Fruits of the Poisonous Tree

Joe Gunther #5

by Archer Mayor

Gail Zigman, town selectwoman and Joe Gunther's companion of many years, is raped, and the detective finds himself caught between the media, local politicians, and a network of well-meaning victims' rights advocates as he tries to put his own feelings aside and follow the trail of evidence.

Every lead seems to point to a single, obvious suspect, but is the evidence too perfect? Risking his friendship with Gail, the respect of his peers, and his own life, Lt. Gunther keeps digging, hoping to find out if the man they have in jail is rightly there, or if the evidence against him is tainted—"fruits of the poisonous tree."

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Thriller, Procedural, Detective

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1994

About the author

Over the years, Archer Mayor has been photographer, teacher, historian, scholarly editor, feature writer, travel writer, lab technician, political advance man, medical illustrator, newspaper writer, history researcher, publications consultant, constable, and EMT/firefighter. He is also half Argentine, speaks two languages, and has lived in several countries on two continents.

All of which makes makes him restless, curious, unemployable, or all three. Whatever he is, it’s clearly not cured, since he’s currently a novelist, a death investigator for Vermont’s medical examiner, and a police officer.

Archer has been producing the Joe Gunther novels since 1988, some of which have made the “ten best” or “most notable” lists of the Los Angeles and the New York Times. In 2004 Mayor received the New England Booksellers Association book award for fiction.

Intriguing plots, complex characters, and a vivid landscape are the foundation of Archer Mayor's award-winning New England thrillers.

Reviews

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Arch Mayor's books, but when I started this one I thought it was going to be another dreary sermon on the "cause of the month" (Global Warming, Traumatic Stress syndrome, etc). It was not. It involves a rape case but remains true to its main subject matter, a mystery to be solved by an intelligent investigator. It has a lot of twists and turns and surprises, but it ends up with a satisfying conclusion. One of his best.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing the content of this book since what happens to Gail is brought up in later books in the series I had actually been dreading reading it, but I was pleasantly surprised with how Mayor handled the issue of rape and the aftermath. The feminist group that rallies around Gail was one area where he could have gone into stereotyping and strawmen, but that was thankfully avoided and they were given a very nuanced and respectful portrayal. Even when one of the leaders of the group becomes angry at Joe and snaps at him late in the story Joe realizes she has a point and understands her concern. Considering the book was written in 1993 it holds up very well even today, and it's actually kind of sad that a lot of what's being produced today doesn't show this level of care when dealing with the issue of rape.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable entry in this series featuring a police detective in Vermont. The plot was very well done with lots of suspense and some pretty good action scenes. I really like the characters and the smaller town setting too.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subject matter of this book is quite disturbing. In his intro, the author explains this book is: “My only murder mystery in which there is no dead body.” The subject is rape and the victim is Joe Gunther’s companion, Gail. I had actually forgotten about this series, and I’m so glad I re-discovered it. The police procedures by Lt. Gunther and his department are fascinating to follow. Gunther risks his life to pursue the perpetrator, and proved some very intense reading. I am anxious to get to more of this great series by Archer Mayor.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really tough subject that was handled very well and showed how it affects not only the woman who is raped but also her partner. Joe’s behavior almost got him killed. He was exhausted, upset, and making poor choices. Thankfully, in the end, Joe engaged that analytical brain and figured things out. He was almost too late…..

[Andy Plonka · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the author has noted in the introduction, this is the only book in this series in which a murder is not committed. This one involves rape and is of special interest to Joe Gunther as his girl friend is a victim.

[Richard Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Goodreads Blurb: Gail Zigman, town selectwoman and Joe Gunther's companion of many years, is raped, and the detective finds himself caught between the media, local politicians, and a network of well-meaning victims' rights advocates as he tries to put his own feelings aside and follow the trail of evidence. Every lead seems to point to a single, obvious suspect, but is the evidence too perfect? Risking his friendship with Gail, the respect of his peers, and his own life, Lt. Gunther keeps digging, hoping to find out if the man they have in jail is rightly there, or if the evidence against him is tainted—"fruits of the poisonous tree."

