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Columbia River #1
A Killing Tide
RITA Finalist
Where there's smoke...
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.
There's fire...
Michael Chapman knows how to take the heat--as the new fire chief of Astoria, Oregon, 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, and when someone takes a shot at her, his protective instincts kick in. Whatever happens, he can't allow another woman to die because of him.
Additional
"...an intriguing contemporary romantic suspense with an engrossing plot and lots of mystery that keeps you guessing. With this debut, P.J. Alderman shows that she is clearly an author to look out for." --Fallen Angel Reviews
"If P.J. Alderman's 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." --Fresh Fiction
"For a debut author, P.J. Alderman does a fantastic job of creating intrigue, suspense, drama, romance, and so much more. The plot is well laid out and incredibly plausible with characters who are full and real...if A Killing Tide is P.J.'s debut, a bright future is on the horizon and I can't wait to see more." --Once Upon a Romance
Where there's smoke...
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.
There's fire...
Michael Chapman knows how to take the heat--as the new fire chief of Astoria, Oregon, 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, and when someone takes a shot at her, his protective instincts kick in. Whatever happens, he can't allow another woman to die because of him.
Additional
"...an intriguing contemporary romantic suspense with an engrossing plot and lots of mystery that keeps you guessing. With this debut, P.J. Alderman shows that she is clearly an author to look out for." --Fallen Angel Reviews
"If P.J. Alderman's 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." --Fresh Fiction
"For a debut author, P.J. Alderman does a fantastic job of creating intrigue, suspense, drama, romance, and so much more. The plot is well laid out and incredibly plausible with characters who are full and real...if A Killing Tide is P.J.'s debut, a bright future is on the horizon and I can't wait to see more." --Once Upon a Romance
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2006
1290 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Alderman
4 books130 followersNew 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
July 19, 2015
While the Oregon descriptions were nice, this was no more than a bodice, ripper (phrase taken from another review). There is no reality check. The whole attack, emergency room, the ensuing sexual encounter is ridiculous. A sand bar or other obstacle is mentioned several times without an explanation.
Maybe 2.5.
Maybe 2.5.
December 31, 2010
It's hard to believe this is a first book, it's so good. Alderman did everything right and I didn't want to stop reading. Kaz Jorgensen takes time out from her successful business in San Francisco to return home to Astoria, Oregon to help save her twin brother's fishing business. Then her twin's best friend is killed, he's the suspect and nowhere to be found. Kaz can't believe he did it, and sets out to prove it.
Michael Chapman, the town's new fire chief, is a former top arson investigator from Boston. He came to Astoria to escape memories of his fiancée dying in a fire set by a revengeful arsonist. Now he's falling for another woman whose life might be in danger, and he'll do anything to save her.
The characters come to life with strengths and flaws and layers. Alderman peels off the layers sloooowly, keeping the reader in page-turning suspense. The description is evocative, so well done I could see it in my mind. The romantic tension builds naturally, from a spark to a flame. And the writing is brilliant. I'd love to read more stories about Astoria and the other characters in the book.
Michael Chapman, the town's new fire chief, is a former top arson investigator from Boston. He came to Astoria to escape memories of his fiancée dying in a fire set by a revengeful arsonist. Now he's falling for another woman whose life might be in danger, and he'll do anything to save her.
The characters come to life with strengths and flaws and layers. Alderman peels off the layers sloooowly, keeping the reader in page-turning suspense. The description is evocative, so well done I could see it in my mind. The romantic tension builds naturally, from a spark to a flame. And the writing is brilliant. I'd love to read more stories about Astoria and the other characters in the book.
August 10, 2015
First book of her I've read and it was a good one. Kaz Jorgensen came home to Astoria Oregon to help her brother, Gary, with their fishing business. She's spent the last few years working in California in her own Fortune 500 consulting company. In spite of that she can still operate a trawler with the best of them. While she's slowly getting the business back on its feet, she still hasn't figured out what was going on with Gary. He's different, more closed off, not talking much and involved in something he doesn't want her to know about. At first she thought it had to do with him being a POW in Desert Storm but when Gary's best friend is murdered and Gary is the prime suspect, Kaz knows there's a lot more to it than that.
