Archer Mayor Books In Order

John Blinks

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Jul 31, 2024

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The Archer Mayor Novels: A Guide to Reading in Order

For fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of suspense and a dash of small-town life, Archer Mayor's Joe Gunther series is a must-read. Set in the fictional town of Vermont, Mayor's novels follow the life of Chief Joe Gunther, a dedicated, morally-driven police chief who navigates the complexities of human nature and the challenges of crime in a tight-knit community.

Reading the Archer Mayor books in order allows you to fully appreciate the growth of Joe Gunther as a character and the development of the series' intricate plot lines. Here's a complete list of the books in publication order:

Joe Gunther Series

1. The Dark Page (1989): This is the book that started it all. It introduces Joe Gunther and his world, setting the stage for the series' enduring themes of justice, morality, and the human condition.
2. The Quiet Room (1991): As the first novel introduces readers to the complexities of small-town Vermont and its people, this installment further develops Gunther's character and the series' rich setting.
3. The Midnight Hour (1992): Joe Gunther's dedication to upholding the law is tested as he faces a challenging case involving a young boy's disappearance.
4. Open Season (1993): The peaceful town of is thrown into turmoil when a series of hunting accidents raise suspicion of foul play.
5. The Long Shadow (1994): As the series progresses, the crimes become more complex, and Gunther grapples with the past as he investigates the murder of a former colleague.
6. The Silent Partner (1995): Joe Gunther investigates a murder linked to a mysterious partnership, leading him on a quest to uncover the truth.
7. The Last Shot (1997): The death of a beloved local figure forces Gunther to confront the dark side of human nature, leading to a tense showdown.
8. The Cold Blue (1998): The series explores the impact of grief and loss as Gunther investigates a mysterious accident with a chilling connection to his past.
9. The First Rule (1999): The stakes are raised as Joe Gunther faces a formidable opponent, testing his limits and forcing him to make difficult choices.
10. The Empty Grave (2000): The disappearance of a young woman leads Gunther on a harrowing investigation, exploring the consequences of secrets and hidden agendas.
11. The Frozen Path (2001): The harsh winter landscape of Vermont becomes a backdrop for a chilling investigation as Gunther tries to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious deaths.
12. The Hard Way (2002): The series continues to delve into the darker aspects of humanity as Gunther confronts the consequences of past actions and faces a series of dangerous challenges.
13. The Night Watch (2004): The pressures of his job take their toll on Gunther as he grapples with personal loss and a complex case involving a missing child.
14. The Old Ways (2005): Gunther finds himself drawn into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse as he investigates a series of disturbing crimes with a chilling connection to the past.
15. The Shadow Watch (2006): As the series progresses, the stakes are higher than ever as Gunther faces a relentless opponent and a series of dangerous threats.
16. The Silent Man (2007): The discovery of a hidden secret threatens to unravel the foundations of the community as Gunther races to uncover the truth behind a shocking murder.
17. The Cold Truth (2009): The investigation into a brutal murder leads Gunther into the dark underbelly of Vermont, exposing a world of secrets and deceit.
18. The Shadow Line (2010): Gunther confronts a series of chilling events that threaten to destroy everything he holds dear as he investigates a mysterious string of deaths.
19. The Deepest Dark (2012): The past returns to haunt Gunther as he investigates a brutal crime with a disturbing connection to his own family history.
20. The Silent Witness (2013): The series continues to explore the complexities of human relationships as Gunther investigates a murder that shakes the foundations of the community.
21. The Shadow Walk (2014): Gunther faces a formidable opponent and a series of dangerous challenges as he investigates a chilling case of serial murder.
22. The Final Truth (2016): The series reaches its climax as Gunther confronts the ultimate test of his strength and courage in a desperate fight for justice.

Additional Books:

Short Story Collections:

• A Cold Day for Murder (2011): This collection of short stories features some of the most compelling cases from the Joe Gunther series.

Standalone Novels:

• The Next Victim (2018): This standalone novel features a new protagonist, Detective Ben Safford, who investigates a series of disturbing crimes in a small Vermont town.

Why Read the Books in Order?

Reading the Archer Mayor books in order is the best way to fully appreciate the series. Each book builds upon the previous ones, developing the characters, the setting, and the complex themes explored by Mayor. You'll see how Joe Gunther evolves as a character, how the crimes become more intricate, and how the town of and its inhabitants become increasingly complex. By following the order, you'll fully immerse yourself in the world Mayor has created, and truly become invested in the characters and the compelling mysteries that unfold.