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Mike Bowditch #3
Bad Little Falls
Maine game warden Mike Bowditch has been sent into exile, transferred by his superiors to a remote outpost on the Canadian border. When a blizzard descends on the coast, Bowditch is called to the rustic cabin of a terrified couple. A raving and half-frozen man has appeared at their door, claiming his friend is lost in the storm.
But what starts as a rescue mission in the wilderness soon becomes a baffling murder investigation. The dead man is a notorious drug dealer, and state police detectives suspect it was his own friend who killed him. Bowditch isn’t so sure, but his vow not to interfere in the case is tested when he finds himself powerfully attracted to a beautiful woman with a dark past and a troubled young son. The boy seems to know something about what really happened in the blizzard, but he is keeping his secrets locked in a cryptic notebook, and Mike fears for the safety of the strange child.
Meanwhile, an anonymous tormentor has decided to make the new warden’s life a living hell. Alone and outgunned, Bowditch turns for assistance to his old friend, the legendary bush pilot Charley Stevens. But in this snowbound landscape -— where smugglers wage blood feuds by night -— help seems very far away indeed. If Bowditch is going to catch a killer, he must survive on his own wits and discover strength he never knew he possessed.
But what starts as a rescue mission in the wilderness soon becomes a baffling murder investigation. The dead man is a notorious drug dealer, and state police detectives suspect it was his own friend who killed him. Bowditch isn’t so sure, but his vow not to interfere in the case is tested when he finds himself powerfully attracted to a beautiful woman with a dark past and a troubled young son. The boy seems to know something about what really happened in the blizzard, but he is keeping his secrets locked in a cryptic notebook, and Mike fears for the safety of the strange child.
Meanwhile, an anonymous tormentor has decided to make the new warden’s life a living hell. Alone and outgunned, Bowditch turns for assistance to his old friend, the legendary bush pilot Charley Stevens. But in this snowbound landscape -— where smugglers wage blood feuds by night -— help seems very far away indeed. If Bowditch is going to catch a killer, he must survive on his own wits and discover strength he never knew he possessed.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
596 people are currently reading
4081 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doiron
38 books2,304 followersPaul Doiron is the best-selling author of the Mike Bowditch series of crime novels set in the Maine woods.
His first book, The Poacher’s Son, won the Barry Award and the Strand Critics Award and was nominated for an Edgar for Best First Novel. His second, Trespasser, won the 2012 Maine Literary Award. His novelette “Rabid” was a finalist for the 2019 Edgar in the Best Short Story category. Paul’s twelfth book, Dead by Dawn won the New England Society’s 2022 Book Award for Fiction, as well as his second Maine Literary Award. It was also a finalist for the Barry Award. His books have been translated into 11 languages.
Paul is the former chair of the Maine Humanities Council, Editor Emeritus of Down East: The Magazine of Maine, and a Registered Maine Guide specializing in fly fishing.
His first book, The Poacher’s Son, won the Barry Award and the Strand Critics Award and was nominated for an Edgar for Best First Novel. His second, Trespasser, won the 2012 Maine Literary Award. His novelette “Rabid” was a finalist for the 2019 Edgar in the Best Short Story category. Paul’s twelfth book, Dead by Dawn won the New England Society’s 2022 Book Award for Fiction, as well as his second Maine Literary Award. It was also a finalist for the Barry Award. His books have been translated into 11 languages.
Paul is the former chair of the Maine Humanities Council, Editor Emeritus of Down East: The Magazine of Maine, and a Registered Maine Guide specializing in fly fishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 552 reviews
October 26, 2021
In this 3rd book in the 'Mike Bowditch' series, the game warden investigates a murder. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Twenty-six year old Maine game warden Mike Bowditch has a habit of bending the rules and showing bad judgement. As a result, Bowditch has been transferred to the boondocks of Washington County where he (hopefully) can't get into too much trouble.
When Bowditch stops at McDonald's one morning, he's immediately attracted to the pretty shift manager, Jamie Sewell, who serves him his Mcmuffin and coffee.
As Bowditch is eating, he sees two men - a big ruffian with a facial tattoo and a smaller sidekick - enter McDonald's, approach Jamie, and cause a kerfuffle.
Jamie quickly escorts the men out, then brings them a bag of food in the parking lot.
Bowditch soon learns that the tattooed man is Jamie's ex-boyfriend Randall Cates, and the other man is Jamie's brother Prester Sewell. Both men are suspected of dealing drugs, which is a HUGE problem in the area, causing all manner of crimes.
A day or so later, during a nighttime blizzard, a man suffering from extreme hypothermia and frostbite stumbles up to the home of Ben and Doris Sprague.
The Spragues call their veterinarian friend Doc Larrabee, for assistance, and Larrabee asks Bowditch to drive him over.
The frozen man, who turns out to be Prester Sewell, is hardly conscious, but mumbles something about a friend being stranded in the storm. Bowditch sets out to rescue the marooned motorist, and after a harrowing search, finds an abandoned car.....and then Randall Cates - who's been murdered.
