I absolutely loved this book and the narrator did an amazing job bringing this book to life. Just the best listening experience ever. Recommending to everyone

3.5 manly mystery stars, not rounded up

Skin and Bones is a collection of eight short stories in the Mike Bowditch series. Since I am not familiar with the series, and the stories were short, I felt like I didn’t know the game warden at all. Trigger warning - While I would not consider the book overly graphic or gory – it was grotesque or crude in a few places. The title story, Skin and Bones, ended up disgusting.

Paul Doiron is an experienced writer in that he can create complex stories with surprise in a shortened format. Occasionally bits of humor lighten the generally dark stories. The store’s “late-night business was based upon the four staple of rural life: gasoline, beer, cigarettes, and scratch tickets.”

The narrator’s voice was masculine, a bit gravelly, and took some getting used to, but after the initial learning curve, Leyva’s voice contributed interest and nuances to the story.

I guess I'm in the minority here, as this is the first I've read of this author, and it was not at all what I was expecting... It seems like most others have been following this author for years!

That being said, this was a collection of short stories that all revolve around Game Warden Mike Bowditch and his 'adventures'. To say that they are unusual would be a big understatement. To say that many of them are gruesome... well, that's mostly true. To say that most of them deal with Mike NOT being liked by his superiors, etc...well, that's all true too.

I'm hoping that in the more current versions of these tales that Mike Bowditch has indeed progressed, but I'm not sure. If you enjoy stories of small towns, backwards people and their thoughts, and just 'crazy' scenarios all-around, then this one is definitely for you! If not, you might want to steer clear of this one.

All in all it was enjoyable and definitely entertaining, but as I mentioned, some of them are just outright gruesome! And TWISTED!!

3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, happily rounded up to 4!

#SkinAndBonesAndOtherMikeBowditchShortStories by #PaulDoiron and narrated nicely by #HenryLeyva.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook.
*** It was released on 5/13/25, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!! ***

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What fun! A collection of short stories consisting of stories told through the eyes of Charley Stevens and Mike Bowditch. Definitely a must read/listen!

Skin and Bones takes place in Maine (near where i grew up so that was cool!) and follows a game warden through a series of short stories with his adventures. in this book paul does an awesome job of capturing the small town rural maine life perfectly. i LOVED getting to here about different mysteries that took place in places that i went growing up and gave me so much nostalgia.

Skin and Bones And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories by Paul Doiron is a collection of eight novellas and short stories within the Mike Bowditch series. Seven have been previously published as standalone stories, and Sheep’s Clothing is brand new to this series! I hadn’t read any of the short stories before so this was a nice treat!

I loved reading about Charley from his time as a game warden. The Bear Trap, Rabid, and Backtrack provided insights into Charley’s experiences, as well as revealing some character defining moments. I loved seeing young Ora’s involvement in Rabid.

I also enjoyed seeing Mike grow as a warden. Throughout each of these novellas, his experiences, both professional and personal, allow him to grow and sharpen his skills.

I highly recommend reading this collection if you are a fan of the Mike Bowditch series! You get a glimpse into the lives of those around Mike and see what happened in his and their lives to make them who they are today!

I loved the narration by Henry Leyva. He truly gives each character their own voice!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Skin and Bones And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories by Paul Doiron
Narrated by Henry Leyva
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Published: May 13, 2025

This is the first book I have ever picked up from Paul Doiron and I don't think it will be my last. I really enjoyed the writing style. I enjoyed all the stories here and I can confirm you do not need to have read the whole series to read and enjoy these stories but I'm sure it would be better if you had.

Every story is packed with interesting mysteries, fun twists and great characters. The stories also flowed really well, there was never a lull in the book, I was always entertained which I really liked.

Happy I went out of my comfort zone for this book! I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Paul Doiron!!

These were great short stories! Entertaining & kept you engaged throughout.

There were some twisty stories. I loved the Maine atmosphere. The mention of the remoteness and the wildlife absolutely made the stories. All stories could actually happen, which helped with the allure. Paul is a great story teller! You can tell he did his research. Listening to him at the end, I realize he also would have been a great narrator of the story.

The actual narrator was great! I always enjoy listening to his books! I listened at 1.75x.

I recommend this book/audiobook. It reminded me of stories my dad would love to listen to and love.

This is great if you like to read a quick, short story.
I am not a big short story fan, but these were not bad!
Snakepit is probably my favorite.
Go check this out if you love a quick short story with lots of the elements we love to see!
I had not read any Paul Doiron books or stories prior to this, but considering what he is able to do with short stories, I hope that he has some books with one plot.
Go check this out!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC for a review!
Happy Reading!