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, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Adult Fiction

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published 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

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Doiron has written another great crime novel featuring Maine game warden Mike Bowditch. It is action packed and I could not put it down. Although I do not live in Maine I have worked on jobs in the state for years. I also am no stranger to the poverty and the attitudes, good and bad, displayed in this series. As far as I am concerned, this is the best one yet.

I began with the first book and almost didn't read another. I did not like the young, cocky self-absorbed Bowditch at all. He reminded me of cocky young police officers everywhere. The character was smug and knew everything. However, Doiron's descriptions of poachers and back woods criminals were spot on based on my own life experiences in northern New England. He is every bit as good at capturing a scene in his books as Stephen King does with horror.

This book involves the hunt for a serial killer, high tech, manipulation and backwoods crime by vigilantes set on writing wrongs where they believe that should have deserved greater justice. The usual cast of characters including Charles and Ora, Stacey and the Cronks, as well as Officer Cruz return for the adventure. And we meet another Bowditch.

You could read this as a standalone. It is that good. But to fully appreciate the nuances and the returning characters, I recommend reading the series from the beginning. If like me you don't like Bowditch in Book 1, read on. It only gets better as the character matures. This book (and series) is one I highly recommend.

[Kristina Pauls (ARC Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storm tide has an intriguing premise and a dark, atmospheric setting. The story dives quickly into the investigation with plenty of mystery. While this one wasn't quite a right fit for my personal reading tastes. It plays in that I didn't realize this was a Series when I requested the title.

PUBLISH DATE: June 30, 2026
BOOK TITLE: Storm Tide
AUTHOR: Paul Doiron
PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
FORMAT: ebook & audiobook
PAGES: 352

I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Paula K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is terrific. Seeing mid-coast Maine through the eyes of game warden, Mike Bowditch, is a wonderful experience. Gorgeous location, nature, wildlife, and always plenty of fun watching Mike get in trouble going after the bad guys and gals.

I’ve read every book in the series and always look forward to the next arrival.

5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to all for the copy.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm Tide is the 16th book in Paul Doiron's "Mike Bowditch" series and it just keeps getting better.
This chilling and emotionally tense story about Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch has him involved in a web of brutal killings that force him to confront his deepest fears in the Maine wilderness where danger lurks but where Mike is most comfortable.
It is always a pleasure re-visiting the side characters again and in this book Mike experiences a life changing event that adds emotional depth to the story.
A captivating and atmospheric installment to the series but can also be read as a standalone.
I thoroughly enjoy listening to Mike's adventures wonderfully narrated by Henry Leyva.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[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.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the events of the last book, Mike Bowditch is facing a disciplinary hearing and has been demoted back to patrolling for the Game Warden’s office in rural Maine until a decision is made.

Meanwhile, there’s two suspicious deaths that point to a vigilante on the loose. Mike’s tipped off by someone who knows a little too much about his personal life, both past and present.

Also, Mike’s wife, Stacy, is weeks away from giving birth to their first child and notices a white van has been tailing her.

Mike is unsettled to find someone personally obsessed, especially since he has so much to lose, with a wife and baby on the way. As usual, Mike runs headlong into danger, and there were a few times I wanted to shake some sense into him. Especially when he landed in situations I wasn’t sure he’d survive. Still, his determination to find the stalker before the stalker finds him or his family made sense.

One of the things I love about this series is that Doiron brings the rough and beautiful landscape of Maine to life without slowing the plot!

I alternately read and listened to an audio version with Henry Leyva narrating. I love his performance! At this point, he is Mike Bowditch to me! Doiron’s wry humor comes through loud and clear through his performance and I enjoy his Maine accents.

Storm Tide is book sixteen in a series, but I jumped in late (book twelve) and have enjoyed every installment since!

I voluntarily read/listened to a copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my honest opinions.

[Grandma Susan]

Profanity

[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.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[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.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Aaron Todd Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
2.5🔪

Storm Tide by Paul Doiron was a full blown BANGER. 5 stars, easy. I read this alongside the audiobook, and the narrator absolutely brought the story to life. The pacing, the characters, the mystery, the twists, all of it worked.

