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Joe Gunther #18
Chat
Intriguing plots, complex characters, and a vivid landscape are the foundation of Archer Mayor's award-winning New England thrillers. Now in this suspenseful new novel two investigations will lead Mayor's popular hero Joe Gunther to the shady realm of Internet chat rooms, where relationships are formed and broken, and nothing is as it seems. News travels fast in the small state of Vermont. In this tight-knit society, police officers and investigators proudly maintain a kinship that transcends the boundaries of their jurisdictions. When an unidentified body is found in the peaceful town of Brattleboro, local police and the Vermont Bureau of Investigation both appear at the scene. But before investigator Joe Gunther can begin to gather evidence of murder, a family emergency sends him to his hometown, where the lives of his mother and brother have suddenly been threatened. Gunther reaches out to a network of police officers who know him only by name and reputation as he attempts to discover the source of this imminent danger. Meanwhile, his investigative team chases an elusive murderer who has no apparent ties to the victim. In a state that is more like a neighborhood community, secrets are difficult to keep, and it's sometimes impossible to know who can be trusted. Gunther soon finds himself opposing criminals more menacing than any he has ever encountered in order to save those he holds closest to his heart.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2007
85 people are currently reading
484 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 104 reviews
September 22, 2021
I have been hinge reading these books and this is another excellent, riveting story by Mr. Mayor. Complex storyline of crime and intrigue. Sorry to see Joe Gunther's long term relationship change as that was a great part of his life, but what may be next is to be seen. Again calculated look at the evidence and a great team find the perpetrators of the many crimes. Looking forward to book 19 and on......
January 26, 2019
Archer Mayor's Joe Gunther series is one that I always enjoy. I have been reading the series in order and I love that the series is set in Vermont (my family vacations in Vermont and I love it when Mayor mentions places that I have seen or been to over the years). I also enjoy the main character of Joe Gunther. Reliable and smart, Mayor has carefully crafted a protagonist that has become a likable friend. While Mayor's books are not often action-packed or filled with twists and turns, I enjoy their solid plots, good character development and enjoyable ease of reading.
Chat, the 18th book in the series, was not my favorite. The book at some points was a bit convoluted because it followed two fairly distinct plot lines throughout. I much preferred the plot line concerning Joe's family but I understand that a whole book couldn't be made of just that plot. The second plot, involving unidentified bodies and internet chat rooms, just wasn't as compelling. I wasn't as engaged in Chat as much as I usually am by Mayor's books.
Still an enjoyable read but I'm hoping for more when I get to the next book in the series.
Chat, the 18th book in the series, was not my favorite. The book at some points was a bit convoluted because it followed two fairly distinct plot lines throughout. I much preferred the plot line concerning Joe's family but I understand that a whole book couldn't be made of just that plot. The second plot, involving unidentified bodies and internet chat rooms, just wasn't as compelling. I wasn't as engaged in Chat as much as I usually am by Mayor's books.
Still an enjoyable read but I'm hoping for more when I get to the next book in the series.
July 28, 2018
Archer Mayor once again wrote a face-paced, exciting and gripping novel with Joe Gunther, head of the newly established Vermont Bureau of Investigation, as the lead character. Joe's brother and mother are in a serious car accident on the icy roads of Vermont. Was it an accident or was there something sinister there? Also, there are two men murdered under mysterious circumstances. As the investigation moves forward, drugs and chat rooms keep appearing as possible motives. It is fun to know the areas in the book so well; Lebanon, NH; Brattleboro, Vt.; Burlington and Montepelier. This adds to the fun of reading Archer Mayor's books.
February 2, 2011
I liked this novel better than the other Archer Mayor novel I read. I bought both at a used book sale in Hinesburg, VT, which is appropriate since the settings are different places in Vermont. This tells about internet sex chat rooms, and also tells more about Joe Gunther's mother and brother, who are fortunate enough to survive a car accident with a sabotaged vehicle. There is also a new love interest for Joe. All in all, it is a well crafted story and quite enjoyable.
