Author: Paul Doiron
Series: Mike Bowditch Mysteries (Book 16)
Publication: Minotaur Books (June 30, 2026)
Description: Game Warden Mike Bowditch investigates a series of brutal killings during a life-changing year in Storm Tide, the harrowing new thriller from Edgar Award-nominated author Paul Doiron.
When the magnificent home of entrepreneur Brian Malloy mysteriously goes up in flames, Maine game warden Mike Bowditch tries to pull Malloy’s burning body from the fire but is too late. Malloy was suspected of murdering his young, illegitimate son. Now it looks like someone else has delivered a verdict.
Miles away, on a lonely stretch of icy railroad track, the body of Axl Deming, once accused of a brutal rape, is found literally cut in half. Though the two murders seem unrelated, a cryptic text from an unknown number draws Bowditch to the scene―and hints at a chilling connection. He believes someone is orchestrating the executions of criminals who escaped justice, and for reasons he can’t explain, his own name is on the list, but the state police aren’t convinced. His search for the truth takes him through frozen harbors, trackless forests, and remote islands, far from rescue.
Meanwhile, Bowditch is facing a disciplinary hearing that could end his career. His wife Stacey, just weeks from giving birth, is being stalked by a stranger in a white van. And when he realizes someone has also been watching their home, the case turns increasingly personal.
To protect his family, Bowditch must work alone to uncover who’s behind the killings―and stop them before he becomes their next victim.
My Thoughts: The sixteenth book in the Mike Bowditch series spans an event-packed year. The year starts with Mike, currently under investigation, on probation, and busted back to patrol, being the first responder at a house fire. A baby is saved but the man and woman who owned the house die in the fire. Mike learns that they are the Malloys. Husband Brian was accused of the murder of his illegitimate son but not tried because the child hasn't been found.
A neighbor, who was holding the baby girl when he arrived, claimed to have smelled the smoke and seen the light from the fire. Mike is curious about the fire but is being shut out because he's no longer an investigator.
Mike and his wife Stacey are awaiting the birth of their first child which is almost keeping him busy enough. He is still curious about the cause of the fire even after the fire investigators claim the cause wasn't suspicious. Then Mike starts to get harassing and threatening phone calls and texts. And he and Stacey both feel like they are being stalked by someone with a white van.
When another body is found, this one run over by a train, Mike begins to think that someone is out for vigilante justice. Convincing those investigating isn't going well for him especially since he's been suspended with pay for six months and the Ranger services seems to have forgotten about him.
The story is packed with action. Mike seems to be in danger every other page. Interspersed with all the danger are lovely descriptions of Maine and its wildlife. I enjoyed this one for its action and for its setting.