This leads to a police investigation, with Prester Sewell as the main suspect. As a result, Bowditch comes into close contact with Jamie Sewell....who appeals to him for help. Using his usual poor judgement Bowditch gets overly friendly with Jamie and her 9-year-old son Lucas - an odd little boy who likes to journal.
Jamie insists that Prester is innocent, and Bowditch makes it his business to look for the 'real killer.' Bowditch's boss and the sheriff disapprove of his interference in a police investigation, and the situation is exacerbated by nasty 'gifts' from an anonymous person with a grievance.
All kinds of trouble follows, and Bowditch has to deal with Jamie's antagonistic ex-husband; a survivalist university professor; an injudicious hunting guide; the unprincipled owner of an animal preserve; and more.
As the story unfolds, Mike makes good use of his well-honed ranger skills, such as tracking people through snow in sub-zero conditions; traveling on ice-covered lakes; searching for missing persons; and more.
This is a compelling thriller, set in picturesque (but very cold) environs. 🙂 Recommended to fans of the genre.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
September 4, 2018
Oh, Mike. *sigh* will you ever learn? He fairly stumbles into a murder mystery and becomes his own worst enemy, as usual.
June 9, 2018
Bad Little Falls is the third book I have read in the Mike Bowditch series, and this is the one book so far that I felt didn't really rock my boat. It was great to go back and read an early book in the series and the story was not that bad. I just found it not very memorable and I kept forgetting who was who. Personally, I found the best part was that this was the first time Mike met Stacey. However, the case was not that riveting although I did find the ending was good and I was even a bit surprised when the full truth was revealed.
All and all, this was an OK book, although it did feel like a let down when compared to Knife Creek and Stay Hidden.
All and all, this was an OK book, although it did feel like a let down when compared to Knife Creek and Stay Hidden.
January 20, 2013
I liked this mystery set in rural Downeast Maine for its twists and turns, its realistic coverage of colorful backwoods characters, and its progress in developing the personality of its hero, game warden Mike Bowditch. Given the competition of so many great mystery writers, a three-star rating would be fair, but I am biased as this third one in the series is set in my neighborhood, the low-income communities of Washington County in the eastern tip of Maine.
Bowditch is sent here from mid-coast Maine as punishment after getting too much in the middle of a murder case involving his estranged father. The community of hardscabble types obviously don’t like game wardens, so he easily makes a lot of enemies. He wastes no time in putting his nose in law enforcement business when he gets called out on a search and rescue situation in a blizzard and a man ends up dead from foul play. It looks like a drug deal gone bad. His growing friendship with gorgeous Jamie, the ex-girlfriend of the dead man and sister of a man seriously frostbitten in the event, leads Bowditch to secretly seek alternatives to the official explanation.
At every turn, winter in Downeast Maine rears its ugly head. The Oxycontin addiction problem had an epicenter here a decade ago along with Appalachian states. This book weaves these issues nicely into the tale. Doiron doesn’t totally besmirch the county as a backward, godforsaken wilderness. For example, he has the popular sheriff be an open lesbian, which isn’t far fetched from the tolerance I’ve experienced here. So if you want the flavor of the rural Maine environment with your escapist mystery reading, give this a try.
Machias on Machias River, and Bad Little Falls
Remote blueberry barren in Washington County, ME
Bowditch is sent here from mid-coast Maine as punishment after getting too much in the middle of a murder case involving his estranged father. The community of hardscabble types obviously don’t like game wardens, so he easily makes a lot of enemies. He wastes no time in putting his nose in law enforcement business when he gets called out on a search and rescue situation in a blizzard and a man ends up dead from foul play. It looks like a drug deal gone bad. His growing friendship with gorgeous Jamie, the ex-girlfriend of the dead man and sister of a man seriously frostbitten in the event, leads Bowditch to secretly seek alternatives to the official explanation.
At every turn, winter in Downeast Maine rears its ugly head. The Oxycontin addiction problem had an epicenter here a decade ago along with Appalachian states. This book weaves these issues nicely into the tale. Doiron doesn’t totally besmirch the county as a backward, godforsaken wilderness. For example, he has the popular sheriff be an open lesbian, which isn’t far fetched from the tolerance I’ve experienced here. So if you want the flavor of the rural Maine environment with your escapist mystery reading, give this a try.
Machias on Machias River, and Bad Little Falls
Remote blueberry barren in Washington County, ME
July 22, 2022
I find Mike Bowditch a frustrating character but he is a young male so I will try to ignore that. He has a tendency to jump to conclusions which I find odd in a law enforcement officer. But the ending was fast and furious and had my heart racing. It wasn’t exactly a happy ending which makes sense when talking about a region of the country that is plagued by poverty and drug addiction. It’s sad but it’s a a hard truth. For you dog lovers, there is a tough scene that made me cringe. But it wasn’t dwelled on for too long and if you can tolerate a little tough stuff the novel is a good one.
February 12, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd book in Paul Doiron's "Mike Bowditch" series!
May 15, 2025
Forrest Ranger Mike Bowditch has been transferred to the part of Maine known as Down East because of causing too many problems, always trying to solve mysteries which is not his job. Down East (Washington County) is a place with economic problems and high drug use. So of course Bowditch stumbles upon a murder mystery.
