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Mike Bowditch #16
Storm Tide
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jun 26Game Warden Mike Bowditch investigates a series of brutal killings during a life-changing year in Storm Tide, the harrowing new thriller from Edgar Award-nominated author Paul Doiron.
When the magnificent home of entrepreneur Brian Malloy mysteriously goes up in flames, Maine game warden Mike Bowditch tries to pull Malloy’s burning body from the fire but is too late. Malloy was suspected of murdering his young, illegitimate son. Now it looks like someone else has delivered a verdict.
Miles away, on a lonely stretch of icy railroad track, the body of Axl Deming, once accused of a brutal rape, is found literally cut in half. Though the two murders seem unrelated, a cryptic text from an unknown number draws Bowditch to the scene—and hints at a chilling connection. He suspects someone is orchestrating the executions of criminals who escaped justice, and for reasons he can’t explain, his own name is on the list, but the state police aren’t convinced. His search for the truth takes him through frozen harbors, trackless forests, and remote islands, far from rescue.
Meanwhile, Bowditch is facing a disciplinary hearing that could end his career. His wife Stacey, just weeks from giving birth, is being stalked by a stranger in a white van. And when he realizes someone has also been watching their home, the case turns increasingly personal.
To protect his family, Bowditch must work alone to uncover who’s behind the killings—and stop them before he becomes their next victim.
When the magnificent home of entrepreneur Brian Malloy mysteriously goes up in flames, Maine game warden Mike Bowditch tries to pull Malloy’s burning body from the fire but is too late. Malloy was suspected of murdering his young, illegitimate son. Now it looks like someone else has delivered a verdict.
Miles away, on a lonely stretch of icy railroad track, the body of Axl Deming, once accused of a brutal rape, is found literally cut in half. Though the two murders seem unrelated, a cryptic text from an unknown number draws Bowditch to the scene—and hints at a chilling connection. He suspects someone is orchestrating the executions of criminals who escaped justice, and for reasons he can’t explain, his own name is on the list, but the state police aren’t convinced. His search for the truth takes him through frozen harbors, trackless forests, and remote islands, far from rescue.
Meanwhile, Bowditch is facing a disciplinary hearing that could end his career. His wife Stacey, just weeks from giving birth, is being stalked by a stranger in a white van. And when he realizes someone has also been watching their home, the case turns increasingly personal.
To protect his family, Bowditch must work alone to uncover who’s behind the killings—and stop them before he becomes their next victim.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 30, 2026
About the author
Paul Doiron
41 books2,364 followersPaul Doiron is the best-selling author of the Mike Bowditch series of crime novels set in the Maine woods.
His first book, The Poacher’s Son, won the Barry Award and the Strand Critics Award and was nominated for an Edgar for Best First Novel. His second, Trespasser, won the 2012 Maine Literary Award. His novelette “Rabid” was a finalist for the 2019 Edgar in the Best Short Story category. Paul’s twelfth book, Dead by Dawn won the New England Society’s 2022 Book Award for Fiction, as well as his second Maine Literary Award. It was also a finalist for the Barry Award. His books have been translated into 11 languages.
Paul is the former chair of the Maine Humanities Council, Editor Emeritus of Down East: The Magazine of Maine, and a Registered Maine Guide specializing in fly fishing.
His first book, The Poacher’s Son, won the Barry Award and the Strand Critics Award and was nominated for an Edgar for Best First Novel. His second, Trespasser, won the 2012 Maine Literary Award. His novelette “Rabid” was a finalist for the 2019 Edgar in the Best Short Story category. Paul’s twelfth book, Dead by Dawn won the New England Society’s 2022 Book Award for Fiction, as well as his second Maine Literary Award. It was also a finalist for the Barry Award. His books have been translated into 11 languages.
Paul is the former chair of the Maine Humanities Council, Editor Emeritus of Down East: The Magazine of Maine, and a Registered Maine Guide specializing in fly fishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 19, 2025
Storm Tide by Paul Doiron is a chilling, emotionally intense thriller about Maine game warden Mike Bowditch unraveling a web of brutal killings that force him to confront justice, vengeance, and his deepest fears while the world around him feels unbearably cold and stark.
In this sixteenth volume of Doiron’s Mike Bowditch mysteries, the landscape itself becomes part of the story: frigid harbors, lonely railroad tracks, and remote, ice-kissed islands blur the line between safety and danger, mirroring Bowditch’s internal struggle to protect his family and hold onto his sense of right and wrong.
Reading Storm Tide pulled me into a world where every scene felt wrapped in winter fog and moral ambiguity, where Bowditch is not just chasing a killer, but wrestling with the idea of justice itself. The facts of the plot touched me with their raw immediacy: a fire, a haunting body found isolated on cold rails, and a cryptic message that ties together cases Bowditch never expected to face, all while his pregnant wife Stacey is threatened by someone watching from the shadows.
What resonated with me most was the way Doiron balances pulse-pounding suspense with quietly wrought emotion, allowing Bowditch’s love for his family to anchor the relentless pace and to make every danger feel deeply personal. The prose is immersive, the setting so vivid I could feel the chill on my skin, and Bowditch’s resilience and vulnerability lingered with me long after I closed the book.
Based on its taut plotting and emotional depth, I would rate this book 4 out of 5, reserving just a slight pause because a few threads felt poised for more exploration, yet overall I found this installment gripping, thoughtful, and deeply affecting.
In this sixteenth volume of Doiron’s Mike Bowditch mysteries, the landscape itself becomes part of the story: frigid harbors, lonely railroad tracks, and remote, ice-kissed islands blur the line between safety and danger, mirroring Bowditch’s internal struggle to protect his family and hold onto his sense of right and wrong.
Reading Storm Tide pulled me into a world where every scene felt wrapped in winter fog and moral ambiguity, where Bowditch is not just chasing a killer, but wrestling with the idea of justice itself. The facts of the plot touched me with their raw immediacy: a fire, a haunting body found isolated on cold rails, and a cryptic message that ties together cases Bowditch never expected to face, all while his pregnant wife Stacey is threatened by someone watching from the shadows.
What resonated with me most was the way Doiron balances pulse-pounding suspense with quietly wrought emotion, allowing Bowditch’s love for his family to anchor the relentless pace and to make every danger feel deeply personal. The prose is immersive, the setting so vivid I could feel the chill on my skin, and Bowditch’s resilience and vulnerability lingered with me long after I closed the book.
Based on its taut plotting and emotional depth, I would rate this book 4 out of 5, reserving just a slight pause because a few threads felt poised for more exploration, yet overall I found this installment gripping, thoughtful, and deeply affecting.
December 21, 2025
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the ARC. *Storm Tide* is the first Mike Bowditch novel I’ve read, and it absolutely won’t be the last. Even without having read the earlier books in the series, the story was easy to follow and fully engaging—clearly written in a way that welcomes new readers while still rewarding longtime fans.
The characters are strong and memorable, the writing is sharp, and the setting is vividly described—I could picture every scene as it unfolded. The tension builds steadily, and once I hit the final stretch, I couldn’t put it down. I ended up reading the last 100 pages in one sitting because I *had* to know how it ended.
A well-written, atmospheric, and gripping read. I’ll definitely be going back to check out the previous books in the Mike Bowditch series. Highly recommend for fans of smart, character-driven mysteries.
The characters are strong and memorable, the writing is sharp, and the setting is vividly described—I could picture every scene as it unfolded. The tension builds steadily, and once I hit the final stretch, I couldn’t put it down. I ended up reading the last 100 pages in one sitting because I *had* to know how it ended.
A well-written, atmospheric, and gripping read. I’ll definitely be going back to check out the previous books in the Mike Bowditch series. Highly recommend for fans of smart, character-driven mysteries.
May 15, 2026
Mike Bowditch didn’t come out unscathed from the previous book and in this installment he is paying for what he did. He was demoted and on patrol and came across a house fire and death. During his investigation, he keeps coming across tidbits of information that leads him to multiple deaths, and he believes that these deaths are connected. Being Bowditch, he’s on a mission to find out what’s going on.
I really liked that we got to see a bit more of Shadow, the wolf dog, plays a role in this book. Turns out Bowditch has a stalker, and I was addicted to this dangerous game of cat vs mouse. Bowditch quickly realizes that his stalker is dangerous and he's on a mission to stop him before this stalker can hurt anyone that Bowditch loves.
The narrator, Henry Leyva does a great job portraying Bowwditch and several of the other characters. The tones and inflections used are spot on. The array of emotions he uses elevated the story for me.
Will Bowditch and his loved ones come out unscathed?
A very special thanks to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC + Minotaur Books for the gifted physical arc.
