Paradise City (Joe Gunther)

I have read all of the Joe Gunther books and enjoyed every one. This is the first one I have read on my Kindle, as opposed to running out and buying the hardback the day it hits the bookstore. This book seemed different, possibly because of the digital format.

What is remarkable to me is how real all of the characters are to me. I would bet I wasn't the only one to cry when Lyn died in a previous book. This is another great book from Archer Mayor - if you haven't read the others, do so!

With his latest police procedural, Archer Mayor explores home burglaries and jewelry theft in New England.

In Boston, three robbers invade the home of the wealthy Wilhelmina, "Billie" Hawthorne and rob her. When she confronts the men, one of them strikes her and leaves her for dead.

We are brought into the world home robbers and also learn of an industry where jewelry is stolen and melted down by illegals forced to do jewelry smithing.

Billie's granddaughter, Mina, finds Billie and Billie is brought to the hospital in critical condition. A Boston detective is assigned to the case but Mina wants to take part in the investigation either with the authorities or on her own.

In Vermont, someone is breaking into homes of the well-to-do and robbing them, sometimes setting fire to destroy evidence.

Joe Gunther and his team of investigators are assigned to the case.

An interesting side story is of an illegal woman smuggled in from Canada and forced to work in the jewelry smithing business.

The author makes the reader feel empathy for the victims of crimes. Joe Gunther and his team have a plan of action that is interesting to follow as they close in on the thieves.

The book is so descriptive of crime in New England that it is irresistible to all mystery fans.

I have been reading the Archer Mayor series of books for many years and have never been disappointed.Ialways look forward to a new release!

This is the first book I've read by this guy. What a rambling, dull, uninteresting dog! I won't be reading any more of Joe's escapades.

Another terrific entry in this series that never disappoints. This entry seemed a little different in that the approach came from the victim or "crook" side and not so much from the "police" side of the story. Mayor connects all the story lines smoothly and well, using his very believable main recurring characters. A great series, always well done!

Acher Mayor captures the spirit of life in New England as he threads us through a meandering trail of who done it ....love the Joe Gunther character....

First Sentence: Mickey looked around for what felt like the hundredth time, so far from his comfort zone, he could barely stay put.

A wealthy, elderly woman in Boston interrupts a burglar. In addition to the usual electronics and other usual items, he also stole antique items and jewelry. When it doesn’t seem the Boston police are dedicated to finding the culprit, the woman’s niece is not about to give up. In Vermont, there has also been a series of similar burglaries except that arson is also involved. Once the cases are put together, the road seems to lead to a town in Vermont.

Mayor’s compelling opening immediately captures the reader’s interest and sympathy. It also ensures you are not about to stop reading.

The characters are very well introduced; both new ones unique to this story and those continuing characters that are part of the series. In short order, he provides their backstories and defines their relationships to one another. Although Joe is the lead character, and a very good one, there is considerable focus given to Willie Kinkle who works for Joe. Willie is something of an anti-hero. He lives by an unyielding code, is understood by Joe and is such a great character. He is by no means a “psychopathic sidekick,” but is much more complex than that. Mina, singular to this book, is a character I appreciated. She’s smart, determined and independent; sometimes too much so for her own good. Even so, she is a definite step above being too-stupid-to-live, which is very nice.

As for Joe, It is nice to see his long-standing relationship with Gail transition and progress, as relationships often do. It is the relationships—Joe and Gail, Willie and his wife Sammy—that humanize the story. However, readers new to the series need not be concerned as, again, Mayor provide all one needs to feel involved and connected to these characters.

Mayor loves writing multi-threaded plots, and he does it very well. Each provides a different prospective and helps build the suspense. You know something is coming but are not certain from where, or when it will erupt. Through Joe, he also provides an interesting observation on crime. “It still surprised Joe, even after so many interviews, how a seemingly brainless act of violence or destruction could be occasionally tied to a core belief, instead of just a thoughtless outburst.”

“Paradise City” was an enjoyable read with delightful twists and very good suspense.

PARADISE CITY (Pol Proc-Joe Gunther-Vermont-Contemp) – G+
Mayor, Archer – 23rd in series
Minotaur Books, 2012

First Sentence: Mickey looked around for what felt like the hundredth time, so far from his comfort zone, he could barely stay put.

A wealthy, elderly woman in Boston interrupts a burglar. In addition to the usual electronics and other usual items, he also stole antique items and jewelry. When it doesn’t seem the Boston police are dedicated to finding the culprit, the woman’s niece is not about to give up. In Vermont, there has also been a series of similar burglaries except that arson is also involved. Once the cases are put together, the road seems to lead to a town in Vermont.

Mayor’s compelling opening immediately captures the reader’s interest and sympathy. It also ensures you are not about to stop reading.

The characters are very well introduced; both new ones unique to this story and those continuing characters that are part of the series. In short order, he provides their backstories and defines their relationships to one another. Although Joe is the lead character, and a very good one, there is considerable focus given to Willie Kinkle who works for Joe. Willie is something of an anti-hero. He lives by an unyielding code, is understood by Joe and is such a great character. He is by no means a “psychopathic sidekick,” but is much more complex than that. Mina, singular to this book, is a character I appreciated. She’s smart, determined and independent; sometimes too much so for her own good. Even so, she is a definite step above being too-stupid-to-live, which is very nice.

As for Joe, It is nice to see his long-standing relationship with Gail transition and progress, as relationships often do. It is the relationships—Joe and Gail, Willie and his wife Sammy—that humanize the story. However, readers new to the series need not be concerned as, again, Mayor provide all one needs to feel involved and connected to these characters.

Mayor loves writing multi-threaded plots, and he does it very well. Each provides a different prospective and helps build the suspense. You know something is coming but are not certain from where, or when it will erupt. Through Joe, he also provides an interesting observation on crime. “It still surprised Joe, even after so many interviews, how a seemingly brainless act of violence or destruction could be occasionally tied to a core belief, instead of just a thoughtless outburst.”

“Paradise City” was an enjoyable read with delightful twists and very good suspense.

PARADISE CITY (Pol Proc-Joe Gunther-Vermont-Contemp) – G+
Mayor, Archer – 23rd in series
Minotaur Books, 2012

Product was purchased to read and gift to an Archer Mayor book collector. Was in good condition and a good read.

Another great Archer Mayor book. He just keeps pumping them out! I don't know how he does it. A master of mystery!