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Joe Gunther #31
The Orphan's Guilt
In Archer Mayor's intriguing new Vermont-based mystery,
The Orphan's Guilt
, a straightforward traffic stop snowballs into a homicide investigation after Joe Gunther and his fellow investigators peel back layer upon layer of history and personal heartbreak to learn a decades-old hidden truth.
John Rust is arrested for drunk driving by a Vermont state trooper. Looking to find mitigating circumstances, John's lawyer hires private eye Sally Kravitz to look into the recent death of John's younger brother, purportedly from a childhood brain injury years earlier. But what was the nature of that injury, and might its mechanism point more to murder than to natural causes? That debate brings in Joe Gunther and his team.
Gunther's efforts quickly uncover an ancient tale of avarice, betrayal, and vengeance that swirled around the Rust boys growing up. Their parents and the people they consorted with--forgotten, relentless, but now jolted to action by this simple set of circumstances--emerge with a destructive passion. All while the presumably innocent John Rust mysteriously vanishes with no explanation.
John Rust is arrested for drunk driving by a Vermont state trooper. Looking to find mitigating circumstances, John's lawyer hires private eye Sally Kravitz to look into the recent death of John's younger brother, purportedly from a childhood brain injury years earlier. But what was the nature of that injury, and might its mechanism point more to murder than to natural causes? That debate brings in Joe Gunther and his team.
Gunther's efforts quickly uncover an ancient tale of avarice, betrayal, and vengeance that swirled around the Rust boys growing up. Their parents and the people they consorted with--forgotten, relentless, but now jolted to action by this simple set of circumstances--emerge with a destructive passion. All while the presumably innocent John Rust mysteriously vanishes with no explanation.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2020
196 people are currently reading
2717 people want to read
About the author
Archer Mayor
43 books734 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 156 reviews
September 17, 2020
This book starts off differently than the typical Joe Gunther police procedural. There’s no crime scene, no rallying of Joe’s team to start an investigation. Instead, there’s a routine traffic stop for a DUI. John Rust was definitely driving over the limit, for the fourth time. Sally Kravitz, a character that has appeared in prior books, is asked to help his lawyer find mitigating circumstances. Meanwhile, another peripheral character, Rachel Reiling, young reporter and daughter of Beverly Hillstrom, Joe’s significant other, has been given a lead on a feel good story about John and his recently deceased brother Peter.
It’s a while before Joe’s team is even brought in, when it appears Peter might have suffered brain damage from violence as a baby and then died from complications.
From there, it’s back to the normal deep dive investigations we expect from this team. Where did the money come from that allowed John to care for Peter? And where has John disappeared to? As always, Mayor did a great job creating characters and situations that kept me engaged. His scenes are detailed enough that I always feel I can see them in my mind’s eye. He also prefers the realistic to the dramatic. “He’d been taught early on that his most powerful weapons were his mouth to speak and his pen to take notes.”
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
It’s a while before Joe’s team is even brought in, when it appears Peter might have suffered brain damage from violence as a baby and then died from complications.
From there, it’s back to the normal deep dive investigations we expect from this team. Where did the money come from that allowed John to care for Peter? And where has John disappeared to? As always, Mayor did a great job creating characters and situations that kept me engaged. His scenes are detailed enough that I always feel I can see them in my mind’s eye. He also prefers the realistic to the dramatic. “He’d been taught early on that his most powerful weapons were his mouth to speak and his pen to take notes.”
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
August 3, 2020
The Orphan's Guilt is the most recent installment in the Joe Gunther series, which was unbeknownst to me when I started reading this novel. Although this book can be read as a standalone, there were too many established players to keep track of and thus, led to some confusion on my part. However, the varied players made for an engaging read.
The plot starts with a routine traffic violation for a possible DUI. Subsequently, the traffic stop balloons into a full blown investigation into an alleged homicide dating back twenty plus years ago. As you follow the investigations you are provided clues on motives, suspects, and forensic evidence. There are really no surprises, twists, or turns in this novel. The outcomes and ending are predictable in my opinion.
The Orphan's Guilts is a decent read. I rated it 3.5 stars rounded up -- I liked it.
Disclosure: I received a digital ARC from Minotaur/St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is my own and contains my honest and unbiased thoughts and opinions.
The plot starts with a routine traffic violation for a possible DUI. Subsequently, the traffic stop balloons into a full blown investigation into an alleged homicide dating back twenty plus years ago. As you follow the investigations you are provided clues on motives, suspects, and forensic evidence. There are really no surprises, twists, or turns in this novel. The outcomes and ending are predictable in my opinion.
The Orphan's Guilts is a decent read. I rated it 3.5 stars rounded up -- I liked it.
Disclosure: I received a digital ARC from Minotaur/St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is my own and contains my honest and unbiased thoughts and opinions.
October 10, 2021
Mayor does it again. As a longtime fan of the Joe Gunther series, I eagerly look forward to each book. The Orphan’s Guilt does not disappoint. The inclusion of the “younger generation” with Rachel and Sally is very satisfying, especially when coupled with the experience and guidance of Joe and his team. Love love love and looking forward to the next book.
September 19, 2020
This enjoyable novel begins with a seemingly benign incident, a drunk driving arrest, and then spins, occasionally somewhat wildly, out of control, as various interested parties try to learn more about this driver. Why was he drunk that night? Who is his family and what is his background? Eventually the question becomes what was his family’s background? A straight forward story becomes a complex investigation of a complicated “simple” man and his past. And his family’s past. Everything is set in Vermont, in the picturesque areas seen on postcards and the back streets beyond visitors’ views.
I have read and enjoyed Mayer’s Joe Gunther novels in the past but now realize I should return and fill in the gaps. He is an excellent writer, keeping a complicated plot moving smoothly with a cast of interesting and well developed characters, many of whom are regulars.
I do recommend this book to those who enjoy procedurals, especially of the unusual variety. It can be read as a stand-alone because of the background information provided throughout the novel.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I have read and enjoyed Mayer’s Joe Gunther novels in the past but now realize I should return and fill in the gaps. He is an excellent writer, keeping a complicated plot moving smoothly with a cast of interesting and well developed characters, many of whom are regulars.
I do recommend this book to those who enjoy procedurals, especially of the unusual variety. It can be read as a stand-alone because of the background information provided throughout the novel.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 28, 2020
The Orphan's Guilt proves Archer Mayor hasn't lost his touch. If anything, the 31st entry in his "Joe Gunther" series is the most enthralling yet. The latest adventure is both masterfully nuanced and poignant. It serves to remind us that one of the strengths of this series is the supporting cast. They're like old friends at this point and Mayor excels at utilizing all of them. Their efforts to solve a decades old crime (and deal with the modern day ones connected to it) are laudable. This is one well-established series which remains fresh today. I couldn't put it down. You won't either. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy!