Michael Chapman moved to Astoria because he needed a change. His fiancee was killed when an arsonist targeted Michael in Boston, then he was accused of wrong doing when the arsonist died in a fire and Michael went in alone to try and save him. So when the position of fire chief opens up in Oregon, he jumps at the chance to relocate. Before long he's embroiled in a murder investigation and finds himself highly attracted to his main suspect's sister. He has to work hard to earn her trust and it takes awhile for Michael to come to the realization Gary might have been set up. Something strange is going on and when Kaz is attacked Michael is more determined than ever to get to the bottom of things.
This was a different type of book for me in the fact the heroine worked in the fishing industry. Wasn't sure I'd like that, wasn't particularly interested in learning more about the subject but the author focuses on the people involved and the dangers they face on a daily basis given their occupation. They were a tightly knit community, looking out for one another but in this case they almost saw Kaz as an outsider since she'd been absent for awhile. As such, they were reluctant to help her and whatever Gary got caught up in had several of his friends afraid to talk.
The characters were also really appealing. Kaz because she was just as at home on a fishing boat as she was running a lucrative business. She was loyal to her brother and refused to believe he'd killed. She stood by him when no one else would. Michael because of his determination to solve the case, his thoroughness on the job, and his protectiveness towards Kaz. I liked Gary as well, a troubled young man but one intent on finding the bad guys and bringing them down. Would like to see him in a book of his own.
Also thought the mystery and suspense were top notch. Pieces of the puzzle were gradually put together, clues uncovered, facts revealed, as the author tells her story. She did a good job of weaving things together and while you suspect certain people's involvement, it's not made clear until the end. Truly enjoyed this one.
Michael Chapman moved to Astoria because he needed a change. His fiancee was killed when an arsonist targeted Michael in Boston, then he was accused of wrong doing when the arsonist died in a fire and Michael went in alone to try and save him. So when the position of fire chief opens up in Oregon, he jumps at the chance to relocate. Before long he's embroiled in a murder investigation and finds himself highly attracted to his main suspect's sister. He has to work hard to earn her trust and it takes awhile for Michael to come to the realization Gary might have been set up. Something strange is going on and when Kaz is attacked Michael is more determined than ever to get to the bottom of things.
This was a different type of book for me in the fact the heroine worked in the fishing industry. Wasn't sure I'd like that, wasn't particularly interested in learning more about the subject but the author focuses on the people involved and the dangers they face on a daily basis given their occupation. They were a tightly knit community, looking out for one another but in this case they almost saw Kaz as an outsider since she'd been absent for awhile. As such, they were reluctant to help her and whatever Gary got caught up in had several of his friends afraid to talk.
The characters were also really appealing. Kaz because she was just as at home on a fishing boat as she was running a lucrative business. She was loyal to her brother and refused to believe he'd killed. She stood by him when no one else would. Michael because of his determination to solve the case, his thoroughness on the job, and his protectiveness towards Kaz. I liked Gary as well, a troubled young man but one intent on finding the bad guys and bringing them down. Would like to see him in a book of his own.
Also thought the mystery and suspense were top notch. Pieces of the puzzle were gradually put together, clues uncovered, facts revealed, as the author tells her story. She did a good job of weaving things together and while you suspect certain people's involvement, it's not made clear until the end. Truly enjoyed this one.
November 13, 2010
I love nothing better than a rainstorm when I’m inside with a cup of hot tea and a new book by a new, to me, author. Today I got to discover A Killing Tide by PJ Alderman.
The great state of Oregon and the city of Astoria are as much characters in the story as are Kaz Jorgensen captains her family's fishing trawler, her best friend Lucy McGuire Astoria police detective, Michael Chapman the new fire chief/arson investigator, and the all important Zeke, German Shepherd and canine companion.
The descriptions of rain and the kinds of rain that fall in Oregon and along the coast made me want to make sure I had an umbrella handy; the rain falls and just keeps coming.