I really liked that we got to see a bit more of Shadow, the wolf dog, plays a role in this book. Turns out Bowditch has a stalker, and I was addicted to this dangerous game of cat vs mouse. Bowditch quickly realizes that his stalker is dangerous and he's on a mission to stop him before this stalker can hurt anyone that Bowditch loves.
The narrator, Henry Leyva does a great job portraying Bowwditch and several of the other characters. The tones and inflections used are spot on. The array of emotions he uses elevated the story for me.
Will Bowditch and his loved ones come out unscathed?
A very special thanks to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC + Minotaur Books for the gifted physical arc.
April 9, 2026
Paul Doiron artfully intertwines game warden Mike Bowditch's moving personal life with his challenging and dangerous career. In his latest, Bowditch looks to see if a string of dead bodies are somehow connected. As usual, the mystery and his hunt for the killer take him into the Maine wilderness where danger lurks, but where Mike is most at home. On a personal front, Mike experiences another heartwarming life change. Another stellar effort from Doiron. For fans of William Kent Krueger and Nevada Barr.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Minotaur Books and Paul Doiron for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Minotaur Books and Paul Doiron for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2026
Book 16 in a series and I just jumped right in with zero issues.
Apparently I really like game warden mysteries?? Because the wilderness setting, the survival vibes, and learning random things along the way had me locked in.
The mystery builds slowly and then everything starts coming together, which I always enjoy. Also the side characters?? They really made this one for me, especially Shadow (we love a dangerous pet moment)
Henry Leyva did a great job narrating too. Lots of characters, tense scenes, emotional moments, and he handled it all really well. His voice for old man Charlie was definitely a standout.
Overall just a really solid, outdoorsy mystery and I’d definitely pick up another in this series.
Apparently I really like game warden mysteries?? Because the wilderness setting, the survival vibes, and learning random things along the way had me locked in.
The mystery builds slowly and then everything starts coming together, which I always enjoy. Also the side characters?? They really made this one for me, especially Shadow (we love a dangerous pet moment)
Henry Leyva did a great job narrating too. Lots of characters, tense scenes, emotional moments, and he handled it all really well. His voice for old man Charlie was definitely a standout.
Overall just a really solid, outdoorsy mystery and I’d definitely pick up another in this series.
January 26, 2026
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and was excited to read this ARC before the book comes out this summer. Sadly, I was disappointed. This is the first book of Doiron’s that I’ve read, and because there have been many featuring Mike Bowditch previously, maybe I would have liked it better if I had a better frame of reference for this character and his history. Doiron regularly referenced things that happened to him in the past, but didn’t go into many details, so they didn’t land with me. Thus, I didn’t really get a feel for him as a character other than being extremely infuriated that he put himself in unnecessary danger again and again and MISSED THE BIRTH OF HIS FIRST CHILD as well as left his pregnant/postpartam wife several times to go on these dangerous investigations, despite being on leave and having no business being anywhere near them! The only place a wife would be ok with that is in this story, apparently, since his wife Stacey was always supportive of this nonsense. And the way this story was woven together was tenuous in general and fell flat for me.
April 10, 2026
I never thought I would be this entrenched in reading a series, 16 books in. Paul Doiron somehow keeps this fresh and unique with the latest Mike Bowditch mystery,
Storm Tide
. It's an uttering intense and exciting tale where Bowditch finds himself, once again, in a pickle fighting for his life and to protect his loved ones in the great State of Maine.
When the magnificent home of entrepreneur Brian Malloy mysteriously goes up in flames, Maine game warden Mike Bowditch tries to pull Malloy’s burning body from the fire but is too late. Malloy was suspected of murdering his young, illegitimate son. Now it looks like someone else has delivered a verdict.
Miles away, on a lonely stretch of icy railroad track, the body of Axl Deming, once accused of a brutal rape, is found literally cut in half. Though the two murders seem unrelated, a cryptic text from an unknown number draws Bowditch to the scene―and hints at a chilling connection. He believes someone is orchestrating the executions of criminals who escaped justice, and for reasons he can’t explain, his own name is on the list, but the state police aren’t convinced. His search for the truth takes him through frozen harbors, trackless forests, and remote islands, far from rescue.
Meanwhile, Bowditch is facing a disciplinary hearing that could end his career. His wife Stacey, just weeks from giving birth, is being stalked by a stranger in a white van. And when he realizes someone has also been watching their home, the case turns increasingly personal.
To protect his family, Bowditch must work alone to uncover who’s behind the killings―and stop them before he becomes their next victim.
Doiron seems to get Bowditch into a real jam over and over, but that is the crux of crafting a series of mystery novels. While some would feel like these issues could get tiring, Doiron does a fantastic job to make them each feel fresh, especially his latest novel Storm Tide. Bowditch deals with a real head scratcher for the span of a number of months which has us wondering who is at fault and what is going to happen with each page turn.
As we have seen Bowditch grow as a Maine Game Warden, we have also seen him make some questionable decisions. That does not change in Storm Tide . Over the past few stories, Mike has finally found a way to be with Stacey Stevens and starts off this latest novel expecting their first child. As a father, I loved how Doiron brings this into the story, but had some moments of questioning Mike's decisions. Bowditch may have grown up over the 16 novels, but sometimes I just want to scream at him.
The benefit of his marriage to Stacey is that she can definitely handle herself, he doesn't have to be the protector, although he doesn't shy away from the moments he has to. While in the end things may work out for him, Bowditch does tend to take risks that would make anyone frustrated with him. This goes the same a few times in Storm Tide.
This novel was intense, a bit more so than a lot of the previous stories. Not only does Doiron toss us back a bit with an older interaction as a Game Warden, but also to the death of his mother. Showing us even as the tough officer of the law, he is also a broken man dealing with his own struggles. Paul also deals a bit with mental health and grief in Storm Tide and how it can affect us in many different ways, some more deadly than others.
With Storm Tide , Paul Doiron delivers another gripping, can't-put-it-down thriller that shows this series is as strong as ever. Doiron crafts a tale putting us on the edge of our seat, while also watching Bowditch and his family grow.
After reading all the Mike Bowditch novels, and most of the short stories, I find myself surprised on how gripped I still am with each new tale. Doiron has a keen ability to craft a new and exciting story around our favorite Game Warden, while also showing his life growing both in maturity and size. I find myself already sad, knowing one of these days we are going to lose people we love from these books, and that Doiron will one day retire from writing about Bowditch and his adventures. But until then, keep them coming.
Storm Tide hits bookstores everywhere on June 30, 2026 from Minotaur Books. The audiobook, narrated by Henry Leyva, is available via Libro.fm!
NOTE: We received an advance copy of Storm Tide from the publisher. Opinions are our own.
When the magnificent home of entrepreneur Brian Malloy mysteriously goes up in flames, Maine game warden Mike Bowditch tries to pull Malloy’s burning body from the fire but is too late. Malloy was suspected of murdering his young, illegitimate son. Now it looks like someone else has delivered a verdict.
Miles away, on a lonely stretch of icy railroad track, the body of Axl Deming, once accused of a brutal rape, is found literally cut in half. Though the two murders seem unrelated, a cryptic text from an unknown number draws Bowditch to the scene―and hints at a chilling connection. He believes someone is orchestrating the executions of criminals who escaped justice, and for reasons he can’t explain, his own name is on the list, but the state police aren’t convinced. His search for the truth takes him through frozen harbors, trackless forests, and remote islands, far from rescue.
Meanwhile, Bowditch is facing a disciplinary hearing that could end his career. His wife Stacey, just weeks from giving birth, is being stalked by a stranger in a white van. And when he realizes someone has also been watching their home, the case turns increasingly personal.
To protect his family, Bowditch must work alone to uncover who’s behind the killings―and stop them before he becomes their next victim.
Doiron seems to get Bowditch into a real jam over and over, but that is the crux of crafting a series of mystery novels. While some would feel like these issues could get tiring, Doiron does a fantastic job to make them each feel fresh, especially his latest novel Storm Tide. Bowditch deals with a real head scratcher for the span of a number of months which has us wondering who is at fault and what is going to happen with each page turn.
As we have seen Bowditch grow as a Maine Game Warden, we have also seen him make some questionable decisions. That does not change in Storm Tide . Over the past few stories, Mike has finally found a way to be with Stacey Stevens and starts off this latest novel expecting their first child. As a father, I loved how Doiron brings this into the story, but had some moments of questioning Mike's decisions. Bowditch may have grown up over the 16 novels, but sometimes I just want to scream at him.
