BELFAST — Paul Doiron, internationally acclaimed author of the hugely popular Mike Bowditch series set in Maine, will be at Left Bank Books, in Belfast, on Tuesday, May 13, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., to celebrate that day’s release of Skin and Bones and Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories, a collection of eight original short stories in print for the first time in the bestselling series. No reservations are required; Doiron will be at the shop’s center table to meet and greet his fans and sign copies of all his books.

In his Introduction to Skin and Bones, Doiron explains he never consciously “set out to write short stories to fill in the untold history” of his novels. But in 2013 he was inspired to write “The Bear Trap,” in which Charley Stevens, a central and beloved character in the series, “pursued a hermit as a rookie officer.” The success of that story and, as Doiron writes “the creative boost I experienced from composing it,” encouraged him to write more stories, some of which “connect the gaps between the novels.”

Through these short stories, Doiron explains he could tell a tale in Charley’s voice (“Backtrack”) or describe Mike from the perspective of an omniscient, slightly haughty narrator (“Snakebit”). He has also enjoyed “riffing” on some of his literary influences—Poe in “Skin and Bones” and Conan Doyle in “The Caretaker.” Ultimately, Doiron hopes that for anyone who has never read any of his novels, he or she “will pick up this volume and enjoy these eight tales on their own terms: as windows—some cracked, others tinted—into the wildness that is Maine.”

Doiron’s books have been translated into ten languages and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Maine Literary Award (three times). He was the editor-in-chief of Down East Magazine (2005 to 2013) before stepping down to write full time. Doiron is a native of Maine and an experienced outdoorsman and naturalist, skilled in fishing, hunting, canoeing, and wilderness survival. He lives on a trout stream in coastal Maine with his wife, poet Kristen Lindquist.

The public is invited to this free event. Although no reservations are necessary, it’s strongly recommended that you order copies of Skin and Bones in advance by calling the shop at 207-338-9009 or emailing info@leftbankbookshop.com. Copies of all of Doiron’s books will be available for purchase.

Left Bank Books is located at 109 Church Street in downtown Belfast, across the street from the police station. Ample parking is available in front of the shop and in an adjacent public lot.