January 28, 2018
I pity the women who love Joe Gunther. His police work either puts them in the hospital or him. Gail Zigman is better off being a friend of the family, and I hope she doesn’t disappear from the series altogether.
There are two plots to this book, and what connects the two is sexual assault and the
desire to exorcise it through revenge. It’s a good thing Joe has a new love affair to lighten the mood occasionally.
There are two plots to this book, and what connects the two is sexual assault and the
desire to exorcise it through revenge. It’s a good thing Joe has a new love affair to lighten the mood occasionally.
September 23, 2009
Good mystery. Lots of intertwined plots to follow. Best if read at only 1 or 2 sittings. Moves quickly. And of course, the fact that it's set in Vermont and written by a Vermont native lends to its likability (sp?)
January 13, 2019
I’m still enjoying this series, by signing the available ones out from the elibrary. It really does not seem to matter that I am therefore skipping quite a few. This was another decent police procedural mixing Joe Gunther’s personal and professional lives, this time involving his mother and brother in part of the action. The mechanics of the story were a little disjointed, following a couple of different cases and occasionally jumping between scenes abruptly without a chapter break or indicator, but overall this was pretty well plotted and the stories tied together okay in the end. I like the characters, especially Willy and Gail, and cautiously optimistic about Lyn. I would have liked a little more from them in this book, honestly. When I started this series, I was surprised to find that I really do get kind of a kick out of the familiar Vermont settings, and that is still true too.
May 20, 2017
PROTAGONIST: Joe Gunther, Vermont Bureau of Investigation
SETTING: Vermont
SERIES: #18
RATING: 3.5
WHY: A car accident nearly kills Joe Gunther's mother and brother, Leo. Before Leo slips into a coma, he indicates that there was a problem with the car, which Joe finds to be intentional. As he works to find out what happened, he is called to Brattleboro where 2 men have died in odd circumstances. His team finds evidence of sexual predators using Internet chat rooms to lure young girls into sexual encounters. I found the second case was dealt with more perfunctorily than the first, not really getting into the full horror of what goes on in these chat rooms. On a positive note, Joe has found a new love interest, a woman he met in the past, Lyn Silva, who seems to be a great match for him.
SETTING: Vermont
SERIES: #18
RATING: 3.5
WHY: A car accident nearly kills Joe Gunther's mother and brother, Leo. Before Leo slips into a coma, he indicates that there was a problem with the car, which Joe finds to be intentional. As he works to find out what happened, he is called to Brattleboro where 2 men have died in odd circumstances. His team finds evidence of sexual predators using Internet chat rooms to lure young girls into sexual encounters. I found the second case was dealt with more perfunctorily than the first, not really getting into the full horror of what goes on in these chat rooms. On a positive note, Joe has found a new love interest, a woman he met in the past, Lyn Silva, who seems to be a great match for him.
March 5, 2022
When a close friend recommended contemporary mystery authors to me, so I could wash the taste of a very bad one out of my mouth, she included Archer Mayor. His early books turned out to be extremely hard to find except in used print copies, which I don’t especially want.
So I finally picked up Chat, which is in the middle of his 30+ book series, and it’s vastly better than the other perfectly entertaining authors she recommended. Mayor's books are set in Vermont, and this one starts out with a crisis in the detective’s family. In the course of the crisis, we discover that the detective’s mother is a wheelchair user--it’s not a plot point; it’s just a thing about her. The two stories (the detective’s family and the unsolved crime) come together in believable ways, the characters are very three-dimensional, and I’ve already bought another one. If you are interested in contemporary mysteries at all, this book indicates that Mayor's work is the place to look.
So I finally picked up Chat, which is in the middle of his 30+ book series, and it’s vastly better than the other perfectly entertaining authors she recommended. Mayor's books are set in Vermont, and this one starts out with a crisis in the detective’s family. In the course of the crisis, we discover that the detective’s mother is a wheelchair user--it’s not a plot point; it’s just a thing about her. The two stories (the detective’s family and the unsolved crime) come together in believable ways, the characters are very three-dimensional, and I’ve already bought another one. If you are interested in contemporary mysteries at all, this book indicates that Mayor's work is the place to look.