July 28, 2022
This setting is chef's kiss, Maine with a blizzard coming fuck yes! Even snow cannot save this one for me.
Mike Bowditch is our main character (this is apparently book 3 in a series, as always I figure it out around the 3rd chapter but whatever) he is a Game Warden and has just been transferred here as punishment for something that happened I can only assume in book two. He has complaints, but as he converses with the other characters of the book I start to get the feeling this guy is not a great co-worker.
Example: His boss picks him up to go to work and he ask if he can take him somewhere for breakfast, now they both will be late so this guy can get his egg mcmuffin and coffee AND then he starts flirting with the McDonalds lady while his new boss is waiting for him.
God Damn Bowditch act right!
He makes assumptions, knows everything about everything, quite brash in his actions and is 26 years old. This guy is the worst and he is the main character ..ugh.
Anyways he sleeps with the McDonalds lady but regrets it once he meets another woman who has a better job then Mcdonalds, comes from a good family and is super attractive as well
I did not enjoy this book, the story was kind of a nothing burger, there was a lesbian sheriff who I found interesting but everyone else was also a nothing burger.
Mike with his smartest guy in the room mentality did not charm me. Everything about this bothered me, a child goes missing in the woods and Mike is on scene and then rightfully states this is what he was trained to do, to find a child in the woods and then spends over an hour dicking around looking for information in the house, calling his boss for a status update and speaking with other law enforcement on the scene. A social worker is like can you not go into the woods and look and he "maam there is a science to this" to her
Go in the woods and look for the child you Jackass
Several dogs die in a horrific way and now I am mad at his book for putting that in my head as well.
Mike Bowditch is our main character (this is apparently book 3 in a series, as always I figure it out around the 3rd chapter but whatever) he is a Game Warden and has just been transferred here as punishment for something that happened I can only assume in book two. He has complaints, but as he converses with the other characters of the book I start to get the feeling this guy is not a great co-worker.
Example: His boss picks him up to go to work and he ask if he can take him somewhere for breakfast, now they both will be late so this guy can get his egg mcmuffin and coffee AND then he starts flirting with the McDonalds lady while his new boss is waiting for him.
God Damn Bowditch act right!
He makes assumptions, knows everything about everything, quite brash in his actions and is 26 years old. This guy is the worst and he is the main character ..ugh.
Anyways he sleeps with the McDonalds lady but regrets it once he meets another woman who has a better job then Mcdonalds, comes from a good family and is super attractive as well
I did not enjoy this book, the story was kind of a nothing burger, there was a lesbian sheriff who I found interesting but everyone else was also a nothing burger.
Mike with his smartest guy in the room mentality did not charm me. Everything about this bothered me, a child goes missing in the woods and Mike is on scene and then rightfully states this is what he was trained to do, to find a child in the woods and then spends over an hour dicking around looking for information in the house, calling his boss for a status update and speaking with other law enforcement on the scene. A social worker is like can you not go into the woods and look and he "maam there is a science to this" to her
Go in the woods and look for the child you Jackass
Several dogs die in a horrific way and now I am mad at his book for putting that in my head as well.
August 8, 2017
This isn’t my first dance with Doiron. I read The Poacher’s Son, the first book in the saga of Main Game Warden Mike Bowditch. It was a very engaging thriller set in the backwoods.
This is the third book in the series and, as a result of the events of books one and two, Bowditch has be transferred to the “easternmost” district in Maine. He comes with a reputation or as Mike’s new boss says: “...you’re an arrogant fuckup who thinks he’s the smartest guy in the Warden Service.” Even Mike admits that this assessment isn’t completely off the mark.
This part of Maine is known for: its magnificent wild scenery; its poverty; its drug dealing and addiction. Game wardens are not DEA or the local sheriff but they, too, are often called to deal with situations involving guns and drugs.
Mike has little time to settle in before a “white-out” dry snow blizzard engulfs the region. (This is Doiron at his best describing the storm and its effects. I learned a lot about the difference between a wet snow blizzard and this type and I am glad that I have had the choice on whether to go out in such conditions. Bowditch doesn’t have that choice and is called out to a cabin where a scary injured man has just appeared outside somebody’s cabin.
Things get complicated fast with death, drugs and instant infatuation with a woman’s who serves him his breakfast sandwich and coffee at the local McDonald’s. What becomes irksome is that Bowditch knows that he has to keep control over his anger; his tendency to jump to conclusions; his vulnerability for a pretty face and his potential for alcoholism. He has to but he doesn’t. He falls off each wagon more than once, despite his awareness and others pointing this out to him (see above).
Just because he has the knack of solving difficult problems and doggedly pursuing his quarry doesn’t make up for the character development or lack thereof. Doiron may be plotting a much slower arc of maturity for his hero, but this doesn’t fire me with anticipation for the next novel in the series.
This is the third book in the series and, as a result of the events of books one and two, Bowditch has be transferred to the “easternmost” district in Maine. He comes with a reputation or as Mike’s new boss says: “...you’re an arrogant fuckup who thinks he’s the smartest guy in the Warden Service.” Even Mike admits that this assessment isn’t completely off the mark.
