There are numerous novels where the story takes place in Maine. That should come as no surprise when you think about how easy it would be to fictionally fall in love with someone among the beautiful foliage while visiting Maine. You are probably also aware of the many places to hide a body for a murder-mystery. And of course, the HORROR, with the gothic and macabre architecture setting the tone for any ghoul or evil demon to terrorize humans.
Stephen KingHodder Paperbacks
I’m going to leave Mr. King out of this list with by no means any intended disrespect nor disregarding how wonderful his novels are. Stephen King taught me so much as a 9-year-old child through reading his novels – waaaaaay more than I should’ve known at that age, but I’ve since been an avid fan to this day. It is extremely discernible where Stephen King books take place. I want to offer top-rated books that might be more obscure.
What Does A.I. Say About the Best Novels Set in Maine?
The Cider House Rules
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Ballantine Books
Let’s begin with artificial intelligence, since we all probably succumb to relying on it for all information in the near future. On its list at number 1 (before a King novel at #2), is John Irving’s, “The Cider House Rules.”
It was first published in 1985, and a 7-time Academy Award nominated eponymous film was created. On Amazon, this novel has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. This story set in early 20th century rural Maine is a must to dive into if you haven’t already.
Bookglow.net’s #1 Novel Set in Maine Recommendation
Olive KitteridgeRandom House
There is no surprise that this novel from 2008 was recommended as a top novel set in Maine to read by bookglow.net when you consider all the accolades. “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for fiction and was created into an HBO miniseries in 2014 that picked up 8 Emmy Awards.
This story takes place in the fictional coastal town of Crosby, Maine. If you happen to enjoy this Maine novel as so many already have as evident by the 4.5 rating out of 5 on Amazon, then you may enjoy the 2019 sequel, “Olive, Again.”
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Goodreads.com Has This Novel Set in Coastal Maine as a Top Read
Orphan TrainMariner Books
Nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award, “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline was published in 2013 and is still being discovered atop recommendation charts. 80,000 readers on Amazon have given this novel a 4.5 out of 5-star rating, making it a pretty safe bet to be a story set in coastal Maine that you can disappear into while reading on the beaches of Maine.
When Your Mainer Boss Recommends a Novel Set in Maine, You Add it to The List
Morgan Talty’s novel, “Fire Exit” is the newest on the list being published in 2024 and takes place in the tribal community on the Penobscot Reservation. The reviews from reputable sources speak for themselves in addition to a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon.
Spellbinding―TIME, A Best Book of Summer
Remarkable.―NPR
Morgan Talty is a citizen of the Penobscot Indian Nation and teaches at the University of Maine in Orono! Below are more recommendations of novels set in Maine that have a rating higher than 4 out of 5 stars from readers on Amazon!
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Top Rated Novels Set in Maine
Top rated novels set in Maine that aren’t Stephen King.
Gallery Credit: David
Maine Children’s Books
Entertain and educate your children with these greatly reviewed and award-winning children’s books that take you on adventures all over Maine.
Max McClung scored 12 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, and the Windy City Bulls went on a 15-2 run in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 121-106 win over the Maine Celtics in an NBA G League game Friday night at the Portland Expo.
Kevin Knox II added 30 points, 21 in the second half.
Amari Williams led the Celtics with 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Bridges made six 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, but the Celtics dropped to 2-8 in their last 10 games. Maine has lost four straight games at the Expo.
Press Herald sports writers nominate high school athletes from the prior week’s games.
Readers vote for their top choice and the winner will be announced in the newspapers the following Sunday all season long!
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A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.
Submissions sought: Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.
Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Eastport Arts Center
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Every week through Apr 01, 2026. Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