November 8, 2019
When I started this Gunther book, I was thinking to myself I don't know if I am going to like this one, the chatting on the internet was annoying, but the further I got into the story the better I enjoyed it. I just didn't let the chat bother me. I finally realized where the story was going and it became interesting. I am glad that Joe Gunther family and the things that happened. The end of the story was unexpected. If you enjoy Joe Gunther you will like this one.
June 6, 2025
This feels a bit dated—internet chat rooms—but the VT details are fun and you’re caught into the detective’s life, family, old girlfriend, new girlfriend, staff right away even though this is Book 18. I’m interested in more but not sure that they’re readily available on Libby. The mystery was good. You definitely get the idea that “everyone” in VT knows “everyone” else.
January 13, 2025
The 8th book highlighting Joe Gunther and the VBI as we get a closer look into his personal life and seemingly unconnected murders. Was the car crash that his mother and brother had just an accident?
Also, Chat refers to the rise of chat rooms, with interesting screenshots at the end of each chapter and how they add info to the story of drugs and human trafficking.
Finally, it's interesting to see the mention of fentanyl, now so ubiquitous in our culture but barely a blip on the radar when the book was written in 2007.
“Family, family, family,” says a VBI colleague plaintively. “I mean, what do you get out of the whole deal?” The answer: “I guess we just do the best we can.”
Also, Chat refers to the rise of chat rooms, with interesting screenshots at the end of each chapter and how they add info to the story of drugs and human trafficking.
Finally, it's interesting to see the mention of fentanyl, now so ubiquitous in our culture but barely a blip on the radar when the book was written in 2007.
“Family, family, family,” says a VBI colleague plaintively. “I mean, what do you get out of the whole deal?” The answer: “I guess we just do the best we can.”
June 16, 2020
Always well crafted with a great sense of the location (Vermont) A good read
November 12, 2018
The Vermont Bureau of Investigation is a relatively new organization, separate from both local police departments and the Vermont State Police. The VBI is the major-crimes unit for the state, and should be invited in by local authorities for investigation of all major cases.
Two man are found dead in separate incidents. They have no identification with them and there is no obvious cause of death in either case. The cause of one of the deaths is revealed by the autopsy. The cause of the other death and the identities of the victims are discovered by intelligent and painstaking police work, under the direction of Joe Gunther, field commander of the VBI. It is also discovered that what the two murdered men had in common was that they were both sexual predators, endeavoring to meet young girls through internet chat rooms.
At the same time all this is happening, Gunther's mother and brother are in a serious car crash. Both are badly injured, Gunther's brother perhaps facing death. It appears that someone had deliberately and cleverly booby-trapped the car. But who would have had the access, the knowledge, and the motive to do that?
This is the eighteenth book in this series of police procedural novels. In earlier volumes, Gunther worked for the Brattleboro, VT police department. Now he works for the VBI, having brought his two most effective officers with him, the sardonic Willy Kunkle and the intensely dedicated Sammie Martens. They both play large parts in the investigations, with Kunkle going undercover in my favorite part of the book.
To me, the most serious flaw in the book involves a criminal pursued by Kunkle in a wild car chase. That man had committed a terrible crime against a member of a family who are known to take violent reprisals, and yet they had taken no action against this man.
The book is quite good on the whole, though, a fine entry in a reliably absorbing series.
Two man are found dead in separate incidents. They have no identification with them and there is no obvious cause of death in either case. The cause of one of the deaths is revealed by the autopsy. The cause of the other death and the identities of the victims are discovered by intelligent and painstaking police work, under the direction of Joe Gunther, field commander of the VBI. It is also discovered that what the two murdered men had in common was that they were both sexual predators, endeavoring to meet young girls through internet chat rooms.