This part of Maine is known for: its magnificent wild scenery; its poverty; its drug dealing and addiction. Game wardens are not DEA or the local sheriff but they, too, are often called to deal with situations involving guns and drugs.
Mike has little time to settle in before a “white-out” dry snow blizzard engulfs the region. (This is Doiron at his best describing the storm and its effects. I learned a lot about the difference between a wet snow blizzard and this type and I am glad that I have had the choice on whether to go out in such conditions. Bowditch doesn’t have that choice and is called out to a cabin where a scary injured man has just appeared outside somebody’s cabin.
Things get complicated fast with death, drugs and instant infatuation with a woman’s who serves him his breakfast sandwich and coffee at the local McDonald’s. What becomes irksome is that Bowditch knows that he has to keep control over his anger; his tendency to jump to conclusions; his vulnerability for a pretty face and his potential for alcoholism. He has to but he doesn’t. He falls off each wagon more than once, despite his awareness and others pointing this out to him (see above).
Just because he has the knack of solving difficult problems and doggedly pursuing his quarry doesn’t make up for the character development or lack thereof. Doiron may be plotting a much slower arc of maturity for his hero, but this doesn’t fire me with anticipation for the next novel in the series.
October 16, 2012
When you annoy the bosses once too many times and you work as a game warden for the State of Maine, you get sent to their version of Siberia. In this case, Warden Mike Bowditch has been sent to Washington County. The eastern most county in Maine is well known for poaching, drug abuse, high unemployment, and a host of other social ills. Not to mention the brutal winter working conditions. Bowditch is being punished and he knows it. Just about everything Bowditch has to deal with in his new assignment is made worse because his considerable reputation precedes him.
The biggest place in the county population wise is the county seat of Machias. The town barely has two thousand people. The small town, as well as the surrounding county, is a place where everyone knows everyone else, looks the other way, and pretends to know nothing. That includes ignoring the actions of a local drug dealer. A drug dealer that soon winds up dead with his friend severely injured by frost bite.
While others believe the friend killed the drug dealer during a snowstorm, Bowditch doesn’t think so. Any shred of credibility he had coming in was shot by his involvement in the case (never get romantically involved with a suspect is rule one no matter what agency you work for), so he is forced to go it alone to get to the truth. It isn’t the first time and won’t be the last.
The series that began with The Poacher’s Son and continued with Trespasser just keeps getting better and better. This is a very complicated novel that continues to build on an excellent foundation while bringing further nuance and depth to the Bowditch character. Those efforts do not get in the way of the multiple storylines at work in this complex and multi-layered novel. Bad Little Falls by Maine author Paul Doiron is very good and well worth your time.
Bad Little Falls: A Novel
Paul Doiron
http://www.pauldoiron.com
Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press)
http://www.minotaurbooks.com
August 2012
ISBN# 978-0-312-55848-2
Hardback (also available in e-book)
310 Pages
$24.99
Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2012
The biggest place in the county population wise is the county seat of Machias. The town barely has two thousand people. The small town, as well as the surrounding county, is a place where everyone knows everyone else, looks the other way, and pretends to know nothing. That includes ignoring the actions of a local drug dealer. A drug dealer that soon winds up dead with his friend severely injured by frost bite.
While others believe the friend killed the drug dealer during a snowstorm, Bowditch doesn’t think so. Any shred of credibility he had coming in was shot by his involvement in the case (never get romantically involved with a suspect is rule one no matter what agency you work for), so he is forced to go it alone to get to the truth. It isn’t the first time and won’t be the last.
The series that began with The Poacher’s Son and continued with Trespasser just keeps getting better and better. This is a very complicated novel that continues to build on an excellent foundation while bringing further nuance and depth to the Bowditch character. Those efforts do not get in the way of the multiple storylines at work in this complex and multi-layered novel. Bad Little Falls by Maine author Paul Doiron is very good and well worth your time.
Bad Little Falls: A Novel
Paul Doiron
http://www.pauldoiron.com
Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press)
http://www.minotaurbooks.com
August 2012
ISBN# 978-0-312-55848-2
Hardback (also available in e-book)
310 Pages
$24.99
Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2012
February 2, 2020
Maybe, maybe not 3 stars but the final conclusion of who killed the drug dealer was good.
The character of Mike Bowditch continues to be a disappointment. Still a bumbling idiot with clues dropping in his lap and surrounded by people who ignore him. Still trying way too desperately for a girlfriend. I keep hoping I'll like him better in each book and still hasn't happened.
The character of Mike Bowditch continues to be a disappointment. Still a bumbling idiot with clues dropping in his lap and surrounded by people who ignore him. Still trying way too desperately for a girlfriend. I keep hoping I'll like him better in each book and still hasn't happened.
April 19, 2021
Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch has been disciplined by being sent to the eastern county of State, a county more remote, more poor, and more independent. Though Bowditch has shown a knack for solving crimes in his region, he has a bigger knack for going against authority and having an attitude of knowing it all and doing what he thinks is best rather than necessarily what he is told to do.