A Killing Tide raised several questions: Small towns are supposed to be safe places where people look out for each other, but do they really? Who will fall prey to corruption and why? Can people remain unbiased in the face of the facts that don’t quite add up and local prejudices? Will a family business survive despite the odds?
The women hold the whole piece together. The fact Kaz and Lucy are strong, have ‘non-traditional’ careers and do them well, and are loyal. These women play with the big boys and hold their own in very credible ways.
The story starts with a strong premise and just keeps building. If it were a piece of music, you could hear the tympani projecting a strong beat in the background in the beginning. By the time you get to the crescendo, the beat has turned into a long roll across three kettle drums. The further I read, the more powerful the story, characters, and interactions became. By the time I got to the climax, I didn’t want to put it down. I wanted to know all of the details: Who was involved and for how long? Who would be scarred from the experience? Who would heal and how long it would take?
Rumor has it that this is the beginning of a series. I can’t wait to find out: Does the coffee get any better? Will Lucy wind up with Gary? Will Zeke be part of future investigations?
I, for one, am looking forward to more from this author.
The great state of Oregon and the city of Astoria are as much characters in the story as are Kaz Jorgensen captains her family's fishing trawler, her best friend Lucy McGuire Astoria police detective, Michael Chapman the new fire chief/arson investigator, and the all important Zeke, German Shepherd and canine companion.
The descriptions of rain and the kinds of rain that fall in Oregon and along the coast made me want to make sure I had an umbrella handy; the rain falls and just keeps coming.
A Killing Tide raised several questions: Small towns are supposed to be safe places where people look out for each other, but do they really? Who will fall prey to corruption and why? Can people remain unbiased in the face of the facts that don’t quite add up and local prejudices? Will a family business survive despite the odds?
The women hold the whole piece together. The fact Kaz and Lucy are strong, have ‘non-traditional’ careers and do them well, and are loyal. These women play with the big boys and hold their own in very credible ways.
The story starts with a strong premise and just keeps building. If it were a piece of music, you could hear the tympani projecting a strong beat in the background in the beginning. By the time you get to the crescendo, the beat has turned into a long roll across three kettle drums. The further I read, the more powerful the story, characters, and interactions became. By the time I got to the climax, I didn’t want to put it down. I wanted to know all of the details: Who was involved and for how long? Who would be scarred from the experience? Who would heal and how long it would take?
Rumor has it that this is the beginning of a series. I can’t wait to find out: Does the coffee get any better? Will Lucy wind up with Gary? Will Zeke be part of future investigations?
I, for one, am looking forward to more from this author.
September 28, 2022
I love the subject of the paranormal and have found it absent in today’s mysteries. I was thrilled to discover P.J. Alderman, among a few rare authors delving into it. I like to see what else writers have published and noticed her first novel “A Killing Tide” 2006; not paranormal. Hoping the water craft on the cover didn’t indicate military leanings, which aren’t to my taste, I followed my habit of trying all of an author’s work.
It took a while to dig in but not for any lack of action and a worthwhile story. I like the protagonist ‘Kaz’, delegating her corporate San Francisco career to check on her twin brother in Oregon, USA. It’s appealing that she retains her sailing expertise and pitches in with ‘Gary’s fishing business. Her best friend, police officer ‘Lucy’, urged her to return and find out what has had her brother troubled. The region is beautifully described with a quaint personal touch. It is interesting that a river figures more prominently and more dangerously in ‘Astoria’s’ marine way of life, than the nearby Pacific ocean.
I’ve seen a few comments that this is a ‘romance’ which only dips a little bit into the genre of mystery but I disagree definitely. ‘Kaz’ is attracted to a fire chief but the urgency of the mystery never lifts and propels the protagonist through the whole novel. Action starts immediately with an explosion on their lead boat. She must locate her hiding brother and ascertain his knowledge of criminal activity so that she can clear him of murder charges. In the last third of almost any novel, I zip along and plunge into the story more enthusiastically. I love that this isn't ‘a cozy’ mystery. The death is blunt and a sex scene last 6 non-shy pages.
