Thrillers & Suspense
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Dead Man's Wake: A Novel (Mike Bowditch Mysteries, 14)
Game Warden Mike Bowditch's engagement party is interrupted by the discovery of a gruesome double murder in this new thriller from Edgar Award-winning author Paul Doiron.
On the evening of their engagement party, Maine Game Warden Investigator Mike Bowditch and Stacey Stevens witness what seems to be a hit-and-run speedboat crash on a darkened lake. When they arrive at the scene, their spotlight reveals a gruesome sight: a severed arm floating just beneath the surface. As day breaks, the warden dive team recovers not one but two naked corpses: a dismembered man and the married woman with whom he was having an affair. Mike begins to suspect the swimmers' deaths were not a senseless accident but a coldly calculated murder.
Meanwhile, the hunt is on for the mysterious boater. Suspects abound on the lake, nicknamed "Golden Pond," including the violent biker husband of the murdered woman who may have taken vengeance on his wife and her paramour; a strange woman who claims to have witnessed the crash, but then changes her story; a very aggressive realtor and his wife who were determined to catch trespassers; and the lake's earnest young constable whose eagerness to help may hide darker motives.
Alone among his fellow officers, Mike starts to sense the involvement of a trained marksman, smarter and more dangerous than any enemy he has ever faced before. As Mike and Stacey get closer to identifying the killer, their own lives are suddenly on the line as they confront a lethal killer who plans to silence them forever. The finale is a tour de force of drama and suspense.
On the evening of their engagement party, Maine Game Warden Investigator Mike Bowditch and Stacey Stevens witness what seems to be a hit-and-run speedboat crash on a darkened lake. When they arrive at the scene, their spotlight reveals a gruesome sight: a severed arm floating just beneath the surface. As day breaks, the warden dive team recovers not one but two naked corpses: a dismembered man and the married woman with whom he was having an affair. Mike begins to suspect the swimmers' deaths were not a senseless accident but a coldly calculated murder.
Meanwhile, the hunt is on for the mysterious boater. Suspects abound on the lake, nicknamed "Golden Pond," including the violent biker husband of the murdered woman who may have taken vengeance on his wife and her paramour; a strange woman who claims to have witnessed the crash, but then changes her story; a very aggressive realtor and his wife who were determined to catch trespassers; and the lake's earnest young constable whose eagerness to help may hide darker motives.
Alone among his fellow officers, Mike starts to sense the involvement of a trained marksman, smarter and more dangerous than any enemy he has ever faced before. As Mike and Stacey get closer to identifying the killer, their own lives are suddenly on the line as they confront a lethal killer who plans to silence them forever. The finale is a tour de force of drama and suspense.
Editorial Reviews
Praise for Dead Man's Wake:
"Doiron creates an array of colorful, well-drawn characters, writes in vivid, graceful style, and accurately portray investigative procedures ― this time including the handling of underwater crime scenes. He spins his tale with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the end." ―Associated Press
"Another well-crafted case beautifully built on a foundation of the local geography Doiron knows so well." ―Kirkus Reviews
"Both fans and newcomers to the series can sink deep into the pages of Doiron's latest Mike Bowditch adventure… Wilderness thrillers provide a great break from the real world―get this one on your list."―Henrietta Verma, First Clue
"Doiron packs in lots of twists and turns, and enough suspense to keep you reading well past bedtime." ―BookPage
Praise for Paul Doiron and the Mike Bowditch mysteries:
"Doiron captures the stark beauty of his setting." ―New York Times Book Review for Stay Hidden
"The characters are well drawn, the Maine landscape is vividly portrayed, and Bowditch pursues his passion to protect the innocent and bring evil doers to justice regardless of personal cost." ―Associated Press for Almost Midnight
"As always with a Doiron novel, the characters are so well-drawn you can almost reach out and shake their hands, and the rural landscape is so vividly portrayed that the reader can smell wildflowers, marvel at the swarms of fireflies and feel the sting of the blood-thirsty insects. But the author's finest achievement is the evolution of Mike Bowditch himself." ―Bruce DeSilva, Associated Press for Knife Creek
"Outstanding…Doiron balances nuanced characterizations and intelligent plotting perfectly." ―Publishers Weekly