At the same time all this is happening, Gunther's mother and brother are in a serious car crash. Both are badly injured, Gunther's brother perhaps facing death. It appears that someone had deliberately and cleverly booby-trapped the car. But who would have had the access, the knowledge, and the motive to do that?
This is the eighteenth book in this series of police procedural novels. In earlier volumes, Gunther worked for the Brattleboro, VT police department. Now he works for the VBI, having brought his two most effective officers with him, the sardonic Willy Kunkle and the intensely dedicated Sammie Martens. They both play large parts in the investigations, with Kunkle going undercover in my favorite part of the book.
To me, the most serious flaw in the book involves a criminal pursued by Kunkle in a wild car chase. That man had committed a terrible crime against a member of a family who are known to take violent reprisals, and yet they had taken no action against this man.
The book is quite good on the whole, though, a fine entry in a reliably absorbing series.
August 23, 2019
Opening up a Joe Gunther novel is like attending a reunion with old friends, the characters are familiar and you know that you are going to have a very good time.
This case becomes personal for Joe as his mother and brother are involved in a serious car accident, which may be sabotage from someone out for revenge on Gunther. His VBI unit, meanwhile, has a mystery on their hands as two men are found killed under mysterious circumstances in Brattleboro. Their deaths are soon connected and Sammie Martin (don't call her Samantha) and Willy Kunkel, Gunther's top detectives, are on the case as Joe is distracted my the hospitalization of his family.
There are developments in the personal life for Joe, as an old acquaintance shows up just as he is getting over his long time relationship with Gail. This novel, like the previous books, does a great job in balancing Joe's home life with the cases he has to solve.
The book can be read as a stand alone novel, but he forewarned that you will at the end be very tempted to go back and read the previous stories. Very highly recommended.
This case becomes personal for Joe as his mother and brother are involved in a serious car accident, which may be sabotage from someone out for revenge on Gunther. His VBI unit, meanwhile, has a mystery on their hands as two men are found killed under mysterious circumstances in Brattleboro. Their deaths are soon connected and Sammie Martin (don't call her Samantha) and Willy Kunkel, Gunther's top detectives, are on the case as Joe is distracted my the hospitalization of his family.
There are developments in the personal life for Joe, as an old acquaintance shows up just as he is getting over his long time relationship with Gail. This novel, like the previous books, does a great job in balancing Joe's home life with the cases he has to solve.
The book can be read as a stand alone novel, but he forewarned that you will at the end be very tempted to go back and read the previous stories. Very highly recommended.
November 1, 2019
So back in 2007 (doesn’t seem that long ago) I guess chat rooms were a thing and fentanyl was a new drug.
I have been reading this series in order and really do appreciate the character development that has taken place. I have come to like a lot of these characters. I have to say I am happy to see Joe moving on in his personal relationship and hope this goes well in future books.
As for the story, this was a pretty good one with two cases being worked in parallel. It is impressive how these four VBI agents are able to track things down and uncover information but Mayor keeps it pretty believable.
I have spent some time in Vermont and have relatives who live very near the area he writes about so that adds to my enjoyment of this series.
I have been reading this series in order and really do appreciate the character development that has taken place. I have come to like a lot of these characters. I have to say I am happy to see Joe moving on in his personal relationship and hope this goes well in future books.
As for the story, this was a pretty good one with two cases being worked in parallel. It is impressive how these four VBI agents are able to track things down and uncover information but Mayor keeps it pretty believable.
I have spent some time in Vermont and have relatives who live very near the area he writes about so that adds to my enjoyment of this series.
January 5, 2010
Another good read taking place in VT. Mayor's books are well written, main characters have strong moral values.
September 6, 2017
All Archer Mayor's Joe Gunther series mystery books are page turners. As soon as I finished one I began another.