I read this book aloud to Maggee at sometime in the distant past, but I don't seem to have logged it on Goodreads. This time around I read it to both Maggee and Lutrecia. A page turner that forced us into a marathon reading session in the final fifty pages. The plot flip works well. Perhaps a bit too much Engergizer Bunny in a couple of places, but unlike Longmire, Gunther actually has to spend some time in the hospital. Maggee thought she remembered who the bad guy was from the first reading... she was wrong.

Everyone in the book — the activists, the press, the general public, the politicians and even Joe to some extent — seem to miss the point that it is not so much justice for the wrongly accused man that is at stake as the fact that if he didn't commit the crime the real rapist is still out there.

This was book #16 on our 2022 Read-alouds With Lutrecia List and Book #21 on our own 2022 Read-alouds List.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Gunther mystery #5. One of my top favorite crime mystery authors.

We begin with police chief of detectives, Lt. Joe Gunther, Brattleboro, VT, rushing to the hospital to see Gail Zigman (his significant other of many years) after she’s just been violently raped multiple times. Thankfully, we are not subjected to what she suffered in full horrific detail. This case is especially challenging for Joe and his team because they feel like she’s one of their team.

Several good suspects to investigate, so it’s not over until it’s over… Just when you think it’s over, think again… It gets more interesting to hear the psychological profile of what perp “thinks of her type.” We always knew Gail was a strong, independent woman who speaks her mind, but it seems she may have ticked off a particularly disturbed woman-hater in disguise. (Too bad we don’t get to see his childhood journal.)

Mayor writes with such fury and passion, you can feel your own adrenalin as he drives and thinks and feels so much that he should drive himself crazy and crash raging through the snowstorm while driving. I can almost hear Mayor dictating the words at warp speed through gritted teeth. You’re glad it’s ending because you want to take a deep breath yourself. And you'll like the final ending.

[Traci Pierpont · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series when I read it 20 years ago and it has held up well. Joe Gunther is an even-keeled detective who is admirably self-aware. This entry in the series deals with the rape of Joe's partner Gail and the painful aftermath. Even by today's standards, the subject is handled with insight and sensitivity. On a personal note, one particular action sequence stuck with me all these years and I was surprised at the level of detail I remembered as I re-read it. I'm looking forward to visiting Joe Gunther again!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Sexual Assaut, Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence Victim Advocate, I was incredibly impressed that a book even mentions a rape crisis center and talks about advocacy. I felt compelled to write the author a email expressing my gratitude and he was kind enough to write back!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit hesitant to start this, mostly because of the topic of rape, as well as the synopsis about Joe Gunther going against the establishment (yet again). But the book surprised me and I ended up liking it. The story was rather dark and it made me uncomfortable more than once. However, I feel it was done with respect and the focus being what happens after the crime is committed? How do you move one from this?

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A three-star book turned into a two-star because of all the personal drama

[Roxie Gallinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Five of the Series and I absolutely love listening to each case, you never know the way it will end, and to me that's a great thing

[Susan Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid read in this series! The subject matter was a bit dark and sometimes I did not want to continue with it but I held on and was rewarded with a beautifully rich and complex narrative. How do you navigate relationship when the one you love is assaulted? Worth the discomfort to continue...

[Jerry B · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Fruits” is Archer Mayor’s fifth in his long-running Vermont Chief of Detectives Joe Gunther set, which we’re enjoying in order, soon to hit 30 novels in its bibliography. The author notes that this tale is the only one to feature not a murder as the crime of note, but rather a serious rape of none other than Joe’s long-time lover, City Selectman Gail Zigman. While it’s a little dubious he would be allowed to work the case, special arrangements were made to allow it – and indeed the whole law enforcement teams were heavily engaged given the victim’s honorary membership in their work family. It was actually interesting to see how they slowly narrowed down the suspects to what seemed like the obvious perpetrator, who promptly proceeded to run off, inciting a series of lengthy dangerous chase scenes, eventually hospitalizing Joe with serious injuries.

