***ARC received from Minotaur Books and NetGalley, opinions are all my own. Thank you!***

Skin and Bones is a collection is a collection of eight short stories set in the same world as the main series, most have been previously published but one is brand new to the book. They are all new to me though.

The majority of the stories are set prior to the most recent book with one having taken place after the most previous book. Not all the books have Mike as the main character, four are set when his mentor Charley was a game garden. All the stories are familiar.

I think out of all the stories Skin and Bones short story is probably my favorite. This takes place during the past and is centered on Charley and Jack Bowditch, Mike’s father. I haven’t read the prior books, I believe its book one that has Jack in it but I would read a full book of Charley and Jack. They are two very different characters and even though they want the same outcome one goes about it through the law and one their own version of the law. This is also the creepiest story in the book, more are just the straight through variety similar to the other books I’ve read. Granted thats not many, I have a few to go back through this one definitely draws on more of a horror element.

The rest of the stories are a little more mystery without the horror elements. One of the things that I liked the most about these short stories is how character driven they are. Most of a tinge of sadness to them, in particular the final story in the book.

This is a fun collection of short stories that take you in the past and present of Mike and the characters that make up the majority of the books.

Skin and Bones by Mike Bo..., er, Paul Doiron is our latest superb offering!! Originally, GENIUS was my initial book assessment; then I considered SUPER, next GREAT! I settled on SUPERB! I know not everybody has read some of the Mike Bowditch/Maine Game Warden.books, so this could be a great place to begin..Of course,you'll miss over 15 books, I really really enjoy Paul Doiron's writing and this compilation will provide just a taste. It's like snapshots only with words and antics of Mike Bowditch, Maine Game Warden, through the years. Titles like The Imposter,, Snakebit*, Sheep's Clothing, The Caretaker; all fine literary options, but my choice for best of the book is Snakebit. Different in ways from.the other seven. And while I'm giving my recommendations, I'm advancing on the limb: BEST STORY....SNAKEBIT. Might.be I 'm 74 and come from generation of order: 1st base, second base; Truman Eisenhower, So, read the first BOOK!! I highly recommend Sin and Bones by Paul Doiron! OUTSTANDING

Paul Doiron’s Skin and Bones is a captivating collection of eight short stories that further enrich the world of Maine game warden Mike Bowditch, the beloved protagonist of Doiron’s long-running mystery series. Known for his atmospheric settings, tight plotting, and deep psychological insight, Doiron delivers more of what his fans love—this time in bite-sized doses that still pack a punch.

Each story offers a self-contained mystery, yet all contribute to a deeper understanding of Bowditch’s character, his evolution, and the world he inhabits. Whether he’s chasing down poachers in the backwoods or stumbling into crimes that blur the line between wilderness and civilization, Bowditch remains a compelling and refreshingly complex lead. The stories range from tense and action-driven to reflective and character-focused, showcasing Doiron’s versatility as a writer.

Standouts include the titular story Skin and Bones, a chilling tale with a survivalist edge, and Backtrack, which cleverly explores the thin line between justice and revenge. Doiron’s prose remains clean and evocative, immersing readers in Maine’s rugged natural beauty while exploring the moral and emotional terrain of his characters.

While the stories are best appreciated by those already familiar with the Bowditch series, newcomers will still find plenty to enjoy—and may be tempted to explore the full-length novels afterward.

In all, Skin and Bones is a well-crafted companion to the main series, offering both loyal fans and new readers a gripping, atmospheric journey into the darker corners of the Maine wilderness.

I was absolutely thrilled when I received an advance copy of Skin and Bones: A Mike Bowditch Short Story Collection by author Paul Doiron and I was just as thrilled when I finished reading it. I have read some of these stories before, but all of them in a row, one after the other, including the brand new SHEEP’S CLOTHING, was so satisfying. Took me right back into Mike Bowditch Land, with a huge helping of the spellbinding, captivating, not-sure-if-you-can-believe-them tales told by Charley Stevens.

As always author Doiron takes us deep into the gruesome, rugged, raw, violent, graphic world of a Maine game warden. It’s beautiful but it’s hard and unforgiving. I’ve never been to Maine, but when reading Doiron’s books I feel like I am right there, enjoying the stillness and the magnificence of the terrain – and the ever present danger.

