm enjoying this series. I love the location and the characters. And the river bar is as much a character as the people. I hope the author writes more in this series and soon.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad there was a second book in this series. It gives a new perspective on life in Astoria, and it certainly captures what the weather can be like. My only concern is that the timeframe is too small for all the interpersonal development -- would have been better if it stretched out a bit more.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, strong characters. I like the way Alderman's female characters are complex and strong without being unrealistic, and the dynamics of how her stubborn, courageous, independent characters come together to solve the mystery.

[SSetzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Wish there were more of them. Had a full story and wasn't loaded down with sex.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent suspense/thriller but not heavy handed.

[Beckie Loquvam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has some interesting twists to it. At times, a real page-turner.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with lots of action. The only complaint was that the characters weren't developed enough as well as the romance. Even for a quick thriller this could have been a little less superficial.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great second installment. I can't WAIT for Lucy's story!

[Louise Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good casual read.

The story is woven together well. Sort of like a good TV show " who done it" in many ways.