"debut novel near flawless in its execution"

Author, P.J. Alderman comes off the starter's block with a powerful novel, hardly showing this is her first book. Many first-time novelists want to tell too much, flood the first part of a novel with back-story; it's only when you get into the action of the plot do the books come alive. You won't find that in Alderman's book. She is a strong writer, with a clear voice that only leaves you to wonder how much better can she get.

Kaz Jorgenson is consultant for a high-powered company in San Francisco. She loves her posh job and living on the bay. Only, as families sometimes do, "just when you thought you were free they pull you back in". Kaz is called home to Astoria, Oregon. Her brother Gary is in trouble. When she gets there, she finds a family friend murdered and her brother is blamed. Then he vanishes, leaving Kaz to solve just what is going on in the small town.

This brings her into conflict with Boston-bred Michael Chapman. He is the new fire chief and is investigating the murder-arson for which her brother is accused. The attraction is instant, but neither wants to trust the other. This man could harm Gary, so Kaz mistrusts his actions. Michael feels Kaz might be using him just to interfere with a case that is leading straight to the missing brother.

Alderman skillfully plays this romance against a strong mystery, keeping each element in balance and not to over shadow the other. Sometimes, Suspense loses its punch because the mystery overshadows the romance. Other times, Romance takes over and makes the mystery just a week subplot. Not under the skillful direction of Alderman. This is a powerful mystery, yet the characters falling in love develop in a believable and strong fashion, keeping both Suspense readers and Romance readers well satisfied. The characters are "real", flawed, with all the baggage from the past that gives them layers to their actions. The hero and heroine are well-supported with a cast of secondary characters that make this debut novel near flawless in its execution.

I eagerly look for more works from this author.

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted December 25, 2006

Read an Excerpt

Summary

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.