mamasin's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
elisabeth1st's review
3.0
I always enjoy the books in this series. However, this time around I didn't much care about anyone in the story. More amusing was my annoyance with Stacey, Mike's constant commenting on his love for her, and the author's insistence in telling the reader how talented she is. I chuckle because I, along with other readers, asked Paul to give Mike a true love interest. I think I prefer him single.
thain's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable outdoorsy mystery set on an island bird sanctuary where a pair of gruesome murders occur. The series has an appealing hero and is recommended for those who enjoy a bit of action and adventure (and even a touch of romance!) in their mysteries.
sankitch87's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
pbanditp's review against another edition
4.0
Mike takes to the islands off the coast of Maine for this adventure/ investigation. While out kayaking along the coast, Mike and his gf Stacey go to check on Stacey’s friend who is working on a puffin habitat island. Stacey got an ominous message and wants to check it out.
december31378's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
emileereadsbooks's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mike Bowditch, a Maine game warden, and his girlfriend Stacey take a sea kayaking trip to the research station on a remote island off the coast where Stacey spent summers interning and studying the endangered seabirds. After their odd visit, they camp on a nearby island for the night. But their sleep is interrupted by the sound of a gunshot. By the time they return to the island, 2 of the 3 researchers are dead and the other is missing. And as the case begins to be investigated things become murkier and murkier as the layers of this situation are uncovered.
I really enjoy the original setting and tone of these books. The Bowditch character is straightforward and no nonsense and that tone lends itself to some interesting character development and interactions. The way the mystery unravels is entertaining and unexpected while still being realistic.
This is book 13 in this series. I jumped in with book 12, and although I plan to go back and read the first 11, this series is still quite enjoyable jumping in in the middle.
mschley's review
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I never miss a Mike Bowditch book. There has not been a single one that has failed to pull me right in and keep me hooked, inevitably leading to reading far too late into the night. There is the perfect blend of intriguing mystery, dangerous suspense, and personal growth. Hatchet Isalnd takes us to a misty, fogbound, almost uninhabited island that holds temporary housing for a team of researchers. Mike and Stacey take a detour on their mini vacation to check in on the researchers after they get a mysterious email asking for help. Things quickly get intense as murders abound and mysterious millionaires pull Stacey and Mike into their orbit. The suspense is tangible in the pages and it becomes nearly impossible to set it down and not simply ignore all else to find out what happens next. If you’re already a fan, you’ll definitely be satisfied with another great installment. If you’re not, then go back to the beginning and speed read until you can catch up with the rest of us because you won’t be disappointed.
I never miss a Mike Bowditch book. There has not been a single one that has failed to pull me right in and keep me hooked, inevitably leading to reading far too late into the night. There is the perfect blend of intriguing mystery, dangerous suspense, and personal growth. Hatchet Isalnd takes us to a misty, fogbound, almost uninhabited island that holds temporary housing for a team of researchers. Mike and Stacey take a detour on their mini vacation to check in on the researchers after they get a mysterious email asking for help. Things quickly get intense as murders abound and mysterious millionaires pull Stacey and Mike into their orbit. The suspense is tangible in the pages and it becomes nearly impossible to set it down and not simply ignore all else to find out what happens next. If you’re already a fan, you’ll definitely be satisfied with another great installment. If you’re not, then go back to the beginning and speed read until you can catch up with the rest of us because you won’t be disappointed.
mctmama's review
3.0
Loved the setting of Hatchet Island by Paul Doiron an island off the coast of Maine where puffins and other sea birds are being studies by environmentalists. This is the first Mike Bowditch novel I've read, so I am not sure if I can judge the character since I have no knowledge of any of his other mystery adventures. I found the book to be a quick, entertaining summer mystery. The ending was not shocking, but there are twists and turns.
pkovalic95's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0