October 9, 2015
Interesting twist and turns. Liked the way the plots were intertwined
Very good held your interest and didn't want to quit reading but that meant ran out of book to read too soon
Very good held your interest and didn't want to quit reading but that meant ran out of book to read too soon
September 17, 2022
I was glad to see another comment posted that confesses to be a binge-reader of Joe Gunther mysteries. This year, I read 2022 novel and having been reading everything that comes my way since. Easy to read as stand alone in any order. (I think VBI is fictional because there's no Joe Gunther to head it.)
Always keep in mind that most people are complicated. That describes all the plots and people in this series. To me, Joe’s natural instincts and psychological insights are so surprisingly impressive that I have to read every novel. I like books with good stories and a worthwhile message.
The first chapter introduces us to Joe’s brother LEO and his aged mother in an unexpected manner. Their car accident is suspicious only to Joe, and a local deputy is so intrigued by this that he will help Joe investigate — so Joe can continue work on a hometown Brattleboro open murder case. He and Gail, his significant other, are still separated with neither of them completely happy about it. He will have a brief potential relationship with LYN.
The chat room sounds like teen sex chat. But we know it will play an important part later (by the title). A 14-yr old girl is one participant. Reveal in second half of book shows Joe’s 2 unidentified bodies are possibly related to the many nefarious interests of DAN GRIFFIS. He owns many apparently legitimate car repair shops (one of which Joe’s brother and mother trusted). Confiscating Griffis’s computer shows many of his secrets include the chat room.
All the good and the bad that happens throughout this story, ends up with a nail-biting bang… to restore normalcy, such as it is for Joe, generally speaking. BUT, it’s not over yet and nothing is ever as simple as it seems in Joe’s world.
More “Buts” to come before this book ends with a compelling conclusion to the original question of Who killed the two men they were all investigating and exactly why?
One of Mayor's best! He packs a ton of story-telling into just a326 hard cover book, all with no extra filler. Good writing and good editing are hard to find.
Always keep in mind that most people are complicated. That describes all the plots and people in this series. To me, Joe’s natural instincts and psychological insights are so surprisingly impressive that I have to read every novel. I like books with good stories and a worthwhile message.
The first chapter introduces us to Joe’s brother LEO and his aged mother in an unexpected manner. Their car accident is suspicious only to Joe, and a local deputy is so intrigued by this that he will help Joe investigate — so Joe can continue work on a hometown Brattleboro open murder case. He and Gail, his significant other, are still separated with neither of them completely happy about it. He will have a brief potential relationship with LYN.
The chat room sounds like teen sex chat. But we know it will play an important part later (by the title). A 14-yr old girl is one participant. Reveal in second half of book shows Joe’s 2 unidentified bodies are possibly related to the many nefarious interests of DAN GRIFFIS. He owns many apparently legitimate car repair shops (one of which Joe’s brother and mother trusted). Confiscating Griffis’s computer shows many of his secrets include the chat room.
All the good and the bad that happens throughout this story, ends up with a nail-biting bang… to restore normalcy, such as it is for Joe, generally speaking. BUT, it’s not over yet and nothing is ever as simple as it seems in Joe’s world.
More “Buts” to come before this book ends with a compelling conclusion to the original question of Who killed the two men they were all investigating and exactly why?
One of Mayor's best! He packs a ton of story-telling into just a326 hard cover book, all with no extra filler. Good writing and good editing are hard to find.
November 22, 2020
This series is definitely getting me through corona. The flow from book to book is just perfect. Each feels like settling into a good television show where you know the characters and are happy to see them progress.
My favorite character, growth-wise, continues to be Willie. I love how he hasn't lost the core of who he is but the parts of him that were killing his spirit are slowly fading away. I think it was good for the book to end with Willie reaching out to Joe. It was nice to see that both him and Sam go to him. And why, considering Joe never oversteps.
I'm really liking Lynn over Gail. It was nice seeing someone really appreciate Joe. To see him being pursued and treated as a person worth knowing. And thank GOD Lynn treated the craziness of the home invasion as just a part of someone dating a cop. For as long as Gail was with Joe, to blame him in the end... I'm like, it's been decades, girl. How are you still shocked?!
