by Archer Mayor
Part of Joe Gunther, book 2
First published 2007
Lt. Joe Gunther travels to Vermont's Northeast Kingdom to handle what seems like routine embezzlement. The case offers him a break from his usual duties and a chance to visit old friends. When a house fire turns out to be deliberate arson with a murder victim inside, Gunther shifts his focus to the more serious crimes. He discovers bitter conflicts dividing the community between local residents, state police, frustrated parents, and members of an isolated religious group. More murders follow as Gunther digs deeper into the case. His investigation hits obstacles at every turn because no one tells him the complete story. Even his childhood friends withhold crucial information. Gunther realizes he must uncover the truth behind the lies and secrets if he wants to prevent additional killings from tearing the community apart.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Vermont, Northeast Kingdom
276 pages · Paperback · Ampress