Nothing too dark here, it’s more slow-burn mystery than graphic, but the atmosphere and sense of place are outstanding. There is mention of abuse that warrants checking the trigger warnings.

This is #16 in the series and I never felt lost or like I’d missed anything, you could honestly start here if you wanted. Absolutely fantastic.

[Maxine]

Paul Doiron is a master at creating fast-paced, action-packed, and riveting thrillers and Storm Tide is no exception. This is a well-plotted tale of vigilante justice and consequences and it kept my attention right through until the satisfying ending. The characters are well-drawn as is the Maine setting. Despite this being the 16th entry in the Mike Bowditch Mysteries series, there is, I believe, enough background given, that it can be read as a standalone. However, I have no doubt, if this is your first introduction to MikeBowditch, you’ll be definitely adding the previous book to the top of your tbr list.

As with past books in the series, I found Storm Tide unputdownable and I recommend it highly to those who have been following the series or anyone who enjoys well-written and adrenaline fueled thrillers. I read an eARC of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press while listening to an audiobook from Macmillan Audio narrated by Henry Leyva who does an exceptional job.

[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.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An isolated house burns down, trapping a couple inside and leaving their infant daughter the only survivor. Game Warden Mike Bowditch is first on the scene. Weeks later, a man is crushed to death by an oncoming train. This time Mike gets a cryptic warning alerting him to the about to happen accident. Then he notices that both he and his pregnant wife Stacey are being followed by an unusually large person driving a white van. What is going on? The police are investigating what they think are unrelated crimes but Mike has realized that they are linked by a vigilante who is targeting those he believes were not punished for their crimes. And Mike is on his list.

Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series just keeps getting better. Storm Tide is full of familiar characters and has a multi-layered, complicated plot. The rural Maine location is so well-described, you can smell the pine trees. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Paul Doiron for this ARC.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be an utter delight. The main character is a Maine game warden investigator who has a history of stepping outside conventional practices to solve complicated crimes. This story is no exception. Though he is suspended for his crime-solving style and beleaguered by bureaucrats, he perseveres to a satisfying solution, despite terrifying threats to his wife and new child, his home, and his pet wolf dog.

Throughout the book, scenes of Maine's magnificent coasts and forests abound and are beautifully described. I particularly liked that the sounds and activities of birds and wildlife were accurately portrayed. As an avid outdoorsperson I felt as if I was there, admiring the power of waves on the rocky shoreline or being scolded by a noisy chipmunk.

From the opening scene of a horrific crime to the satisfying ending the pace is fast and the story engaging. I was hooked from the first page and read it in two nights, staying up late to finish the story.

The very next thing I am going to do is look for another book from this new-to-me author

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In this 16th book in the 'Mike Bowditch' series, the Maine game warden is in the sights of a vengeful killer. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****

Mike Bowditch has been a Maine game warden for ten years, and he's been in trouble for breaking the rules many times.



You'd think Mike would learn from his mistakes, but he's too determined to get the perpetrator.



As 'Storm Tide' opens, Mike has been busted from warden investigator back to patrol for chasing a fugitive across the border into Canada. Mike is on routine night patrol when he sees a house fire, and hurries over to help.



A woman named Karen Kershaw is outside the burning house holding a baby, and she says the father gave her the child and ran back to rescue his wife. The home's residents, Brian and Angela Malloy, perish in the blaze, and Mike learns the couple is notorious for (allegedly) kidnapping and killing a child Brian had with a drug addict.



Mike suspects the Malloy fire was arson, and though it isn't his purview, Mike goes to interview Karen Kershaw. Karen is clearly uneasy and runs away, then makes a false report about Mike threatening her with his wolf-dog Shadow.



This gets Mike into into hot water with Detective Sergeant Delphine Cruz from the Major Crimes Unit of the Maine State Police. Delphine doesn't believe Karen's story, but she tells Mike IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS to leave the homicide investigating to her. Of course, Mike pays no attention, but he and Delphine form a kind of under the radar partnership as the story moves forward.