The little peeks into Mike's unique personality were delightful; he is such an interesting man, a one of a kind old soul, and we’ve literally gotten to watch him grow up. Reading these stories took me back in time through Mike’s life: his career, his growth, his mistakes. Made me once again see that green, new game warden, that impulsive young man, always fighting for justice and fairness, dedicated to saving the woods and the animals that live in them while serving and protecting the citizens of Maine, to a somewhat older man, not quite as impulsive but still never hesitating to speak when he thinks he must, taking any risk when necessary, and seeing the fulfillment of some of his most important, personal goals and dreams. The bonus: more time with Mike’s mentor and friend, Charley Stevens. Mike is interesting; Charley is beyond interesting. His stories always entertain, often teach a lesson, and usually leave you wondering just how much you can believe.

The eight stories in this collection range from Mike’s time as a rookie to more insight into Charley’s past and include many exciting tales of the wardens having to deal with not only the game in the woods but the most dangerous animal of all – man.

Each story is a perfect standalone or a satisfying trip down memory lane. Doiron’s phrasing, word pictures, descriptions of the surroundings and the excitement, complexity and danger are stellar as always. Skin and Bones left me ready to read entire series again and very eager for the next full-length novel. I received an advance copy of Skin and Bones from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley. This is one of my all-time favorite series and I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. I recommend it and the entire series without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

Skin and Bones is a complication of eight short stories based on the Mike Bowditch series. Mike is game warden in rural Maine who works to solve crimes that sometimes disagrees with the opinions of his superiors. At times, he puts himself in danger but he gives his all when he's working on a case. So far there are 15 books in this series. I've only read a few of them and I don't think that I enjoyed these short stories as much as a person who has read the entire series. If you are a real fan of this series, I think that you'll really enjoy these short stories. If you haven't read the series, it might be time to give it a try.

A fun collection of short stories with characters from the Mike Bowditch series. I've only read a few of the series but found these short stories really entertaining. I liked the shorter story. Each was complete and made me want to know what happened next. I really enjoyed them all. There was a touch of humor in all of them just like what is in the series. It makes me want to read more. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better as well as some enjoyable short stories. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

As a new reader of author Paul Doiron, I was thoroughly impressed with Skin and Bones. It's a collection of eight short stories featuring game warden Mike Bowditch and his investigations into federal and state crimes. Doiron's writing style is captivating -- blending immersive suspense, colorful characters, and engaging plot twists.

Every story in this novel is full or surprises and unexpected endings. This novel is great way to discover Doiron's talents in storytelling. And I am eager to read more of his work. Five stars.

I was invited to read a DRC from St Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

Each story captivated me in different ways and they all intrigued me. Now I have to go read the series. I became invested in each of the stories and Mike along with his mentor Charley took me through the wood, introduced me to the people they met along the way. Some of them were heart breaking but they all left me wanting to know more of their world. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #SkinandBones #AndOtherMikeBowditchShortStories #PaulDoiron #StMartinsPress-MinotaurBooks #NetGalley

I requested to read and review this book for free from St. Martin's Publishing Company. I was a little worried about first when I found this was a collection of mini stories from Mike Bowditch series. I am so glad that I read the short stories they were great. I wasn't lost at all and there was no confusion. If fact I am put this series the Mike Bowditch series on my list to read. These stories had drama, suspense, mystery. Mike Bowditch is a Warden for the Maine game services and his life is interesting. This collection of short stories follows his career with the start with working with Charley Steven's to stopping when he was middle of his own career. If there was trouble Mike would find it and help to make things right. If he meet interesting character and saw some crazy things well that is the life of a game warden. This book can be read by anyone and anywhere.

This collection of eight original short stories features Mike Bowditch and his colleague, retired game warden Charley Stevens, a duo made popular in a series of novels penned by this author, and the first this reader has come to experience. Reminiscent of Robert B Parker’s Jesse Stone, Mike Bowditch is a Maine Game Warden and investigator, whose brushes with crime involve colorful characters populating the isolated North Woods of Maine. Dripping with trailers and rifles, poverty and suspicion, these woods are not for the feint of heart, as Mike and his sometimes mentor root out evil with a nose for justice, and the aid of Shadow, Mike’s huge and mostly wild wolf-dog.

