In this addition to the Mike Bowditch Game Warden series, Mike and his fiance Stacey Stevens are celebrating their engagement with his stepfather, his stepfather’s new wife, and Stacey’s parents at his father’s lake front home. The party is interrupted when a crash signals that a boat has hit something in the water. Investigating, Mike and Stacey find a dismembered arm floating in the water and a submerged body. This is the beginning of an investigation that involves a wealthy home owner, his current mistress, and her biker husband.

This is a fast paced thriller. Mike, as usual, finds himself in life threatening circumstances from which he almost miraculously escapes. Stacey is supportive, understanding Mike’s need to solve the crime in spite of the danger. Mike also continues to build his relationship with his step father and his new step mother.

The plot is intricate. It’s hard to guess who the murderer is until the very end, although there are hints along the way. I thoroughly enjoy this series. The atmosphere of the Maine woods is a nice change from the big city or suburbia where most police procedurals are set. Although the book is part of a long series, it’s fairly easy to catch up with the back story. I recommend it for fans of police procedurals.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this book to review.