* I take my writing and polishing seriously, for the reward of comments. Please do not leave "like button" clicks, until you are accompanying them with remarks for me. *
It took a while to dig in but not for any lack of action and a worthwhile story. I like the protagonist ‘Kaz’, delegating her corporate San Francisco career to check on her twin brother in Oregon, USA. It’s appealing that she retains her sailing expertise and pitches in with ‘Gary’s fishing business. Her best friend, police officer ‘Lucy’, urged her to return and find out what has had her brother troubled. The region is beautifully described with a quaint personal touch. It is interesting that a river figures more prominently and more dangerously in ‘Astoria’s’ marine way of life, than the nearby Pacific ocean.
I’ve seen a few comments that this is a ‘romance’ which only dips a little bit into the genre of mystery but I disagree definitely. ‘Kaz’ is attracted to a fire chief but the urgency of the mystery never lifts and propels the protagonist through the whole novel. Action starts immediately with an explosion on their lead boat. She must locate her hiding brother and ascertain his knowledge of criminal activity so that she can clear him of murder charges. In the last third of almost any novel, I zip along and plunge into the story more enthusiastically. I love that this isn't ‘a cozy’ mystery. The death is blunt and a sex scene last 6 non-shy pages.
* I take my writing and polishing seriously, for the reward of comments. Please do not leave "like button" clicks, until you are accompanying them with remarks for me. *
August 25, 2012
The suspense in the storyline was there, enough to keep me reading and the twists with the characters kept me guessing who the killer really was. But...The romance between the two main characters was predictable and unbelievable, giving it a Harlequin Romance feel. Seriously, who feels like having an all-night, marathon-love-making, first-time encounter after you've just been beaten within an inch of your life and have been threatened that you have 24 hours to save your brothers life?
I did think the author did a nice job of depicting the Oregon coast and the dangers and trials of commercial fishermen.
I did think the author did a nice job of depicting the Oregon coast and the dangers and trials of commercial fishermen.
May 24, 2011
Great book. I simply couldn't put it down. Loved the characters and the details of this fishing village. At times it felt like I was in the middle of it all with rain cutting through the salty air and struggling to maintain balance while guiding a boat at its wheel. The plot was neatly worked out, maintaining the mystery until near the end. Although I was able to guess the killer before the central characters did, the action leading to the resolution kept me enthralled. Can't wait for the sequel.
October 25, 2011
Had to read it because of the local color from my neck of the woods. Bleah! Lots of cliches, poorly edited, a romance worthy of a bodice-ripper, and the killer tipped way early, even for me (I almost never guess them).
September 7, 2023
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.
The background on the Astoria fishing fleet was interesting, and the mystery was somewhat intriguing. The guilty party wasn't difficult to identify, and I'm usually not very good at that sort of thing. The chapter-long sex scene, however, was awkward and totally unnecessary. She was emotionally vulnerable as well as physically injured, and he shouldn't have even asked under those circumstances. Otherwise a decent read.
The background on the Astoria fishing fleet was interesting, and the mystery was somewhat intriguing. The guilty party wasn't difficult to identify, and I'm usually not very good at that sort of thing. The chapter-long sex scene, however, was awkward and totally unnecessary. She was emotionally vulnerable as well as physically injured, and he shouldn't have even asked under those circumstances. Otherwise a decent read.
July 25, 2014
Today I am not reviewing a fantasy or a scifi book--instead I am reviewing a contemporary thriller, located on the Columbia River, in a town I am most familiar with--Astoria. You may remember the town from the 1985 movie "Goonies."
A Killing Tide, was a RITA finalist and climbed the charts to stay on the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists for eight weeks. I can tell you why – this book grips you from the first page.
The BLURB:
Where there's smoke...
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.
There's fire...
Michael Chapman knows how to take the heat--as the new fire chief of Astoria, Oregon, 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, and when someone takes a shot at her, his protective instincts kick in. Whatever happens, he can't allow another woman to die because of him.