A rule breaker with a penchant for making simple investigations more complex, Mike is a wonderful character, rubbing shoulders with both the downtrodden and the criminal in a series of adventures that echo with the grisly primitive voice of “Deliverance”, melded seamlessly with our narrators - Charley, a sort of folksy uber-observant Sherlock Holmes who has seen it all; and Mike, young, already cynical, with a bull-in-a-china shop attitude to diving in and getting the job done.

A terrific bit of fun, I enjoyed each of these stories and find myself now eager to read the entire series.

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
All thoughts presented are my own.

Skin and Bones: And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories by Paul Doiron consists of 8 stories. Mike Bowditch is a Maine Game Warden who over explains, gets on the last nerve of hus superiors, and loves his jib, though sometimes he dies fet frustrated. The first 3 deal with Mike's mentor, Charley Steven's. The others deal with Mike from when he was a younger Game Warden, with the last one being a present one in the series.

THE BEAR TRAP, legendary Maine woodsman and bush pilot Charley Stevens tries to convince young Mike of the dangers awaiting rookie game wardens. I enjoyed going back in time and seeing Mike as a new game warden in this one.

RABID draws Mike into the story of a gruesome case involving a bat with rabies from Charley Steven’s past. Rabid was really good. I liked how Charley told the story to Mike and how Mike at first wasn't too sure about it.

When a visiting hunter goes missing in the middle of a snowstorm, a young Charley Stevens sets off to rescue him—but begins to suspect the man may not want to be found in BACKTRACK. In Backtrack, we see Charley deal with something that still hunts him, even years after the event.

In THE IMPOSTER, Mike is confronted with a baffling case of stolen identity when he discovers a dead body whose driver’s license claims he is none other than Mike Bowditch himself. I couldn't help but laugh a few times during this one. Mike had to figure out why someone wanted to be him. Had he made someone mad?

Mike tracks down a sinister prowler who turns a couple's dream vacation home into a nightmare in THE CARETAKER. In this one, Charley and Mike are taking a vacation at Charley's secluded cabin when they get disturbed by some city folks. The story they tell Mike and Charley doesn't make any sense until they go to the house.

An investigation into the killing of a bald eagle in SKIN AND BONES unearths an old case of a missing young man whose physically abusive brother might have murdered him. This one is creeeppy!

In SNAKEBIT, Mike must hunt down a killer who uses the unlikeliest of murder weapons: rattlesnakes. I don't like snakes, so this one gave me chills. Will Mike alienate everyone in the Warden Service trying to get to the bottom of the rattlesnakes, even though he is supposed to be off the case?

 Mike suspects there’s more to a grisly murder-suicide than meets the eye in SHEEP’S CLOTHING. This had greed and murder in it. Who actually committed the murder? Who is all involved?

I enjoyed all these stories, especially the ones that were about Charley and a younger Mike. If you haven't read this series and like police procedural and murder cases, the Mike Bowditch Series is for you.

Tentative Publication Date May 13, 2025

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 😊

#Netgalley #Stmartinspress #minotaurbooks #pauldoiron #skinandbonesandothermikebowditchstories #mikebowditchseries #Serieslove2025

Maine can be a dangerous place....

...and not all threats come from nature.

