If you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers, richly drawn characters, and the kind of storytelling that keeps you up reading way past midnight, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite author: Paul Doiron. His Mike Bowditch series—centered around a game warden in the wilds of Maine—delivers everything a crime fiction fan could ask for: atmospheric settings, taut plots, emotional depth, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for, flaws and all.
I’ve read every book in this series—some on Kindle, most in hardback because I just couldn’t resist owning them—and I can honestly say, it just keeps getting better.
Who Is Mike Bowditch?
Mike Bowditch starts off as a young, impulsive game warden in The Poacher’s Son, the first novel in the series. Over time, we watch him grow—not just in rank, but in wisdom and complexity. Doiron masterfully balances personal growth with heart-pounding action, all set against the rugged beauty (and danger) of the Maine wilderness.
Each book stands strong on its own, but reading the series in order adds layers of richness as you follow Mike’s evolution, both professionally and personally.
Why You’ll Love This Series
Here’s what makes Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch novels unmissable:
✅ Authentic Setting – Doiron brings Maine’s landscape and wildlife to life with intimate detail. You’ll feel the snow crunch under your boots and the pine-scented air on your face.
✅ Gripping Mysteries – From poachers and murderers to environmental crimes and cold cases, each story is a puzzle you won’t want to stop solving.
✅ Character Depth – Mike Bowditch is far from perfect, and that’s what makes him compelling. He’s brave, stubborn, often reckless—but always human.
✅ Tightly-Written, Fast-Paced Prose – Doiron’s background as an editor of Down East magazine shows in his polished writing and vivid storytelling.
My Top Picks (and Where to Start)
If you’re just diving in, I recommend starting with:
1. The Poacher’s Son – The explosive debut that introduces Mike Bowditch. A must-read.
Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3vhql5r
2. Trespasser – The follow-up that proves this series is no fluke.
Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3TsG7Cl
3. Massacre Pond – A favorite of mine for its emotional punch and sharp mystery.
Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/49koNWp
4. Dead by Dawn – One of the most intense entries. Absolutely unputdownable.
Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/43WZfii
(Click the titles above to check them out on Amazon through my affiliate links—if you love them as much as I do, thank you for supporting this blog!)
Here’s one affiliate link to my Amazon storefront of all Paul Doiron books that I’ve read:
https://amzn.to/3Hp50wu Try the affiliate storefront link to go directly to Amazon.
Final Thoughts
I’ve read a lot of mystery and crime fiction over the years, but Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series stands out for its combination of heart, suspense, and literary quality. If you’re looking for a new author to get hooked on—one whose books you’ll want to own, not just read—this is the series.
Trust me: once you start, you won’t stop at just one.
I’m currently reading this book Skin and Bones by Paul Doiron. It’s short stories all about Mike Bowditch and characters found in his full-length books. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/45Azs0I
👉 Browse all Mike Bowditch books here on Amazon https://amzn.to/3Hp50wu and start your journey into the Maine wilderness today.
Here’s an earlier blog post I wrote about Paul Doiron’s books last year: https://livingwithdana.com/2024/03/book-review-paul-doiron-mysteries/
Thank you so much for reading my book recommendations! Let me know how you like these books.
Dana
Blog www.livingwithdana.com | Join me on Facebook! | See why Pinterest is so fun!
