When I was waiting for the reviews for my first book to come out, I had the advantage of ignorance. Not having been through the gauntlet before, I had no idea what to expect. Fortunately, with The Poacher's Son, I had the sort of experience every first novelist hopes for: I got to read one glowing review after another recommending my book.
With my new mystery, Trespasser, I now understand the importance of pre-publication reviews. My good luck seems to be continuing! Today, Library Journal gave it a starred review:
Doiron, Paul. Trespasser. Minotaur: St. Martin’s. Jun. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780312558475. $24.99. M
It’s mud season in northern Maine, no longer winter but not yet spring, and the grisly murder of a young woman raises questions nobody wants answered. Is the man serving time in prison for an identical murder innocent? Is there a serial killer on the loose? Game warden Mike Bowditch has a nose for finding answers and a penchant for getting in trouble. In just his second year on the job, he must combat the wicked weather, those in law enforcement who respect neither his profession nor him, and his personal demons. With the help of his friend Charlie, a legendary and now retired game warden, Mike doggedly pursues the truth as spring begins to show itself. VERDICT Doiron (nominated this year for an Edgar Award for his first book about Mike Bowditch, The Poacher’s Son) serves up a tense thriller that stars a memorable main character and brings the rugged Maine landscape vividly to life. Highly recommended for lovers of mysteries, particularly those set outdoors or in New England. Fans of C.J. Box and Castle Freeman will not be disappointed. [15-city tour in New England.]—Nancy Fontaine, Dartmouth Coll., Hanover, NH
It's days like this when I remember how fortunate I am to be living my life's dream.