By: Paul Doiron
Narrator: Henry Leyva
Mike Bowditch Mysteries #15
ISBN: 9781250347756
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Minotaur Books
Publication Date: 06/25/2024
Format: Audiobook
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
"[Narrator Henry] Leyva and [author Paul] Doiron are a great combination offering a fast-paced thrill ride." —AudioFile on Almost Midnight
Game Warden Mike Bowditch must chase down a cunning and dangerous fugitive in the North Maine Woods in this nail-biter of a thriller from Edgar Award-nominated author Paul Doiron, Pitch Dark.
Legendary bush pilot Josie Jonson can’t believe her luck when a skilled builder just happens to show up after she purchases land near Prentiss Pond. All Mark Redmond asks in return for building Josie’s dream cabin is that he be left alone to homeschool his 12-year-old daughter, Cady.
For Maine game warden investigator Mike Bowditch, the intensity of Redmond's secretiveness is troubling, especially in light of suspicious criminal activity being reported around the area―including rumors of an armed man offering large sums of money in exchange for the location of Redmond and Cady. Josie, though hesitant to violate the trust of her prized builder, eventually agrees to fly Mike and his father-in-law Charley Stevens to the secluded pond in an attempt to protect Redmond and Cady. But hours after landing, the trip takes a dark turn when they witness a horrific murder and are taken captive themselves.
Freeing himself, Mike is forced to set off through the impenetrable Maine forest towards Canada, alone and unarmed in pursuit of a mysterious fugitive. As he navigates a windblown landscape choked with deadfalls and blocked by swollen streams, he marvels at his enemy’s bush craft. The killer possesses skills surpassing his own, and Bowditch can't tell if he is the cat or the mouse in this dangerous game. Can Mike Bowditch stop his adversary in time to save the life of a young girl, or will he be forced to watch another innocent soul die?
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.
My Review
Author Paul Doiron returns with his popular Mike Bowditch mystery series in his latest heart-pounding adventure with #15, PITCH DARK.
About...
Set in the main woods, Game Warden Mike Bowditch must chase down a dangerous killer who is whip-smart in this twisty game of cat-and-mouse.
Mark Redmond, a skilled builder, shows up to build Josie Jonson's (bush pilot) cabin after purchasing land near Prentiss Pond. He only requests to be left alone to homeschool his daughter, Cady (age 12, never seen in public). Suspicious?
Maine game warden investigator Mike Bowditch is suspicious of Redmond's secretiveness, especially in light of suspicious criminal activity being reported around the area―including rumors of an armed man offering large sums of money in exchange for the location of Redmond and Cady.
Josie, hesitant to violate her builder's trust, eventually agrees to fly Mike and his father-in-law, Charley Stevens (a retired warden pilot), to the secluded pond to protect reclusive Redmond and Cady.
But hours after landing, the trip takes a dark and sinister turn when they witness a horrific murder and are taken captive themselves. What is Mark hiding?
Mike escapes and is forced to set off alone and unarmed through the Maine forest toward Canada in pursuit of a mysterious fugitive. He soon learns that, through all the roadblocks, weather, and wilderness, the killer may be able to outsmart him and his skills. Plus, a bounty hunter is also pursuing Redmond and Cady, plus more complications.
Who is the cat and the mouse in this dangerous game, and will Mike be able to save the life of a young girl and himself?
My thoughts...
PITCH DARK is riveting, atmospheric, fast-paced, action-packed, and full of suspense and twists for a wild adventure. The characters are well-developed, and the setting, vivid and rugged. Excellent characterization (especially Mike, the hero) and atmospheric descriptions make this one an excellent addition to the series full of action, suspense, murder, and danger.
Recs...
PITCH DARK is highly recommended for fans of the author and the Mike Bowditch series and those of authors C.J. Box, Ace Atkins, and David Baldacci.
Audiobook...
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Henry Leyva for an outstanding gripping performance, making the characters come alive for a fast-paced thrill ride!
Thank you...
Thanks to #MacAudio2024 Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a gifted ALC for an honest review. #CoverLove
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 25, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Praise
"A perfect beach read that will make you hug yourself in pleasure and excitement and search for a little more warmth." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“The resolution is absolutely stunning, and the narrative, as always, is compelling... Maine native Doiron is an outdoorsman, which adds a rare authenticity to the series.”
―Booklist, starred
"No list of Maine mysteries would be complete without Paul Doiron."
―Bangor Daily News
About the Author
Paul Doiron (c) Kristen Lindquist
A native of Maine, bestselling author PAUL DOIRON attended Yale University, where he graduated with a degree in English. The Poacher’s Son, the first book in the Mike Bowditch series, won the Barry award, the Strand award for best first novel, and has been nominated for the Edgar, Anthony, and Macavity awards in the same category. He is a Registered Maine Guide specializing in fly fishing and lives on a trout stream in coastal Maine with his wife, Kristen Lindquist.
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