October 3, 2020
The parts of the book with the main characters of the VBI & Joe are relatable but the addition of the two budding characters I could do without. Twentysomethings that are just not plausible and don't fit well with the rest of the team.
February 13, 2024
Published 2020. Back to Brattleboro, VT with another mystery…
Mayor is unusually insightful. He can write diverse characters to be individuals that suit their roles to be believable personalitis. Like real life, everyone is unique.
“The town’s renown as an often-contradictory enclave of old-fashioned and progressive, native-born and flatlander, traditional and avant guarde, was routinely regarded in both complimentary and dismissive terms, from residents to outsiders alike.” The Vermont Bureau of Investigations (VBI) takes on only the most challenging cases. Everyone has an interesting backstory.
The investigation begins with 28-year-old PETER RUST dead of a childhood brain injury, and his older brother, JOHN RUST who dedicated himself to his fellow orphan brother’s immaculate care for 22 years. John is now missing after a night in jail for DWI, but defense attorney Jezak feels he’s such a good guy that he deserves a good defense after years of sole care for his brother and for being a genuinely nice guy, if very private.
JOE, head of Brattleboro VBI, and his team with help from many others, will discover many challenging pieces of the puzzle before this team solves the tale of the complicated Rust family history. Turns out to be a potential cold case brought to his attention by Sally Kraviitz, private investigator, working for local attorney Scott Jezak. They suspect child abuse caused Peter’s brain injury - not a birth defect as parents claimed. Plus where the money comes for a nice home with expensive needs for Peter, including home nursing care? This is a big mystery to all in town.
The family history gets continuously more complicated; the more they learn, the more they need to learn because of the growing issues.
Daryl HICKS, the boys’ father, came home from prison to a new baby and a teenager. Soon, they moved from the house in Springfield to a nicer home in Westminster where the mother apparently died of an overdose 2 years after the move. Father left as soon as John was 18 and could be legally responsible for himself and Peter’s care for the next 22 years. People now wonder how John is doing inexplicably well as a computer programmer working from home. The police wonder why he skipped town when he’s due to see a judge in a few weeks and has a good attorney in his corner. His suddenly becoming invisible makes him a suspect.
Joe Gunther is so likeable and wise as to be almost unbelievable, but we like him that way!
Mayor is unusually insightful. He can write diverse characters to be individuals that suit their roles to be believable personalitis. Like real life, everyone is unique.
“The town’s renown as an often-contradictory enclave of old-fashioned and progressive, native-born and flatlander, traditional and avant guarde, was routinely regarded in both complimentary and dismissive terms, from residents to outsiders alike.” The Vermont Bureau of Investigations (VBI) takes on only the most challenging cases. Everyone has an interesting backstory.
The investigation begins with 28-year-old PETER RUST dead of a childhood brain injury, and his older brother, JOHN RUST who dedicated himself to his fellow orphan brother’s immaculate care for 22 years. John is now missing after a night in jail for DWI, but defense attorney Jezak feels he’s such a good guy that he deserves a good defense after years of sole care for his brother and for being a genuinely nice guy, if very private.
JOE, head of Brattleboro VBI, and his team with help from many others, will discover many challenging pieces of the puzzle before this team solves the tale of the complicated Rust family history. Turns out to be a potential cold case brought to his attention by Sally Kraviitz, private investigator, working for local attorney Scott Jezak. They suspect child abuse caused Peter’s brain injury - not a birth defect as parents claimed. Plus where the money comes for a nice home with expensive needs for Peter, including home nursing care? This is a big mystery to all in town.
The family history gets continuously more complicated; the more they learn, the more they need to learn because of the growing issues.
Daryl HICKS, the boys’ father, came home from prison to a new baby and a teenager. Soon, they moved from the house in Springfield to a nicer home in Westminster where the mother apparently died of an overdose 2 years after the move. Father left as soon as John was 18 and could be legally responsible for himself and Peter’s care for the next 22 years. People now wonder how John is doing inexplicably well as a computer programmer working from home. The police wonder why he skipped town when he’s due to see a judge in a few weeks and has a good attorney in his corner. His suddenly becoming invisible makes him a suspect.
Joe Gunther is so likeable and wise as to be almost unbelievable, but we like him that way!
August 28, 2020
288 pages
5 stars
A very drunk John Rust is stopped one evening by a trooper who takes pity on him. John is very polite and when back at the station house agrees to the trooper's questions. The cop is then called away on an emergency and John is left for four hours. His attorney Scott Jezek is contacted later and sets out to make a case for John's dismissal of charges. He contacts friend and private investigator Sally Kravitz to look into John's life and see if there are mitigating circumstances.
Well, for one his developmentally disabled twenty-eight year old brother Peter had just died earlier that day. John took meticulous care of Peter. When questions arise how Peter got that way, suspicions are aroused. When the midwife reports that Peter was completely normal at birth, Jezek reports to VBI Chief Joe Gunther that a murder has taken place.
The investigation begins. The father Daryl Hicks left the family when John was eighteen. John became Peter's sole caretaker. The boys' mother died some years earlier of a drug overdose. Daryl becomes the prime suspect in Peter's murder. But, where is he?
This book details the intricate search for the truth about Peter's injury. There are many, many people to interview. Apparently not all was normal happy families with John and Peter's parents.
Aside from the drugs mom was involved with, there were several heists and other illegal doings. And where did John get the money for Peter's care?
The whole gang, including Willy, Sam, Beverly and the others get involved in the search for the killer. Much is happening in this book. There are several lines of inquiry to follow, and follow them Joe's team does. More murders occur. When Sally and reporter Rachel Reiling join Joe's team, the action picks up frantically.
This book is excellent. Mr. Mayor's writing is wonderful. His descriptions are vivid and colorful. The dialogue is perfect – especially Willy. He's a treat! I like Joe and Beverly's relationship. It is so easygoing. I have read all of Joe Gunther's adventures now and I don't know where Mr. Mayor keeps getting his great ideas for stories. I avidly await the next in this series!
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review.