The next day, Mike gets an anonymous phone call from a man who says: "Mike Bowditch, after all these years! It really is a small world....You were such an infamous presence around Machias. I couldn't help but take an interest in you....You've been in the news so much - so many shootings....One of the things I remember is that, when you weren't on duty, you used to drive that cool Jeep Wrangler with the expedition roof rack and Mammoth wheels." The caller then reports seeing lights near the site of the Malloy house fire, and hangs up. When Mike hits redial, he gets 'Pleasure Chest Adult Superstore' and knows the caller spoofed the number.



This is the beginning of a nightmare period for Mike and his wife Stacey Stevens, an emergency medical technician who's expecting their first child. While Mike keeps poking into the Malloys' deaths, Stacey leaves work one day and is followed home by a white van.



A couple of months later, Mike and his father-in-law Charley Stevens, a legendary retired game warden, are in Mike's truck when the police scanner calls all units to a fatality on the train tracks near Vanceboro.



Mike and Charley hurry over and see a crushed body on the tracks, who turns out to be Axl Deming. Axl and his brother Shayn were suspected of raping and murdering a teenage girl, but their mother gave them an alibi. The police deem Axl's death a homicide, and Mike suspects vigilantes killed the Malloys and Axl to get 'justice' for their crimes.



As the weeks pass, Mike gets additional spoofed phone calls and is lured into life-threatening situations. Mike determines the vigilantes are after him as well, and it's a cat and mouse game as Mike and the perps try to outsmart one another.

Mike is especially reckless in this novel since Stacey is pregnant, then gives birth. You'd think Mike would avoid danger, so he'd be around for his wife and baby, but Mike can't seem to avoid murderous people. (You just know a man wrote this book. LOL)



Recurring characters that appear in the novel include:

Billy Cronk - a registered Maine guide and outdoorsman who looks like a viking; Billy goes along when Mike tries to catch a vigilante.



Kathy Frost - Mike's former supervisor, who's a skilled woodswoman and tracker; Kathy helps in a pinch.



Ora Stevens - Stacey's mother (Mike's mother-in-law) who's on hand to help with Stacey and Mike's baby.



The Mike Bowditch novels are action-adventure all the way, and there are plenty of edge of your seat moments in the story. I enjoyed the book, but wish Mike would be more careful in perilous situations.



I had the digital book and the audiobook, narrated by Henry Leyva. Leyva is a good narrator, but some of his female voices are hinky.

Thanks to Netgalley, Paul Doiron, Macmillan Audio and Minotaur for ARCs of the book.

You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Justin Soderberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is a vigilante loose in rural Maine?

Mike Bowditch is a Game Warden in the state of Maine who doesn't always color inside the lines; in fact, he has already been demoted from his job as an investigator and after recent exploits is awaiting a disciplinary hearing that will determine his future (or lack thereof) with the department. With his wife Stacey due to give birth in the near future, he is a man with a lot on his plate. Responding to a house fire one night as the closest LEO to the scene, he finds a neighbor holding an infant who she says was handed to her by the owner of the house who then went back inside to rescue his wife. The fire is too fierce for Mike to gain entry, and the owner soon emerges engulfed in flames. A gruesome sight, and one which ends with the man dead and more questions than answers as to what happened that night. The dead man, it turns out, was suspected by many of killing his illegitimate young son but was never convicted. So begins a strange year for Mike, with the death of another person believed to have committed a heinous crime but who escaped prosecution soon to follow. Messages indicate that these deaths are no coincidence, and Mike suspects that there is someone (or a group of someones) tracking down those who have gotten away with terrible crimes and exacting justice. It also seems that Mike himself may be on that list. Can Mike or others in law enforcement discover who is behind this spate of killings and stop them before someone else dies?
Storm Tide is the 16th installment in author Paul Doiron's series featuring Mike Bowditch and. as with its preceding installments, it showcases the rugged, rural Maine setting in.which he lives and works, Readers of the series will appreciate the changing circumstances in which Mike finds himself both personally, now married and with fatherhood in the offing, as well as professionally, where his past risky behavior has put his job in jeopardy. Recurring characters including Charley, his former mentor and now father-in-law, Billy Cronk and others very much have a part of the action in the tale as well. Can it be read as a standalone? Certainly, but those who have read at least some of the previous outings will have a deeper understanding of the characters' past actions and current behaviors. Tackling the dangers of vigilantism superseding the rule of law, the unforeseen and often long-lasting consequences of past actions, and the challenges faced by the families of members of law enforcement, Storm Tide is overall a solid procedural/thriller with well developed characters and a twisty plot. The span of time covered in this installment is longer than has been the case in previous works, which enables Mike's growth to be developed but does slow down the pacing a bit. One small quibble...given his new responsibilities, Mike repeatedly taking major risks with his life and Stacey calmly accepting it pushes realistic relationship dynamics just a bit for me. Still a great read overall, one sure to be welcomed by existing fans of the series and likely to appeal to readers of C. J. Box, Nevada Bar.r and William Kent Krueger. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Kevintipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