My REVIEW:
A Killing Tide by indie author P. J. Alderman takes place in the small Oregon city of Astoria. With simple strokes, she evokes the atmosphere of the coastal town, the eternal grayness and eternal rain. Based in Astoria, Oregon, Columbia River Bar Pilots were established in 1846 to ensure the safety of ships, crews and cargoes crossing the treacherous Columbia River Bar, which is recognized as one of the most dangerous and challenging navigated stretches of water in the world. The men and women who fish those waters are also a rare breed.
(Kasmira) Kaz Jorgensen was once a well-known local fisher-woman, and has recently returned to Astoria and fishing after a long absence from fishing as financial a consultant in San Francisco. Her best friend had called her, telling her there was trouble with her brother Gary, but not what the trouble was. She has not been able to talk much to him, due to having to be out on her own boat, the Kasmira B, and things are somewhat distant between them.
She has not been welcomed back with open arms by her brother or the community at large. Having just lost half her pots and most of her catch to a vandal at sea, she brings her boat in late. She arrives at The Redemption, a tavern frequented by the local fishers, and meets up with her best friend, Detective Lucy McGuire who is also her brother’s girlfriend. Also eating dinner in the Redemption is the new fire chief, Michael Chapman. Just hired from Boston, Chapman is a man with a history, which comes out as the story progresses.
That evening in the Redemption, Michael witnesses Kaz trying to break up a violent disagreement between Kaz’s brother Gary and his friend, Chuck. Because she is no longer considered a member of the community for reasons which gradually emerge. Everyone warns Kaz to stay out of ‘it’; indicating to her that whatever is going on between Chuck and Gary is big and it involves the whole fishing community. Michael Chapman intervenes, to Kaz’s irritated chagrin.
Following that, a friend is murdered; a family man who is also a crewman on her brother’s boat, the Anna Marie. Gary, a vet suffering from post-traumatic-stress syndrome, is immediately suspected of murdering him and committing arson to burn his boat to cover it up.
Making things worse, Gary has vanished. Police Chief Jim Sykes, a man with political ambitions, is hot on Gary’s trail, sure he is the culprit. Michael, as fire-marshal, is leaping to no conclusions, and is handling the investigation his own way.
This is an intense tale of greed and small-town lust for power and easy money. Each and every character is fully fleshed out and you immediately like or dislike them with one exception. Jim Sykes remains somewhat of an enigma right up to the end.
The attraction between Kaz and Michael Chapman is part of what makes this tale so engrossing. The possibility of their romance is a thread which weaves in and out of the tapestry that is this mystery. Right up to the end, I was unsure as to whom the culprit was and the ending is a thrilling as any you could ask for.
First published in 2006, A Killing Tide was my introduction to P.J. Alderman’s work. She has become one of my go-to mystery writers, and I have enjoyed everything she has written.
A Killing Tide, was a RITA finalist and climbed the charts to stay on the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists for eight weeks. I can tell you why – this book grips you from the first page.
The BLURB:
Where there's smoke...
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.
There's fire...
Michael Chapman knows how to take the heat--as the new fire chief of Astoria, Oregon, 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, and when someone takes a shot at her, his protective instincts kick in. Whatever happens, he can't allow another woman to die because of him.
My REVIEW:
A Killing Tide by indie author P. J. Alderman takes place in the small Oregon city of Astoria. With simple strokes, she evokes the atmosphere of the coastal town, the eternal grayness and eternal rain. Based in Astoria, Oregon, Columbia River Bar Pilots were established in 1846 to ensure the safety of ships, crews and cargoes crossing the treacherous Columbia River Bar, which is recognized as one of the most dangerous and challenging navigated stretches of water in the world. The men and women who fish those waters are also a rare breed.
(Kasmira) Kaz Jorgensen was once a well-known local fisher-woman, and has recently returned to Astoria and fishing after a long absence from fishing as financial a consultant in San Francisco. Her best friend had called her, telling her there was trouble with her brother Gary, but not what the trouble was. She has not been able to talk much to him, due to having to be out on her own boat, the Kasmira B, and things are somewhat distant between them.