5 stars
A very drunk John Rust is stopped one evening by a trooper who takes pity on him. John is very polite and when back at the station house agrees to the trooper's questions. The cop is then called away on an emergency and John is left for four hours. His attorney Scott Jezek is contacted later and sets out to make a case for John's dismissal of charges. He contacts friend and private investigator Sally Kravitz to look into John's life and see if there are mitigating circumstances.
Well, for one his developmentally disabled twenty-eight year old brother Peter had just died earlier that day. John took meticulous care of Peter. When questions arise how Peter got that way, suspicions are aroused. When the midwife reports that Peter was completely normal at birth, Jezek reports to VBI Chief Joe Gunther that a murder has taken place.
The investigation begins. The father Daryl Hicks left the family when John was eighteen. John became Peter's sole caretaker. The boys' mother died some years earlier of a drug overdose. Daryl becomes the prime suspect in Peter's murder. But, where is he?
This book details the intricate search for the truth about Peter's injury. There are many, many people to interview. Apparently not all was normal happy families with John and Peter's parents.
Aside from the drugs mom was involved with, there were several heists and other illegal doings. And where did John get the money for Peter's care?
The whole gang, including Willy, Sam, Beverly and the others get involved in the search for the killer. Much is happening in this book. There are several lines of inquiry to follow, and follow them Joe's team does. More murders occur. When Sally and reporter Rachel Reiling join Joe's team, the action picks up frantically.
This book is excellent. Mr. Mayor's writing is wonderful. His descriptions are vivid and colorful. The dialogue is perfect – especially Willy. He's a treat! I like Joe and Beverly's relationship. It is so easygoing. I have read all of Joe Gunther's adventures now and I don't know where Mr. Mayor keeps getting his great ideas for stories. I avidly await the next in this series!
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review.
October 13, 2020
31st Joe Gunther story and still refreshing.
I am very happy to say I have just finished reading all 31 Gunther books this year. I got lucky with orphans guilt being released just as I finished bombers moon. They are all well written, fluid and full of surprises. I am sure they can each be read as a stand-alone but I am so glad I got to see Joe’s life evolve from pre-cell phone up through today, just over the last couple months. Most impressive and appreciated is the 31 years of commitment Archer Mayor shared with us through these great stories.
I am very happy to say I have just finished reading all 31 Gunther books this year. I got lucky with orphans guilt being released just as I finished bombers moon. They are all well written, fluid and full of surprises. I am sure they can each be read as a stand-alone but I am so glad I got to see Joe’s life evolve from pre-cell phone up through today, just over the last couple months. Most impressive and appreciated is the 31 years of commitment Archer Mayor shared with us through these great stories.
December 24, 2020
Meh. An object lesson in the inherent problems of reading a book that is #31 in a series without having read any of the first thirty. Lots of characters that are probably familiar to those who have been reading the series, but not to me. This book can stand alone, but not without wobbling. So, I won't do that again, at least knowingly.
Meh.
Meh.
January 14, 2021
I usually love the books in this series, but found this one hard to stay with. Finally got some satisfaction in the last few pages, but the story lacked focus, starting out with a drunk driver who soon disappears. He has a rather tragic back story, which reawakens after the death of his brain damaged brother who he had cared for. Joe Gunther leads the investigation into a beating that results in the death of a n’ere do well, but this time around his girlfriend’s reporter daughter and a quirky private investigator do a lot of the leg work to solve the case. Sometimes it seemed like the author was talking out of the side of his mouth and I couldn’t quite catch the mumbles.
August 29, 2020
This is a great addition to the Joe Gunther series. It takes place mostly in Brattleboro Vermont. John Rust is pulled over for drunk driving by Trooper Tyler Brennan. This was not John's first DUI, but this time he had been mourning the death that day of his very handicapped younger brother, Peter, for whom he had had the sole care for past ten years. John's mother overdosed about 26 years previously, and his father disappeared on John's 18th birthday. His lawyer, Scott Jezek hires Sally Kravitz to investigate the arrest and try to find something to prevent John from going to jail.
Joe Gunther and the VBI are called in when Sally gets some information which implies Peter's condition was not from his birth, and that the injury 28 years previously may have been caused by child abuse. Meanwhile, Rachel had been contacted by the funeral house to do a newspaper article about John and his longtime care for his brother. There are now three groups investigation John Rust, and his family. Gunther quickly finds out that the Rusts' parents and the people they hung out with were all pretty unsavory.
Gunther and his VBI detectives have their work cut out trying to go back 28 years to find witnesses and figure out what happened. Meanwhile, Sally and Rachel begin working together, but put themselves into a very dangerous situation. When John's father is found is found dead, shortly after the VBI located him, they lose the main witness, and John also disappears. They gradually figure where John's money came from and what happened 28 years ago.
There is plenty of action and suspense, the plot is clever, and the book is very readable. You do not need to have read the previous 30 books (although I have!), but if you haven't, you should go back and get them.
Joe Gunther and the VBI are called in when Sally gets some information which implies Peter's condition was not from his birth, and that the injury 28 years previously may have been caused by child abuse. Meanwhile, Rachel had been contacted by the funeral house to do a newspaper article about John and his longtime care for his brother. There are now three groups investigation John Rust, and his family. Gunther quickly finds out that the Rusts' parents and the people they hung out with were all pretty unsavory.
Gunther and his VBI detectives have their work cut out trying to go back 28 years to find witnesses and figure out what happened. Meanwhile, Sally and Rachel begin working together, but put themselves into a very dangerous situation. When John's father is found is found dead, shortly after the VBI located him, they lose the main witness, and John also disappears. They gradually figure where John's money came from and what happened 28 years ago.
There is plenty of action and suspense, the plot is clever, and the book is very readable. You do not need to have read the previous 30 books (although I have!), but if you haven't, you should go back and get them.
January 19, 2021
“The Orphan’s Guilt” drops readers into Vermont, famous for cows, trees, ice cream, and opinionated politicians. This book is part of a continuing series, but all characters are briefly introduced, and previous relationships fold easily into current scenarios. New readers can jump right in without any problem. There is plenty of friendly everyday interactions and banter that make characters likeable, personable and appealing. Readers get to know them almost as friends.
Joe Gunther of the Vermont Bureau of Investigation finds that what started as an unremarkable DUI stop, has ballooned into something very different. Mayor adds Rachel Reiling of “The Brattleboro Reformer” and Sally Kravitz, private problem-solver, to the mix of regular investigators. These are familiar characters, having played small roles in the past, but these are players from outside the “law enforcement clubhouse” so the mood is different, and they are not always governed by the rigid rules of “official” procedure. The details of the case are not as clear cut as it first seems, and a troubling picture gradually emerges. The Investigation uncovers past events that if true, point to a previous “accidental death” as actually being a homicide.