In some sense, what began in The Poacher’s Son long ago is about to come full circle. As Storm Tide: A Novel by Paul Doiron begins, Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch, who had a very problematic relationship with his own father, is about to be a father. His wife, Stacey, is just a few weeks away from giving birth. The clock is ticking on the arrival of their child in a world that has seen dad demoted back to patrol and about to lose his career with the Maine Warden Service.

On this October night others have lost far more. The roaring blaze in the shattered remains of the house means people have lost their lives. Somehow, a baby made it out, and a nearby neighbor has the child. Allegedly, the father brough the baby out and went back in for his wife. Bowditch had made it to the scene fast after the call came out and tried the same feat. The intense heat almost killed him as he entered and saw a man in flames collapsing to the floor. Bowditch managed to pull the man out of the raging inferno, but it was too late.

It is only in the aftermath with the arrival of Detective Sergeant Delphine Cruz of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit that Bowditch realizes something is up. Originally from Boston, she has made it to the scene before the Arson Investigator. So too has her attitude as she doesn’t like Maine or, as she sees it, what Bowditch represents. Through her, while answering her questions, he learns this is the home of the Malloys.

Specifically, the home of the infamous Brian Malloy who has been in the news for over a year due to his infidelity, a child out of wedlock, and the disappearance of the child shortly after he was ordered to pay child support. Many in the area searched for the missing child that has yet to be found. The court of public opinion has found them both guilty as people think dad took and killed the child and his wife lied for him. Their alibis had proven unshakable. There is a lot of anger amongst the locals who believe the Malloys got away with it all.

Now, both are thought to be dead in what is left of their relatively new home. Bowditch is pretty sure that something is off about the fire and the situation, in general, but he isn’t an investigator anymore, and never has been one for arsons anyway. Nobody is going to listen to him on this. Especially with his record and the fact that he is about to lose his job due to his recent actions.

Then some really weird things start happening. Somebody is once again toying with Bowditch. To mess with him is one thing. But, now Stacy and the baby are at risk.

What follows is a complicated read full of twists, turns, and links to the past. If Maine Game Warden Mike Bowdicth does not figure it out fast, he and his family may not survive.

Storm Tide: A Novel by Paul Doiron is the latest outing in a strong series best read in order. It finds Bowditch contemplating faith, fatherhood, and family, while also trying to prove that he isn’t just a conspiracy nutcase with a badge and gun. Sometimes you aren’t paranoid if they really are trying to get you.


My digital ARC reading copy came by way of the publisher, Minotaur Books, through NetGalley, in early November 2025, with no expectation of a positive review.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2026

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I often start these reviews by clarifying I have read the entire Mike Bowditch series and love it. However, I wrote after the quite exceptional Dead by Dawn that I thought Paul Doiron had boxed himself into a corner by writing such a blockbuster survivalist novel with a perfect ending. That book even brought back some antagonists from a previous novel which I thought was a reward for the loyal readers who were able to guess at who they might be. I was hoping this novel would run along similar lines but sadly it didn't. I could have given this a 2-star but my loyalty to the series remains as it has much credit in the bank.