She has not been welcomed back with open arms by her brother or the community at large. Having just lost half her pots and most of her catch to a vandal at sea, she brings her boat in late. She arrives at The Redemption, a tavern frequented by the local fishers, and meets up with her best friend, Detective Lucy McGuire who is also her brother’s girlfriend. Also eating dinner in the Redemption is the new fire chief, Michael Chapman. Just hired from Boston, Chapman is a man with a history, which comes out as the story progresses.
That evening in the Redemption, Michael witnesses Kaz trying to break up a violent disagreement between Kaz’s brother Gary and his friend, Chuck. Because she is no longer considered a member of the community for reasons which gradually emerge. Everyone warns Kaz to stay out of ‘it’; indicating to her that whatever is going on between Chuck and Gary is big and it involves the whole fishing community. Michael Chapman intervenes, to Kaz’s irritated chagrin.
Following that, a friend is murdered; a family man who is also a crewman on her brother’s boat, the Anna Marie. Gary, a vet suffering from post-traumatic-stress syndrome, is immediately suspected of murdering him and committing arson to burn his boat to cover it up.
Making things worse, Gary has vanished. Police Chief Jim Sykes, a man with political ambitions, is hot on Gary’s trail, sure he is the culprit. Michael, as fire-marshal, is leaping to no conclusions, and is handling the investigation his own way.
This is an intense tale of greed and small-town lust for power and easy money. Each and every character is fully fleshed out and you immediately like or dislike them with one exception. Jim Sykes remains somewhat of an enigma right up to the end.
The attraction between Kaz and Michael Chapman is part of what makes this tale so engrossing. The possibility of their romance is a thread which weaves in and out of the tapestry that is this mystery. Right up to the end, I was unsure as to whom the culprit was and the ending is a thrilling as any you could ask for.
First published in 2006, A Killing Tide was my introduction to P.J. Alderman’s work. She has become one of my go-to mystery writers, and I have enjoyed everything she has written.
December 3, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, partly because of where it too place - Astoria, Oregon. I was fortunate to visit there years ago. I went to the maritime museum there and learned about "crossing the bar" = going from the Columbia River into the ocean. A very dangerous crossing. Anyway, the book covered some of that and also was a good mystery. However, there was an entire chapter of sex, which I certainly could have done without. But, by skipping that chapter, I was able to finish the book a bit faster.
May 4, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2020
Having just relocated to the Portland area, the setting for P.J.Alderman's A KILLING TIDE, was particularly interesting to me. The backdrop of the dangerous mouth of the Columbia River came alive, as a tight knit group of crab fishermen negotiate the deadly shifting sands, in one of the most dangerous gruelling passages in the world.
I'm not much of a fan of Romance novels and this book was fairly evenly divided between hot romance and well done mystery. The mystery was good enough for me to forgive the fact that this is also very much a romantic "falling in love" story. I even enjoyed the developing relationship between the "outsider" arson investigator and the third generation local crab fisherwoman, who is so good at navigating the river mouth, the superstitious hardened fishermen frequently follow her lead.
The characters are well developed and the story is a good one. Mystery fans and crime fiction lovers: don't let the "romance novel" aspect of the story keep you from reading this excellent yarn.
Having just relocated to the Portland area, the setting for P.J.Alderman's A KILLING TIDE, was particularly interesting to me. The backdrop of the dangerous mouth of the Columbia River came alive, as a tight knit group of crab fishermen negotiate the deadly shifting sands, in one of the most dangerous gruelling passages in the world.
I'm not much of a fan of Romance novels and this book was fairly evenly divided between hot romance and well done mystery. The mystery was good enough for me to forgive the fact that this is also very much a romantic "falling in love" story. I even enjoyed the developing relationship between the "outsider" arson investigator and the third generation local crab fisherwoman, who is so good at navigating the river mouth, the superstitious hardened fishermen frequently follow her lead.
The characters are well developed and the story is a good one. Mystery fans and crime fiction lovers: don't let the "romance novel" aspect of the story keep you from reading this excellent yarn.
March 26, 2021
Kaz Jorgensen is called by her good friend to come back home--there is something going on with her brother and Kaz may be the only one he will talk to. He says nothing--just stay out of it--like she is going to do that especially since they are trying to pin a murder on her brother which Kaz knows he is not capable of doing.