“The Orphan’s Guilt” is rich in complexity and moral challenges. The characters are tenacious and believable. This book is an excellent of Mayor’s exceptional storytelling skills. I received a review copy of “The Orphans Guilt” from Archer Mayor, St Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books. I recommend the entire series.
Joe Gunther of the Vermont Bureau of Investigation finds that what started as an unremarkable DUI stop, has ballooned into something very different. Mayor adds Rachel Reiling of “The Brattleboro Reformer” and Sally Kravitz, private problem-solver, to the mix of regular investigators. These are familiar characters, having played small roles in the past, but these are players from outside the “law enforcement clubhouse” so the mood is different, and they are not always governed by the rigid rules of “official” procedure. The details of the case are not as clear cut as it first seems, and a troubling picture gradually emerges. The Investigation uncovers past events that if true, point to a previous “accidental death” as actually being a homicide.
“The Orphan’s Guilt” is rich in complexity and moral challenges. The characters are tenacious and believable. This book is an excellent of Mayor’s exceptional storytelling skills. I received a review copy of “The Orphans Guilt” from Archer Mayor, St Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books. I recommend the entire series.
September 30, 2020
Okay so this is the 31st book in the Joe Gunther series by Archer Mayor. This series is a fan favorite and while the story was good, this lacked the suspense of a police novel for me. There are also a ton of characters, which if you’ve read the rest of this series, you’re probably familiar with. You know the characters, their backstories, and how they all fit together. This was my first Joe Gunther book thought so I did not have these intial connections to the characters, thus I felt a bit lost.
There are a ton of characters, and they all relate and/or are tied together in various ways. This took away from the story for me. I was too caught up in remembering who was who to really focus and commit to the plot line.
Overall the story and plot is wonderfully woven and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, but this lacked a bit of suspense for me. If you’ve dived into the Joe Gunther world already, then I think you’ll really enjoy this one, but it didn’t do it for me and ultimately I gave it ★★★.
I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on The Orphan’s Guilt If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books. This book comes out September 29th, big thanks to Minotaur Books for my Advanced Copy.
There are a ton of characters, and they all relate and/or are tied together in various ways. This took away from the story for me. I was too caught up in remembering who was who to really focus and commit to the plot line.
Overall the story and plot is wonderfully woven and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, but this lacked a bit of suspense for me. If you’ve dived into the Joe Gunther world already, then I think you’ll really enjoy this one, but it didn’t do it for me and ultimately I gave it ★★★.
I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on The Orphan’s Guilt If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books. This book comes out September 29th, big thanks to Minotaur Books for my Advanced Copy.
July 20, 2020
Another wonderful entry in this series. As always, I enjoyed this novel with a Joe Gunther and an ever-expanding group of supporting characters.
This book takes place in quiet Vermont following the death of a severely disabled young man which serves as a catalyst for mayhem and murder in this quiet corner of America. . Working with the VBI and others, a years old plot is unraveled. Gunther and his crew are able to gather evidence and solve these increasingly complex events.
I like this series, but I’m not sure a new reader will enjoy reading this without prior familiarity with this series.
Thank you Netgalley for this really interesting read.
This book takes place in quiet Vermont following the death of a severely disabled young man which serves as a catalyst for mayhem and murder in this quiet corner of America. . Working with the VBI and others, a years old plot is unraveled. Gunther and his crew are able to gather evidence and solve these increasingly complex events.
I like this series, but I’m not sure a new reader will enjoy reading this without prior familiarity with this series.
Thank you Netgalley for this really interesting read.
March 22, 2022
Archer Mayor can always be trusted to come up with a thoroughly engrossing Joe Gunther book, and this is no exception. I was immediately drawn in, and enjoyed it through to the end.
Read
August 27, 2020I really enjoyed this mystery. Although I wasn’t aware it was part of a series I will definitely be going back to read the earlier books. Archer Mayor has written a book that stands on its own with attention to character detail and background details. There is just enough background on each character to make you want to learn more. I was not able to figure out “whodunnit” until the end!
October 22, 2020
I love the series that stay strong over the years. This series is a bit less gritty as Joe gets older but the other characters continue to evolve. The mystery was good and I really liked the ending.
Just a fun way to spend a day reading.
I was given a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Just a fun way to spend a day reading.
I was given a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 5, 2020
It might not seem like it at the time but a low-key DUI arrest of a well-established alcoholic ends up leading to a decades old cold case chock full of murder, betrayal and misdealings of a wide range of activities.
As luck or the lack thereof would have it, Joe Gunther and his VBI team of Willie Kunkle, Sammie Martens and Lester Spinney find themselves tasked with investigating the death of Peter Rust. He's been bedridden and brain damaged since childhood but when his brother John is arrested for DUI the truth of how Peter ended up injured starts to come out.
Fueled by John's lawyer trying to lay a foundation for a plea deal, Joe's team as well as private investigator Sally Kravitz and newspaper reporter Rachel Reiling come at the case from disparate interests but soon find that covertly sharing information might just help bring about the truth.
But when their main suspect turns up dead, the hunt is on to find out who killed the victim and why. What secrets, long thought buried and forgotten, have resurfaced? And how does it all tie into the long delayed "murder" on an innocent child?
Archer Mayor writes in a clear and concise manner, which fits the police procedural nature of the stories. But don't let this fool you into thinking that this dry and brittle storytelling concerned with "Just The Facts, Ma'am".
There's far more to the Joe Gunther series and that is found in just how each book in the series continually develops the main characters. Their mix of personalities may seem polar opposites to each other but those differences and the obvious warmth between them helps enhance the story.
THE ORPHAN'S GUILT further expands on this and as the author has expanded Gunther's world to bring in both Sally and Rachel as recurring characters keenly involved in the plot, the series only continues to both grow and fascinate.
It's this incredible deft touch that keeps me coming back each year when a new book in the series is released. Each book has a sense of the familiar with the returning characters and the Vermont setting but the new story allows for a new view of the characters and makes this series one of the best on the market. THE ORPHAN'S GUILT only serves to burnish that reputation.
As luck or the lack thereof would have it, Joe Gunther and his VBI team of Willie Kunkle, Sammie Martens and Lester Spinney find themselves tasked with investigating the death of Peter Rust. He's been bedridden and brain damaged since childhood but when his brother John is arrested for DUI the truth of how Peter ended up injured starts to come out.