The benefit of his marriage to Stacey is that she can definitely handle herself, he doesn't have to be the protector, although he doesn't shy away from the moments he has to. While in the end things may work out for him, Bowditch does tend to take risks that would make anyone frustrated with him. This goes the same a few times in Storm Tide.
This novel was intense, a bit more so than a lot of the previous stories. Not only does Doiron toss us back a bit with an older interaction as a Game Warden, but also to the death of his mother. Showing us even as the tough officer of the law, he is also a broken man dealing with his own struggles. Paul also deals a bit with mental health and grief in Storm Tide and how it can affect us in many different ways, some more deadly than others.
With Storm Tide , Paul Doiron delivers another gripping, can't-put-it-down thriller that shows this series is as strong as ever. Doiron crafts a tale putting us on the edge of our seat, while also watching Bowditch and his family grow.
After reading all the Mike Bowditch novels, and most of the short stories, I find myself surprised on how gripped I still am with each new tale. Doiron has a keen ability to craft a new and exciting story around our favorite Game Warden, while also showing his life growing both in maturity and size. I find myself already sad, knowing one of these days we are going to lose people we love from these books, and that Doiron will one day retire from writing about Bowditch and his adventures. But until then, keep them coming.
Storm Tide hits bookstores everywhere on June 30, 2026 from Minotaur Books. The audiobook, narrated by Henry Leyva, is available via Libro.fm!
NOTE: We received an advance copy of Storm Tide from the publisher. Opinions are our own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brutal murders along with plenty of suspense and danger fill Paul Doiron’s latest book in the Mike Bowditch series,
Storm Tide.
This sixteenth book in the series brings new changes to Mike’s life. A demotion, a baby on the way, and everyone treating him like a conspiracy theorist complicates the situation.
Mike, a Maine game warder on patrol, is the first responder to arrive at the home of Brian Malloy as the house goes up in flames. He gets Malloy’s burning body out of the house, but it’s too late. Malloy was suspected of murder, but there wasn’t enough evidence to prove it. Miles away, the body of Axl Deming is found cut in half on railroad track. He’s also accused of a brutal crime against a sixteen-year-old girl.
Mike investigates even though he is no longer an investigator and is facing a disciplinary hearing that could end his career. Then, he realizes someone has been watching his and his wife Stacey’s home. Is this connected to the two murders?
Mike is a great tracker and wants to believe the best of others, but he can be fiery and bold. He also has a somewhat perverse sense of humor that isn’t always appreciated by others. He’s a good listener and mentor, but can be baited somewhat easily and isn’t always likeable. He listens to his intuition and is relentless in his pursuit of his investigations. I appreciated his independent thinking and his observation skills. He has significant deductive talent, but is somewhat cynical, reckless at times, and headstrong.
The author has penned another page-turning crime thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seat. As always, he has done a great job of world-building and immersing the reader in rural northern Maine near the coast. The novel rapidly builds suspense and pulls readers into the lives of Mike and Stacey. The plot is suspenseful and full of action with several twists. My biggest quibble is with Mike himself. I wanted him to be more cautious now that he and Stacey are expecting a baby. I also didn’t like the result of the one-year job evaluation. I wanted an alternative solution.
Overall, this fast-paced novel was gripping, pulse-pounding, and atmospheric with good characterization and great world-building details. While the mystery part of the book is a stand-alone, I feel that your reading experience would be better to have read some of the previous books. I recommend this to those who like crime thrillers with strong main characters and those who enjoy action-packed wilderness adventure novels.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Paul Doiron provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be June 30, 2026
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My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Mike, a Maine game warder on patrol, is the first responder to arrive at the home of Brian Malloy as the house goes up in flames. He gets Malloy’s burning body out of the house, but it’s too late. Malloy was suspected of murder, but there wasn’t enough evidence to prove it. Miles away, the body of Axl Deming is found cut in half on railroad track. He’s also accused of a brutal crime against a sixteen-year-old girl.
Mike investigates even though he is no longer an investigator and is facing a disciplinary hearing that could end his career. Then, he realizes someone has been watching his and his wife Stacey’s home. Is this connected to the two murders?
Mike is a great tracker and wants to believe the best of others, but he can be fiery and bold. He also has a somewhat perverse sense of humor that isn’t always appreciated by others. He’s a good listener and mentor, but can be baited somewhat easily and isn’t always likeable. He listens to his intuition and is relentless in his pursuit of his investigations. I appreciated his independent thinking and his observation skills. He has significant deductive talent, but is somewhat cynical, reckless at times, and headstrong.
The author has penned another page-turning crime thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seat. As always, he has done a great job of world-building and immersing the reader in rural northern Maine near the coast. The novel rapidly builds suspense and pulls readers into the lives of Mike and Stacey. The plot is suspenseful and full of action with several twists. My biggest quibble is with Mike himself. I wanted him to be more cautious now that he and Stacey are expecting a baby. I also didn’t like the result of the one-year job evaluation. I wanted an alternative solution.
Overall, this fast-paced novel was gripping, pulse-pounding, and atmospheric with good characterization and great world-building details. While the mystery part of the book is a stand-alone, I feel that your reading experience would be better to have read some of the previous books. I recommend this to those who like crime thrillers with strong main characters and those who enjoy action-packed wilderness adventure novels.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Paul Doiron provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be June 30, 2026
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My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So far, I’ve read five books in this wonderful series – this is the 16th – and I’m thrilled to get my eyes on it. Five books ago, it became an annual favorite - reminiscent of author C.J. Box’s also-wonderful Joe Pickett series. No surprise, then, when this one didn’t disappoint – like the others, it just made me want to read the next one even more.
The main character Mike Bowditch, a game warden in Maine (one of few states I’d consider moving to if I ever left my home in the Midwest), got into some trouble in the last book that resulted in a demotion from his relatively new job as a warden investigator – a hoped -for reinstatement is in the works. Now, he’s pounding the beat as a “regular” game warden, where ostensibly he can’t get himself in quite as much trouble. That’s fine with his wife, Stacey, an EMT who is getting close to delivering more than aid to injured people; she’s pregnant with their first child. The plan is for home delivery, at the nearby home of her parents (her father is a retired game warden and her mother a former nurse, plus they’ll have an experienced doula).
What’s that old saying, something like “the best-laid plans?” In this case, it’s more like which of those plans will go to you-know-where in a handbasket first. Since Stacey’s delivery is a few months away, in this case the issues start with Mike, who encounters a gruesome scene when a man and wife die in a horrific home fire. Standing nearby is a woman holding a baby, who claims the infant was handed to her by a strange man. While home fires aren’t necessarily arson, this one is suspect because most of the area residents believe the dead man murdered his own son even though he was never charged. Perhaps, then, someone was looking for his or own concept of justice.
Around the same time comes another tragedy: the body of Axl Deming, also suspected of a gruesome crime, is found, let’s say, not in one piece near a railroad track. Mike goes to that scene as well, where his suspicions that the two events are somehow connected take hold. And amid all this, he gets a call that suggests someone may be stalking him personally. But he’s on limited duty (though still being paid), so what can he do? But Mike is Mike, and loyal readers will know he’ll find some way to get to the truth.
The path, as usual, is fraught with danger not only to Mike, but to Stacey and others he loves including his scary wolf-dog, Shadow. But also as usual, it’s a well-written, entertaining journey – with a somewhat unexpected ending. I’m ready for the next installment already, as usual, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to tag along with Mike on this one by way of a pre-release copy.
The main character Mike Bowditch, a game warden in Maine (one of few states I’d consider moving to if I ever left my home in the Midwest), got into some trouble in the last book that resulted in a demotion from his relatively new job as a warden investigator – a hoped -for reinstatement is in the works. Now, he’s pounding the beat as a “regular” game warden, where ostensibly he can’t get himself in quite as much trouble. That’s fine with his wife, Stacey, an EMT who is getting close to delivering more than aid to injured people; she’s pregnant with their first child. The plan is for home delivery, at the nearby home of her parents (her father is a retired game warden and her mother a former nurse, plus they’ll have an experienced doula).
What’s that old saying, something like “the best-laid plans?” In this case, it’s more like which of those plans will go to you-know-where in a handbasket first. Since Stacey’s delivery is a few months away, in this case the issues start with Mike, who encounters a gruesome scene when a man and wife die in a horrific home fire. Standing nearby is a woman holding a baby, who claims the infant was handed to her by a strange man. While home fires aren’t necessarily arson, this one is suspect because most of the area residents believe the dead man murdered his own son even though he was never charged. Perhaps, then, someone was looking for his or own concept of justice.