There is non stop action as Kaz attempts to first find her brother who is hiding out somewhere. Her long time acquaintances are not talking and she has a fire fighter who is keeping tabs on her. Their boat is set on fire--and an employee is found dead on board. Things go from bad to worse until finally the fire fighter begins to see her point of view.
There is a massive conspiracy going on which when it is revealed will shock you! This is definitely a book you want to read if you love mystery and action!
There is non stop action as Kaz attempts to first find her brother who is hiding out somewhere. Her long time acquaintances are not talking and she has a fire fighter who is keeping tabs on her. Their boat is set on fire--and an employee is found dead on board. Things go from bad to worse until finally the fire fighter begins to see her point of view.
There is a massive conspiracy going on which when it is revealed will shock you! This is definitely a book you want to read if you love mystery and action!
March 13, 2021
Exciting
Good combination of mystery, action and a romance. Well written and plotted with characters that are engaging and appealing. Yes, the main female character made some harebrained and ridiculously dangerous decisions and placed herself repeatedly in peril, giving the main male character ample opportunities to save her. But at least her actions carried the story forward. Secondary characters were also well written and fleshed out. Overall a good adventure with a satisfying conclusion
Good combination of mystery, action and a romance. Well written and plotted with characters that are engaging and appealing. Yes, the main female character made some harebrained and ridiculously dangerous decisions and placed herself repeatedly in peril, giving the main male character ample opportunities to save her. But at least her actions carried the story forward. Secondary characters were also well written and fleshed out. Overall a good adventure with a satisfying conclusion
July 23, 2019
A Killing Tide was a good thriller that kept me wanting to fnd out what happened next. Astoria and the Pacific Northwest was portrayed authentically. The author's familiarity with the region showed in her writing. The story line and main characters were easy to follow but sometimes I got confused trying to keep the secondary characters straight. However I just ignored that and enjoyed the suspense and anticipation of getting to the conclusion. Definitely worth recommending to friends.
March 19, 2012
A book I couldn't finish. I like thriller type books, but the romance in this is cheese to the max in a barfable way. If the mystery aspect would have been better I would have been able to overlook the romance dud, but even that part was bad so I had to hit the ol gong about halfway through, ditch it, and delete it from my Kindle.
November 5, 2017
Brilliant, brilliant book. Felt as if I were in Astoria watching the story unfold before my eyes. The author puts the reader right there. Great mystery with awesome characters. Love the dogs this author has in her books.
August 5, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by PJ Alderman. The pages kept turning, the characters are amazingly written. Awaiting the next one with Michael’s Captain. Will be looking for Phantom River (next title) after the prologue.
May 12, 2014
This book is set in Oregon on the Columbia River. I was able to get a picture and better understand Alderman's (author) story because I had just seen a documentary about the Columbia River on TV.
October 7, 2016
Great Read!
Excellent suspense and character development. Highly recommend. Finished reading in two evenings. Plan to read more from this author. What a find!
Excellent suspense and character development. Highly recommend. Finished reading in two evenings. Plan to read more from this author. What a find!
March 1, 2018
Interesting story...enjoyed the book.
April 26, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
August 14, 2024
WARNING-PRURIENT CONTENT.
Very intense murder mystery that tales place in a tightly-knit fishing town in the Pacific Northwest. Twins Gary and Kaz are the central figures along with the new fire chief from Boston. Gary went into the Army, became a Ranger, spent a tour in Iraq, and like so many, came back greatly changed - temse, irritqble, short tempered. Kaz has gotten her college degree and opened a consulting business in California. Ten years later, she gets a call from her friend saying she needs to come home. She helps out with the family fishng business but feels she is treated as an outsider.
The story is tense, complex, fast paced,and full of twists and turns. The problem I had with it was the unnecessarily intense description of the sex act between Kaz and the fire chief. Saying they did it and leaving it at that would have been enough. The detailed description and the physiologically impossible acts described are pornography, and as well written as the rest of the book is, I wish they'd have included a warning in the description of the pornographic content. I will NOT ever buy another book by this author. I don't like porn in the books I read, and I am pretty sure every book the author writes will contain an unneccessary and impossible description of the sex act. I will also NOT recommend this author because of the porn. I doubt the author cares, but I am taking a stand on their books.
Very intense murder mystery that tales place in a tightly-knit fishing town in the Pacific Northwest. Twins Gary and Kaz are the central figures along with the new fire chief from Boston. Gary went into the Army, became a Ranger, spent a tour in Iraq, and like so many, came back greatly changed - temse, irritqble, short tempered. Kaz has gotten her college degree and opened a consulting business in California. Ten years later, she gets a call from her friend saying she needs to come home. She helps out with the family fishng business but feels she is treated as an outsider.
The story is tense, complex, fast paced,and full of twists and turns. The problem I had with it was the unnecessarily intense description of the sex act between Kaz and the fire chief. Saying they did it and leaving it at that would have been enough. The detailed description and the physiologically impossible acts described are pornography, and as well written as the rest of the book is, I wish they'd have included a warning in the description of the pornographic content. I will NOT ever buy another book by this author. I don't like porn in the books I read, and I am pretty sure every book the author writes will contain an unneccessary and impossible description of the sex act. I will also NOT recommend this author because of the porn. I doubt the author cares, but I am taking a stand on their books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 10, 2021I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I enjoyed this book, Yes the play between the two main characters made it almost a love story, rather than a mystery story, and yes you can quickly figure out that the two main characters will "come together", but the mystery part of the story is somewhat compelling. Maybe we get overly complicated. To me, a "good story" is one that holds you attention, one that you want to keep reading because you are "into it". So, for me, this was indeed a good story, a good read.
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June 9, 2023A Killing Tide
I was really liking this until she brought the predictable romance & sex into the story. That's why I don't like romance novels-they're all so alike & predictable. And, we don't need all the details involved in the sex. For crying out loud, readers have their own imagination & can fill in the blanks. We don't need such descriptive details. I think it's time someone wrote a romance novel that WASN'T predictable. Maybe, I'd read it. I won't be buying any other novels by this author.
I was really liking this until she brought the predictable romance & sex into the story. That's why I don't like romance novels-they're all so alike & predictable. And, we don't need all the details involved in the sex. For crying out loud, readers have their own imagination & can fill in the blanks. We don't need such descriptive details. I think it's time someone wrote a romance novel that WASN'T predictable. Maybe, I'd read it. I won't be buying any other novels by this author.
March 6, 2022
Interesting read
I enjoyed the story, I may have to look into more books by this author. The story was slightly predictable although I did have the outcome incorrect. For those who like mysteries this is a good page turner. Although the author is male it has the female tendencies of getting a little too romantic and that’s descriptions for my taste.
I enjoyed the story, I may have to look into more books by this author. The story was slightly predictable although I did have the outcome incorrect. For those who like mysteries this is a good page turner. Although the author is male it has the female tendencies of getting a little too romantic and that’s descriptions for my taste.
August 14, 2021
Great plot and characters
Great plot and characters. The only annoying thing for me was trying give the dog dialog.
Definitely recommend to mystery, action, water, and Astoria fans!
Great plot and characters. The only annoying thing for me was trying give the dog dialog.
Definitely recommend to mystery, action, water, and Astoria fans!
February 14, 2022
entertaining mystery located in the Pacific Northwest
Would like to give 3.5 stars, rather predictable romantic plot, but entertaining. Interesting to read about the Astoria setting. That’s about it for me.
Would like to give 3.5 stars, rather predictable romantic plot, but entertaining. Interesting to read about the Astoria setting. That’s about it for me.
October 14, 2023
I enjoyed this suspense thriller and look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens with these characters. Interesting setting and some romance. Very pleased to have found another author worth reading.
October 11, 2024
An enjoyable thriller. Despite what a lot of others are saying here, I enjoyed the romance. Editing was fairly tight until around the halfway point where there were a number of small errors, mostly missing or additional words.
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