Fueled by John's lawyer trying to lay a foundation for a plea deal, Joe's team as well as private investigator Sally Kravitz and newspaper reporter Rachel Reiling come at the case from disparate interests but soon find that covertly sharing information might just help bring about the truth.
But when their main suspect turns up dead, the hunt is on to find out who killed the victim and why. What secrets, long thought buried and forgotten, have resurfaced? And how does it all tie into the long delayed "murder" on an innocent child?
Archer Mayor writes in a clear and concise manner, which fits the police procedural nature of the stories. But don't let this fool you into thinking that this dry and brittle storytelling concerned with "Just The Facts, Ma'am".
There's far more to the Joe Gunther series and that is found in just how each book in the series continually develops the main characters. Their mix of personalities may seem polar opposites to each other but those differences and the obvious warmth between them helps enhance the story.
THE ORPHAN'S GUILT further expands on this and as the author has expanded Gunther's world to bring in both Sally and Rachel as recurring characters keenly involved in the plot, the series only continues to both grow and fascinate.
It's this incredible deft touch that keeps me coming back each year when a new book in the series is released. Each book has a sense of the familiar with the returning characters and the Vermont setting but the new story allows for a new view of the characters and makes this series one of the best on the market. THE ORPHAN'S GUILT only serves to burnish that reputation.
November 9, 2020
#31 in the Joe Gunther series. This 2020 series entry by author Archer Mayor brings us once again to a flavorful depiction of unorthodox policing in Vermont's underbelly. This entry brings back supporting character Rachel Reiling, the newspaper photographer-reporter daughter of Beverly Hillstrom, Vermont's Chief Medical Examiner and Joe Gunther's lover. Also returning is Sally Kravitz, private investigator and daughter of "The Tag Man", a CI of Joe's team member Willie Kunkle. As the investigation progresses and Sally and Rachel assume central roles, the cooperation of law enforcement, private investigation, and investigative reporting butt up against legal, ethical, and professional boundaries.
A routine DWI stop escalates into a case involving multiple murders, assaults, and thefts going back decades. When John Rust is arrested for drunk driving, his lawyer hires private eye Sally Kravitz to dig a little deeper into his troubled past, and dig she does, with an able assist from her journalist friend, Rachel Reiling. John was the devoted caregiver of his younger brother, Peter, believed brain-damaged at birth, who had died earlier that day. The police take an interest when it is comes to light that Peter's condition was probably caused by a beating he received as an infant, 28 years earlier, at the hands of his father. The deeper Gunther's team digs, the darker it gets, as the sins of the Rust parents and their self-destructive behaviors are revealed.
A routine DWI stop escalates into a case involving multiple murders, assaults, and thefts going back decades. When John Rust is arrested for drunk driving, his lawyer hires private eye Sally Kravitz to dig a little deeper into his troubled past, and dig she does, with an able assist from her journalist friend, Rachel Reiling. John was the devoted caregiver of his younger brother, Peter, believed brain-damaged at birth, who had died earlier that day. The police take an interest when it is comes to light that Peter's condition was probably caused by a beating he received as an infant, 28 years earlier, at the hands of his father. The deeper Gunther's team digs, the darker it gets, as the sins of the Rust parents and their self-destructive behaviors are revealed.
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April 27, 2021FIVE STARS: I've been reading books from John Sandford Lucas Davenport and Lucas Flowers series of novels since 1989. I've waited for each publication of a gift on Christmas day. Without a doubt, the best writer in this genre going. Each story , stands on it;s own but manages to tie characters from other novels without ruining the book .Sarcastic humour, great interaction and just great reads that will keep you on the edge of your seats.
This book focuses on both Lucas and Virgil which in turn only adds to the great story line . One of the best dialogue writers alive ( red this book)
Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers join forces on a deadly maritime case in the remarkable new novel from #1 New York Times-bestselling author John Sanford.
An off-duty Coast Guardsman is fishing with his family when he calls in some suspicious behaviour from a nearby boat. It's a snazzy craft, slick and outfitted with extra horsepower, and is zipping along until it slows to pick up a surfaced diver . . . a diver who was apparently alone, without his own boat, in the middle of the ocean. None of it makes sense unless there's something h inky going on, and his hunch is proved right when all three Guardsmen who come out to investigate are shot and killed.
This book focuses on both Lucas and Virgil which in turn only adds to the great story line . One of the best dialogue writers alive ( red this book)
Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers join forces on a deadly maritime case in the remarkable new novel from #1 New York Times-bestselling author John Sanford.
An off-duty Coast Guardsman is fishing with his family when he calls in some suspicious behaviour from a nearby boat. It's a snazzy craft, slick and outfitted with extra horsepower, and is zipping along until it slows to pick up a surfaced diver . . . a diver who was apparently alone, without his own boat, in the middle of the ocean. None of it makes sense unless there's something h inky going on, and his hunch is proved right when all three Guardsmen who come out to investigate are shot and killed.
October 4, 2020
This is another great book by Archer Mayor in his long running Joe Gunther series. I liked it much better than the previous one. The two young millennials he has added outside of the the regular cast of characters were not as prominent in this book. For my taste, that is a good thing. Still they were prominent enough to be irritating and unlike the other characters, their participation is rather improbable. Mayor's hallmark has always been realistically portraying Vermont and New England as they are. Adding millennial PI and cub reporters as major characters is not so entertaining. The ending of the book was also a bit odd for Mayor. It ends rather suddenly and everything is summed up in an epilogue. Still, this book is closer to his roots and I enjoyed it.
December 8, 2020
I’d been a fan of Archer Mayor for many, many years. ‘The Orphan’s Guilt’ is the 16th novel I’ve read by him. I’ve always said with any one of his books, unlike a box of chocolates, you know exactly what you’re going to get. A well-written procedural with likeable and relatable characters, crisp dialogue, an unexpected plot twist thrown in and a bit of history about Vermont.
I’ve always felt a connection to Joe, Willy, Sammie and Les. How can you not? Mr. Mayor brings them to life and I feel like I actually know them.
No, his novels don’t change the way you look at life. They’re not the type of books you’re still thinking about a week later. However, they are enjoyable, they pass a few nights. And really, isn’t that what a book is supposed to do?
As a longtime fan, this hurts to write but I’ve come to the conclusion that Mr. Mayor is like an athlete who doesn’t know when it’s time to retire. Or at least take a break. Perhaps come up with new characters. I feel he’s gone about as far as he can with the VBI.
I’d continually rated his novels 4 and 5 stars time and time again. The last few books, I rated 2 and 3. And now, for the first time, I simply could not finish reading one. I gave up on ‘The Orphan’s Guilt.’
On one hand, the case itself was interesting, a good idea and not the same ol’ same ol so I give him credit for that. However, that’s about the only positive I can say. Yes, there were a few instances of the old Archer Mayor but those were few and far between.
This book was relatively short at only 274 pages. However, it was incredibly slow and boring and tedious. I got to page 200 and gave up. I didn’t care who was guilty, what their MO was, or even if Joe and company nabbed the bad guy.
Yes, Mr. Mayor always sprinkles in some history about Vermont. I’ve always enjoyed that. However, he really overdid it in this book. At times, I didn’t know if I was reading a fiction novel or a pamphlet put together by the Vermont Bureau of Tourism.
As stated earlier, I always felt a connection with the characters. However, sadly, I don’t even feel that anymore. People change. People evolve. We all do. I’m not the same person I was 10 or 15 years ago. I’m sure you’re not either. And no, I’m not talking about tastes in music or political leanings.
That being said, these characters---Joe, Willy, Sammie and Lester—have NEVER changed. They are still the same exact people they were when we first met them 25 or so years ago.
Joe Gunther is an ‘old soul’ who’s a by the book type. Willy Kunkle is sarcastic but deep down has a heart of gold. Sammie Martens is still and always will be plagued by self-doubt and Lester Spinney remains the perfect straight man. None of these people have changed one iota and I find that impossible to believe. It does not ring true. Take a moment and think where you were 10 or 15 years ago. Are you the same person now as you were then?
I’d always been a fan of his dialogue. However, even that now seems…forced. Here’s why:
Although we all speak English, we use different words. Someone who’s a college graduate will talk better than someone who dropped out of middle school. A surgeon will use different words and jargon than a teacher. Men and women don’t talk the same. A man in his 50’s doesn’t talk like a teenager. Also, where we live plays a role into how we speak. For instance, in most cities in America, it’s a ‘Coke’ but in Chicago, people say ‘pop.’ Out west where I live people say ‘freeways’ or ‘highways’ whereas back east, people say parkways or thruways. Same language, different words.
However, in ‘The Orphan’s Guilt,’ every person—no matter where they come from, their gender, their work experience or their age---all use the same words and talk the same. This is not realistic.
I don’t want to sound like I’m nitpicking but I know Mr. Mayor is an older fellow. However, this book was filled with characters who all have old sounding names, no matter their age. Google popular baby names from 2005. They will be very different from popular baby names from 1975.
And that list will be vastly different than popular baby names from 1945. My grandparents, for example, have names you never hear anymore. My parents have names that were popular when they were born but that you don’t come across often. My name is Rob, short for Robert, which was a popular name when I was born but now is fading.
Yet, in this book, almost everyone—no matter their age—had an old sounding name: This book included John and Pete and Sally and Stanley and Martha and Anne and Carol and Peggy and Diane. Again, it does not ring true.
Yes, Mr. Mayor has always written police procedurals a la Michael Connelly or Ed McBain back in the day. However, a procedural also has to be entertaining and enjoyable. This book was not. This ‘procedural’ reads more like a textbook.
Lastly, for some reason, I felt like the author was inserting himself into the story. In other words, there were scenes, say where Joe and Willy were discussing something, debating the best way to handle a particular situation. Willy would make his point. Then, the author would jump in and explain why this wasn’t a good idea. Why do that? Have your character do it. If Willy’s idea is not a good one, let Joe explain why, don’t become a narrator in your own novel.
I never thought I’d rate an Archer Mayor book one star, much less not even finish one. But if one thing 2020 has shown us, is nothing is routine and normal anymore
I’ve always felt a connection to Joe, Willy, Sammie and Les. How can you not? Mr. Mayor brings them to life and I feel like I actually know them.
No, his novels don’t change the way you look at life. They’re not the type of books you’re still thinking about a week later. However, they are enjoyable, they pass a few nights. And really, isn’t that what a book is supposed to do?
As a longtime fan, this hurts to write but I’ve come to the conclusion that Mr. Mayor is like an athlete who doesn’t know when it’s time to retire. Or at least take a break. Perhaps come up with new characters. I feel he’s gone about as far as he can with the VBI.
I’d continually rated his novels 4 and 5 stars time and time again. The last few books, I rated 2 and 3. And now, for the first time, I simply could not finish reading one. I gave up on ‘The Orphan’s Guilt.’
On one hand, the case itself was interesting, a good idea and not the same ol’ same ol so I give him credit for that. However, that’s about the only positive I can say. Yes, there were a few instances of the old Archer Mayor but those were few and far between.
This book was relatively short at only 274 pages. However, it was incredibly slow and boring and tedious. I got to page 200 and gave up. I didn’t care who was guilty, what their MO was, or even if Joe and company nabbed the bad guy.
Yes, Mr. Mayor always sprinkles in some history about Vermont. I’ve always enjoyed that. However, he really overdid it in this book. At times, I didn’t know if I was reading a fiction novel or a pamphlet put together by the Vermont Bureau of Tourism.
As stated earlier, I always felt a connection with the characters. However, sadly, I don’t even feel that anymore. People change. People evolve. We all do. I’m not the same person I was 10 or 15 years ago. I’m sure you’re not either. And no, I’m not talking about tastes in music or political leanings.
That being said, these characters---Joe, Willy, Sammie and Lester—have NEVER changed. They are still the same exact people they were when we first met them 25 or so years ago.
Joe Gunther is an ‘old soul’ who’s a by the book type. Willy Kunkle is sarcastic but deep down has a heart of gold. Sammie Martens is still and always will be plagued by self-doubt and Lester Spinney remains the perfect straight man. None of these people have changed one iota and I find that impossible to believe. It does not ring true. Take a moment and think where you were 10 or 15 years ago. Are you the same person now as you were then?
I’d always been a fan of his dialogue. However, even that now seems…forced. Here’s why:
Although we all speak English, we use different words. Someone who’s a college graduate will talk better than someone who dropped out of middle school. A surgeon will use different words and jargon than a teacher. Men and women don’t talk the same. A man in his 50’s doesn’t talk like a teenager. Also, where we live plays a role into how we speak. For instance, in most cities in America, it’s a ‘Coke’ but in Chicago, people say ‘pop.’ Out west where I live people say ‘freeways’ or ‘highways’ whereas back east, people say parkways or thruways. Same language, different words.