So why was it a let down? Firstly, Mike reverted back to someone needing character development, making rash and frankly ridiculous decisions over and over in the book. Without spoilers, those decisions almost cost two of his loved ones and as a character he just became a bit of a mockery or unlikeable at that point. Secondly, the abduction episode on board a boat was farcical, cutting his hands free with shards of glass needlessly thrown at him and cutting his hand in the process? Really? The plan was to sink the boat and drown him out at sea but then he found himself able to stand in the shallow water so he could walk a mile to safety in winter seas. Half an hour later he was shrugging off medical assistance to be at the hospital (too late as it happened). At this point in the novel I wanted to put it down as it was just nonsense, and it seemed my prediction about the stories struggling after Dead by Dawn was coming true. It felt like the author was contriving ever more absurd survival scenarios to try and trump what had gone before but when it becomes as far-fetched as this, it just doesn't take for me.

The plot itself held much potential and I thought we'd be in for another notorious character coming back to haunt Mike. There was actually a perfect character I had in mind too who Mike had encountered in the very places visited in this book, and who was a zealot about justice, so I thought it was setup perfectly for a twist. But no, there was no real mystery to unravel in this novel and the brains of the operation was almost totally transparent, inexplicably appearing at several times to double bluff Mike and the police. The ending was also lukewarm at best. It may be worth noting that it had been 2 years since the last novel and that may explain a little why the story and mood seemed to change abruptly several times as I thought it had been put down and restarted in a different frame of mind.

All that said, it was good to have cameo's again from Billy Cronk, Charlie and Ora and the writing, as always, can be beautiful and create a fantastic sense of place with small details that only someone who lives the outdoors of Maine could know. The plot was all there to make for a good book but it fell a bit short of my high expectations of this series. It did little to change my view that the series peaked with a couple of exceptional novels (One Last Lie, Dead by Dawn) and whilst still a good read, it isn't hitting those heights for me anymore. But of course I'll keep reading as Paul Doiron is a brilliant author and I have faith more good books will come.

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tessa Talks Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

One-word review: Gripping
Floral Verdict: A Rose 🌹
Rating: 4.5 🌟s

My thoughts:

Storm Tide grabbed me immediately and did not loosen its icy little grip until the end. This is the 16th book in the Mike Bowditch series, which honestly made me a little nervous going in, but I had no trouble following the story at all. None. I never felt like I had wandered into the middle of a conversation where everyone else knew the inside jokes. It stands on its own beautifully, while still giving the sense that these characters have full lives and long histories behind them.

And the pacing? So good. This is one of those thrillers that starts with intensity and then just keeps layering on pressure until everything feels personal, dangerous, and a little too close for comfort. Between the fire, the murder on the railroad tracks, the creepy texts, the disciplinary hearing, and the threat circling Mike’s family, there is always something pulling the story forward. Not in a chaotic way, either. More like a storm system gathering strength over cold water.

I also loved how layered the characters are. Mike Bowditch is clearly a character with history, baggage, instincts, flaws, and heart, but Doiron never made me feel like I needed a study guide to understand him. I was quickly invested in him, especially as the case began to intrude on his home life. Stacey being so close to giving birth while also being watched by some stranger in a white van? No thank you. Absolutely not. My protective-reader hackles were up.

The plotting is where this book really shines. Everything feels carefully placed, but not obvious. The murders are brutal, the possible connection between them is chilling, and the idea of someone targeting criminals who escaped justice gives the whole story this uneasy moral edge. It’s not just “who is doing this?” It’s also “how far does justice bend before it snaps?” I love a thriller that lets the questions get a little thorny.

And the descriptions. The frozen harbors, remote islands, dark woods, icy tracks, and all that rugged Maine atmosphere felt so vivid that I swear I could feel the cold creeping under sleeves. The setting is not just a backdrop here. It has teeth. It makes every isolated moment feel more dangerous and every choice feel more urgent.

