Customer Reviews

The Skeleton's Knee (Joe Gunther Mysteries)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

I HAD NEVER READ THIS AUTHOR BEFORE. THIS BOOK IS NOT ONE TO BE PUT DOWN. THE STORY WAS CLEAR, THOUGH TWISTING, CHARACTERS VERY ALIVE. I HAVE READ MYSTERIES FOR 30 YEARS NOW AND DID NOT FIGURE THIS ONE OUT--I HAD TO READ THE ENDING!

just finished reading this book and i'm off to find more! this book has enough twists and turns to satisfy the most avid mystery reader. a definite recommend...and it's not because i'm a native vermonter.

This is the fourth novel in Archer Mayor's excellent Joe Gunther series. Odd as it seems, these are hard-boiled police procedurals set in Brattleboro Vermont.

For the most part, Mayor has kept the action in Vermont, but in this entry Gunther travels to Chicago to unravel the mystery surrounding a twenty year old skeleton with an artificial knee. He's soon involved with mobsters, ex-radicals from the Sixties & police turf battles.

The action concludes back in Vermont at Bread and Puppets, a bizarre combination of Left-wing puppet shows and baked breads that tours Vermont. It's these bits of genuine local flavor, as well as the likable Gunther and Mayor's sharp writing, that help this series stand out from the many competitors

GRADE: B

In Brattleboro, Vermont, Lt. Joe Gunther investigates the death of a recluse who died from a twenty-year old bullet wound. The trail eventually leads to the discovery of a skeleton with an artificial knee (the skeleton's knee of the title). From there the mystery deepens as Gunther traces the artificial knee back to Chicago and to the radical movement of the 1960's. By the time it's over Gunther up to his neck in the mob and remnants of the old radical movement.

Mr. Mayor is a fine writer and the book moves along very well from discovery to discovery. But the author doesn't forget about his characters and concentrate on plot only. His characters are fully fleshed out and well drawn.

This is a good mystery and also a very good police procedural. I would recommend this to all mystery lovers.

I really like Mayor's books, however, after the first three where the plot was built around someone being framed, I was beginning to lose interest. No one is framed in this one, and the action moves right along. It gets a little confusing at the end, but overall , a good read.

All of Mayor's mysteries are well researched, and convey a strong sense of place. He reaches below the picturesque veneer of contemporary New England to reveal its scandals and crimes, beauty and ugliness. His characters are multidimensional, believable and sympathetic even in their weaknesses. Other reviewers have thumbnailed the plot of this one; it is simply one of the most interesting novels I have ever read.

The realism and detail of the story makes it obvious that the author "has been there". He creates a scene that actually puts you there too.For those of us that live near by or visit the locations written about in the book, know that the story is based upon real life places and not make-believe. Intelligent and well spoken written form

This was the first Archer Mayor book that I have read and it won't be the last. I have now picked up several of the others in the Joe Gunther series. Wonderful characters in a great setting! Fascinating beginning gets you hooked right away. Enjoy!

I have read almost all the Mayor books in this series and this is by far and away my favorite -- which is saying a lot. I've read several of the Gunther books more than once, but this one? Many times indeed. I like the story idea, the characters are familiar and remain fresh, the change of locale is stimulating, and the plot is absorbing. I think it's a great read and I heartily recommend it.