In his new county, Bowditch encounters his supervisor as a crusty, barely caring individual who is very familiar with Bowditch's past and reputation. When in the midst of a February deep freeze he is called into a case by the local veterinarian, he finds a frozen zebra on a private hunting ranch. Things go down hill from there: a coyote pelt is nailed to his trailer home; a skunk is released inside the trailer; and, he is getting messages from a legendary poacher prone to mischief -- a legend from earlier centuries.
Bowditch's problems go deeper when, in the midst of a severe blizzard, he is visiting the same veterinarian for dinner and another guest, a call comes in for help: a man nearly frozen solid has stumbled to the door of a local deeper in the forest. The nearly frozen man mumbles something about another person in the car. When the car is found, it is empty but the other person isn't far from the car buried in a drift and dead ... and not from freezing. The two are suspected drug dealers. A case of a bad dealing? Possible revenge? Who? In the midst of a blizzard?
And, of course, in the midst of it all Bowditch encounters a very attractive young women. And obvious complications arise when the nearly frozen man is discovered to be her brother.
These are enjoyable stories without immediately obvious ultimate suspect. There are several suspects considered, several motives, and a lot of complication along the way. Mike Bowditch seems to be a victim personality, someone who doesn't learn or able to show control. I'm not sure it is going to work for me long term if that is his ongoing trait. We'll see.
In his new county, Bowditch encounters his supervisor as a crusty, barely caring individual who is very familiar with Bowditch's past and reputation. When in the midst of a February deep freeze he is called into a case by the local veterinarian, he finds a frozen zebra on a private hunting ranch. Things go down hill from there: a coyote pelt is nailed to his trailer home; a skunk is released inside the trailer; and, he is getting messages from a legendary poacher prone to mischief -- a legend from earlier centuries.
Bowditch's problems go deeper when, in the midst of a severe blizzard, he is visiting the same veterinarian for dinner and another guest, a call comes in for help: a man nearly frozen solid has stumbled to the door of a local deeper in the forest. The nearly frozen man mumbles something about another person in the car. When the car is found, it is empty but the other person isn't far from the car buried in a drift and dead ... and not from freezing. The two are suspected drug dealers. A case of a bad dealing? Possible revenge? Who? In the midst of a blizzard?
And, of course, in the midst of it all Bowditch encounters a very attractive young women. And obvious complications arise when the nearly frozen man is discovered to be her brother.
These are enjoyable stories without immediately obvious ultimate suspect. There are several suspects considered, several motives, and a lot of complication along the way. Mike Bowditch seems to be a victim personality, someone who doesn't learn or able to show control. I'm not sure it is going to work for me long term if that is his ongoing trait. We'll see.
August 24, 2012
This wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't as suspenseful as I had thought it would be. The main character is a game warden and it was interesting to read about what that entails and how the job coordinates with other branches of law enforcement. My main quibble was with the character of the 12-year-old boy, Lucas. Although his character gets a lot of book-time, he's not as well-drawn as he could have been, considering the part that he plays in the drama.
There is also a lot of information about the climate, especially what it's like in winter in Maine near the Canadian border. I always find that interesting--I'm a fan of Scandinavian and Canadian novels partly for that reason--but it doesn't carry the whole book by any means.
The "love story" in this book is one-sided and I was left wondering what the main character saw in the woman he fell in love with so quickly.
Although the book is well-reviewed by others, I didn't follow suit because it didn't meet my "third-day" rule. If a book doesn't stay with me enough that I'm still thinking about it at least three days after I finish it, it's not going to get four or five stars! This book didn't meet that criterium.
There is also a lot of information about the climate, especially what it's like in winter in Maine near the Canadian border. I always find that interesting--I'm a fan of Scandinavian and Canadian novels partly for that reason--but it doesn't carry the whole book by any means.
The "love story" in this book is one-sided and I was left wondering what the main character saw in the woman he fell in love with so quickly.
Although the book is well-reviewed by others, I didn't follow suit because it didn't meet my "third-day" rule. If a book doesn't stay with me enough that I'm still thinking about it at least three days after I finish it, it's not going to get four or five stars! This book didn't meet that criterium.
March 25, 2019
Dorion's description of the poverty/drug problem in the woods of southeast Maine, while trying to find a murderer at the height of a blizzard/snowstorm, is a riveting read. Another fine addition to a very good series.
March 25, 2018
The Main(e) :) character in this series usually is not this dumb. Hope he comes back to himself in the next book.
July 29, 2020
Much better than the first two!
November 15, 2012
Paul Doiron made a big splash with his Edgar Award-nominated first novel, “The Poacher’s Son,” which introduced Maine game warden Mike Bowditch and his extraordinary talent for tracking animals and people through the worst weather that Maine can dish up. When he’s reassigned to the eponymous “Bad Little Falls,” a remote town near the Canadian border where drug abuse, unemployment, poverty, violence, and poaching are rampant, his reputation for disregarding orders precedes him and it looks as if his career has dead-ended. To him, it’s the equivalent of “being exiled to Siberia.”