Mike Bowditch, son of notorious poacher Jack Bowditch, grew up to become a game warden in the state of Maine. He learned valuable lessons along the way from Charley Stevens, his mentor (and ultimately his father-in-law), also a game warden and a shrewd observer of human nature. Contained in this volume are eight short stories and novellas (one brand new, others previously published), each featuring one or more of these three men. Each tale is a complete entity in and of itself and as such can be read as a standalone even if the reader has never read any of the full length Bowditch novels, yet all share the vivid rendering of the beautiful Maine wilderness, the challenges for those who live there, and the darkness that can live in peoples' soul. Bears, bald eagles, timber rattlesnakes, rabid bats and more feature in these tales...but it is the humans who prove to be the most dangerous.
The stories contained within Skin and Bones can be either an introduction for new readers to the often dark but well-crafted series of crime novels featuring Mike Bowditch that take place in the wild areas of Maine or for those who have read some or all of the series as a way of offering more backstory to the three male characters, especially the prequel-like titular story Skin and Bones. Author Paul Doiron has packed a lot of action and character development into these tales, which will surely please fans of the series and hopefully pique the interest of those reading him for the first time enough to pick up other books in the series. With themes including the clashes between man and nature, the sometimes grey areas of justice and morality that law enforcement confronts, and the unforseen consequences of actions, this is a book (and a series) that should appeal to readers of William Kent Kruger, C. J. Box and Steve Hamilton. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me access to this latest in a favorite series in exchange for my honest review.

I admit to being a fan of Mike Bowditch and his mentor Charley Stevens so this was just a real treat for me. Those who haven't read Doiron will discover that his characters have distinctive voices and are quite clever. I usually recommend reading short stories one at a time over a period of days, this collection will be just as great if read in a gulp as I did. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Eagerly awaiting the next Bowditch novel.

I really enjoyed Skin and Bones by Paul Doiron. This collection of eight original short stories from the Mike Bowditch series pulled me right back into the rugged beauty of rural Maine. Each story is so well crafted, and together they create a vivid, immersive portrait of the landscape and its wildlife. Some of the stories were so gripping and atmospheric, I could easily imagine telling them around a campfire. It’s a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who appreciates nature, mystery, and great storytelling.

What's better than one tall cool one?

In this case, a terrific 8-pack......icy cold short stories, that is.

Paul Doiron chills his hardcore fans and budding newbies with a composite of eight short stories featuring his two solid characters: Mike Bowditch and Charley Stevens. Those new to this popular series will be introduced to Bowditch who's been the focal point of a multitude of books in this series. We've followed Mike through his growing pains after becoming a Maine game warden in his 20's. Mike is honest as the day is long, but he has been wired to go off the beaten path more times than not. Mike is now an investigator for the Game Warden Service. He takes his job seriously.

Then there's Charley Stevens who has always been Mike's mentor. Charley was himself a fine game warden who also is a bush pilot. He's retired now, but Charley becomes part of the ongoing story as Mike requires his advice and assistance quite often. Charley has a special talent of storytelling as we'll observe throughout these stories themselves. His approach to crime and to questionable situations is cool, calm, and collected. Just sit back and watch the master conduct the telling.

Skin and Bones features eight dynamite stories. I still can't get Rabid out of my head. And then there's Snakebite that will creep along your skin raisin' hairs continuously. I won't go into detail on each and every one. You don't have to be a tried and true fan to enjoy these. Pull up a chair and let these stories guide you through the back areas of the deep and dark Maine woods. You'll be bitten......guaranteed.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to the talented Paul Doiron for the opportunity.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

What a great collection of short stories! I have gotten into short stories over the last year and a half or so due mostly in part to being granted them via NetGalley. I was thrilled to see that Paul Doiron was publishing a set of short stores set in the world of Mike Bowditch and starring Charley Stevens. I have read a few of Paul Doiron's Mike Bowditch books and gobbled them up. These stories were a continuation of the fast pacing, taut situations and fantastic plotting that characterizes the novels. I loved the wicked and surprising turns some of the stories took and it kept me on my toes (and at times wanting to cover my eyes.) At times a bit more gruesome than some of the novels I've read, they were still a delight. Highly recommend if you are a Paul Doiron fan!

Skin and Bones by Paul Doiron contains a number of short stories about Mike Bowditch and his mentor Charley Stevens. The stories all take place in Maine - mostly northern Maine. The stories contain a number of characters who might have been trying to avoid the Maine Game Wardens.

There were eight short stories, each with different premises and characters. I have to admit the creepiest story (to me) was Snakebit. I already am not fond of snakes - to this one gave me the absolute willies.