Around the same time comes another tragedy: the body of Axl Deming, also suspected of a gruesome crime, is found, let’s say, not in one piece near a railroad track. Mike goes to that scene as well, where his suspicions that the two events are somehow connected take hold. And amid all this, he gets a call that suggests someone may be stalking him personally. But he’s on limited duty (though still being paid), so what can he do? But Mike is Mike, and loyal readers will know he’ll find some way to get to the truth.
The path, as usual, is fraught with danger not only to Mike, but to Stacey and others he loves including his scary wolf-dog, Shadow. But also as usual, it’s a well-written, entertaining journey – with a somewhat unexpected ending. I’m ready for the next installment already, as usual, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to tag along with Mike on this one by way of a pre-release copy.
April 29, 2026
Storm Tide is the sixteenth book in author Paul Doiron's series centered around Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch. Mike has had trouble following the rules of his profession since day one, but this quality also makes him a good investigator. Once he gets his teeth in something, he doesn't let it go, no matter the cost to him professionally. For this reason, after having been a Warden Investigator, this book finds him back patrolling the mid-coast region of Maine.
Mike is the nearest law enforcement officer when a structure fire is reported in his district. He arrives on the scene to find a woman holding a baby outside of the fully engulfed home. She tells Mike that the father handed the baby to her, then rushed back inside to try to save his wife. Mike then tries to enter the home and is met by flames and a figure that he pulls out. It's too late, though. Brian Malloy, the homeowner, is dead. The name is a familiar one to locals, as Brian is the prime suspect in the disappearance of a child he had as a result of an affair. There are not too many people who will mourn his loss.
There are changes Mike is facing in his personal life as well. His wife, Stacey, is due to give birth to their first child very soon. The fallout from his previous behavior is still hanging over him, with an upcoming disciplinary hearing to determine whether he will get his warden investigator job back. When Stacey tells him she thinks she's been followed by someone in a white van, Mike is concerned. He thinks he's seen that same van around. He also begins receiving strange texts from spoofed numbers
When another man who was accused of a brutal rape is found dead, it seems like there may be a vigilante on the loose, looking to right society's wrongs, and Mike Bowditch is on his radar.
Unlike other books in this series, which seem to take place over a few days, Storm Tide takes place over what seems to be a year in Mike's life. It's a year filled with changes for Mike, but one that also draws on the history of the series. I can't say you have to have read all of the books prior to this one, but I think it would be best if the reader had more than a passing acquaintance with the characters. Charley and Ora are there, of course, as they happily become grandparents. Billy Cronk is around as Mike's loyal friend who will protect him at all costs. Kathy Frost makes an appearance as well. Although Doiron does a great job with background information for new readers, it's much better if these names are already familiar to you.
To read my complete review, please go to Storm Tide by Paul Doiron – Mike Bowditch and the Vigilantes
Mike is the nearest law enforcement officer when a structure fire is reported in his district. He arrives on the scene to find a woman holding a baby outside of the fully engulfed home. She tells Mike that the father handed the baby to her, then rushed back inside to try to save his wife. Mike then tries to enter the home and is met by flames and a figure that he pulls out. It's too late, though. Brian Malloy, the homeowner, is dead. The name is a familiar one to locals, as Brian is the prime suspect in the disappearance of a child he had as a result of an affair. There are not too many people who will mourn his loss.
There are changes Mike is facing in his personal life as well. His wife, Stacey, is due to give birth to their first child very soon. The fallout from his previous behavior is still hanging over him, with an upcoming disciplinary hearing to determine whether he will get his warden investigator job back. When Stacey tells him she thinks she's been followed by someone in a white van, Mike is concerned. He thinks he's seen that same van around. He also begins receiving strange texts from spoofed numbers
When another man who was accused of a brutal rape is found dead, it seems like there may be a vigilante on the loose, looking to right society's wrongs, and Mike Bowditch is on his radar.
Unlike other books in this series, which seem to take place over a few days, Storm Tide takes place over what seems to be a year in Mike's life. It's a year filled with changes for Mike, but one that also draws on the history of the series. I can't say you have to have read all of the books prior to this one, but I think it would be best if the reader had more than a passing acquaintance with the characters. Charley and Ora are there, of course, as they happily become grandparents. Billy Cronk is around as Mike's loyal friend who will protect him at all costs. Kathy Frost makes an appearance as well. Although Doiron does a great job with background information for new readers, it's much better if these names are already familiar to you.
To read my complete review, please go to Storm Tide by Paul Doiron – Mike Bowditch and the Vigilantes
December 8, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this advance reader’s copy, in exchange for an honest review. “The Patriot’s Daughter” is scheduled for release on June 30, 2026.
As I tend to do with most book series, I’m coming to the Mike Bowditch Mysteries just a touch on the late side. But better late than never.
“Storm Tide” is author Paul Doiron’s 16th in the series on Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch. And the nice part of it, aside from the fact that it’s a well-written novel, is that you don’t have to have read any of the previous 15 books to know what’s going on.
And trust me, there’s a lot going on.
The story opens with a gut punch. A raging fire consumes the mansion-like home of entrepreneur Brian Malloy and his wife – with them inside. Only their toddler is rescued, neighbor Karen Kershaw standing outside the inferno with the child in her arms. But the fire is suspicious, Malloy having been suspected, but acquitted, of murdering his young, illegitimate son. Not many people in town like the Malloys.
Soon thereafter, the body of Axl Deming, once accused of a brutal rape but acquitted, is found on a railroad track literally torn in half.
Is there a connection? It might not seem so, except that Bowditch has begun receiving cryptic text messages from an unknown number drawing him to the scene of the incidents. And the messages convey a consistent message: their author is someone Bowditch knows, and perhaps wronged in the past.
Meanwhile, Bowditch is facing a disciplinary hearing from a prior incident that could negatively impact his career; his wife Stacey is just weeks from giving birth to their first child; and their home is being watched.
The story unfolds over the course of one year, with the narrative divided into seasonal sections. Doiron paints vivid images of Maine throughout the changing landscape, and Bowditch is a likeable enough protagonist with sufficient flaws that he can be human while still being heroic. The pace is steady throughout. And while there are no major shocks or plot twists, it’s a nicely layered murder-mystery that will keep you turning the pages.
Four stars for “Storm Tide”, the 16th book in the Mike Bowditch Mysteries. It might just convince you (as it has me) to go back 15 years and check out the first book in the series, “The Poacher’s Son.”
And you can check out all my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) book blog.
As I tend to do with most book series, I’m coming to the Mike Bowditch Mysteries just a touch on the late side. But better late than never.
“Storm Tide” is author Paul Doiron’s 16th in the series on Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch. And the nice part of it, aside from the fact that it’s a well-written novel, is that you don’t have to have read any of the previous 15 books to know what’s going on.
And trust me, there’s a lot going on.
The story opens with a gut punch. A raging fire consumes the mansion-like home of entrepreneur Brian Malloy and his wife – with them inside. Only their toddler is rescued, neighbor Karen Kershaw standing outside the inferno with the child in her arms. But the fire is suspicious, Malloy having been suspected, but acquitted, of murdering his young, illegitimate son. Not many people in town like the Malloys.
Soon thereafter, the body of Axl Deming, once accused of a brutal rape but acquitted, is found on a railroad track literally torn in half.
Is there a connection? It might not seem so, except that Bowditch has begun receiving cryptic text messages from an unknown number drawing him to the scene of the incidents. And the messages convey a consistent message: their author is someone Bowditch knows, and perhaps wronged in the past.
Meanwhile, Bowditch is facing a disciplinary hearing from a prior incident that could negatively impact his career; his wife Stacey is just weeks from giving birth to their first child; and their home is being watched.
The story unfolds over the course of one year, with the narrative divided into seasonal sections. Doiron paints vivid images of Maine throughout the changing landscape, and Bowditch is a likeable enough protagonist with sufficient flaws that he can be human while still being heroic. The pace is steady throughout. And while there are no major shocks or plot twists, it’s a nicely layered murder-mystery that will keep you turning the pages.
Four stars for “Storm Tide”, the 16th book in the Mike Bowditch Mysteries. It might just convince you (as it has me) to go back 15 years and check out the first book in the series, “The Poacher’s Son.”
And you can check out all my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) book blog.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gripping, shocking, thrilling, tense, suspenseful, chilling, and hard to put down! Paul Doiron has written another on-the-edge-of-your-seat page tuner! Murder is the name of the game in Storm Tide. Paul Doiron has Mike Bowditch going through the ringer many times in the 16th book in his fantastic Mike Bowditch series! I love this series and was thrilled by the plot, the characters, the mystery, and the BIG change in Mike's life!
