Monday, April 4, 2011

The Poacher's Son


The Poacher's Son
by Paul Doiron [Compact Disc Doiron]

Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch is out on a call about a bear that killed a farmer's pig. When he gets home there is a cryptic message on his answering machine from a man that he has not spoken to in two years, his father, Jack. The next day Mike learns that his father is the prime suspect in the murders of Jonathan Shipman, an executive of Wendigo Timberlands, and his bodyguard, Deputy Bill Brodeur. They were ambushed just after they left an acrimonious town hall meeting. Wendigo just purchased half a million acres in northern Maine from Atlantic Pulp and Paper (APP). APP had granted a number of long-term leases to local residents more than thirty years ago. The residents had built homes and businesses on these pieces of property and now they are being forced off the land because Wendigo will not honor the leases. Shipman tried to put a good spin on Wendigo's plans at the meeting but the residents are still angry. Brodeur is driving Shipman back to his motel when both men are shot and killed. Mike puts his job on the line when he tries to prove his father's innocence. He knows that Jack is a drunk and violent man but he does not believe that his father would ambush any one. It's just not his style. Doiron has crafted a novel with a strong sense of place. As I listened to the CDs I imagined myself tracking the pig-killing bear in the woods with Mike and slapping at the mosquitoes. This mystery has been nominated for an Edgar for best first novel. Paul Doiron's day job is Editor in Chief of Down East: The Magazine of Maine. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try ooks by C. J. Box, Nevada Barr, Joseph Heywood or Steve Hamilton.] -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department

[Also available in print and downloadable audio formats.]

[ official Paul Doiron and The Poacher's Son web site ]

Have you read (or listened to) this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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