I really didn't like how Gail just popped back into Joe's life with his families' injuries. I know they were in a relationship for decades but she seems to treat him as an unfortunate piece of something she felt she belonged to. I hope this is it for her. I haven't liked her at all, to be honest, and especially after the rape.
I'm also glad that when she tried to treat him like he would be fragile in response to her moving on, he was like, "sorry I was surprises but I have someone, too." Her "oh" response sounded jealous or surprised and I'm just like get over yourself.
My favorite character, growth-wise, continues to be Willie. I love how he hasn't lost the core of who he is but the parts of him that were killing his spirit are slowly fading away. I think it was good for the book to end with Willie reaching out to Joe. It was nice to see that both him and Sam go to him. And why, considering Joe never oversteps.
I'm really liking Lynn over Gail. It was nice seeing someone really appreciate Joe. To see him being pursued and treated as a person worth knowing. And thank GOD Lynn treated the craziness of the home invasion as just a part of someone dating a cop. For as long as Gail was with Joe, to blame him in the end... I'm like, it's been decades, girl. How are you still shocked?!
I really didn't like how Gail just popped back into Joe's life with his families' injuries. I know they were in a relationship for decades but she seems to treat him as an unfortunate piece of something she felt she belonged to. I hope this is it for her. I haven't liked her at all, to be honest, and especially after the rape.
I'm also glad that when she tried to treat him like he would be fragile in response to her moving on, he was like, "sorry I was surprises but I have someone, too." Her "oh" response sounded jealous or surprised and I'm just like get over yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
PUBLISHER
When an unidentified body is found in the peaceful town of Brattleboro, local police and the Vermont Bureau of Investigation both appear at the scene.
But before investigator Joe Gunther can begin to gather evidence of murder, a family emergency sends him to his hometown, where the lives of his mother and brother have suddenly been threatened. Gunther reaches out to a network of police officers who know him only by name and reputation as he attempts to discover the source of this imminent danger.
Meanwhile, his investigative team chases an elusive murderer who has no apparent ties to the victim. In a state that is more like a neighborhood community, secrets are difficult to keep, and it’s sometimes impossible to know who can be trusted. Gunther soon finds himself opposing criminals more menacing than any he has ever encountered in order to save those he holds closest to his heart
MY THOUGHTS
I loved getting to know Joe's family better, but this one starts off with a bang and never slows down! I loved it.
When an unidentified body is found in the peaceful town of Brattleboro, local police and the Vermont Bureau of Investigation both appear at the scene.
But before investigator Joe Gunther can begin to gather evidence of murder, a family emergency sends him to his hometown, where the lives of his mother and brother have suddenly been threatened. Gunther reaches out to a network of police officers who know him only by name and reputation as he attempts to discover the source of this imminent danger.
Meanwhile, his investigative team chases an elusive murderer who has no apparent ties to the victim. In a state that is more like a neighborhood community, secrets are difficult to keep, and it’s sometimes impossible to know who can be trusted. Gunther soon finds himself opposing criminals more menacing than any he has ever encountered in order to save those he holds closest to his heart
MY THOUGHTS
I loved getting to know Joe's family better, but this one starts off with a bang and never slows down! I loved it.
December 4, 2025
#18 in the Vermont police 50 something year old lieutenant joe Gunther mystery series. This a very good police procedural series showing the nitty gritty day-to-day investigating work to solve a mystery. Former Brattleboro, Vermont, cop, Joe is now the #2 man of the new Vermont Bureau of Investigation (VBI), a joint task force charged with statewide responsibility for major crimes and now works collaboratively with the various other police units in the state to aid in their investigations.
The main police case is the investigation to solve the death of two sexual predators. However, the strong secondary plot line deals with a car accident in which Gunther's brother and mother are nearly killed. They are the victims of a revenge effort brought about by Joe's arrest of a neighbor's son several years ago and of that son's suicide.