Someone is killing bad people in this book and Mike finds himself knee deep in the investigations while at the same time is facing a disciplinary hearing that will decide the fate of his career. If that is not enough, someone is stalking his pregnant wife, Stacey. To protect those he loves, Mike must work around the clock to catch a killer before it's too late!
This is one of my favorite series and I always get excited when I see there is a new book in this series coming out. Who knew I would love a book series about a Maine Game Warder who pushes the boundaries and takes chances. But I do love it! What I also love is the connection between the characters, i.e. the easy friendship and interactions between Mike and Charlie (Stacey's father). I also adore the supporting characters, Mike's wolf-dog hybrid, Shadow, and his friend Billy Cronk, and his family. I also love the vivid descriptions of the Maine wilderness, the tough cases, and the well thought out plots.
I enjoyed the blending of Mike's personal life with his professional life in Storm Tide. In this book, Mike is awaiting the birth of his first child, finds himself in hot water with the disciplinary board, and is being taunted by a killer who is taking out those who committed horrific crimes. This book is brimming with unease, danger, suspense, tension, and emotion.
As with the other books in this series, I found this book to be wonderfully written, tense, atmospheric, thrilling, exciting, brimming with danger, and full of intriguing characters. I loved the suspense and this book had me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages while hoping for the best. Plus, this book sees Mike and his wife Stacy facing a major change in their lives - becoming parents. This added depth to the story and saw Mike being more emotional than in the previous books.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Someone is killing bad people in this book and Mike finds himself knee deep in the investigations while at the same time is facing a disciplinary hearing that will decide the fate of his career. If that is not enough, someone is stalking his pregnant wife, Stacey. To protect those he loves, Mike must work around the clock to catch a killer before it's too late!
This is one of my favorite series and I always get excited when I see there is a new book in this series coming out. Who knew I would love a book series about a Maine Game Warder who pushes the boundaries and takes chances. But I do love it! What I also love is the connection between the characters, i.e. the easy friendship and interactions between Mike and Charlie (Stacey's father). I also adore the supporting characters, Mike's wolf-dog hybrid, Shadow, and his friend Billy Cronk, and his family. I also love the vivid descriptions of the Maine wilderness, the tough cases, and the well thought out plots.
I enjoyed the blending of Mike's personal life with his professional life in Storm Tide. In this book, Mike is awaiting the birth of his first child, finds himself in hot water with the disciplinary board, and is being taunted by a killer who is taking out those who committed horrific crimes. This book is brimming with unease, danger, suspense, tension, and emotion.
As with the other books in this series, I found this book to be wonderfully written, tense, atmospheric, thrilling, exciting, brimming with danger, and full of intriguing characters. I loved the suspense and this book had me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages while hoping for the best. Plus, this book sees Mike and his wife Stacy facing a major change in their lives - becoming parents. This added depth to the story and saw Mike being more emotional than in the previous books.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
November 17, 2025
Storm Tide is another gripping entry in Paul Doiron’s long-running Mike Bowditch series, and it delivers exactly what fans have come to expect: smart plotting, vivid Maine settings, and a steady build of tension that never lets up. From the opening pages, the story pulls you in and keeps the suspense rolling, with each chapter tightening the noose a little more. It’s one of those thrillers that makes you say “just one more chapter” until you’ve read half the book in a sitting.
Doiron has always been a master of pacing, and this book shows it. The layers of mystery and danger stack neatly, with each moment of calm serving as a springboard for the next burst of action. The tension builds, peaks, and rebuilds in true thriller fashion, keeping the story interesting from start to finish. Even as the stakes rise, the plot feels grounded in the rugged realism that defines the series.
This is my fourth book in the Mike Bowditch series, and I continue to enjoy how the character evolves. In *Storm Tide*, Doiron opens a window into Bowditch’s personal life in a meaningful way, adding emotional depth without slowing the story. The introduction of a new addition to the Bowditch family brings warmth and humanity to a world often filled with danger and moral complexity.
As always, the Maine wilderness plays a strong supporting role, adding both beauty and menace to the story. The sense of place is sharp and atmospheric, with the kind of descriptive detail that makes you feel the cold water, the salt air, and the ever-present threat of the elements. It’s part of what keeps this series so distinctive among modern thrillers.
Overall, Storm Tide is a solid 4 out of 5 for me. It’s suspenseful, emotionally engaging, and written with the confident touch of an author who knows his characters inside and out. Thank you to Mr. Doiron, St. Martin’s Press for the advance reader copy. This was a great addition to a series that keeps getting better.
Doiron has always been a master of pacing, and this book shows it. The layers of mystery and danger stack neatly, with each moment of calm serving as a springboard for the next burst of action. The tension builds, peaks, and rebuilds in true thriller fashion, keeping the story interesting from start to finish. Even as the stakes rise, the plot feels grounded in the rugged realism that defines the series.
This is my fourth book in the Mike Bowditch series, and I continue to enjoy how the character evolves. In *Storm Tide*, Doiron opens a window into Bowditch’s personal life in a meaningful way, adding emotional depth without slowing the story. The introduction of a new addition to the Bowditch family brings warmth and humanity to a world often filled with danger and moral complexity.
As always, the Maine wilderness plays a strong supporting role, adding both beauty and menace to the story. The sense of place is sharp and atmospheric, with the kind of descriptive detail that makes you feel the cold water, the salt air, and the ever-present threat of the elements. It’s part of what keeps this series so distinctive among modern thrillers.
Overall, Storm Tide is a solid 4 out of 5 for me. It’s suspenseful, emotionally engaging, and written with the confident touch of an author who knows his characters inside and out. Thank you to Mr. Doiron, St. Martin’s Press for the advance reader copy. This was a great addition to a series that keeps getting better.
December 8, 2025
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley
Fire engulfed the mansion; game warden Mike Bowditch raced toward the inferno in an attempt to rescue the victims, but the man he managed to pull from the house did not survive the intense fire. Later, he learns that the victim was Brian Malloy, who was suspected of murdering his young son. Justice delivered?
Later, Mike finds himself at the scene of a horrific train accident, one in which Axl Deming, an accused rapist, has been run over by the train, leaving his body in pieces. Justice delivered?
Is someone delivering vigilante justice, taking aim at the accused but not punished wrongdoers? And what will Mike do?
=========
This book, sixteenth in the author’s Mike Bowditch series, has sufficient backstory for readers new to the series and lets the book work well as a standalone. Well-developed characters, a gripping plot, and a strong sense of place pull readers into the telling of the tale from the outset.
The stalking of Bowditch, putting his wife and unborn child at risk, adds an element of suspense to the tale that keeps those pages turning as fast as possible as readers try to figure out who is behind the stalking. In addition, the story of the vigilante justice plays out against the questions of Mike’s future as a game warden in this unputdownable story of justice and accountability.
Readers who have enjoyed the earlier books in the series will find much to appreciate here as will those who enjoy mystery/thrillers with non-stop action.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#StormTide #NetGalley
Fire engulfed the mansion; game warden Mike Bowditch raced toward the inferno in an attempt to rescue the victims, but the man he managed to pull from the house did not survive the intense fire. Later, he learns that the victim was Brian Malloy, who was suspected of murdering his young son. Justice delivered?
Later, Mike finds himself at the scene of a horrific train accident, one in which Axl Deming, an accused rapist, has been run over by the train, leaving his body in pieces. Justice delivered?
Is someone delivering vigilante justice, taking aim at the accused but not punished wrongdoers? And what will Mike do?
=========
This book, sixteenth in the author’s Mike Bowditch series, has sufficient backstory for readers new to the series and lets the book work well as a standalone. Well-developed characters, a gripping plot, and a strong sense of place pull readers into the telling of the tale from the outset.
The stalking of Bowditch, putting his wife and unborn child at risk, adds an element of suspense to the tale that keeps those pages turning as fast as possible as readers try to figure out who is behind the stalking. In addition, the story of the vigilante justice plays out against the questions of Mike’s future as a game warden in this unputdownable story of justice and accountability.
Readers who have enjoyed the earlier books in the series will find much to appreciate here as will those who enjoy mystery/thrillers with non-stop action.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#StormTide #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Maine game warden Mike Bowditch responds to the scene of a fire. A mansion and its occupants, the Malloys, are inside. They don't survive and no one is sad about it as some time.ago Brian Malloy was accused of killing his child.
Later, the body of Axl Deming, once accused of a brutal rape and murder is found literally cut in half. The two murders seem unrelated until a cryptic leada Mike to the scene. He thinks someone is killing criminals who escaped justice, and it looks like they are out to get him as well. The police aren’t convinced, so he has to search for answers on his own.
