This is a series that needs to be experienced from beginning to end, in order. So this review presumes that you have read the preceding fourteen books and various interstitial novellas and are coming in having followed Mike's path through his young adulthood and seen the maturation in both his personal and professional lives. Without that context, you won't fully appreciate the ways the events of the book affect him.

As always, there is a shared theme between the central mystery of the book and Mike's life - this time (and all of this is revealed in the summary, so it's not a spoiler) he heads into the wilderness to look for a reclusive father and daughter just as Stacey begins to suspect she might be pregnant. Of course, Charley accompanies him - but they are separated relatively early in the proceedings, so this one has a different flow than the more Charley-centric entries in the series.

As is often the case, the ending leaves us with quite the cliffhanger about what will be in store for the next book - one of the many things I love about this series is that the time jumps between books vary in length, so you never know until you start the next one how much things will have changed since you last left the story. The best series are like that - the characters' world continues, and the readers just drop in from time to time. I hope that we continue to drop in on Mike and his world for a long time to come.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Really good detective thriller - right away this grabbed and held my attention. So many twists, to the point, so many secrets and action. I loved this - so many secrets till the very end!

Though this is part of a series, it can be read as standalone. But that may be why I had such trouble connecting with the story and characters. I’m just couldn’t get into it. The narrator for the audiobook was great though! Thank you to Macmillan audio for the ALC. This book is out now.

Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the gifted audiobook. #macaudio24

“Maine Game Wardens are responsible for finding anyone who goes missing in the woods. The trick is determining whether someone is truly missing or not…Wardens waste tons of time looking for people who aren’t lost at all, but merely non-communicative and inconsiderate.”

I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging cat-and-mouse chase through the Maine woods despite jumping into the series (Mike Bowditch Mysteries) at Book #15. In the series, “A game warden discovers natural predators aren't the only killers using Maine's wilderness as a stalking ground in this riveting, thrilling series featuring a hero tormented by his dark past even as he brings murderers to ground.”

Here, a nervous rookie warden brings Mike in, worried about a missing person. While checking into that, Mike is more concerned about a mysterious builder living off the grid with this young daughter. Peeling that particular onion kicks the story into high gear and doesn’t come up for air until the satisfying conclusion. Yes, there are a couple of moments when I thought, “That doesn’t feel like a wise decision, Mike,” but when the story is good, and the characters are well-written, I don’t mind just going along for the ride …even if that ride is down an ungroomed trail on an ATV with one headlight and a pair of scissors jammed in the ignition, armed with nothing by a flare gun and a dull hatchet.

As a Mainer growing up around “outdoorsy” relatives, the descriptions and wording were spot on. I was tickled as Mike chased his prey down “skidder trails” while trying to avoid “puckerbrush.” The audio narration was wicked good, too, with many fun accents on both sides of the Canadian border.

Pitch Dark by Paul Doiron is the fifteenth installment in the Mike Bowditch series. This is the first book I've read by the author and I'm pleased that it worked well as a standalone. Henry Leyva's narration was perfect for the audiobook. His voice was pleasant to listen to and was full of emotion. Pitch Dark was an action packed and danger filled thriller. There was not a single dull moment from start to finish. The writing was very atmospheric and immersive. The characters were unique and full of unexpected surprises. This definitely convinced me to go back and read the first fourteen books in the series.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wild ride as I'm coming to expect from this author.

I really like the Mike Bowditch series and saw the chance to read this next book early and jumped at it! Well thought out, somewhat gritty, and a little bit of MacGuyver-ing made this stand out.

If you like high-adventure and harrowing stakes, I can easily recommend this and the series to you.

My rating: 4*

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Thanks to NetGalley for this gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

Pitch Dark
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Paul Doiron

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: Legendary bush pilot Josie Jonson can’t believe her luck when a skilled builder just happens to show up after she purchases land near Prentiss Pond. All Mark Redmond asks in return for building Josie’s dream cabin is that he be left alone to homeschool his 12-year-old daughter, Cady.