Storm Tide is fast, immersive, smartly plotted, and tense in all the best ways. I went in as a newcomer to the series and came out wanting to know more about Mike Bowditch, which is always a good sign. Actually, it’s a dangerous sign. My TBR just heard the floorboards creak.

🌹 Floral Verdict: A Rose
I recommend it, especially for readers who love atmospheric crime fiction, wilderness thrillers, layered characters, and mysteries with a sharp moral edge.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[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 📖

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you choose the behavior, you choose the consequences.

Paul Doiron, you have frustrated me with Storm Tide. This is my sixteenth book in the Mike Bowditch Series. I'm a loyal fan and always will be. But there comes a time when dubious actions and highly questionable decisions must be hung up on the hook. We've followed alongside Mike throughout the years as he's been driven by his impulsive nature. That floated in his younger years. He's now thirty-four with a wife and newborn. Mike needs a re-alignment in maturity. Let's discuss.

Mike has been relegated to his former game warden status in Maine. He's on paid leave as his antics in Canada are being investigated. (By the way, that was one of the best books in the series.) From his previous position of game warden investigator, Mike is now checking fishing licenses and hunting bounties. But he spots smoke coming from a nearby cabin. When Mike arrives, he sees an older woman in front of the cabin holding a baby while seeming to be in a trance of shock. Mike tries to save the couple inside, but he's too late.

It turns out that the husband may have been complicit in the death of his young son by a previous relationship. Nothing was proven, but the indicators were there. As Storm Tide rolls out, we'll come across a continuum of bad actors meeting a gruesome end. Axl Deming, a known rapist, was hit on the tracks by a barreling train. Soon Mike, himself, begins to receive unsettling phone calls from someone who knew him back in Macias. This person knows too many nuggets of private information. And then someone in a white van begins to follow Mike's pregnant wife, Stacey.

Storm Tide can be read as a standalone, but it helps to have a feel for the character of Mike Bowditch in some of the other books. Mike's recklessness was charming in its beginning stages. It's grown long in the tooth now. I don't think that Mike has any more room on his battered body for more injuries. He continues to step forward into situations where he has no jurisdiction as well. Stacey's "understanding" is gonna wear thin in time with a newborn. Storm Tide ends on a possible new horizon. What's it gonna be, Paul Doiron? What's it gonna be?

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press (Minotaur Books) and to the talented Paul Doiron.

[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.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Doiron delivers another gripping and atmospheric installment in the Mike Bowditch series with Storm Tide. Sixteen books in, this series still feels fresh, intense, and impossible to put down. From the very first pages, the story pulls you into a deadly mystery that quickly becomes personal for Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch.

When Mike responds to a devastating house fire, he finds himself at the center of a case involving Brian Malloy, a man many believe got away with murdering his illegitimate son. Soon after, another suspected criminal turns up dead under horrifying circumstances, and cryptic texts begin leading Mike directly to the scenes. Whoever is behind these killings knows far too much about Mike’s past, his family, and even his time as a junior game warden.

What makes Storm Tide especially compelling is how personal the investigation becomes. Mike is already dealing with a possible career-ending disciplinary hearing while preparing for the birth of his first child with Stacey. As the threats escalate and a mysterious white van begins appearing near their home, the tension becomes relentless. The danger feels real, not just for Mike, but for everyone he loves.

Paul Doiron once again captures the rugged beauty and isolation of Maine perfectly. The wilderness setting adds so much atmosphere to the story, from frozen harbors to remote forests and stormy coastlines. Fans of character-driven crime fiction will appreciate how much Mike continues to grow while still holding onto the stubborn, reckless determination that makes him such a compelling protagonist.

The mystery itself is layered and suspenseful, blending vigilante justice, psychological tension, and emotional stakes into a fast-paced thriller that kept me turning pages late into the night. The familiar supporting cast, especially Stacey, Charley, Billy Cronk, and Shadow, add warmth and heart to the story amid all the danger.

Storm Tide is one of the strongest entries in the Mike Bowditch series so far — intense, emotional, and packed with suspense. If you enjoy atmospheric crime thrillers with flawed but unforgettable characters, this series continues to be one of the very best.