It's not a good time for an investigation though as he is facing a disciplinary hearing. More importantly his wife Stacey is due to give birth soon. It looks like she's being followed as well. Mike must race to figure things out before it's too late.
This is the 16th book in the Mike Bowditch series. The case is very personal and the story takes place over several months. This at times makes the pace uneven as things switch between personal issues and the crimes/mystery.
There are some differences as to how Mike investigates due to his job status so some things make sense. However, he wasn't very smart multiple times. It almost became unbelievable the things he kept doing.
The overall mystery started off very interestingly but was less so when it became clear where the story was headed. Things picked up in the last 30% and Mike Bowditch was more like the game warden I know and love.
I do recommend this series and this book even though it's not my favorite Mike Bowditch story. There is great character development throughout the series and you wouldn't want to miss anything.
Thank you to Minotuar Books and Netgalley for the chance to read.
Later, the body of Axl Deming, once accused of a brutal rape and murder is found literally cut in half. The two murders seem unrelated until a cryptic leada Mike to the scene. He thinks someone is killing criminals who escaped justice, and it looks like they are out to get him as well. The police aren’t convinced, so he has to search for answers on his own.
It's not a good time for an investigation though as he is facing a disciplinary hearing. More importantly his wife Stacey is due to give birth soon. It looks like she's being followed as well. Mike must race to figure things out before it's too late.
This is the 16th book in the Mike Bowditch series. The case is very personal and the story takes place over several months. This at times makes the pace uneven as things switch between personal issues and the crimes/mystery.
There are some differences as to how Mike investigates due to his job status so some things make sense. However, he wasn't very smart multiple times. It almost became unbelievable the things he kept doing.
The overall mystery started off very interestingly but was less so when it became clear where the story was headed. Things picked up in the last 30% and Mike Bowditch was more like the game warden I know and love.
I do recommend this series and this book even though it's not my favorite Mike Bowditch story. There is great character development throughout the series and you wouldn't want to miss anything.
Thank you to Minotuar Books and Netgalley for the chance to read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
352 pages
4 stars
Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch, his wife Stacey and their son Charles are the stars of this Paul Doiron novel.
When Mike receives notice of a house fire, he rushes to the scene. He finds an hysterical woman holding a baby outside the fully involved home. Thrusting the baby toward Mike, she rushes off. Running into the home to attempt a rescue, Mike rushes into the home and pulls out a man who dies at his feet from burns.
The home belongs to Brian Malloy, his wife and child. Brian is universally disliked in Maine and perhaps across the country. He is a suspect in themurder of his son.
So begins a tense and exciting story of stalking, fear, murder and tough decisions. Mike struggles with his past and his future. He is in serious trouble with his commander for recent “unprofessional” behavior. He is suspended. He is totally committed to his wife and their newborn son, Charles. He must keep this in sharp focus.
His relationship with other cops is shaky, some seem to resent him.
This book is remarkably well written. The characters are great, even the ones the reader cannot like. The main scenery is well described and seems fascinating.
As he follows the case through more traumatic situations, the tension in the story ratchets up. The speed of the story quickens. The story concludes in an exciting and stressful denouement.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
4 stars
Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch, his wife Stacey and their son Charles are the stars of this Paul Doiron novel.
When Mike receives notice of a house fire, he rushes to the scene. He finds an hysterical woman holding a baby outside the fully involved home. Thrusting the baby toward Mike, she rushes off. Running into the home to attempt a rescue, Mike rushes into the home and pulls out a man who dies at his feet from burns.
The home belongs to Brian Malloy, his wife and child. Brian is universally disliked in Maine and perhaps across the country. He is a suspect in themurder of his son.
So begins a tense and exciting story of stalking, fear, murder and tough decisions. Mike struggles with his past and his future. He is in serious trouble with his commander for recent “unprofessional” behavior. He is suspended. He is totally committed to his wife and their newborn son, Charles. He must keep this in sharp focus.
His relationship with other cops is shaky, some seem to resent him.
This book is remarkably well written. The characters are great, even the ones the reader cannot like. The main scenery is well described and seems fascinating.
As he follows the case through more traumatic situations, the tension in the story ratchets up. The speed of the story quickens. The story concludes in an exciting and stressful denouement.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Storm Tide, author Paul Doiron’s 16th entry in the Mike Bowditch series, is my second having previously enjoyed the 15th book, Pitch Dark, back in 2024. The twists in Pitch Dark pleasantly surprised me such that I have listened to it twice. I have been eager to dive into Storm Tide.
My opinion last time was that new readers should not have any significant issue jumping into the middle of Mike’s story. Storm Tide picks up with Mike facing consequences for certain of his actions in Pitch Dark. Because the author tells readers what had happened at a high level, I still think that it is completely okay to start with Book #16. (Not that there would be anything wrong with going back to read Pitch Dark)!
Maine, like Alaska, provides a wonderful setting for a mystery book. While I do love the characters and the plots in the two books I have read, it is the setting that immediately draws me in. You can feel the chill whether you are in the woods, crossing a lake, or simply at a crime scene.
One thing seemed a little unforgivable in the plot of Storm Tide. Mike misses the difficult birth of his first child. I would have expected him to be a little bit more in the doghouse for that than he was.
The book, as were all that preceded it in the series, is narrated by Henry Leyva. Clearly the author likes his work, and I found it to be exceptional. I listened at a 1.25 speed.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read Storm Tide. The above opinions are my own.
My opinion last time was that new readers should not have any significant issue jumping into the middle of Mike’s story. Storm Tide picks up with Mike facing consequences for certain of his actions in Pitch Dark. Because the author tells readers what had happened at a high level, I still think that it is completely okay to start with Book #16. (Not that there would be anything wrong with going back to read Pitch Dark)!
Maine, like Alaska, provides a wonderful setting for a mystery book. While I do love the characters and the plots in the two books I have read, it is the setting that immediately draws me in. You can feel the chill whether you are in the woods, crossing a lake, or simply at a crime scene.
One thing seemed a little unforgivable in the plot of Storm Tide. Mike misses the difficult birth of his first child. I would have expected him to be a little bit more in the doghouse for that than he was.
The book, as were all that preceded it in the series, is narrated by Henry Leyva. Clearly the author likes his work, and I found it to be exceptional. I listened at a 1.25 speed.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read Storm Tide. The above opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As Mike and Stacy Bowditch prepare to welcome their first child, Mike's career implodes. He responds to a fire at the home of a wealthy newcomer to the area and is unable to save the couple living there, though their child was already in the arms of a neighbor. The man killed was considered to have gotten away with murdering his own son, by another mother. Then another man is killed 'by train'.
Bowditch is first on the scene of both crimes, drawn in by texts from an unknown source to Mike's phone. Mike is convinced that a vigilante is in action and determined to track down the guilty party. Put on suspension with pay and then demoted, Mike persists in his pursuit of the mastermind, nearly losing his own life in the process. Other authorities believe he is on a wild goose chase and don't come to his aid.
At home, he's baited by man he suspects is managing the mayhem. He shows up on the Bowditch property repeatedly and, staying just inside the law, makes veiled threats to Mike, to Stacy, and even threatens Shadow, Mike's pet wolf. Mike doesn't know why he is being targeted by the man and works to discover a cause.
All eventually ends with the birth of baby Bowditch. Fans of the series will enjoy this new offering, as will readers of C.J. Box, Nevada Barr, and other books involving crime in the wilderness.
Note: I read a DRC, courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Bowditch is first on the scene of both crimes, drawn in by texts from an unknown source to Mike's phone. Mike is convinced that a vigilante is in action and determined to track down the guilty party. Put on suspension with pay and then demoted, Mike persists in his pursuit of the mastermind, nearly losing his own life in the process. Other authorities believe he is on a wild goose chase and don't come to his aid.
At home, he's baited by man he suspects is managing the mayhem. He shows up on the Bowditch property repeatedly and, staying just inside the law, makes veiled threats to Mike, to Stacy, and even threatens Shadow, Mike's pet wolf. Mike doesn't know why he is being targeted by the man and works to discover a cause.
All eventually ends with the birth of baby Bowditch. Fans of the series will enjoy this new offering, as will readers of C.J. Box, Nevada Barr, and other books involving crime in the wilderness.
Note: I read a DRC, courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5⭐️
The 17th book in the Mike Bowditch Series is where we find Bowditch investigating a series of brutal murders. It's a year that will test him. Stacy's pregnant, someone is brutally killing people who have walked free, and he has been busted from wildlife investigator to wildlife officer. Bowditch comes upon a house fire, and a woman holding a baby. He realizes somethings don't make sense. Or, is he just making things seem not to because he misses investigating?
