Columbia River Series by P.J. Alderman

2007 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, accused of both crimes. How much more can she take? THERE'S FIRE... more2007 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, accused of both crimes. How much more can she take? 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. less

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. . moreA 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. less