Fruits of the Poisonous Tree

Mr. Mayor has created a series that emphasizes atmosphere without sacrificing suspense and intrigue. His hero, Joe Gunther, is determined, intelligent, compassionate and yet flawed. Gunther is constrained by relationship and job pressures which contribute to his realistic quality. Of course, that makes him much easier to identify with than most other detective protagonists.

Archer Mayor is to be praised for his precise clarity. To make the average reader understand that a search warrant improperly executed makes everything found (up to and including murder weapons), null, void and inadmissible as evidence is a difficult concept, yet Mr. Mayor succeeds. His writing is so realistic; we are as disappointed as the police.Brattleboro VT police detective Joe Gunther's very special lady friend of fifteen years (Joe is nothing if not a careful man), Gail is brutally raped over a three-hour period not long after Joe has left her house. Joe is enraged, guilt-stricken, and stunned. Gail is shattered, but fortunately is being taken care of by her highly experienced women's group. Though Gail can barely speak, she indicates she wants Joe in charge of the case. The majority of his fellow policemen and all of his superiors try to discourage him from attempting this dual role as clear-eyed, impartial cop and Gail's distraught comforter. After some brilliant police work, a clear trail leads to a thoroughly despicable scumbag who has all the right credentials. A search of his house solidifies his guilt. An aborted arrest attempt leaves Joe in a coma after suffering abdominal stab wounds from the suspected man. To add to this unfortunate turn of events, it is found the warrant was improperly served and the assailant cannot be tried for the rape. (A silver lining, of course, is that he CAN be tried for attempted murder.) After Joe staggers back on duty, it begins to look as if the rapist must be someone else. Joe is further knocked about, bounced on his head, and shot, but justice is eventually served.The book is very tightly and skillfully written. I had a few qualms about Joe and Gail. They were so lofty in their sentiments, understanding and goals, they seemed to me to belong on pedestals in the park rather than ordinary (if superior) people. I was as dubious as everyone else in Brattleboro about the propriety of Joe taking the lead in the investigation. Think a lot less mayhem would have ensued with Joe being left on the bench. Then there were Joe's remarkable recuperative abilities. I couldn't help but wince every time he tore his stitches out anew while grappling with the bad guys.This is one hard-boiled mystery that I admire the craft more than the probability. Grade: B-

All of Archer Mayor's books have a gripping story line. Although the stories are first class, the pictures drawn with words as the story unfolds are the best that I have ever encountered. The magnificent metaphors can create, in less than one sentence, images that may take other authors pages. Although each book is independent in and of itself, I enjoy reading the stories in sequence. There is a steady progression in character development and interpersonal relationships as we go from story to story. If you are a mystery fan, I am sure that you will enjoy the entire series as much as I have. If you are a student taking a course in creative writing, I don't think that you will find a better word artist than Archer Mayor.

The book just made me feel good. This is proubly my favioret Joe Gunther mystery. I live in Brattleboro myself and I liked how he included the streets and landmarks that I know so well. I'm pleased with how Mr. Mayor wrote it. Thanks alot.

A suspenseful read I couldn't put down. I kept wanting to know what would happen next. The police work was believable and the characters came to life. Detective Joe Gunther's pursuit of his girlfriend's rapist keeps you on the edge of your seat. He's got to catch that guy!! Thanks for keeping me up all night Archer Mayor! Next time I start reading one of your books I'll begin it earlier in the day! M. Hauser