Paul Doiron has accomplished something few authors can with the 17th book, he still makes the book exciting and edge of your seat. How? He's just a great writer. Mike Bowditch has grown so much in these 17 books. In The Poachers Son, he was a hot head, with a cheap on his shoulder, now he's soon to be a dad and has cooled a little, though he still goes off on his own. Doiron has developed all the recurring characters well in this series and somehow keeps surprising me with how he changes them.
If you haven't read The Mike Bowditch Series, and like police procedurals, investigations, and well developed characters, you need to try this series. I suggest you start with The Poachers Son, so you can witness how well Doiron changes and grows his characters.
Tentative Publication Date: June 30, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Paul Doiron for the E-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
😊 Happy Reading 😊
The 17th book in the Mike Bowditch Series is where we find Bowditch investigating a series of brutal murders. It's a year that will test him. Stacy's pregnant, someone is brutally killing people who have walked free, and he has been busted from wildlife investigator to wildlife officer. Bowditch comes upon a house fire, and a woman holding a baby. He realizes somethings don't make sense. Or, is he just making things seem not to because he misses investigating?
Paul Doiron has accomplished something few authors can with the 17th book, he still makes the book exciting and edge of your seat. How? He's just a great writer. Mike Bowditch has grown so much in these 17 books. In The Poachers Son, he was a hot head, with a cheap on his shoulder, now he's soon to be a dad and has cooled a little, though he still goes off on his own. Doiron has developed all the recurring characters well in this series and somehow keeps surprising me with how he changes them.
If you haven't read The Mike Bowditch Series, and like police procedurals, investigations, and well developed characters, you need to try this series. I suggest you start with The Poachers Son, so you can witness how well Doiron changes and grows his characters.
Tentative Publication Date: June 30, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Paul Doiron for the E-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
😊 Happy Reading 😊
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars, rounded up
Storm Tide is the 16th in the Mike Bowditch series but only the fourth that I’ve read. This is an easy series to jump into, and this works as a stand-alone.
The story begins with a house on fire and Mike’s attempts to rescue the owner. Mike’s efforts were unsuccessful and both husband and wife perished. Turns out, the husband had been accused of killing his young son by another woman. The fire is ruled accidental, but Mike doesn’t believe it. Too many odd things are happening to think it’s not arson. But those are just the first in a series of murders.
Mike has a tendency to not always obey the rules and this has landed him in trouble once again. There’s very much a lone cowboy aura to him. He’s also one of those main characters who tend to put themselves in risky situations without much thought to consequences. This helps keep the action level high but does become irritating after a while, especially in light of his personal life. Even as he recognizes what he’s doing, it’s like he’s powerless to stop.
Doiron does a great job taking the reader to the Maine countryside. In fact, a large part of the enjoyment of this series is the atmosphere. I felt everything from the icy cold water to the biting flies.
The book is one action packed scene after another. There’s little in the way of down time. It’s an intense, relentless story.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
Storm Tide is the 16th in the Mike Bowditch series but only the fourth that I’ve read. This is an easy series to jump into, and this works as a stand-alone.
The story begins with a house on fire and Mike’s attempts to rescue the owner. Mike’s efforts were unsuccessful and both husband and wife perished. Turns out, the husband had been accused of killing his young son by another woman. The fire is ruled accidental, but Mike doesn’t believe it. Too many odd things are happening to think it’s not arson. But those are just the first in a series of murders.
Mike has a tendency to not always obey the rules and this has landed him in trouble once again. There’s very much a lone cowboy aura to him. He’s also one of those main characters who tend to put themselves in risky situations without much thought to consequences. This helps keep the action level high but does become irritating after a while, especially in light of his personal life. Even as he recognizes what he’s doing, it’s like he’s powerless to stop.
Doiron does a great job taking the reader to the Maine countryside. In fact, a large part of the enjoyment of this series is the atmosphere. I felt everything from the icy cold water to the biting flies.
The book is one action packed scene after another. There’s little in the way of down time. It’s an intense, relentless story.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Paul Doiron’s Storm Tide follows Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch as he tries to balance life as a new father, a suspension from duty, and the growing realization that a psychopath with a grudge may be targeting him and his family. While on suspension, Bowditch sets out to uncover who is behind a series of murders and threats connected to him. Of course, as longtime readers of the series would expect, Bowditch pursues the truth with little regard for his own safety—or the stress it places on his family.
When he attempts to share his suspicions with local law enforcement, he’s largely dismissed. To them, Bowditch looks less like a victim and more like someone hiding something, or worse, spinning conspiracy theories. That leaves him largely on his own to piece together what’s really happening.
Doiron once again makes great use of the Maine setting, and the supporting cast of friends and family help Bowditch navigate the increasingly dangerous situation. In the end, Bowditch emerges victorious with their help, even if things don’t unfold exactly as his wife Stacey might have preferred. As always, Bowditch ends up right where he belongs.
Thank you to Minotaur books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When he attempts to share his suspicions with local law enforcement, he’s largely dismissed. To them, Bowditch looks less like a victim and more like someone hiding something, or worse, spinning conspiracy theories. That leaves him largely on his own to piece together what’s really happening.
Doiron once again makes great use of the Maine setting, and the supporting cast of friends and family help Bowditch navigate the increasingly dangerous situation. In the end, Bowditch emerges victorious with their help, even if things don’t unfold exactly as his wife Stacey might have preferred. As always, Bowditch ends up right where he belongs.
Thank you to Minotaur books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Paul Doiron has done it again. He has written a novel that has Mike Bowditch investigating things that are only going to cause him trouble and get him in trouble.
Mike shows up at a house fire and he pulls out a man who is badly burned and he is unable to get back in to save the man's wife. The man dies and the woman who was standing outside holding the couple's baby is not cooperating much with anything. Mike tries to talk to this woman the next day and her reaction is definitely abnormal. Thus starts a series of murders and different threats against Mike. Someone is targeting him, it is very personal and Mike does not have a clue.
Mike is no longer an investigator as he is now on patrol awaiting a disciplinary hearing from his last adventure. Stacy is almost ready to give birth and things just keep spiraling and Mike can't let them go. This is a great storyline and Mike keeps growing, but he still does some questionable things that put him in danger. I absolutely loved this book as I have loved every one of them. If you want a suspense filled book that keeps you guessing. You want to read this one.
I would like to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this early read. I am most grateful.
Mike shows up at a house fire and he pulls out a man who is badly burned and he is unable to get back in to save the man's wife. The man dies and the woman who was standing outside holding the couple's baby is not cooperating much with anything. Mike tries to talk to this woman the next day and her reaction is definitely abnormal. Thus starts a series of murders and different threats against Mike. Someone is targeting him, it is very personal and Mike does not have a clue.
Mike is no longer an investigator as he is now on patrol awaiting a disciplinary hearing from his last adventure. Stacy is almost ready to give birth and things just keep spiraling and Mike can't let them go. This is a great storyline and Mike keeps growing, but he still does some questionable things that put him in danger. I absolutely loved this book as I have loved every one of them. If you want a suspense filled book that keeps you guessing. You want to read this one.
I would like to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this early read. I am most grateful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
#StormTide #PaulDoiron #HenryLeyva #MacmillanAudio #NetGalley #MikeBowditch
This is an Advanced Listening Copy of the audiobook from NetGalley.
Paul Doiron has built something rare with Mike Bowditch: a series character who actually grows, stumbles, and changes in ways that feel earned rather than manufactured. Storm Tide puts Bowditch through the wringer on multiple fronts simultaneously, and the cumulative pressure is what makes this one hit differently. Someone is methodically eliminating criminals who slipped through the cracks of the justice system, and the fact that Bowditch's own name appears on that list raises questions that go well beyond a standard investigation. The Maine landscape does what it always does in these books: it stops being backdrop and becomes something closer to a character in its own right, all frozen harbors and winter-stripped forests that feel genuinely hostile. What gives the story its real tension, though, is the personal stakes layered beneath the procedural ones. Henry Leyva handles the narration with quiet authority, matching the book's tone without overdramatizing. Doiron keeps the moral questions deliberately uncomfortable, and the story is better for it. A strong entry in a consistently satisfying series.
This is an Advanced Listening Copy of the audiobook from NetGalley.