Just as the trial is getting underway, Joe leaves the hospital, not convinced the solution is correct when some loose ends don’t seem to tie together. The twisty ending, as well as some surprising developments in Joe’s and Gail’s relationship, cap a suspenseful plot.

While we might quibble that a middle-aged cop would leave much of the action to the younger troops, Gunther continues as a likable albeit somewhat domineering protagonist. Moreover, the issues of rape and its aftermath on the principals were handled tactfully. We’re looking forward to how the next outing might further account for or develop some of the events in this one. [3.5]

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a police procedural I’ve been hoping for
I am pleased that I chose this free audiobook from the Audible-Plus Catalogue. Having listened to The Joe Gunther Mysteries before, I looked forward to this one. And I was right! Detective Gunther and his team are on the hunt for a serial rapist. Archer Mayor’s “Fruits of the Poisonous Tree” takes us through the investigative process in intricate detail that I found incredibly interesting. The masterful narrative skills of Tom Taylorson are beyond perfection and a rare skill. Taylorson brings his expressive characterizations to remarkable and vivid life. I’ve searched Audible by narrator and found some winners I may never have found. Add these to the fact that it was an Audible-Plus selection, I wanted to scream it from the rooftop, Epic, I say! EPIC! EPIC! EPIC! Well worth a cherished credit and highly recommended. I’m already looking forward to Mayor’s “The Ragman’s Memory,” also an Audible Plus special. Kudos to all involved in making this series available.

👏✍🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍🏻👏

[Ensiform · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Gunther’s lover Gail is raped, and after a painstaking search and a dangerous manhunt, the district attorney and the police think they have found their man. Gunther’s instincts, however, tell him that the man, scum though he is, may be the victim of a frame-up. Going against the tide, he follows his gut and opens the case back up in the middle of the trial.

This was a very good entry in the series. Mayor’s addiction to research yielded a lot of rape counseling and therapy instruction this time around, and of course there’s also the usual death-defying and very bone-headed solo chases (Gunther, hardly invincible, nearly dies twice). I expected a bit more tension from Gail and the DA from Gunther’s decision to consider other suspects, but most of the book is taken up with finding the first suspect, and I suppose Mayor’s going for more realism than the in the typical hokey “maverick detective” story.

[Grady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Joe Gunther's lover is raped in her home, and she both wants Gunther to help solve the mystery, and needs space from him as she processes what has happened. Of course sexual assault is a painful subject, and hard to read any way other than seriously. That's at odds with the usual mode of this series, where violent deaths are necessarily and unrealistically common, and therefore hard to take seriously. It seemed to me that Archer Mayor handles the topic with sensitivity but also with an edge. In one memorable scene, powerful but not necessary for the unfolding of the plot, Gunther overhears callous man-in-the-street comments about a survivor of assault. Reading that provoked genuine anger. But, that aspect of the book combines uneasily with the Mayor's trademark convoluted plot, red herrings, and bloody climax.

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT

Mayor does a masterful job of addressing the issue of rape from multiple viewpoints: the victim's, the victim's partner, the community, the activists, the media, the elected official, the police, the justice system, and finally the perpetrator. He looks at each element at some point, and I could see the angst, the loss, the pain, and fear and the hate.

Lt. Joe Gunther's partner Gail Zigman, is raped in her home, at night, not long after Joe has gone home. She is brutalized, and her home vandalized. She insists that Joe be put on the case, and Chief Tony Brandt agrees, though somewhat hesitantly. It is a conflict of interest and everyone involved knows that there will be hell to pay from the Selectmen, the State's Attorney, James Dunn, as well as questions from the community. Nevertheless, he is on it. There are no real clues. Gail comes up with a list of possibles, Jason Ryan, who attacked her at the last Selectmen meeting is at the top of all the suspects, and more will come to light as they look at various sexual crimes throughout the state. On Gail's list are two men who alibi each other, having been at a party. Philip Duncan and Mark Sumner, both rival real estate agents, with offices across from hers. A man who has form also comes to light as having installed some of her windows, Harry Murchison.