When he’s called upon to examine the carcass of a zebra, frozen to death in a wild animal hunting park, he immediately makes a dangerous enemy of the park’s owner, a yahoo whose only concern is luring customers who will pay big bucks so they can mount animal heads over their fireplaces. Lonely and far from friends, Bowditch develops an unhealthy attachment to lovely Jamie Sewall, a former drug addict who manages a McDonald’s. Her son is troubled, and her brother and ex-boyfriend sell drugs that may have recently killed a college student. When Jamie’s ex is murdered, Bowditch struggles to rein in his need to protect her.
The story has a strong sense of place and makes palpable the raw power that weather and water can wield. The plot is driven by the elusive possibility that this time Bowditch can redeem his career while saving Jamie and her son. Shelve this book beside the works of Steve Hamilton and William Kent Kruger, stories of strong but not macho men living in godforsaken places, bruised by past relationships, and trying to get it right this time.
-- Review first published in The Boston Globe, 11/11/12
When he’s called upon to examine the carcass of a zebra, frozen to death in a wild animal hunting park, he immediately makes a dangerous enemy of the park’s owner, a yahoo whose only concern is luring customers who will pay big bucks so they can mount animal heads over their fireplaces. Lonely and far from friends, Bowditch develops an unhealthy attachment to lovely Jamie Sewall, a former drug addict who manages a McDonald’s. Her son is troubled, and her brother and ex-boyfriend sell drugs that may have recently killed a college student. When Jamie’s ex is murdered, Bowditch struggles to rein in his need to protect her.
The story has a strong sense of place and makes palpable the raw power that weather and water can wield. The plot is driven by the elusive possibility that this time Bowditch can redeem his career while saving Jamie and her son. Shelve this book beside the works of Steve Hamilton and William Kent Kruger, stories of strong but not macho men living in godforsaken places, bruised by past relationships, and trying to get it right this time.
-- Review first published in The Boston Globe, 11/11/12
July 27, 2017
Maine game warden Mike Bowditch is in trouble with his superiors who have exiled him to the uppermost county adjacent to the Canadian border. In a place where drugs are rampant, many residents don't like game wardens, especially Bowditch. While trying to be sociable, Bowditch breaks bread with the local veterinarian and a well known woodsman. Taking the vet on a call, Bowditch finds one man practically frozen and another one that definitely is. Although it's not his case, Bowditch doesn't know how to stay on the sidelines.
After reading several of the latest Bowditch books, I found this #3 in the series. I like seeing how Bowditch has evolved in these books. I still enjoy the feeling of the outdoors that these stories provide. All the snow is appealing to me in the 100 degree temperatures of Texas.
After reading several of the latest Bowditch books, I found this #3 in the series. I like seeing how Bowditch has evolved in these books. I still enjoy the feeling of the outdoors that these stories provide. All the snow is appealing to me in the 100 degree temperatures of Texas.
March 31, 2016
This author seems to be a solid 3 stars for me. I like this writing. He doesn't taunt any of my pet peeves. The MC is a game warden in Maine. The author includes a lot of info on both Maine and job details of being a game warden. I actually like the info and he weaves it seamlessly into his plot.
His stories seem to be on the light side, which is sometimes, just what I want. This one was just that.
His stories seem to be on the light side, which is sometimes, just what I want. This one was just that.
April 26, 2020
Certainly wanted to slap Mike myself in most of this book as he was certainly leading with his male appendage and not his brain. This character disintegrated into this book as an immature, hot headed, hormonal mess, making foolish decisions at each turn. I am glad it wasn't my first in the series. I have invested in all the books and hope it was a one off in his behavior. Still gave it 3 stars as the storyline was good and at least the trash was taken out in the end.
December 12, 2022
This book was not in the library when I tried to read the series in order (probably Helen had it, along with one or two others that I had to skip). But I jumped ahead and am now reading those I missed. It doesn't matter. Mike is as good as ever in this one. A very enjoyable series with wonderful characters. Brrr. It's cold in Maine.
April 25, 2017
Washington County, Maine. The Sunrise County. Poor. Isolated. Long, cold winters. Beautiful in the summertime. Jonesport-Beals. Machias. Lubec. I know the area well. This story takes place in Whitney (Whiting?), Maine. It was a good mystery. It was quite believable.
June 22, 2019
Loving the protagonist and this series!
April 17, 2016
PROTAGONIST: Mike Bowditch, game warden
SETTING: Wilderness Maine
SERIES: #3 of 3
RATING: 4.5
Mike Bowditch is an excellent game warden, but his feckless nature and self-destructive impulses have caused a lot of trouble for him in his professional life. He has butted heads with his superiors and often seemed arrogant and contentious. As a result, he has been banished to a remote wilderness area on the Canadian border of Maine; and it’s the dead of winter. Fortunately, Mike has acknowledged his flaws and has been working hard to temper his self-destructive nature. He isn’t always successful, but he’s made major strides in becoming more responsible and less obnoxious.
When a half-frozen man appears at the home of a local couple, who are terrified by their visitor, Mike has just had dinner with a local vet who he calls upon to look at the frostbitten man, Prester Sewall. Accompanied by a local professor who is a wilderness expert, they soon find the man’s companion dead in the nearby heath. What would cause these two men to be out in a blizzard that may be the storm of the century? Could they be selling drugs? Things become even more complicated when Bowditch becomes involved with Prester’s sister and her strange young son, Lucas. He tries to protect them, but he is facing his own difficulties. Someone is determined to make his life miserable—letting a skunk loose in Mike’s rented home, for example.