Paul Doiron has built something rare with Mike Bowditch: a series character who actually grows, stumbles, and changes in ways that feel earned rather than manufactured. Storm Tide puts Bowditch through the wringer on multiple fronts simultaneously, and the cumulative pressure is what makes this one hit differently. Someone is methodically eliminating criminals who slipped through the cracks of the justice system, and the fact that Bowditch's own name appears on that list raises questions that go well beyond a standard investigation. The Maine landscape does what it always does in these books: it stops being backdrop and becomes something closer to a character in its own right, all frozen harbors and winter-stripped forests that feel genuinely hostile. What gives the story its real tension, though, is the personal stakes layered beneath the procedural ones. Henry Leyva handles the narration with quiet authority, matching the book's tone without overdramatizing. Doiron keeps the moral questions deliberately uncomfortable, and the story is better for it. A strong entry in a consistently satisfying series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved this one! I'm a huge Paul Doiron fan, Mike Bowditch is like Maine's version of Indiana Jones or something and I just love it.!
This installement finds Mike Bowditch in the crosshairs of a person attemping to get some vigilante justice. Mike has no idea what the link between himself and the murderer is, so it's a race to figure it out before he becomes a victim himself. This one was pretty fast paced and had several of the extreme danger situations that Mike Bowditch likes to end up in. The only thing I didn't love about the book was that it was told over the course of a year or more and I'm not really sure that helped. The person comitting all these crimes could have done them closer to together and the story would have kept up the pace more consistently. I like Stacey (though really if it wasn't for Charley & Ora I would have liked to see Mike with Dani haha) and I like that MIke's life is changing, becoming a Dad and all, but I think having so many chapters with Stacey and the baby distruped the pace of the book a little bit. Still a fantastic book though, this series is gold!
This installement finds Mike Bowditch in the crosshairs of a person attemping to get some vigilante justice. Mike has no idea what the link between himself and the murderer is, so it's a race to figure it out before he becomes a victim himself. This one was pretty fast paced and had several of the extreme danger situations that Mike Bowditch likes to end up in. The only thing I didn't love about the book was that it was told over the course of a year or more and I'm not really sure that helped. The person comitting all these crimes could have done them closer to together and the story would have kept up the pace more consistently. I like Stacey (though really if it wasn't for Charley & Ora I would have liked to see Mike with Dani haha) and I like that MIke's life is changing, becoming a Dad and all, but I think having so many chapters with Stacey and the baby distruped the pace of the book a little bit. Still a fantastic book though, this series is gold!
November 28, 2025
Storm Tide” continues Paul Doiron’s, long-running, reliably strong series featuring Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch. In this installment, Bowditch is called to look into the suspicious cause of a fire at a local entrepreneur’s home—an investigation that quickly deepens when a body is discovered in a remote stretch of wilderness. As always, Doiron blends the rugged beauty of Maine with a tight mystery, unfolding the two threads with his trademark clarity and tension.
The story is well done, driven by solid writing and Bowditch’s steady, thoughtful presence. Doiron remains skilled at pacing a mystery while giving readers plenty of atmosphere and procedural detail. That said, the ending left me disappointed. After such an immersive setup, I was hoping for a conclusion with a bit more punch.
Still, fans of the series—and Bowditch himself—will find Storm Tide an engaging addition, even if the final note doesn’t quite land.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Of course, all opinions are my own.
The story is well done, driven by solid writing and Bowditch’s steady, thoughtful presence. Doiron remains skilled at pacing a mystery while giving readers plenty of atmosphere and procedural detail. That said, the ending left me disappointed. After such an immersive setup, I was hoping for a conclusion with a bit more punch.
Still, fans of the series—and Bowditch himself—will find Storm Tide an engaging addition, even if the final note doesn’t quite land.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Of course, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the 4th book I've read by Paul Doiron, one of my favorite authors. Mike Bowditch is the main character. He was a Maine game warden investigator before he was put on suspension and busted down to game warden. He and his wife Stacey are expecting a baby.
The story begins when Mike gets a call about a house on fire. When he arrives, there was a woman, a neighbor, outside, who was holding a baby. Apparently the father had brought the baby out and then went back inside to try to get his wife.
Soon after, a man was found cut in half on railroad tracks. He had been accused but not convicted of a rape. It soon becomes apparent to Mike that there is at least one person who is working to inflict his or her idea of justice on people who got away with a crime. But who? He was further surprised to suspect that he was also on this person's list. This is a great mystery and I highly recommend it and the series.
I received an e-arc from St. Martin's Press, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own.
The story begins when Mike gets a call about a house on fire. When he arrives, there was a woman, a neighbor, outside, who was holding a baby. Apparently the father had brought the baby out and then went back inside to try to get his wife.
Soon after, a man was found cut in half on railroad tracks. He had been accused but not convicted of a rape. It soon becomes apparent to Mike that there is at least one person who is working to inflict his or her idea of justice on people who got away with a crime. But who? He was further surprised to suspect that he was also on this person's list. This is a great mystery and I highly recommend it and the series.
I received an e-arc from St. Martin's Press, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Game Warden Mike Bowditch investigates a series of brutal killings during a life-changing year in Storm Tide.To protect his family, Bowditch must work alone to uncover who’s behind the killings—and stop them before he becomes their next victim.
I absolutely loved Storm Tide by Paul Doiron—it’s everything I want in a mystery and more. It is a thrilling, well-crafted read that kept me hooked until the very end. The mystery is gripping and full of twists, but it never sacrifices character development. There’s a strong emotional core here that adds weight to every decision and revelation..
Henry Leyva delivers an outstanding performance that truly elevates the audiobook experience. His narration is smooth, engaging, and incredibly easy to listen to, drawing you into the story from the very beginning. He brings each character to life with distinct voices and subtle emotional nuance.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for my ALC in exchange for my honest review. I recommend you mark your calendar for the release date June 30 2026.
I absolutely loved Storm Tide by Paul Doiron—it’s everything I want in a mystery and more. It is a thrilling, well-crafted read that kept me hooked until the very end. The mystery is gripping and full of twists, but it never sacrifices character development. There’s a strong emotional core here that adds weight to every decision and revelation..
Henry Leyva delivers an outstanding performance that truly elevates the audiobook experience. His narration is smooth, engaging, and incredibly easy to listen to, drawing you into the story from the very beginning. He brings each character to life with distinct voices and subtle emotional nuance.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for my ALC in exchange for my honest review. I recommend you mark your calendar for the release date June 30 2026.
November 6, 2025
Storm Tide is my first Paul Doiron book, which is apparently the 16th book in the Mike Bowditch Mysteries collection. I was unaware of this before reading this book and I can honestly say that while it didn't impact the enjoyment of this book in any way, it definitely makes me want to go back and read the earlier books.
Mike Bowditch is a game warden in Maine who, over the course of his career, has gotten himself into more than his fair share of hot water within the department. It seems he has a difficult time playing by the rules. This book starts out with him seeing a house on fire and trying to save the occupants, but one of them dies at his feet while the neighbor is holding the dead man's baby.
Then, he gets a strange phone call and things get even weirder.
This was a great mystery/thriller and I highly recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Mike Bowditch is a game warden in Maine who, over the course of his career, has gotten himself into more than his fair share of hot water within the department. It seems he has a difficult time playing by the rules. This book starts out with him seeing a house on fire and trying to save the occupants, but one of them dies at his feet while the neighbor is holding the dead man's baby.
Then, he gets a strange phone call and things get even weirder.
This was a great mystery/thriller and I highly recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
November 26, 2025
I believe this is my favorite of Mike Bowditch series. Mike is a dedicated, conscious Game Warden that gives it all to his work. Which usually lands him in some really gray areas surrounding his authority and in trouble with his superiors. In Storm Tide Mike is on suspension after his last exploits and is awaiting the approval to return to his investigative position. Mike and Stacy are awaiting the arrival of their first child so they are hoping this downtime will allow them time for their family. But a person from an old case is working hard to disrupt this quiet time in Mike's life.
As always, there is suspense, mystery and action but in this book, we get more of the personality of Mike. His feelings toward home life, family and the more important things of life emerge from our favorite character.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
As always, there is suspense, mystery and action but in this book, we get more of the personality of Mike. His feelings toward home life, family and the more important things of life emerge from our favorite character.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
December 9, 2025
This is my first book by this author and in this series, which I didn't even know was a series until after I read it. So, no problem just jumping right into the series without the back stories. Mike Bowditch is a Game Warden in Maine. He answers a call to a house engulfed in flames and finds a woman standing by watching with a baby in her hands. Soon after, he gets a cryptic text message from a spoofed number about another murder. This text pulls him into these murders because he thinks they are connected, but can he convince the local PD? We quickly learn he doesn't always follow the rules and finds himself in some sticky situations. While he is investigating, you are taken to some beautifully described places in Maine. The author slowly builds the mystery with twists and turns that kept me wanting to find out exactly what was going on and how everything was connected.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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