Storm Tide

Mike Bowditch #16

by Paul Doiron

Game 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.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Thriller, Suspense, Adult

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 30, 2026

About the author

Paul 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.

Reviews

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Aleesha Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Ed Rabinowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 📖

[Doug Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 😊

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kris Zeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Stacey Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[HappyBookWorm2020 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kelly Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Autumn Danner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to SE from St. Martin's Publishing for the DRC of this next installment in the life of Mike Bowditch. Bowditch is a game warden that also works accidents/crimes. In this book, the victims are all despised people, so there is not much motivation to determine the actual cause of the deaths. Mike is also under review for the way his work ethic misaligns with protocol. This book is a fast action, high stakes investigation in which Mike gets little official support. This is also an elevated example of family being one's greatest strength. I get sucked into Bowditch's adventures so easily, but this one leaves me wondering if the circumstances of his family life will pivot his goals and future adventures. But, if you know Mike Bowditch, you know that he never backs down and you can never count him out! So, I know there is more in store for Mike and his mentor Charlie. An exciting read (would make a great movie, too!).

[M.k. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Paul Doiron. Part of the storyline made it not my favorite and then other parts made it my favorite book with Mike Bowditch. The Author writes so well that the setting and characters become part of your present. Bowditch's supporting cast of characters are another reason these tales in the Maine wilderness draw you into the mundane everyday living and the surprising events that occur. They are real, quirky, loyal, and make the stories exciting and so very hard to put down. I have tried other books about game wardens/wildlife biologists and no one else comes close to writing the excellent, accurate stories and characters that Doiron does so well. I truly can't wait for the next book and more adventures from my favorite Maine crew. I appreciate the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks to the Author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity.

[Mike Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

KAPOW! It's Mike Bowditch vs. The Revengers in this explosive new tale from Paul Doiron. It's a lot of fun and, frankly, one of the best in series. Bowditch is still dealing with the fallout from the problems he created for himself in the previous book when more trouble comes his way. Before he knows it, he finds himself targeted by a cunning foe who doesn't work alone. Can Bowditch survive both the physical threats and the threats to his career? That's the question, isn't it? Doiron is masterful in the way he depicts the (many) action sequences in Storm Tide. Of course, many of the great supporting characters from the series are back again and play important parts. Doiron even introduces a new character who is very important but I'll let you chase that one down for yourself. This is a terrific thriller.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Minotaur, Good Reads & Mr Paul Doiron for the ARC. This is the fist book I have read by Paul Doiron,but it certainly won't be the last. From the first page, I was hooked. This is a well written book with great characters. I loved Mike Dowditch and his friendships and passion for his job. This is a gripping fast paced thriller set in Maine. The character development with Mike, his wife, family members and best friends shape the loyalty and substance that Mike's constitution has developed over his years as a warden and investigating crime scenes.

I did not know this was a series of books with Mike Bowditch as a continuing character, but I felt I could could jump right in and it can easily be a stand alone read. Fantastic book. Thanks for opportunity to review this ARC, Storm Tide.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was late to the Mike Bowditch series, but I'm so excited it finally found me with Dead Man's Wake (#14 in the series).

Storm Tide is #16 and after reading a few of these, I'm confident saying you can inject these books directly into my veins. The characters are nuanced and believable, the tension is always high, and the atmosphere jumps off the page.

Bowditch is a man with integrity, sometimes to my annoyance. He's smart, thoughtful, and doesn't take kindly to those who skirt the law. Somehow, trouble always finds him (or he finds it).

These are reliably twisty, entertaining reads and I could gobble them up like candy. Luckily, I have a solid backlist to work through!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing a digital advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game Warden Mike Bowditch is another favorite of mine and I have not read a bad book in the series. This one is no exception. When Mike finds himself on suspension after his last exploits the author turns the character inward, exploring the inner workings of his personality, and as he faces new personal responsibilities, Mike wonders if maybe it’s time for him to choose another path. But a diabolical psychopath will not let him rest, drawing him into a dangerous game of revenge that takes Mike a while to discover the reasoning behind it.

The ending is well worth the soul searching that permeates the story and Mike’s responses will keep you rooting for him. Please put this on your 2026 reading list.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC through Netgalley to review, this is an honest review.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the approval to read this book.

Storm Tide is an exceptional, wild story as we get to know Mike Bowditch, a game warden that find himself trying to understand the motives behind a series of murders of people to many out there is justice finally delivered since those killed were not innocent individuals from what each had been accused of. While a part of Mike might want to look away, he cannot ignore rogue justice, especially the case heats up and Mile himself being personally affected by a stalker that has no boundaries. To protect his family well mean doing whatever it takes... and taking the consequences that come with the pursuit.

Highly recommended.

[Tiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

#16 in Doiron's Mike Bowditch series set in Maine. I read and for the most part enjoyed the first 13 in this series but didn't read the last 2 as I felt it had become a little stagnant. So I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Bowditch is a little older and a more experienced game warden now with a wife and a baby on the way and even though he is still a stubborn mule when he takes on a case, he seemed a little more down to earth and I liked that. A quick blurb on the plot would be someone seems to be carrying out vigilante justice on some bad people while someone mysterious from Bowditch's past has a score to settle. Thanks to Net Galley, the author and the publisher for and ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Bowditch is the main character in a series by Paul Doiron. Bowditch is a Game Warden, which already makes him a uniquely interesting protagonist. He functions as a detective, approaching unusual sightings or strange occurrences in rural Maine, with curiosity and intrinsic skills. STORM TIDE is the 16th mystery but functions very well as a stand alone. The tale is well-told and moves quickly, involving a strange disparate group of individuals, as Bowditch suffers career setbacks while trying to see a pattern amidst the crimes. I was quite taken by the character and setting and will read his earlier books. This one was a real delight to read. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Miranda Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Bowditch returns in Storm Tide by Paul Doiron. This was a real rollercoaster of a ride, not only for my favorite Maine game warden but also for me. It starts with a fire and Bowditch being back working as a game warden and not an investigator has a hard time dealing with the fact that he can't investigate what he believes is arson but no one else agrees with him. All of a sudden he finds himself right in the middle of a complicated case that goes back in time as well as the upcoming birth of his first child. This author is a true storyteller of the highest rank and I am glad I found him all those years ago. I really recommend this series and send a thank you to Minotaur Books and Edelweiss for giving me an advance copy.

[Andy Krahling · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 stars.

I'm a fan of this series, and Game Warden Mike Bowditch is probably in my top five characters. That being said, he does a lot of stupid stuff, and in this book, as a new father, the stupid stuff becomes less believable, hence the 4 star rating.

Paul Doiron writes a good, solid thriller, filled with snippets of Maine woods knowledge, which I love.

If you aren't familiar with the series, you'll be at a slight disadvantage. It does work as a stand-alone, but there is history among the characters that contributes to the current story.

Highly recommended, and I can't wait for the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

[Mary Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storm Tide is the latest installment in the Mike Bowditch series. He's a game warden who often finds himself involved in complicated cases, and Storm Tide is no exception. There's a lot going on in this book. Mike's wife is about to give birth with his first child. He's being disciplined at work for shenanigans that occurred in the book prior, and there's arson, a stalker, and murders to contend with. Paul Doiron is an amazing storyteller, and Storm Tide is full of the action and twists and turns readers have come to expect from this series, and it does not disappoint. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC.