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Joe Gunther #26
The Company She Kept
During the height of a harsh Vermont winter, the body of a woman is found hanging from the steel-mesh retaining net lining the cliffs along the interstate. She was brutally murdered, with the word "dyke" carved into her chest. She was also a state senator and best friend and ally of the current governor, Gail Zigman. At Zigman's personal request, Joe Gunther and his Vermont Bureau of Investigation team agree to help the Vermont State Police in their investigation before the victim's high profile and powerful friends create the inevitable publicity maelstrom. Raffner was indeed a lesbian, and the word carved into her chest might be evidence of a hate crime, or it might be a feint designed to confuse and mislead investigators. But the question remains-what was she involved with, who wanted her dead, and what company was she keeping? What Gunther and his team discover during their initial investigation isn't the stuff of a simple murder. Someone killed a prominent figure and fabricated an elaborate scene for a purpose. And this might only be the beginning...in Archer Mayor's The Company She Kept.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2015
178 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Archer Mayor
44 books735 followersOver 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
November 1, 2016
A pair of tourists gets a horrific surprise when they get out of their car to photograph a scenic Vermont mountainside and find a woman's body hanging from one of the mountain cliffs. The woman has been brutally murdered; her clothes have been ripped open, and the word "dyke"has been carved into her chest. The case becomes even more sensitive and complicated when the victim turns out to be a state senator and a close ally of the state's governor, Gail Zigman.
As long-time fans of this series are well aware, Gail Zigman was once the Significant Other of Joe Gunther, head of the Vermont Bureau of Investigation. Gail and Joe have both moved on romantically, but devastated and outraged, the governor demands that Gunther take charge of the investigation personally and that he and the rest of his team at the VBI find the killer--and quickly.
That will be easier said than done. The victim, Susan Raffner, was a long-time activist who had alienated large numbers of people through the years. Was this a hate crime, committed by someone who opposed the senator's sexual orientation, or was this a murder disguised as a hate crime, committed by someone who was angry at Raffner for political or personal reasons?
The investigation is complicated by the fact that the physical evidence is not much help, at least initially, and further by the fact that the victim left hundreds of pages of files and other data that the police will have to sort through, looking for a possible motive. The case attracts a good deal of attention and Gunther and his team are under the gun not only from the governor but from the general public to close the case.
By now, Gunther fully understands the abilities of the members of his team, most of whom have been with him through all twenty-six books in the series, and he deploys them in the most intelligent way possible. Willy Kunkle has always been the loose cannon in the outfit, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Joe basically tells Willy to do his own thing, hoping that Willy's unconventional approach to things might point the way to a solution that might not occur to the team members pursuing a more conventional approach to the investigation. The only problem is that Willy may lead Samantha Martens, his "other half" and the team member that Gunther has assigned to ride general herd on the investigation, over to the Dark Side.
This remains one of the best regional mystery series out there and certainly one of the longest running. Through the years, Archer Mayor has maintained the high quality of the books while weaving together the lives of the cast he has created. He knows Vermont inside and out and the descriptions of the state and of its inhabitants are always very well done. This is another very good addition to the series, even if the ending does feel a bit rushed. Readers coming to the series for the first time, though, will certainly not want to start here. There are plenty of great books in the Joe Gunther saga leading up to this one.
As long-time fans of this series are well aware, Gail Zigman was once the Significant Other of Joe Gunther, head of the Vermont Bureau of Investigation. Gail and Joe have both moved on romantically, but devastated and outraged, the governor demands that Gunther take charge of the investigation personally and that he and the rest of his team at the VBI find the killer--and quickly.
That will be easier said than done. The victim, Susan Raffner, was a long-time activist who had alienated large numbers of people through the years. Was this a hate crime, committed by someone who opposed the senator's sexual orientation, or was this a murder disguised as a hate crime, committed by someone who was angry at Raffner for political or personal reasons?
The investigation is complicated by the fact that the physical evidence is not much help, at least initially, and further by the fact that the victim left hundreds of pages of files and other data that the police will have to sort through, looking for a possible motive. The case attracts a good deal of attention and Gunther and his team are under the gun not only from the governor but from the general public to close the case.
By now, Gunther fully understands the abilities of the members of his team, most of whom have been with him through all twenty-six books in the series, and he deploys them in the most intelligent way possible. Willy Kunkle has always been the loose cannon in the outfit, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Joe basically tells Willy to do his own thing, hoping that Willy's unconventional approach to things might point the way to a solution that might not occur to the team members pursuing a more conventional approach to the investigation. The only problem is that Willy may lead Samantha Martens, his "other half" and the team member that Gunther has assigned to ride general herd on the investigation, over to the Dark Side.
This remains one of the best regional mystery series out there and certainly one of the longest running. Through the years, Archer Mayor has maintained the high quality of the books while weaving together the lives of the cast he has created. He knows Vermont inside and out and the descriptions of the state and of its inhabitants are always very well done. This is another very good addition to the series, even if the ending does feel a bit rushed. Readers coming to the series for the first time, though, will certainly not want to start here. There are plenty of great books in the Joe Gunther saga leading up to this one.
October 12, 2016
3.5 stars
I love this series. The characters are well developed and keep evolving. This quote sums it up. “It wasn't lost on her that two grown adults had wanted the approval of a man who was not a family member and was their boss. But such was the nature of what their small squad had become - versus their actual families.”
The actual mystery always keeps me guessing. And it is diametrically opposed to tv mysteries, with their unrealistic timing and ability to get things done with the touch of a button. Mayor understands how budgets do impact the ability to conduct criminal investigations. There were quite a few twists and turns here and more than one red herring.
And finally, Mayor is a master when it comes to setting the place. His descriptions of Vermont are always pin point perfect.
The only downside to this particular novel was that the ending felt forced and rushed. Still, I’m glad to see there’s another in the series being published this month.
I love this series. The characters are well developed and keep evolving. This quote sums it up. “It wasn't lost on her that two grown adults had wanted the approval of a man who was not a family member and was their boss. But such was the nature of what their small squad had become - versus their actual families.”
The actual mystery always keeps me guessing. And it is diametrically opposed to tv mysteries, with their unrealistic timing and ability to get things done with the touch of a button. Mayor understands how budgets do impact the ability to conduct criminal investigations. There were quite a few twists and turns here and more than one red herring.
And finally, Mayor is a master when it comes to setting the place. His descriptions of Vermont are always pin point perfect.
The only downside to this particular novel was that the ending felt forced and rushed. Still, I’m glad to see there’s another in the series being published this month.
July 22, 2018
Good entry in the Joe Gunther series that is only marred by the fact that the solution is resolved too easily at the end and had little or nothing to do with the rest of the book. Still it is nice getting to visit Vermont and getting to know Joe and his team. Recommended to fans of Joe Gunther.
October 30, 2015
A series with 26 books (so far) is bound to have its ups and downs, but Mayor has a very small amount of wobble in his writing. This book works as a police procedural (the investigation of the murder of a prominent Vermont senator with a lot of sharp edges who is very close to Joe's former lover, the state governor) and as an examination of how people continue to develop over time. In this case, the character development is that of Sam Martens and, to a lesser extent, Joe Gunther. Joe and Sam have a discussion about crossing investigative lines that shows one of the strengths of the series: the creation of people it is easy to like. The procedural details develop, too, though. There is a meeting with bureaucrats from the Homeland Defense people that illustrates both the new challenges to interagency cooperation and Gunther's skills in dealing with them. The crime gets solved in dogged, believable fashion, and the characters continue to develop (except for Willy Kunkle, who even the saintly Joe views as a lost cause, while still valuing him). The Vermont details continue to be interesting, and not just as cardboard for plotting purposes.
August 3, 2019
Nice plot twist at the end. Kept me guessing
August 11, 2019
The Company She Kept is book twenty-six in the Joe Gunther series by Archer Mayor. Joe Gunther and his team caught a murder case of a woman who was found hanging from a netting suspended about a major highway in Vermont USA. However, this case will not be easy for Joe due to the identity of the murder victim as a USA Senator Susan Raffner and a friend of the Governor of Vermont. The readers of The Company She Kept will follow Joe Gunther investigation to find out what happens.
The Company She Kept is the first book I have read of Archer Mayor, and I enjoy reading this book. I love the characters and the way Archer Mayor portrayed them and their interaction with each other. I like Archer Mayor description of his settings, and the settings complement the plot of this book. The Company She Kept is well written and researched by Archer Mayor. I did not think I would engage with this book at first; I was wrong.
The readers of The Company She Kept will learn about the problems that woman have in public life. Also, the readers of The Company She Kept will learn about law enforcement investigation in Vermont, USA.
I recommend this book.
The Company She Kept is the first book I have read of Archer Mayor, and I enjoy reading this book. I love the characters and the way Archer Mayor portrayed them and their interaction with each other. I like Archer Mayor description of his settings, and the settings complement the plot of this book. The Company She Kept is well written and researched by Archer Mayor. I did not think I would engage with this book at first; I was wrong.
The readers of The Company She Kept will learn about the problems that woman have in public life. Also, the readers of The Company She Kept will learn about law enforcement investigation in Vermont, USA.
I recommend this book.
August 15, 2017
Joe Gunter and his VBI crew are investigating the very bizarre death/murder of a Vermont politician and good friend and advisor to the Governor. Its a all-out effort involving various VT law enforcement agencies, but for a long time there is little to go on. Sam and Willy go off on their own hunt which involves some old history of Sam;s and slowly the pieces start of fall into place. Another good read from Mr. Mayor.
December 24, 2018
The Company She Kept is the 26th installation of the Joe Gunther series by Archer Mayor. I like this protagonist and it’s nice to see Joe hitting his stride in this book. He finally seems happy in his personal life, and he continues to do an excellent job of running his VBI team as he investigates what might be the most politically charged murder of his career.
Susan Raffner has been found murdered with the word “dyke” carved into her chest. Susan was not only a state senator and friend to the current governor, Gail Zigman, but as it turns out, also Gail’s same-sex romantic partner. Any fan of the series knows that Gail Zigman was also romantically involved with Joe earlier in the series, and Susan’s murder leads the governor to publicly come out of the closet. See what I mean about politically charged case?
Joe and his team have a lot of leads to follow, a lot of data to sift through, but make little progress. One of my favorite characters in the series has always been Willy Kunkle, a VBI detective who suffers with PTSD but also excels at operating outside the standard “box” of rules, usually with good results. Willy is now partnered both romantically and otherwise with a female detective called Samantha Martins. “Sam” has always been a fairly straight and narrow character, but Willy seems to be influencing her towards a more unconventional style in this book. This causes concern for Joe, but tends to produce good results in this particular instance.
All in all, this was a very entertaining story, but the ending was abrupt and seemed rather artificial, which brought my rating down from 4 to 3 1/2. The Joe Gunther series is generally a well done and consistent one and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys police procedural/ murder mystery genres. However, if you’re jumping into this series, begin elsewhere, as I thought this one was a little on the weaker side of the spectrum.
Susan Raffner has been found murdered with the word “dyke” carved into her chest. Susan was not only a state senator and friend to the current governor, Gail Zigman, but as it turns out, also Gail’s same-sex romantic partner. Any fan of the series knows that Gail Zigman was also romantically involved with Joe earlier in the series, and Susan’s murder leads the governor to publicly come out of the closet. See what I mean about politically charged case?
Joe and his team have a lot of leads to follow, a lot of data to sift through, but make little progress. One of my favorite characters in the series has always been Willy Kunkle, a VBI detective who suffers with PTSD but also excels at operating outside the standard “box” of rules, usually with good results. Willy is now partnered both romantically and otherwise with a female detective called Samantha Martins. “Sam” has always been a fairly straight and narrow character, but Willy seems to be influencing her towards a more unconventional style in this book. This causes concern for Joe, but tends to produce good results in this particular instance.
All in all, this was a very entertaining story, but the ending was abrupt and seemed rather artificial, which brought my rating down from 4 to 3 1/2. The Joe Gunther series is generally a well done and consistent one and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys police procedural/ murder mystery genres. However, if you’re jumping into this series, begin elsewhere, as I thought this one was a little on the weaker side of the spectrum.
March 6, 2016
I've been reading this series since the time Archer Mayor was a local regional author, and am still enjoying the series. I like the way the characters have grown and changed over the years, and how some relationships have grown and deepened while others have imploded. It makes them very realistic. I also really appreciate recognizing landmarks and setting features since I live close enough to eastern VT to be familiar with the locale.
This installment finds Joe Gunther and his team investigating the bizarre murder of Susan Raffner, a VT state legislator who is a very close friend of the VT governor, Gail Zigman. Is it a hate crime or a drug-related crime , or even something more sinister?
I found the pacing of the book to be on the slow side for almost the entire book. However, the ending was almost too fast, and I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. It didn't go quite far enough either, leaving me with a lot of questions as to the repercussions.
This installment finds Joe Gunther and his team investigating the bizarre murder of Susan Raffner, a VT state legislator who is a very close friend of the VT governor, Gail Zigman. Is it a hate crime or a drug-related crime , or even something more sinister?
I found the pacing of the book to be on the slow side for almost the entire book. However, the ending was almost too fast, and I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. It didn't go quite far enough either, leaving me with a lot of questions as to the repercussions.
March 19, 2016
This is the second book by Archer Mayor that I have read. The Joe Gunther Series is really intriguing. I've been taken with the characters and intend to go back to the beginning to get a better sense of the way in which they interplay. Please note: this is a stand-alone novel and enjoyable in its own right.
Joe Gunther and his team work for the Vermont Bureau of Investigation. When the body of a woman is discovered along the interstate hanging from a cliff, the team is called in. But this time, it's very personal. Joe knows the victim and he is implored by the governor to find out who committed such a heinous act. The governor, you see, is also connected to the victim.
Archer Mayor creates a landscape of individuals that hold their own within the storyline. He is a master at that. The investigative skills are believable from Joe himself right down to the medical examiner. Such a good series that beckons for more.
Joe Gunther and his team work for the Vermont Bureau of Investigation. When the body of a woman is discovered along the interstate hanging from a cliff, the team is called in. But this time, it's very personal. Joe knows the victim and he is implored by the governor to find out who committed such a heinous act. The governor, you see, is also connected to the victim.
Archer Mayor creates a landscape of individuals that hold their own within the storyline. He is a master at that. The investigative skills are believable from Joe himself right down to the medical examiner. Such a good series that beckons for more.
October 16, 2015
I've been a fan from the beginning, and I think it's helpful to start from the beginning. For a while (in the early ones) I printed out a map of Brattleboro and tried to follow the characters' movements. Mayor is a really good writer, but I did feel this one hurried up to the end. And I agree that the perp should have been looked into more from the beginning, as should other people close to the victim. I'd still give it four stars.
November 2, 2015
Some reviewers seem to be quibbling with the resolution and I can see how they would, but that ignores a supremely well crafted book. The psychology is beyond reproach. Mayor has done a phenomenal job developing the characters in this series and Gunther's relationship with Hillstrom has not knocked the series off stride at all. The police procedural strain works well and rings true. Had they tagged the other suspect, I'd have given the book 5 stars.
November 24, 2015
This is the first Archer Mayor book I have read and I definitely will be reading more of his writing.
Excellent detective work on the part of Joe Gunthers VBI team. There were so many different directions the investigation led the team as they searched for killer of a prominent Vermont female senator. The story kept me guessing throughout the book and you don't know the 'whodonit' until the last couple pages.
Excellent detective work on the part of Joe Gunthers VBI team. There were so many different directions the investigation led the team as they searched for killer of a prominent Vermont female senator. The story kept me guessing throughout the book and you don't know the 'whodonit' until the last couple pages.
November 22, 2015
Archer Mayor knows his home state of Vermont like few other authors, and his intimate local knowledge is apparent in this latest installment of the Joe Gunther series. Murder is the case at hand, and the deceased – a feisty state lawmaker - gave her enemies lots of motivation. The case is broken as two rogue cops break ranks to pursue their own avenue of investigation, which takes the story into the murky underworld of New England’s drug trade. This is a quick and entertaining read.
October 14, 2015
He had me right up until it ended. I don't remember a book that ended as abruptly as this one, and that affected how I felt about it. In general, I like the Joe Gunther series, both the setting and the characters. He could've done a better job on this one, though.
January 31, 2017
The characters are wonderful, enough odd quirks without making one wonder how they can even manage to tie their shoes. The Vermont setting and education about how things are done in this little patch of New England are more than worthwhile.
April 1, 2017
I'm a new Archer Mayor fan. I like his style; starts fast, good characters, interesting plot, fun twists, very human and understandable character traits. I look forward to the next Joe Gunther case. It helps to read the books chronologically.
November 5, 2015
Reasonably entertaining, interesting, and well-written. This is the first I've read of the Joe Gunther series by this author. It did not leave me feeling compelled to seek out more of them.
December 23, 2019
so this is the first book of zoey and i’s book club and it was SHIT i fucking hate joe gunther and also the end was very hastily written. save ur time
September 21, 2018
The body of Susan Raffner, a Senator in Virginia, who was the best friend (at least) of the current govenor, Gail Zigman, hanging from a steel retaining net along the highway. Of course Gail pushed for a resolution of the murder, but there was another complication. Joe Gunther, the head of the Virginia Bureau of Investigation, was a former long time lover of Gail's. So of course, this led to a lot of political mess involved in the case, especially since it was the time for Gail to be running for a second term. I really enjoy the four main characters in the series, the members of Joe's team.
August 28, 2025
For some reason I have gone three years in between books in this series. This is another good entry with a tough, high profile murder to be solved. As always, Mayor continues to develop and grow the characters which is one of the things I enjoy most about these books.
I feel a two or three book binge coming on!
I feel a two or three book binge coming on!
February 18, 2019
Holy fast paced!! Loved this story! Well written and keeps you wanting more for sure. Didn’t know it was in a series but I will definitely be looking for the rest!!
April 6, 2022
Another good Joe Gunther story.
July 31, 2022
1.75 stars 🤷♀️
October 5, 2017
Good solid mystery
I have never read an archer mayor book I haven't liked., The Company She kept , was no exception. Being from Vermont ,it is an added pleasure to relate to the setting of Mr.Mayor's work. Having read all of his previous books ,it is interesting to see the evolving nature of the characters and the crisis they face over the years. I find it adds depth to the stories. I found this story,not to be a nail biter, but a solid interesting story.
Totally relate to the setting of these books
I have never read an archer mayor book I haven't liked., The Company She kept , was no exception. Being from Vermont ,it is an added pleasure to relate to the setting of Mr.Mayor's work. Having read all of his previous books ,it is interesting to see the evolving nature of the characters and the crisis they face over the years. I find it adds depth to the stories. I found this story,not to be a nail biter, but a solid interesting story.
Totally relate to the setting of these books
July 3, 2018
Read as an audiobook performed by Tom Taylorson, about 9 hours. Very good mystery / police procedural set in cold Vermont. One dead senator, one governor coming out, and some drug intrigue add to the complexities of a rather showy murder. Good performance by Taylorson covers both male and female characters.
September 30, 2015
First Sentence: “Pull over, Doug. I want to get a shot of this.”
The body of a Vermont State Senator, with the word “dyke” carved in her chest, is found hanging from a cliff retaining net along the interstate. A close friend and ally of Governor Gail Zigman, she requests that Joe Gunther and the Vermont Bureau of Investigation take the lead on the case. Although this could be a hate crime, Joe and his team aren’t so certain.
Mayor’s use of imagery provides a wonderful sense of place…”Several homes sported thin plumes of woodsmoke from the chimneys, making Doug think of feather quills protruding from toy-sized inkwells.” Not only does the pastoral beauty quickly desert us, but shocks us by the subsequent events.
Mayor is very good at introducing readers to each of the principal characters, providing us with a sense of who they are and how they relate to one another, including equating Willie to the perpetually pessimistic Eeyore from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh.” Nothing creates a clearer image. We are also delighted by Joe’s new housemate, Gilbert. That Joe and his team work well as a team, makes them interesting both individually and as a unit. Even though who have been following the series for years will find new insights into Joe, and enjoy watching the relationship between Willie and Sam grow.
Having a strong, distinct voice is so critical for an author and Mayor more than achieves that goal. …”That central hall told the take of the house—wood panels, stained-glass windows, both soaring overhead to a vaulted, coffered ceiling and an enormous chandelier—suspended like a relic caught between the Middle Ages and “Downtown Abbey.”
No matter one’s personal views, Mayor skillfully addresses the roll sex and sexuality has in today’s politics. It is no longer a private issue, but a public one. And yet…”a disclosure like hers should have by now become irrelevant as right- or left-handedness. The ending did seem very abrupt and rather unsatisfying, in spite of the poetic justice.
“The Company She Kept” is a character-driven mystery, with an excellent plot twist, and a case solved by teamwork and following the clues.
THE COMPANY SHE KEPT (Pol Proc-Joe Gunther-Vermont-Contemp) - VG
Mayor, Archer – 26th in series
Minotaur Books – Sept 2015
The body of a Vermont State Senator, with the word “dyke” carved in her chest, is found hanging from a cliff retaining net along the interstate. A close friend and ally of Governor Gail Zigman, she requests that Joe Gunther and the Vermont Bureau of Investigation take the lead on the case. Although this could be a hate crime, Joe and his team aren’t so certain.
Mayor’s use of imagery provides a wonderful sense of place…”Several homes sported thin plumes of woodsmoke from the chimneys, making Doug think of feather quills protruding from toy-sized inkwells.” Not only does the pastoral beauty quickly desert us, but shocks us by the subsequent events.
Mayor is very good at introducing readers to each of the principal characters, providing us with a sense of who they are and how they relate to one another, including equating Willie to the perpetually pessimistic Eeyore from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh.” Nothing creates a clearer image. We are also delighted by Joe’s new housemate, Gilbert. That Joe and his team work well as a team, makes them interesting both individually and as a unit. Even though who have been following the series for years will find new insights into Joe, and enjoy watching the relationship between Willie and Sam grow.
Having a strong, distinct voice is so critical for an author and Mayor more than achieves that goal. …”That central hall told the take of the house—wood panels, stained-glass windows, both soaring overhead to a vaulted, coffered ceiling and an enormous chandelier—suspended like a relic caught between the Middle Ages and “Downtown Abbey.”
No matter one’s personal views, Mayor skillfully addresses the roll sex and sexuality has in today’s politics. It is no longer a private issue, but a public one. And yet…”a disclosure like hers should have by now become irrelevant as right- or left-handedness. The ending did seem very abrupt and rather unsatisfying, in spite of the poetic justice.
“The Company She Kept” is a character-driven mystery, with an excellent plot twist, and a case solved by teamwork and following the clues.
THE COMPANY SHE KEPT (Pol Proc-Joe Gunther-Vermont-Contemp) - VG
Mayor, Archer – 26th in series
Minotaur Books – Sept 2015
October 12, 2015
I've traveled with Joe Gunther since the very beginning of his story. Archer Mayor is one of my all time favorite authors. I've had the pleasure of hearing him speak of his books and the writing process several times.
"The Company She Kept" is another stellar effort on Mayor's part. I am really appreciating the effort he seems to make in his last few books to develop Gunther's character more, as well as the other characters. One thing about a long-standing series is that sometimes they fall into the same lines each time. Not so here.
And one thing I was struck with in this novel was that I appreciate the fact that Mayor lends a subtle hand to the violence and gory details in the stories he writes. There are some novels I have read lately that go into high detail with the violent crimes. Not that there isn't a place for that, but I just really appreciated the fact that I didn't have nightmares after reading this book.
If this is the first book of the Gunther series that you read, I'd urge you to go back to the first, or the earliest you can find, and read the series as a whole. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
"The Company She Kept" is another stellar effort on Mayor's part. I am really appreciating the effort he seems to make in his last few books to develop Gunther's character more, as well as the other characters. One thing about a long-standing series is that sometimes they fall into the same lines each time. Not so here.
And one thing I was struck with in this novel was that I appreciate the fact that Mayor lends a subtle hand to the violence and gory details in the stories he writes. There are some novels I have read lately that go into high detail with the violent crimes. Not that there isn't a place for that, but I just really appreciated the fact that I didn't have nightmares after reading this book.
If this is the first book of the Gunther series that you read, I'd urge you to go back to the first, or the earliest you can find, and read the series as a whole. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
October 24, 2015
#26 in the Joe Gunther series. A State Senator has been murdered and her body left hanging from a cliff adjoining the Interstate. Following up on a stash of marijuana found in her apartment, Sammie Martens contacts Manuel Ruiz (Gatekeeper (2003)) in Holyoke, MA. In a surprise move, Governor Gail Zigman (Joe's former lover) comes out as a lesbian and a lover of State Senator Raffner during her memorial service.
Joe Gunther series - When the half-frozen body of Susan Raffner, a Vermont state senator, is found hanging from a cliff off the interstate with the word Dyke carved on her chest, the state's governor, Gail Zigman, puts Gunther in charge of the case. Gunther, who knew and respected Raffner, a polarizing activist and Zigman's close friend and adviser, can count on the usual colorful crew to help him out. The irascible Willy Kunkle and the reckless Sammie Martens, the only female on the VBI squad, shine as they pursue the possibly misleading few clues. A thorough vetting of Raffner's activities and associates yields some surprising results
Joe Gunther series - When the half-frozen body of Susan Raffner, a Vermont state senator, is found hanging from a cliff off the interstate with the word Dyke carved on her chest, the state's governor, Gail Zigman, puts Gunther in charge of the case. Gunther, who knew and respected Raffner, a polarizing activist and Zigman's close friend and adviser, can count on the usual colorful crew to help him out. The irascible Willy Kunkle and the reckless Sammie Martens, the only female on the VBI squad, shine as they pursue the possibly misleading few clues. A thorough vetting of Raffner's activities and associates yields some surprising results
January 21, 2016
I've enjoyed other police procedurals of the Joe Gunther series by Vermont writer, Archer Mayor, and I felt right at home reading this one. Though now living in the mid-west, I was born and brought up in Vermont, and I find Mayor is true to the places and people of the state.
The body of State Senator Susan Raffner was discovered hanging high above the Vermont interstate by a couple who were taking pictures in the area. The word "dyke" carved in her chest. She was a special friend of Governor Gail Zigman, who at one time was Joe's girlfriend. Joe and his team at the VBI, Vermont Bureau of Investigation, chase down all leads, and find themselves looking into the drug culture of the state. Willy and Sammie sometimes go off on their own which is not always to Joe's liking but it brings good results.
This is #26 in the series.
The body of State Senator Susan Raffner was discovered hanging high above the Vermont interstate by a couple who were taking pictures in the area. The word "dyke" carved in her chest. She was a special friend of Governor Gail Zigman, who at one time was Joe's girlfriend. Joe and his team at the VBI, Vermont Bureau of Investigation, chase down all leads, and find themselves looking into the drug culture of the state. Willy and Sammie sometimes go off on their own which is not always to Joe's liking but it brings good results.
This is #26 in the series.
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