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Homeward Bound
CRIME / SUSPENSE
Astoria Steak Deluxe!
A MYSTERY
Wind Without Rain
LITERARY FICTION
The Story Behind
Astoria Books
Jim Hallaux is a fourth‑generation Astorian whose roots in the Pacific Northwest run as deep as the Columbia River itself.
Born and raised in Astoria, he grew up exploring its steep hills, working docks, rain‑soaked streets, and waterfronts shaped by history, hardship, and resilience. The town’s stories—spoken and unspoken—left a lasting mark.
Like many Astorians, Jim’s adult life carried him far from home. But Astoria never stopped calling him back. After retirement, Jim returned to the town that shaped him, drawn home by its people, its history, and its enduring spirit.
His days are happily divided between writing, reading, golfing, and walking the same neighborhoods and shorelines he knew as a child. Writing has become a way of honoring place—capturing Astoria’s past and present through stories grounded in authenticity, atmosphere, and human connection.
Each Astoria Book reflects Jim’s deep affection for the town at the mouth of the Columbia River. Whether writing historical fiction, mysteries, or character‑driven narratives, his work is rooted in real locations, and local history.
For Jim, storytelling is both a craft and a homecoming—a way to preserve the soul of Astoria, one story at a time.
what Readers are Saying
Kate Daniels
Homeward Bound
A powerful story about guilt, and the lies we tell to survive. The ending stayed with me long after I finished reading.
Pat Wolcott
Wind Without Rain
I really enjoyed this book. It is filled with interesting characters and a storyline that holds your interest until the end. I also liked the details desctioptions ofthe area where the story takes place.
Amazon Review
Homeward Bound
Homeward Bound is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. The characters feel real, the guilt feels heavy, and the move to Astoria brings a quiet sense of hope that really works. It’s an easy read emotionally, but the story lingers in a good way.
Lucy W
Columbia 1942
I really enjoyed this book. From the local history, the characters and the unique story. It had me wondering if the story could be loosely based on a real-life incident.