In the middle of this case is the issue of whether the victim shall remain anonymous, at least until a trial, or come forward. Gail having been a member of Women for Women finds herself in a unique position to bring this heinous crime into the light, and she does, becoming front page news and leading a March. When they finally determine that Bob Vogel must be the rapist it moves quickly to trial. He had served four years for raping a woman in the nearly exact manner that Gail was. There were various pieces of evidence that supported his guilt: a knife, red fiber from his shirt, blood, tool marks, a lingerie catalog at his home, underwear... In the process of finding and catching him, Joe saves an employee of the dam, but is stabbed and nearly dies. Joe is in the hospital for weeks, and during that time he thinks of the holes in the case. When he is better, and follows up specifically on the testimony of the bartender, Ray Saint-Jacques, who has lied because he didn't like Vogel, it makes the evidence found at his home, "fruit of the poisonous tree". Thrown out, the police begin to look again at the other men. They bring in a criminal psychologist Megan Goss, who hypnotizes Gail. Vogal stinks, the man who raped her did not smell. As they dig deeper, Joe realizes that the rapist had changed the clock that he made sure Gail saw before he put the pillowcase over her head. It changes the alibis of the RE agents. When he knows they are getting closer Philip Duncan goes after Gail again and Joe is there. He is again hurt badly as he had not fully recovered, but Gail shoots Duncan in the knee. When confronted he confesses. He was furious that she had gotten a large sale that originally been at his office but moved when the sale stalled.

Excellent story, compassionately told.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lt. Joe Gunther of the Brattleboro, Vermont, police is confronted with a case that hits too close to home. Joe's girlfriend Gail was brutally attacked as she slept in her bed, waking up to find that a man was in her room and the next few hours of her life would be a nightmare she would never forget. At first the powers-that-be in the police department did not want Joe involved in the investigation but they knew he would strike out on his own to find out who hurt Gail. After many hours and days of searching for the culprit, the police settle on a suspect with a history of rape. All signs point to his guilt; the evidence is overwhelming. He is arrested and brought to trial. And then Joe begins to doubt that they have the right man. Knowing he is ruining a slam-dunk court case, angering his superiors, and most of all, losing the trust of the woman he loves, Joe sets out to find out the truth.

This was another great book in the Joe Gunther series. I just love the Vermont setting and Joe is a hero the reader can really get behind.

[E · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 * I’ve been reading the Gunther series in sequence and this one has sat on my shelf for a long time — thus putting the rest of the series on hold – because I did not want to deal with the plot line of Gail‘s rape, although I knew I wanted to continue with this series. However, Mayor handles that part of the story judiciously and unsensationally, focusing more of the book on the police search for the rapist, Gail’s slow move towards recovery, and the psychological and social consequences of such violence. For fans of the Joe Gunther series familiar with the characters, the first part will be painful and slow as we follow Gail’s post-rape ordeal, sorrow, suffering, anger, and support (as well as Joe’s processing of feelings in his support for her while also managing the criminal search).
The chase scene at the reservoir in the middle is, as is often the case with Mayor’s chase scenes, too protracted and detailed. But the book’s pace picks up well after that, although the conclusion seems to tumble out of nowhere very fast.