"Doiron creates an array of colorful, well-drawn characters, writes in vivid, graceful style, and accurately portray investigative procedures ― this time including the handling of underwater crime scenes. He spins his tale with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the end." ―Associated Press
"Another well-crafted case beautifully built on a foundation of the local geography Doiron knows so well." ―Kirkus Reviews
"Both fans and newcomers to the series can sink deep into the pages of Doiron's latest Mike Bowditch adventure… Wilderness thrillers provide a great break from the real world―get this one on your list."―Henrietta Verma, First Clue
"Doiron packs in lots of twists and turns, and enough suspense to keep you reading well past bedtime." ―BookPage
Praise for Paul Doiron and the Mike Bowditch mysteries:
"Doiron captures the stark beauty of his setting." ―New York Times Book Review for Stay Hidden
"The characters are well drawn, the Maine landscape is vividly portrayed, and Bowditch pursues his passion to protect the innocent and bring evil doers to justice regardless of personal cost." ―Associated Press for Almost Midnight
"As always with a Doiron novel, the characters are so well-drawn you can almost reach out and shake their hands, and the rural landscape is so vividly portrayed that the reader can smell wildflowers, marvel at the swarms of fireflies and feel the sting of the blood-thirsty insects. But the author's finest achievement is the evolution of Mike Bowditch himself." ―Bruce DeSilva, Associated Press for Knife Creek
"Outstanding…Doiron balances nuanced characterizations and intelligent plotting perfectly." ―Publishers Weekly
Readers Top Reviews
lynguy1Sara G
Suspense, murder, and danger are expected from Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series. However, Dead Man’s Wake , the fourteenth book in the series, brings an extra intensity to the story mainly set in Belgrade, Maine and the surrounding lake area. During their engagement party, Maine Game Warden Investigator Mike Bowditch and Emergency Medical Technician Stacey Stevens hear and witness what seems to be a hit-an-run speedboat crash. Arriving at the sight via his stepfather’s boat, a severed arm is revealed in their spotlight. When two bodies are found, not one, Mike suspects there’s more going on than an accident. In Maine, game wardens have the same arrest powers as sheriffs, and he works the investigation along with the state police. Mike and Stacey are likeable characters and work well together. Stacey has been a bush pilot, wildlife biologist, photographer, and a kayaking guide. She can intimidate others because she is so talented. 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. I enjoyed getting to know their families better in this novel. Mike’s stepfather Neil is kind and enthusiastic. Neil’s wife Jubilee is perceptive and funny. Stacey’s parents are Charley and Ora. Charley is a good friend of Mike’s and a retired game warden. Ora was the only one of the group who wasn’t as well-developed. This riveting crime thriller and police investigation keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. The plot is suspenseful, full of chasing down leads and interviewing suspects and witnesses as well as plenty of danger for those involved. I enjoyed how the author provided unpredictable moments in the story. The conflict moves the story forward at a rapid pace. Why are some of individuals obviously lying? Themes include death, relationships, family dynamics, secrets, health, friendship, police cooperation across jurisdictions, and much more. The one thing that I missed in this story was the nature references that were much more prevalent in the previous book. There are short discussions around common loons and bears as well as a few other references, but I didn’t feel immersed in it. However, weather and the lake both play important roles in the story and they were immersive. Overall, this fast-paced novel was engaging, gripping, and atmospheric with good characterization and great world-building details. Even though this is part of a series, it is a great stand-alone read too. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Mike and Stacey. I recommend this to those that like crime thrillers and police procedurals with relatable and likeable main characters. St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Pa...
Lesley Jo Finbraa
This book was nonstop action from the start. So many characters winding through the storyline, kept me on my toes! I loved this book!
Kindle Lesley Jo
Reeled me in from the start. Great story and characters. Duiron doesn't disappoint. Now the story really gets good. What lies ahead for Mr. and Mrs. Bowditch?
John BowesKindle
The author grows stronger, the stories leaner, but still mysterious. Maine looks great and our hero gets stronger as he surrounds himself with family.
Kindle John Bowe
Another solid and well written mystery in the Maine woods. Love the characters. Mike has grown and now that he has a major shift in his life-for the good-it leaves me wishing for next entry! This series always delivers!!