BAD LITTLE FALLS is the third book in the Bowditch series and delivers on the promise shown in the first, THE POACHER’S SON. The setting is wonderfully rendered, the prose beautifully descriptive, and the characterization top notch. The development of the character of the boy, Lucas, was compelling. But none of the other characters are ever able to outshine Mike Bowditch. Watching him battle his own personal demons is almost as interesting as following his progress on the investigation. I was quite disappointed in the second book in this series, TRESPASSER, because there was almost nothing about Mike’s game warden job and the fact that Mike was so unwilling to control his own base impulses. I am happy to report that Doiron has addressed both those flaws, and the result is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and one that has me anxious to see what happens next. Excellent.
SETTING: Wilderness Maine
SERIES: #3 of 3
RATING: 4.5
Mike Bowditch is an excellent game warden, but his feckless nature and self-destructive impulses have caused a lot of trouble for him in his professional life. He has butted heads with his superiors and often seemed arrogant and contentious. As a result, he has been banished to a remote wilderness area on the Canadian border of Maine; and it’s the dead of winter. Fortunately, Mike has acknowledged his flaws and has been working hard to temper his self-destructive nature. He isn’t always successful, but he’s made major strides in becoming more responsible and less obnoxious.
When a half-frozen man appears at the home of a local couple, who are terrified by their visitor, Mike has just had dinner with a local vet who he calls upon to look at the frostbitten man, Prester Sewall. Accompanied by a local professor who is a wilderness expert, they soon find the man’s companion dead in the nearby heath. What would cause these two men to be out in a blizzard that may be the storm of the century? Could they be selling drugs? Things become even more complicated when Bowditch becomes involved with Prester’s sister and her strange young son, Lucas. He tries to protect them, but he is facing his own difficulties. Someone is determined to make his life miserable—letting a skunk loose in Mike’s rented home, for example.
BAD LITTLE FALLS is the third book in the Bowditch series and delivers on the promise shown in the first, THE POACHER’S SON. The setting is wonderfully rendered, the prose beautifully descriptive, and the characterization top notch. The development of the character of the boy, Lucas, was compelling. But none of the other characters are ever able to outshine Mike Bowditch. Watching him battle his own personal demons is almost as interesting as following his progress on the investigation. I was quite disappointed in the second book in this series, TRESPASSER, because there was almost nothing about Mike’s game warden job and the fact that Mike was so unwilling to control his own base impulses. I am happy to report that Doiron has addressed both those flaws, and the result is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and one that has me anxious to see what happens next. Excellent.
September 9, 2017
Read as an audio book.
Goodreads asks above the review box, "what do you think?" I think...this felt like a romance disguised as a mystery. It seemed like Mike spent more time pining after, driving around, bedding, and judging the flawed but highly attractive Jamie Suel (spelling?) than actually doing his job. YO! Authors! If I want romance I'll read a romance book!
What small mystery there was, was lost in the romance and really didn't come to the forefront until the final disk.
Ah, Mike, Mike, Mike. How many bad decisions can you make in one book? A lot apparently. I would have hoped by book three in the series that I'd start to see some character development beyond rookie mistakes that lands him in trouble. That I would see something beyond "Oh woe is me" comments regarding his previous girlfriend Sarah (so glad she's gone), his current state of affairs (being stuck in backwater Maine), that he's friendless (because he has the personality of a wet dishcloth), and his boss and the sheriff's deputies despise him (he's a know it all who doesn't follow orders).
So why did I keep reading? Because the writing is solid, the setting is interesting and some of the secondary characters were more interesting than Mike. Like Lucas and the Veterinarian. Lucas was a bit of an enigma, a little boy stuck in some really tough circumstances. The Veterinarian...I don't know exactly why I liked him, I just did.
Overall, mixed thoughts on this installment - Mike is a bit of an idiot and it's hard to feel empathy for a character who repeatedly acknowledges what he's doing is wrong but does it anyway. The secondary characters were more interesting and I enjoyed the travelogue of the Machais area.
Recommended with reservations - start with book one for sure.
Goodreads asks above the review box, "what do you think?" I think...this felt like a romance disguised as a mystery. It seemed like Mike spent more time pining after, driving around, bedding, and judging the flawed but highly attractive Jamie Suel (spelling?) than actually doing his job. YO! Authors! If I want romance I'll read a romance book!
What small mystery there was, was lost in the romance and really didn't come to the forefront until the final disk.
Ah, Mike, Mike, Mike. How many bad decisions can you make in one book? A lot apparently. I would have hoped by book three in the series that I'd start to see some character development beyond rookie mistakes that lands him in trouble. That I would see something beyond "Oh woe is me" comments regarding his previous girlfriend Sarah (so glad she's gone), his current state of affairs (being stuck in backwater Maine), that he's friendless (because he has the personality of a wet dishcloth), and his boss and the sheriff's deputies despise him (he's a know it all who doesn't follow orders).