I have enjoyed the few Bowditch’s books I have read. The crimes, sometimes quite twisted, always seem to keep me on the edge of my seat. Each of the stories focuses on the job of the Game Warden and certainly highlighted some of their most interesting cases. The various stories take place at various times. Skin and Bones by Paul Doiron is a good read.

These short stories go very well with the Mike Bowditch series of books about Maine Game Wardens. Even if you haven't read the series, which you should, the stories give good insight to what a Game Warden's job entails. Since some of the stories are early in Mike's career and then later on they give a good all around sense of the job. I found all eight of them interesting, especially the ones with Mike's mentor, Charley and the stories he told from early in his career. Recommend to anyone looking for a good read.

Skin and Bones and Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories by Paul Doiron is a great collection of eight stories in the Mike Bowditch universe set in rural Maine. Mike is a Maine Game Warden. He is a great tracker and is persistent. He’s also prone to over-explanation and his initiative isn’t always appreciated by his superiors. He’s a good listener, but can be baited somewhat easily. He listens to his intuition and is relentless in his pursuit of his investigations. I appreciated his independent thinking and his observation skills. Charley Stevens is Mike’s good friend and mentor. He’s crafty, a constant reader, a great woodsman, and enjoys playing with people’s assumptions. He can also be reckless at times.

In The Bear Trap , while trying to convince Mike of the dangers rookie game wardens can face, Charley tells him a great story from his own experience as a rookie and a local legend. While atmospheric and descriptive, it also had great pacing.

In Backtrack, Charlie is once again the main character and it’s still early in his career. The dispatcher contacts him to find a missing hunter. Does he want to be found? Is he injured or lost? Once again, weather in the form of a snowstorm plays a role in the story, but the emotions and heart in the story are the true winners.

In Rabid, Charley is once again relating a story to Mike. This time it involves a case where a man is bitten by a bat. Does it have rabies? This was an intense short story that kept me fully engaged throughout. Mike gets knowledge of the events from both Charley and Ora, Charley’s wife. This is a tragic and moving story.

In The Imposter, a body is found in a car in the bay. His wallet says he is Mike Bowditch, but Mike is observing the recovery efforts. As other events involving the imposter become known, Mike is wondering why the specific name was chosen and what actions had the imposter taken during the last few weeks. This was a well-plotted story right up to the end, which didn’t fully resolve the case for me.

The title story, Skin and Bones, starts with an eagle that was killed, and quickly evolves into a story involving Charley and Mike’s father Jack. This was the longest and most detailed story in the novel. It has several twists and turns and is somewhat dark, but it also proves to be a lesson to Mike as Charley relates the story that still haunts him today.

In The Caretaker, Mike and Charley respond to a couple’s request for help. They are being harassed by someone breaking into their new cabin. Nothing is stolen, but furniture is moved and most recently, a threatening item has been left inside. The couple believe they know who did it. As Mike and Charley investigate, all the loose ends are resolved, but it didn’t end satisfactorily for me.

In Snakebit, Mike gets a call from a woman who said she’s seen a timber rattlesnake on a hiking trail. Since they have been eradicated in Maine since the late 1800’s, Mike isn’t sure whether this is a misidentification, an escaped rattlesnake, a snake that was deliberately let loose, or snake that made its way to Maine from the population in New Hampshire. During this story, readers learn about a few invasive species in Maine, but the focus remains on the rattlesnake. Once again, this is a fantastic short story.

In Sheep’s Clothing, Mike is doing a welfare check when he finds grisly scene. In this story, Mike’s investigative skills are highlighted. This one has a few twists and turns that may surprise some readers.

While I enjoyed all of the stories, Backtrack and Sheep’s Clothing were my favorites. However, all eight build suspense in a way that pulls readers into the stories and the lives of the characters. Each story stands on its own and has great characterization. They cover a wide time-period in Mike’s career.

Overall, this is a briskly paced, intriguing, and entertaining collection that kept me fully engaged. I’m looking forward to reading the next novel in the Mike Bowditch series. Fans of crime thrillers, nature, and action-packed wilderness adventure novels will likely enjoy these books.

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 set for May 13, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

I thought this was a good collection of short stories It’s a good introduction to the character Bowditch.
All the stories were interesting and kept my attention to the end. Definitely recommend