[Judith von Kirchbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great police procedural

Trigger warning > rape / violence against women

Full of tension and action, this is yet another fantastic installment in the series. The case centers around the rape of Gunthers long time partner, Gail. I was a bit shocked that the author allowed her to be violated, as I like this relationship and worried about its future. But the crime and subsequent story is true to the characters and becomes a great case. It's raw and emotional for the whole town and the pressure to solve this case puts Gunther in more physical harm than we've seen before. He is driven more than ever to make this right for Gail in the only way he can.....catch the rapist. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Joe Gunther novel. Stands alone just fine. The cover illustration and the scenes at the Glory Hole (or Morning Glory spillway of the Harriman Reservoir) were very dramatic. I enjoy learning bits of local history in novels, and the description was intriguing enough to warrant an internet search (use morning glory spillway not glory hole to avoid the sex results). The author did a good job dealing with the rape issue; showing how the ripple effects impact multiple lives, the reaction of the public (women vs men) and the long lingering impacts. As other reviews noted, it’s unlikely Joe would be allowed to work his girlfriend’s case. I was glad the final scene was not a classic “man saves woman” event.

[Harry Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police procedural. Mayor's series featuring Joe Gunther is among the best of the genre. There is not an actual murder in this installment. The action instead focuses on the effort to catch the rapist of a prominent local woman who happens to be Gunther's significant other. In addition to the usual fast-paced action, great dialog and the supporting cast, there is another strong element threaded throughout the story. That is the psychological and physiological impacts of rape. Mayor's exploration of these on the victim and those close to her are woven into the narrative, and are possibly all the more effective for not being blatant.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am working my way through the Joe Gunther novels, not always in sequence. And the sequence doesn't always seem to matter, certainly not with this one, which seems quite standalone. It is a little shocking in that one of the main characters of the series (Joe's long time companion Gail) is raped, and Joe has to investigate the case while trying to keep his own feelings in check while trying to help with Gail's recovery. While not wanting to give too much away, there is a prime suspect, there is a meticulous investigation, there is an armed chase, there are all kinds of political machinations, and it is all resolved in the end. It's a good read, an excellent addition to the series.

[M. Sprouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a change of pace for Archer Mayor in his Joe Gunther Series. Joe is very involved personally in the main investigation, which should have eliminated his inclusion in the case. I found no complaint about the writing especially in the page turning last third of the novel. Though not perfect, Mayor does a skillful job in having his main character avoid the the pitfalls of being patronizing and insensitive with the topic of rape. He gives us a portrayal of the sense of helplessness that those who are very close to rape victims have. It's just hard for me, who reads to escape, to find much engagement in this type of tragedy.

[Sharon Kallenberger Marzola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow, I read this out of order; although I requested the correct book from the library, I received the fifth book in the series instead of 4. I only caught the mistake once I was at the end of the story. Oh Well! The story works as a standalone, so I didn't miss anything reading five before four. Unlike the other books in the series, there isn't a murder to solve. Joe is on the case to find the man who raped his long-time girlfriend, Gail. Overall, it is a good story, even though I had to do a few handwaves or eye rolls. I let it slide because this is a small-town police department. I'm still a fan of Joe Gunther and like how the story ended.

3.5 Stars

[BrkrDave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was engrossing from start to finish. It explores the relationship of two people after a rape. The rape takes hours before the book starts so the conflicts are there almost from the first page. A man can never totally write about a woman's feelings after a rape but Mayor does as good a job as a man can do. The book is well written and really excellent (except for the ending which was weak and a let down). Despite this, I would recommend it without reservation. It is much more than a police procedural.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I am so glad I chose to reread all the Archer Mayor books from the beginning. The last one and this one gave me trouble because they were close to some of my own experiences. His books are so exciting (I usually read milder mysteries with no real physical stuff) and the stories develop in detail. I love the characters and the settings. For all the he man heroics, Joe does seem sensitive and caring and insightful. Lots to like. I have about 25 more books to go and hope he's written a couple more before I finish. I've read many through the years but not close to gather.

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another installment in the Joe Gunther mystery series. Joe is a Brattleboro Vermont police detective. This is another excellent police procedural investigation. While they previous stories in this series involved murders, this case was a violent rape, which the victim survived. Many clues are provided, run down and at times re-evaluated and re-investigated to determine the guilty party. If you like police procedural mysteries, you’ll like this story and this series.