THE POACHER'S SON

Doiron’s debut novel is part travelogue of the Maine north woods and part a look into the life of a game warden. The opening chapters poke along, working hard to breathe life into a fractured but somehow interesting story. Just about every law enforcement officer in Maine is searching for Jack Bowditch, who is accused of double murder; at the same time, Bowditch’s son, Mike, the game warden, risks his career to help clear his dad. Narrator John Bedford Lloyd’s workmanlike delivery saves the day. His vocal characterizations of various woodsy folks are engaging and authentic. Lloyd’s presentation intensifies as the plot picks up steam and chugs toward a surprising conclusion. T.J.M. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2010]