So why did I keep reading? Because the writing is solid, the setting is interesting and some of the secondary characters were more interesting than Mike. Like Lucas and the Veterinarian. Lucas was a bit of an enigma, a little boy stuck in some really tough circumstances. The Veterinarian...I don't know exactly why I liked him, I just did.
Overall, mixed thoughts on this installment - Mike is a bit of an idiot and it's hard to feel empathy for a character who repeatedly acknowledges what he's doing is wrong but does it anyway. The secondary characters were more interesting and I enjoyed the travelogue of the Machais area.
Recommended with reservations - start with book one for sure.
April 12, 2022
Audiobook. My least favourite in the series so far. Mike Bowdich’s MO is going off & making spur-of-the-moment questionable decisions, but it’s taken to another level here - His ‘relationship’ with Jamie just seemed.... icky, and he deserves the TSTL label in this one (often reserved for Romance heroines) “Too Stupid To Live”....
Things I still like about the series: Maine setting, Game warden as central character, Mike’s relationship with Charlie & Aura... will probably continue the series, eventually. Let’s hope Mike wises up at least a little bit.
Things I still like about the series: Maine setting, Game warden as central character, Mike’s relationship with Charlie & Aura... will probably continue the series, eventually. Let’s hope Mike wises up at least a little bit.
May 18, 2025
I absolutely love this series. Mike Bowditch is the perfect mix for an officer of the law. He knows what’s right, but he’s willing to go a bit rogue to find the truth. His personal life is a bit messy, so that keeps the reading interesting. This series gives you all you want in a mystery, so read it! If I had read the book, rather than listened, I’d have given it a full five stars…
Now, let’s talk about the audio version of this book. I have to be honest, I almost couldn’t finish this one because of the narrator. He very obviously did not take the time to do the research to be able to appropriately pronounce the names of places in Downeast Maine. As a local, I cringed at hearing the pronunciation of the Passamaquoddy, St. Stephen, and Lubec. However, when I heard how he pronounced Narraguagus, I just about drove off the road. It’s not even close. I had to replay it to even begin to figure out where he was speaking of (and I’m WELL versed in all things Narraguagus). Also, if using real names of towns - the town is Whitneyville, not Whitney. Every other town mentioned was real, however, Whitney somehow lost its ‘ville’.
I’m on to the next book now, and spoiler alert, we now mispronounce Augusta. I guess I’m going to have to switch to only reading this series, because I’m not sure I can handle listening to the poor pronunciations. I wonder if the author has heard it? If not, may be worth checking out. Downeast Maine is a special spot - the people are proud of their towns, their heritage - a bit of time spent researching would have been wonderful.
Now, let’s talk about the audio version of this book. I have to be honest, I almost couldn’t finish this one because of the narrator. He very obviously did not take the time to do the research to be able to appropriately pronounce the names of places in Downeast Maine. As a local, I cringed at hearing the pronunciation of the Passamaquoddy, St. Stephen, and Lubec. However, when I heard how he pronounced Narraguagus, I just about drove off the road. It’s not even close. I had to replay it to even begin to figure out where he was speaking of (and I’m WELL versed in all things Narraguagus). Also, if using real names of towns - the town is Whitneyville, not Whitney. Every other town mentioned was real, however, Whitney somehow lost its ‘ville’.
I’m on to the next book now, and spoiler alert, we now mispronounce Augusta. I guess I’m going to have to switch to only reading this series, because I’m not sure I can handle listening to the poor pronunciations. I wonder if the author has heard it? If not, may be worth checking out. Downeast Maine is a special spot - the people are proud of their towns, their heritage - a bit of time spent researching would have been wonderful.
September 9, 2025
Not as good as the first 2, this book puts Mike in unfamiliar territory as punishment for his recklessness and continued rash and poor judgement, despite what comes of it. Bad Little Falls drops us into a new town with similar stakes and new characters. I struggled with an influx of newer characters and found it hard to follow how each character impacted the story. I hope this next installment keeps Mike in Washington CO so that we can continue to develop these characters. I’m excited to see how Charley and Mike’s relationship grows in the next book. I was sad to see the relationship between Mike, Jamie, and Lucas fall apart. Looking forward to #4!
July 23, 2020
This is the third book in the Mike Bowditch series. Mike is a Maine game warden who can’t stay out of trouble. Usually trouble finds him and it seems unavoidable, but with Bad Little Falls, it is Mike who makes bad decisions even after being relocated to Washington County. His new territory is riddled with drug addicts and extreme poverty.
Mike still manages to slip in important safety reminders and tries to get across the importance of the Warden Service without preaching.
Mike still manages to slip in important safety reminders and tries to get across the importance of the Warden Service without preaching.
February 21, 2025
Game Warden Mike Bowdirch has been exiled to the back woods of Maine, and he is struggling to be accepted by the locals. Of course, there is a violent confrontation ( maybe) in a blizzard ( more than maybe) that leads to a murder and a real entangled mess with drugs involved.
Mike makes some signature bone-headed decisions, but he perseveres to figure out what is what.
I am addicted to this series!
Mike makes some signature bone-headed decisions, but he perseveres to figure out what is what.
I am addicted to this series!
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