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

Mostly hits🏞

4-4.5🌟 stars
I'm a fan of the Mike Bowditch character and his father-in-law Charlie, two game wardens tending to the woods, lakes and back roads of rural Maine. Most of the stories in this collection, especially the longer novella length ones, I really liked. Some of the characters are really tragic, others unredeemable, but almost all had me in the palm of Doiron's hand. My favorites all had an element of poignant tragedy, like Backtrack, The Imposter, Snakebit and Skin and Bones. The latter reminded me of a Greek tragedy featuring a love hate relationship between two brothers. In several, I could feel the regret coming from Charlie for mistakes made that had dire consequences.

And the tenure of Mike Bowditch's shaky relationship with his higher ups: this really surprised me, I guess because I only found this series after Mike was established as an experienced investigator.

I think fans of the series will enjoy the range of the stories and, like me, appreciate a chance to hear more about Charlie's career and his prior Vietnam service experience.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Review shared on 5/2/25 on Waterstones, Goodreads and Bookbub, and with Barnes & Noble and BAM. To be shared with kobo and Google Play upon publication.

I enjoyed the different perspectives in this short story collection. While some were from Mike Bowditch, others were from Charlie’s and I loved hearing from Ora. The interaction between Charlie and Jack Bowditch was memorable and the most disturbing story. As usual with the Mike Bowditch series I learned about animal behavior while enjoying plenty of action, wildlife and laughing at Charlie’s antics. While only one of the eight stories was newly published, most were new to me. Sure to appeal to all Dorion fans, this may well create new as it could easily be an entry point into the series. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Skin and Bones: And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories by Paul Doiron is a very highly recommended collection of eight short stories featuring Maine game warden Mike Bowditch. Don't miss this excellent collection!

Seven of these were previously released and one is brand new. This collection can definitely be read by those new to the series, but expect to be inspired to start reading all the novels featuring Mike Bowditch. Those following the series will certainly enjoy reading this collection.

The writing is top-notch and the plot of these tales are all interesting, complex, and compelling. Not all the stories prominently feature Bowditch, some are via his mentor, Charlie Stevens. All of them provide a perfect introduction to the series or fill in some backstory to the novels. And, since they are short stories, you can choose to leisurely read them as you have time rather than all at once. The stories include:The Bear Trap, Rabid, Backtrack, The Imposter, The Caretaker, Skin and Bones, Snakebite, and Sheep’s Clothing (new).

Skin and Bones: And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories is a great choice and will be equally enjoyed by fans and newcomers of the series. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

I've only read one Mike Bowditch novel from Paul Dorian, but I loved it so much that I jumped at the chance to read more of his writing. I really enjoyed these eight short stories. You don't need to have read any of this series to appreciate the author's talent of telling a great story. They're all set in the Maine wilderness, and I found out a lot about Maine that I'd never known...like how hot it can get, and how poverty stricken some areas are. Mike is a game warden, so the stories are about encounters he, as well as his older mentor Charley, have had over many years. The stories are easy to read, and they all kept my attention enough that I didn't want to stop reading them! I highly recommend this collection, and I'm looking forward to see what the author has Mike doing next!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This interesting collection of short stories feature Game Wardens in the State of Maine. Both Charley Steve and Mike Bowditch are characters in Paul Doiron's long-running Mike Bowditch series.

The stories were all interesting and span a number of years. They are filled with an intriguing variety of characters who live in very rural Maine from poachers to recluses.

I've only read a couple of the Mike Bowditch stories but found getting to know him in more depth through these stories to be illuminating of his character.

Short stories aren't really my thing since I like more depth in my stories. Fans of the genre and fans of Mike Bowditch will enjoy these glimpses into unseen episodes in his life and career.