However, in ‘The Orphan’s Guilt,’ every person—no matter where they come from, their gender, their work experience or their age---all use the same words and talk the same. This is not realistic.
I don’t want to sound like I’m nitpicking but I know Mr. Mayor is an older fellow. However, this book was filled with characters who all have old sounding names, no matter their age. Google popular baby names from 2005. They will be very different from popular baby names from 1975.
And that list will be vastly different than popular baby names from 1945. My grandparents, for example, have names you never hear anymore. My parents have names that were popular when they were born but that you don’t come across often. My name is Rob, short for Robert, which was a popular name when I was born but now is fading.
Yet, in this book, almost everyone—no matter their age—had an old sounding name: This book included John and Pete and Sally and Stanley and Martha and Anne and Carol and Peggy and Diane. Again, it does not ring true.
Yes, Mr. Mayor has always written police procedurals a la Michael Connelly or Ed McBain back in the day. However, a procedural also has to be entertaining and enjoyable. This book was not. This ‘procedural’ reads more like a textbook.
Lastly, for some reason, I felt like the author was inserting himself into the story. In other words, there were scenes, say where Joe and Willy were discussing something, debating the best way to handle a particular situation. Willy would make his point. Then, the author would jump in and explain why this wasn’t a good idea. Why do that? Have your character do it. If Willy’s idea is not a good one, let Joe explain why, don’t become a narrator in your own novel.
I never thought I’d rate an Archer Mayor book one star, much less not even finish one. But if one thing 2020 has shown us, is nothing is routine and normal anymore
December 6, 2020
(3). It’s been many moons since I have been to the Green Mountain state, to Brattleboro, to visit with Joe Gunther and his fellow denizens of the V.B.I. It’s almost always an enjoyable trip, and this one is no exception. Even better, the story really drives this book. Joe, Willy, Sammie are ably aided by a couple of other investigative add on sorts, and seeing as how they are trying to unravel a 30 year old mystery, all hands are needed on deck. This one unravels nicely, good pacing and interesting small twists and turns, but that is a trademark of these Archer Mayor stories. Good stuff.
September 20, 2020
The Orphan’s Guilt – Archer Mayor
This novel starts with a young man being pulled over for a DUI. Passive and quiet, John Rust accepts his arrest, seemingly not really caring about the future. He’s just lost his handicapped brother Peter, whom he was devoted to, and was the sole caretaker of, for many years. He’s taken to the police station and processed, and eventually released on his own recognizance, and takes a taxi home.
John’s attorney, Scott Jezek, is hoping to find a loophole – some way to keep John out of jail. He calls his best investigator, Sally Kravitz, explains John’s situation, and asks for her assistance. He also asks her to delve into Peter’s story in attempts to garner sympathy for his client. However, as Sally starts digging into the past, she learns that John & Peter came from a very volatile living situation as children, and that Peter’s handicap wasn’t something he was born with – it was inflicted. With Peter’s death now potentially being a years-old murder, Joe Gunther and his VBI team are notified and begin their own investigation.
Meanwhile, reporter Rachel Reiling receives a call from the local funeral home, suggesting that Peter & John Rust’s story would make a great human interest piece. Sighing to herself, Rachel politely takes the information and begins to do a little digging on her own. In doing so she meets Sally, and the two join forces in their search for answers. But now, no one can find John Rust – he seems to have disappeared.
As the VBI gets involved, a sad but strange story emerges. A mother, Karen, who died of a drug overdose, a father Daryl, who walked out on his sons, and a few shifty companions, who either did time, or are deceased. As Joe & Willy look for these past players, Sally & Rachel dig deeper as well, bringing a 20 year old theft to light, and reawakening old grudges with a vengeance!
I have always enjoyed the Joe Gunther series, and this newest addition is no exception! As always, it is set in beautiful southern Vermont, and while the story starts a bit slower than some, I was very quickly drawn into the characters, their hardships, and the familiarity of Joe and his crew as if they were old friends – which in a manner of speaking, they are! A satisfying ending, and as, always, a great read from Archer Mayor!
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from St. Martins Press & Netgalley, in exchange for an objective review.
This novel starts with a young man being pulled over for a DUI. Passive and quiet, John Rust accepts his arrest, seemingly not really caring about the future. He’s just lost his handicapped brother Peter, whom he was devoted to, and was the sole caretaker of, for many years. He’s taken to the police station and processed, and eventually released on his own recognizance, and takes a taxi home.
John’s attorney, Scott Jezek, is hoping to find a loophole – some way to keep John out of jail. He calls his best investigator, Sally Kravitz, explains John’s situation, and asks for her assistance. He also asks her to delve into Peter’s story in attempts to garner sympathy for his client. However, as Sally starts digging into the past, she learns that John & Peter came from a very volatile living situation as children, and that Peter’s handicap wasn’t something he was born with – it was inflicted. With Peter’s death now potentially being a years-old murder, Joe Gunther and his VBI team are notified and begin their own investigation.
Meanwhile, reporter Rachel Reiling receives a call from the local funeral home, suggesting that Peter & John Rust’s story would make a great human interest piece. Sighing to herself, Rachel politely takes the information and begins to do a little digging on her own. In doing so she meets Sally, and the two join forces in their search for answers. But now, no one can find John Rust – he seems to have disappeared.
As the VBI gets involved, a sad but strange story emerges. A mother, Karen, who died of a drug overdose, a father Daryl, who walked out on his sons, and a few shifty companions, who either did time, or are deceased. As Joe & Willy look for these past players, Sally & Rachel dig deeper as well, bringing a 20 year old theft to light, and reawakening old grudges with a vengeance!
I have always enjoyed the Joe Gunther series, and this newest addition is no exception! As always, it is set in beautiful southern Vermont, and while the story starts a bit slower than some, I was very quickly drawn into the characters, their hardships, and the familiarity of Joe and his crew as if they were old friends – which in a manner of speaking, they are! A satisfying ending, and as, always, a great read from Archer Mayor!
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from St. Martins Press & Netgalley, in exchange for an objective review.
November 23, 2020
Although the plot was interesting, with a fairly tame beginning quickly escalating into a powerful story of greed and backstabbing, I'm growing a bit tired of the main characters, especially Rachel Reiling who continues to act like a witless, spoiled brat. Lucky for Joe that her mother is providing Joe some "comfort." Perhaps this series has just become too pat for Mayor, now in its 30 iteration. The plots remain turbocharged, but the characters have worn a deep track of sameness in my brain. Gunther barely appears in this book, which might be good or not. Willie and Sammie remain the most interesting characters, but even their personalities have become a bit wooden.