The main police case is the investigation to solve the death of two sexual predators. However, the strong secondary plot line deals with a car accident in which Gunther's brother and mother are nearly killed. They are the victims of a revenge effort brought about by Joe's arrest of a neighbor's son several years ago and of that son's suicide.
May 23, 2020
As is so often the case in a Joe Gunther novel, there are two threads to follow. The first is that Joe's family has come under attack. His brother's car was sabotaged and he and joe's mother are in a bad crash that leaves Leo in the hospital, and for a time, in bad shape. Joe is investigating who might have wanted to kill them, and does it have to do with him, or something Leo was in. The other thread is aldult men who enter chat rooms to seduce teenaged girls in the pursuit of the killer of a girl. There is nowhere near the depth of creepiness in that thread than exits in real life, but worthy of attention.
May 30, 2025
Bought on an impulse
and was glad that I did! I’d read previous Joe Gunther mysteries over the years, but this one turned out to be a special treat because the story opens with Gunther leaving Hopkins Center (in Hanover, NH, my home town) on a snowy night (exactly!) and much of the plot includes the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital, as well as familiar places like Thetford VT. I settled in for a good read, feeling like I was home again! Anyone familiar with NH/VT’s landscape and weather should enjoy this mystery.
and was glad that I did! I’d read previous Joe Gunther mysteries over the years, but this one turned out to be a special treat because the story opens with Gunther leaving Hopkins Center (in Hanover, NH, my home town) on a snowy night (exactly!) and much of the plot includes the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital, as well as familiar places like Thetford VT. I settled in for a good read, feeling like I was home again! Anyone familiar with NH/VT’s landscape and weather should enjoy this mystery.
September 6, 2020
My first Joe Gunther tale in a while and Archer Mayor did not disappoint!! Joe's family is attached and he has to find out who done it for story one and the other case going on (as ususal there is at least two going on in this series), is a couple of guys who turn up dead for no reason. Great story, though I was a little put off by the chatroom talk at the end of each chapter until I figured out what was going on.
April 29, 2021
I'm still trying to figure out why I stopped reading this series with #17, since I know I had been enjoying it. So I picked up with Archer Mayor again and was rewarded with a very solid and entertaining pair of mysteries set in beautiful Vermont.
Much of the narrative involves Joe Gunther's family and friends--many of whom are colleagues. Mayor expertly brings us into this world.
A fine read, and now that I'm back, I'll happily move on.
Much of the narrative involves Joe Gunther's family and friends--many of whom are colleagues. Mayor expertly brings us into this world.
A fine read, and now that I'm back, I'll happily move on.
February 26, 2022
Im still giving it 5 but that’s a reach. This is a little slower and much less exciting then the norm. Less action as well FOR THE LIVE OF EVERYTHING BRING BACK THE NARRATOR!!!!
I never take points away for bad narrators because that’s not the fall of the author I do not think but if it is the fault of the author then you can consider this a two star rating and not a five star rating the five star rating is for the authors work just to be clear.
I never take points away for bad narrators because that’s not the fall of the author I do not think but if it is the fault of the author then you can consider this a two star rating and not a five star rating the five star rating is for the authors work just to be clear.
April 25, 2022
Joe's mother and bro Leo in a car accident. A crime had been committed and a younger bro took the fall bc the older ne-er do well would return to jail forever. In jail the younger one is raped leading him to commit suicide once he's out. The family blames Joe, so the tinker with the mother/brother's car. The mother recovers first, but Leo is touch and go. All make it and the criminal bro is caught for the crime then does suicide by cop.
September 27, 2025
Probably won't remember reading this one as it was pretty predictable. However, I do like the characters in Joe Gunther's world. I believe that Joe has finally found a strong independent woman to share his life...I just hope she doesn't die, get shot, get raped, or get kidnapped. He doesn't have a very good track record. Love that this series is mostly based in Vermont. This time in Brattleboro.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews