The Poacher's Son (Mike Bowditch #1) (audiobook) by Paul Doiron

Audiobook
7 CDs
8.5 hours
Read by John Bedford Lloyd

The Poacher's Son is the first in a series of books about Mike Bowditch, a rookie Maine Game Warden. Bowditch is settling into his job, losing his long-time girlfriend, dealing with the locals that have bad interactions with the local wildlife and rude out-of-state tourists that flaunt Maine's laws.

Bowditch's life is turned upside down when a local deputy is killed while escorting a timber company executive (who was also killed) away from an unsuccessful attempt to cool local passions about the timber company's long term plans for the area. It seems that the number one suspect is Bowditch's estranged father, a local poacher, hunting guide and bar brawler well-known for his bad attitude and violent nature.

Bowditch is sure his father is innocent. He has no illusions about his father's nature, but he cannot figure out a motive for his father. He gets involved despite repeated warnings from his superiors and soon everything spins out of control.

A great deal of the book consists of flashbacks that give the reader (or in my case, listener) some insight into the relationship between Bowditch and his father. This does help with the climactic final scenes.

The author, Doiron is a Registered Maine Guide, so his descriptions of the landscape and wildlife of Maine are quite compelling - a real plus.

Fans of  C.J. Box's Joe Pickett mysteries will enjoy this one as well.

Website: http://www.pauldoiron.com/

This audibook can be found on Amazon.com here: The Poacher's Son (Mike Bowditch Mysteries)

I rate this audiobook 4 stars out of 5.

Reviewed on August 29, 2010.