September 28, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Orphan's Guilt is the 31st Joe Gunther novel by Archer Mayor. Due out 29th Sept 2020 from Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I've read some (not all) of the previous books in the series and this one is similar in some ways. It's a procedural with the VBI playing a central role. The ensemble cast is well written and the characters are believable and three dimensional. The opening sequences seemed a little slow to me (it starts with a traffic stop leading to a DUI arrest) and just the setup for this extremely convoluted mystery takes about 30% of the book. The writing is (as always) top notch, so it's a pleasure to read, but it is quite slow to start.
I liked the fact that so many disparate characters had active and important roles in the book - investigative journalist, detectives, lawyer, private investigators and others. The witnesses they interview are well written and more than window dressing. I really like it that the author doesn't feel the need to spell it out explicitly that some witnesses are lying, hiding things, changing stories, or misleading for their own reasons and allows the investigators to figure things out.
The content is somewhat gritty, there's a fair bit of violence in context, and PG-13 strong language. There's also alcoholism, substance abuse, and torture murder (which happens off-scene).
Four stars. Very well written and engaging (if slow paced) murder mystery/procedural.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Orphan's Guilt is the 31st Joe Gunther novel by Archer Mayor. Due out 29th Sept 2020 from Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I've read some (not all) of the previous books in the series and this one is similar in some ways. It's a procedural with the VBI playing a central role. The ensemble cast is well written and the characters are believable and three dimensional. The opening sequences seemed a little slow to me (it starts with a traffic stop leading to a DUI arrest) and just the setup for this extremely convoluted mystery takes about 30% of the book. The writing is (as always) top notch, so it's a pleasure to read, but it is quite slow to start.
I liked the fact that so many disparate characters had active and important roles in the book - investigative journalist, detectives, lawyer, private investigators and others. The witnesses they interview are well written and more than window dressing. I really like it that the author doesn't feel the need to spell it out explicitly that some witnesses are lying, hiding things, changing stories, or misleading for their own reasons and allows the investigators to figure things out.
The content is somewhat gritty, there's a fair bit of violence in context, and PG-13 strong language. There's also alcoholism, substance abuse, and torture murder (which happens off-scene).
Four stars. Very well written and engaging (if slow paced) murder mystery/procedural.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 30, 2020
I was a fan of the Joe Gunther novels when they first came out. However, after reading the first 13 (!) in the series, I felt burned out – and I’m not sure if it was me or Mr. Mayor that was getting tired.
So it was a pleasant surprise to come back to the familiar characters in the 31st novel, “The Orphan’s Guilt”. This is a slow and study build of how a crime in the past makes its way slowly into the present.
A routine DUI traffic stop leads John Rust to hire a lawyer to get him out of trouble (this isn’t his first DUI). His lawyer hires private eye Sally Kravitz to dig up some information to help plead the case, but what Sally uncovers leads to a hidden story of child abuse, blackmail, and robbery, stretching back decades. When John disappears and the digging leads to murder in the present, Joe and his squad need to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.
This is a slow reveal, mostly focused on the uncovering of past history. Mr. Archer does a great job of featuring his returning characters: the private eye, the cub reporter, and the members of Joe’s squad. In fact, Joe Gunther plays a minor supporting role in this book – the focus is really on Willy Kunkle (the gruff detective with a perpetual chip on his shoulder), Sally Kravitz (private eye), and Rachel Reiling (the reporter). Those three really propel the story forward and do most of the hard work. I enjoyed this police procedural, the twist of a murder taking place 20+ years after the initial incident was an interesting plot device.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
So it was a pleasant surprise to come back to the familiar characters in the 31st novel, “The Orphan’s Guilt”. This is a slow and study build of how a crime in the past makes its way slowly into the present.
A routine DUI traffic stop leads John Rust to hire a lawyer to get him out of trouble (this isn’t his first DUI). His lawyer hires private eye Sally Kravitz to dig up some information to help plead the case, but what Sally uncovers leads to a hidden story of child abuse, blackmail, and robbery, stretching back decades. When John disappears and the digging leads to murder in the present, Joe and his squad need to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.
This is a slow reveal, mostly focused on the uncovering of past history. Mr. Archer does a great job of featuring his returning characters: the private eye, the cub reporter, and the members of Joe’s squad. In fact, Joe Gunther plays a minor supporting role in this book – the focus is really on Willy Kunkle (the gruff detective with a perpetual chip on his shoulder), Sally Kravitz (private eye), and Rachel Reiling (the reporter). Those three really propel the story forward and do most of the hard work. I enjoyed this police procedural, the twist of a murder taking place 20+ years after the initial incident was an interesting plot device.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
January 31, 2021
This police procedural novel starts off with what seems like a routine DUI pull over. But that quickly turns into a twisted tale of murder, abuse and deceit that spans back decades. When John Rust is pulled over that night, its after the passing of his younger mentally delayed brother he has cared for on his own since the age of eighteen. Now in danger of losing his license and facing jail time after multiple offences, John turns to lawyer Scott Jezek for help. Jezek in turn brings in PI Sally to assist in digging up John's history to help paint him in a better, more sympathetic light when he faces the courts. But what she discovers leads them down a far different more convuluted path that ends in more death.
When I requested this book from the library I didn't realize it was part of a far larger series. While it works on its own as a stand alone novel it also has a host of well established characters with connecting back stories. This made it a bit complicated to keep up with who was who in the the grand scheme of things in the beginning. Though in the end the variety of characters did help keep me engaged in reading. I did find that the characters of Sally and Rachael really didn't in with the rest of the investigative cast.
The story was woven together well and gave you a bit of a surprise ending in the past few chapters but it really lacked that suspense factor you expect from a crime novel. I would also have liked for John Rust to have featured /factored more into the story. From the story blurb that's who you expect to be reading about. Over all pretty standard, middle of the road crime drama.
When I requested this book from the library I didn't realize it was part of a far larger series. While it works on its own as a stand alone novel it also has a host of well established characters with connecting back stories. This made it a bit complicated to keep up with who was who in the the grand scheme of things in the beginning. Though in the end the variety of characters did help keep me engaged in reading. I did find that the characters of Sally and Rachael really didn't in with the rest of the investigative cast.
The story was woven together well and gave you a bit of a surprise ending in the past few chapters but it really lacked that suspense factor you expect from a crime novel. I would also have liked for John Rust to have featured /factored more into the story. From the story blurb that's who you expect to be reading about. Over all pretty standard, middle of the road crime drama.
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