To tie into the December release of Archer Mayor's Joe Gunther hardcover Fruits of the Poisonous Tree, here is a reissue of the debut novel that fi...
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reviews
Dec 07, 2010
[I read this for a mailing list discussion and these comments are taken from that discussion; which means that they are out of context and contain spoilers.]
[on the timing]
I only got hold of the book from the library a couple of days ago - just when I thought I was going to have to miss out on the discussion entirely - so I'm only 50 odd pages into it so far which is a bit soon to start answering questions. I just wanted to say that the age thing had me confused too, even setting my mental cloc
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Jan 29, 2012
Paula
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This was an very good first time author read for me. Mayer's writing keeps you wanting to turn pages to see what piece of the puzzle will be revealed next.
Lt. Joe Gunther is called into a murder in the middle of the night. An older woman has shot a man in the face with a shotgun. She said someone was threatening to do her harm and when this guy showed up at her door, she shot him. Turns out they both served on the same jury for a murder that occurred 4 years previously of a young gi More...
Lt. Joe Gunther is called into a murder in the middle of the night. An older woman has shot a man in the face with a shotgun. She said someone was threatening to do her harm and when this guy showed up at her door, she shot him. Turns out they both served on the same jury for a murder that occurred 4 years previously of a young gi More...
Dec 01, 2011
David
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I enjoyed this book. I liked the setting in Vermont. I lived half my life nearby in upstate NY so the towns named in the book were familiar to me as were the snowy cold conditions. It was nice to reminisce from a distance.
I enjoyed Mayor's writing style. For some reason it reminded me of the Alphabet novels by Sue Grafton. I'm not sure why. One thing that Grafton rarely ever does was a glaring problem in this book: the use of a super villain. Colonel Stark was simply far too capable More...
I enjoyed Mayor's writing style. For some reason it reminded me of the Alphabet novels by Sue Grafton. I'm not sure why. One thing that Grafton rarely ever does was a glaring problem in this book: the use of a super villain. Colonel Stark was simply far too capable More...
Jun 05, 2011
Abbey
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Somebody wants an old case reopened ASAP, and is willing to kill for it. As Gunther investigates the newer crime(s) he also needs must check into the past, bringing up lots of nasty stuff that somebody else wants to keep quiet. Extremely smooth and well-paced for a first novel, and while it’s awfully thrillerish in places, ultimately this is a good, solid, police procedural with some very interesting characters, in a pretty good setting. Essentially a well-done 87th Precinct variant set in rural
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Feb 08, 2012
Kathleen
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I think what I liked most about this book is that most of the action takes place in rural New England. It's not often (ever?) you get to read a novel that mentions a place like Gorham, NH. I waffled back and forth from liking it to not liking it. The action did pick up at the end, and definitely left off at a good picking up point for the other novels in the series. Can't say I'm rushing out to pick up book two, though.
Feb 08, 2012
Kate
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This is an entertaining thriller with an engaging main character. It's well written, and I like the Vermont setting. The Kindle version was offered free last year, apparently to promote the author's e-book debut. It was originally published in the 1980s; knowing that can make some of the initial exposition less confusing (there can't have been any veterans of Korea still active on the Brattleboro police force in 2011!) Anyway there are quite a few books in this series, and I look forward to r
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Jan 04, 2012
Kristy
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This book was recommended to me by the Danamaniacs (not sure who), so when I saw it on Amazon for free I downloaded it and read it in one day. Loved it. Lots of twists and turns. Joe Gunther is a flawed but likeable cop, and I will buy the next one and read it too.
Dec 20, 2009
Lee
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Another one of my favorite "outdoor" mystery series. This is the first in the Joe Gunther series. Taking place in Brattleboro, Vt, where Det. Gunther solves the cases.
Dec 12, 2011
Sadie
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Good plot, realistic characters, clean writing style. Everything you want in a mystery novel (and nothing you don't). Will be reading the rest of the series.
Nov 02, 2011
Jeff
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The first in the Joe Gunther series and, of the ones I have read, the best. Well written, good plot, lots of action; what's to want for? Recommended!
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Aug 31, 2011
Nancy
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I really enjoyed this mystery. It had good characters, good plot, and a good setting. I am eager to read more of Archer Mayor's books.
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Jan 12, 2012
Steve
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An excellent murder mystery. Mr Archer does an outstanding job describing police procedures and small town politics. Engrossing until the very end.
Dec 28, 2011
Jennifer
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Really good murder mystery thriller. I enjoyed this book very much and will have to pick more up from this author.
Jul 27, 2011
Megan
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I consider myself to be more of a non-fiction reader. When I heard good reviews about Mayor's latest Joe Gunther novel (and kept seeing it for sale all around Brattleboro), I decided it was time to see what the fuss was about. So why not start at the beginning?
I never thought I'd enjoy a mystery novel. But I really did. It moves at a good place and the story did keep me interested. I'll admit that living in Bratt, and knowing what places like Canal St. looks like and where ther More...
I never thought I'd enjoy a mystery novel. But I really did. It moves at a good place and the story did keep me interested. I'll admit that living in Bratt, and knowing what places like Canal St. looks like and where ther More...
Feb 09, 2012
Denise
rated it:
3 and 1/2 stars it was better than the other open season i read...but just ok...half star for the Jason bourne ending.
Nov 16, 2011
Gwen
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Like the technical side, crime solving stuff. Feels like you're along with the investigation. Looking forward to more.
Jan 02, 2012
Krista
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This is not usually my type of book, but after hearing an interview with the author on NPR, I decided to check it out. Sure, it is filled with some stereotypical "crime drama" lingo that I would expect, but it was a great read. I can't wait to continue with the series.
Jul 10, 2010
Kay
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A good, down to earth mystery with characters you like and an interesting location. I want to read more.
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Jan 02, 2012
Beth
rated it:
Slow at first so I was surprised when it gripped me and pulled me in. Very good, now, I'll read the rest of these. I liked it a lot.
Jan 05, 2012
Jessica
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Definitely has that debut feel where you can tell that the author is stuffed full of ideas but lacks a bit of the experience/editorial eye that gives the perspective to know when it's too much. That said, it's easy to see why Mayor's been at it for so long since there's clearly some significant talent here.
Oct 12, 2007
Mary Ann
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The Joe Gunther mysteries are set in Vermont--the Brattleboro area, where I lived for eight years. Mayor, himself a resident of the southern Vermont area, is good at capturing the essence of Vermont living in his novels. Fun to read.
Dec 16, 2009
Carol
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This was the first Joe Gunther novel and a good one it was! The plot was full of twists and turns and the characters have lots of depth to them.
Feb 12, 2012
