Maine’s Trail‑Blazing Warden Turns Into a Detective

The author has spent the last decade and a half building a life for his fictional game warden, Mike Bowditch, who now lives in the real‑world Maine setting that the writer knows intimately. The novels follow Bowditch from a rookie in his twenties to a seasoned officer in his thirties, and they cover every corner of the state—from the western mountains to the far‑north border. Each book is a blend of crime, nature, and the everyday realities of a warden’s job. The newest book, “Storm Tide, ” drops readers into the coastal town of Ducktrap, a stand‑in for Linconville. Bowditch arrives at the blaze that destroys the home of a wealthy entrepreneur, only to discover a dead body and a tangled web of suspicion. A second, brutal murder appears linked to the first, and Bowditch’s own name shows up on a list of people the killers want dead. The story asks whether Bowditch’s rule‑breaking will finally catch up with him.The writer, a native of Maine who once ran Down East magazine, uses his knowledge of the state’s geography and culture to paint vivid scenes. He visits places like The Forks, Acadia National Park, and Monhegan Island to capture the sights, sounds, smells, and textures that make each setting feel authentic. He believes that a good detective story must let readers feel the cold wind or the heat of the sun on their skin, just as Bowditch does. Bowditch’s role is more than enforcing hunting laws. Game wardens in Maine can arrest like a deputy sheriff and are encouraged to live within their patrol area, which puts them close to rural crime scenes. The author explains that this proximity gives wardens a unique perspective on the darker side of life in Maine. He has even met young wardens who say that reading his books inspired them to pursue the profession. The author’s upcoming book tour will take him to several Maine towns and a New Hampshire venue, where he plans to meet fans and discuss the research that goes into each novel. He hopes readers will appreciate how his stories reflect both the beauty and danger of Maine’s wilderness.