For Maine game warden investigator Mike Bowditch, the intensity of Redmond's secretiveness is troubling, especially in light of suspicious criminal activity being reported around the area―including rumors of an armed man offering large sums of money in exchange for the location of Redmond and Cady. Josie, though hesitant to violate the trust of her prized builder, eventually agrees to fly Mike and his father-in-law Charley Stevens to the secluded pond in an attempt to protect Redmond and Cady. But hours after landing, the trip takes a dark turn when they witness a horrific murder and are taken captive themselves.

Freeing himself, Mike is forced to set off through the impenetrable Maine forest towards Canada, alone and unarmed in pursuit of a mysterious fugitive. As he navigates a windblown landscape choked with deadfalls and blocked by swollen streams, he marvels at his enemy’s bush craft. The killer possesses skills surpassing his own, and Bowditch can't tell if he is the cat or the mouse in this dangerous game. Can Mike Bowditch stop his adversary in time to save the life of a young girl, or will he be forced to watch another innocent soul die?

My Thoughts: This is the fifteenth book in the Mike Bowditch series. Even though this is a series book, the author gives enough detail that it can be read as a standalone. Josie purchases some land and wants a cabin built on it, when Mark Redmond, skilled builder, offers to build the cabin in exchange to be left to homeschool his daughter, Josie agrees. Game Warden Mike Bowditch hears rumors that Redmond and his daughter may be in great danger. He convinces Josie to reveal their location so he can warn them. After Mike and Josie land, they witness a murder and are taken captive. When Mike manages to free them, he is forced to trudge through the forest to locate Redmond and his daughter before they face the same fate. In this atmospheric cat and mouse game, will Mike find the young girl and her father before it’s too late? Or will Mike himself be in grave danger? ‼️

Our main protagonist, Mike Bowditch is an interesting character, he is intense and bold. His humor is not always perceived well by others, his intuition makes him a good investigator, and sometimes he comes across gruff, not always likable. Mike is facing a skilled adversary, maybe the most adverse character yet. The characters were well developed with depth, mystery, were compelling, intriguing, and creatively curated. The supporting/side characters elevated the storyline. The author’s writing style was sharp, complex, convincing, twisty, suspenseful, and full of edge of your seat action. The author does an amazing job with the details. You really felt like you were there in Maine along with Mike running this investigation. The characters were built up in a slow burn manner, the plot was developed in twisty layers, and had an ending that brilliantly fantastic. The author does a stellar job at creating a tense atmosphere that pulls you in and keeps you invested from cover to cover.

I had both the digital and audio versions of the ARC. The narrator, Henry Leyva, did an amazing job with the narration. The voice variation with character distinction was excellent. The flow and pitch was perfection and I was able to listen at 2x with no issues keeping up. Doiron creates a masterful atmospheric thriller that is captivating, compelling, dark, disturbing, unpredictable, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I recommend picking up today!

If you like me, love detective mysteries this one is for you.
This is my first book from this author and I loved the atmospheric vibes and complex characters. A twisty and compelling read.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this complimentary audiobook.

𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 by Paul Doiron released June 25, 2024.

I was so invested in this story - I couldn't put it down. This is the first book I've read from this author. This is book 15 in the Mike Bowditch series and you definitely don't have to read the first 14 to appreciate this one. The story was fast paced and the characters were well developed. The author did a great job ensuring the reader doesn't feel like they are missing bits of information about the main character from previous books.

Thank you so much for sending my an advanced copy of this book!

I don't normally listen to many stories where the main character is male, but was pleasantly surprised by this one. Very intriguing story line and had nice little twists throughout that kept me engaged the entire time. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.

This book was a roller coaster of a read. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, bam! Something else comes up. I didn’t realize that this is a series. Now I need to go back to reread the rest of these books.
I listened to the book on audio and the narrator had a pleasant voice. Many thanks to the another and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I unfortunately had to dnf at 30%. I couldn’t find anything about the characters or plot to draw me in. The narrator was decent though, and I’d be willing to listen to more books narrated by them.

