Shadow Coast

Philip Haldeman’s Shadow Coast follows Mark Sayres as he travels to the Olympic Peninsula coast of Washington State after a yachting accident. He seeks his wife Maggie, who works at an archaeological site and has grown troubled by a recent discovery. The narrative unfolds in the small town of Neah Bay, where strange events cluster around the excavation. Mark stays with Sandra Torrel, whose husband carries a disturbing family secret. The story investigates why archaeologists Paul Radwick and Ken Matsamura remain secretive about their findings. It connects these modern tensions to an appalling incident from nearly a century ago and the Indian legend of Sisiutl, a mythical sea creature said to capture the souls of the dead. Haldeman constructs a darkly atmospheric tale that evokes the rugged seacoast and eerie rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. The book suits readers who enjoy gothic fiction and supernatural mystery set in remote American landscapes. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or urban settings. The narrative relies on human interrelationships and compelling history to build its dread. Haldeman draws inspiration from the traditions of Poe, Lovecraft, and Blackwood to create a chilling experience rooted in place and folklore.