Review: The Poacher's Son

The Poacher's Son
Author: Paul Doiron
Publisher: Monitor Books
ISBN: 9780312558468
Audience: Adult
Rating: 5 out of 5
Publish Date: May 11, 2010

Synopsis (from Barnes & Noble):

Set in the wilds of Maine, this is an explosive tale of an estranged son thrust into the hunt for a murderous fugitive—-his own father.

Game warden Mike Bowditch returns home one evening to find an alarming voice from the past on his answering machine: his father, Jack, a hard-drinking womanizer who makes his living poaching illegal game. An even more frightening call comes the next morning from the police: They are searching for the man who killed a beloved local cop the night before—-and his father is their prime suspect. Jack has escaped from police custody, and only Mike believes that his tormented father might not be guilty.

Now, alienated from the woman he loves, shunned by colleagues who have no sympathy for the suspected cop killer, Mike must come to terms with his haunted past. He knows firsthand Jack’s brutality, but is the man capable of murder? Desperate and alone, Mike strikes up an uneasy alliance with a retired warden pilot, and together the two men journey deep into the Maine wilderness in search of a runaway fugitive. There they meet a beautiful woman who claims to be Jack’s mistress but who seems to be guarding a more dangerous secret. The only way for Mike to save his father now is to find the real killer—-which could mean putting everyone he loves in the line of fire.

The Poacher’s Son is a sterling debut of literary suspense. Taut and engrossing, it represents the first in a series featuring Mike Bowditch.

When I started this book, it was late, and I snuggled down in my bed knowing I was too tired to read more than a chapter or two. That didn't happen, and I was up much, much later turning page after page, promising myself I would finish this chapter because I really had to get some sleep. Way into the wee hours of the morning, when I could no longer deny that my eyes just couldn't stay open any longer, I reluctantly put this book aside.

The Poachers Son is a remarkable story full of suspense, family drama, and twists and turns that had me guessing right up until the end. The setting and plot are perfect. My father was a game warden and Doiran is right on spot with his realistic descriptions and what a warden's life is like. The characters, too, are very realistic and believable. With the book written in first person, you really become drawn into Mike's life and his desperation and need to get answers.

This is an amazing book written by an amazing storyteller. It's gripping and full of suspense, mystery and intrigue. Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down! I'm really excited that this is book one of a series. That means there will be more to come from Mr. Doiron and his character, Mike Bowditch!

I'm giving this one an adult rating, as it has some descriptive sexual content and language.

If you 'd like to learn more about Paul Doiron, you can visit his website at: http://www.pauldoiron.com/

I received this book through Barnes and Noble's First Look program.

Review: Before I Fall

before i fall
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTeen an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780061726804
Audience: Age suggestion (from publisher): 14 and above
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: (from publisher)

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.


My Comments:

When I started this book, I will honestly say I didn't like the characters. The girls were self-centered, cruel, and very superficial - in character with "the in crowd". As the story progressed, and Samantha gets another chance, the story turns, and she starts to grow and change. Yes, it's not a new plot (reliving the next day over and over), but the style of writing was captivating.

When I first started the book wasn't going to give this one to my teen to read. Peer pressure and cruelty certainly don't carry a positive message, but as the story progressed, there ended up being a wonderful lesson and moral to the story. Samantha learned exactly what was important in life, and passes this message on.

I was sure of the ending, but was pleasantly surprised with the twist. Yes, this one will definitely be something my daughter will get, and I'm sure she is going to enjoy it.

As for the age rating, the publisher rates it for 14 and up. There's much talk about sex, drugs and alcohol usage, smoking, and language. Yes, I know they are all typical of teen life, but be advised.

I received this book through the Barnes & Noble First Look Program. This has not influence my review in any way.

Review: Eternal On the Water

Eternal on the Water
Author: Joseph Monninger
Publisher: Gallery Books - a division of Simon & Schulster, Inc.
ISBN: 9781439168332
Audience: Older teens to Adult
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Barnes & Noble)

From the day Cobb and Mary meet kayaking on Maine's Allagash River and fall deeply in love, the two approach life with the same sense of adventure they use to conquer the river's treacherous rapids. But rivers do not let go so easily...and neither does their love. So when Mary's life takes the cruelest turn, she vows to face those rough waters on her own terms and asks Cobb to promise, when the time comes, to help her return to their beloved river for one final journey.

Set against the rugged wilderness of Maine, the exotic islands of Indonesia, the sweeping panoramas of Yellowstone National Park, and the tranquil villages of rural New England, Eternal on the Water is at once heartbreaking and uplifting — a timeless, beautifully rendered story of true love's power.



My Comments:

I really enjoyed this story. It was well written, the characters were very interesting, and the scenery was so well described that you could almost smell the air and hear the water. It held my interest and was a nice, powerful love story.

My next comment may be a bit of a spoiler, but at the same time, it really won't be, because it's how the book starts. So, if you are afraid I may reveal something, please stop here.....

I'm a person who will NOT watch a movie or read the book if I know how it's going to end. If I know the ending, my reasoning is why spend all that time when I know what's going to happen. Unfortunately, the first pages are the ending, and then the story starts years before. That really killed the book for me because I knew what and figured out why things happened. Sure there were details that I didn't know, but it just ruined the mystery element that I need. Sigh....

There is a bit of sexual content between unmarried people and it happens very early in the "relationship". Suicide and death are also discussed as well as chronic illnesses. Because of this, I would recommend this book for older teens to adult.

This book was provided by the Barnes & Noble First Look Program.