A missing persons report gone wrong. Prat was just looking for a payday while Mike and Charley were trying to find the missing Prat. But something didn’t set right with Mike, Prat was asking to many questions about Redmond and his daughter Cady. A missing persons report turned into murders.

Redmond was just trying to protect his daughter when his daughter was a loose cannon and not fit for a normal life.

This has lots of questions, twists and adventures. Just when you think you know what is going to happen Mike has another unexplained question that needs to be answered.

Yes, yes, yes to this new Paul Doiron book. Will be buying multiple copies of this local author's newest book. Mike B continues his escapades and the story is good! Can't go wrong with Doiron's books and a patron favorite for sure.

"Pitch Dark" by Paul Doiron is a compelling read that showcases the author's mastery in crafting atmospheric and intricate mystery novels. The book is a testament to Doiron's ability to weave together a rich tapestry of characters and plotlines, set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Maine wilderness.

One of the most striking features of "Pitch Dark" is its immersive setting. Doiron's vivid descriptions transport readers to the dense, shadowy forests and rugged landscapes, creating a sense of place that is both captivating and eerie. His deep understanding of the natural environment adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making the setting almost a character in its own right.

The protagonist, Mike Bowditch, continues to be a deeply complex and relatable character. His evolution throughout the series is evident, and "Pitch Dark" offers readers a deeper glimpse into his psyche. Bowditch's determination and resilience are inspiring, and his interactions with other characters are nuanced and engaging.

However, it's important to note that the pacing of "Pitch Dark" is on the slower side. This deliberate pacing allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their motivations, but it may require some patience from the reader. Once you settle into the rhythm of the story, the slow build-up pays off, leading to a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion.

Overall, "Pitch Dark" is a well-crafted mystery that will appeal to fans of atmospheric and character-driven stories. While it may take some time to get into, the payoff is worth it for those who appreciate a richly detailed narrative and a strong sense of place. Paul Doiron has once again delivered a novel that is both engaging and evocative, making "Pitch Dark" a worthy addition to any mystery lover's bookshelf.

This book was interesting to follow and the narrator did an excellent job of hooking you in. The ending was definitely a cliff hanger. I’d really like to read this one as an ebook or hard copy.

I have never read any other books by this author. I really liked the main character and found out this was #15 in the series. I will have to read more!

This book kept me hooked with the slow unraveling of each layer of secrets. The pacing kept a high intensity level through the entire novel and I’m interested in going back and reading earlier titles in the series.

Pitch Dark by Paul Doiron, masterfully narrated in the audiobook format, captivated me from start to finish. I devoured this gripping thriller in a mere day and a half, thanks in large part to the narrator who brought every tense moment to life with skill and nuance.

The story follows Game Warden Mike Bowditch as he navigates the treacherous North Maine Woods in pursuit of a cunning fugitive. The tension builds relentlessly, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the ending completely blew me away. Paul Doiron’s storytelling is undeniable, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout.

However, I must note a sensitive aspect: the book contains a scene involving the attempted suicide of a little girl, which I believe warrants a trigger warning for sensitive readers.

The characters are vividly portrayed, especially Mark Redmond and his daughter Cady, whose mysterious background adds layers to the unfolding drama. Josie Jonson, the bush pilot, brings a refreshing dimension to the narrative with her own complexities.

The setting of the remote Maine wilderness is vividly described, becoming almost a character itself, adding to the tension in the atmosphere and sense of isolation that permeates the story.

Overall, I give it 4.5 stars. Pitch Dark is a thrilling ride that combines superb narration with a gripping plot. Paul Doiron has crafted a tale that kept me guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys a heart-pounding mystery set against a rugged backdrop.

Game warden Mike Bowditch tracks a fugitive father and daughter through the Maine woods in this series installment. A trail of death awaits them around every corner.

This was an OK listen for me, as a standalone. I think reading earlier books in the series would have helped me understand the main series characters a bit better. It was an exciting story that unfolded from Maine to Canada, and I could never quite guess what was coming next. Henry Leyva's narration was excellent.