by Archer Mayor
Part of Joe Gunther, book 6
First published 2012
A violent break-in terrorizes Brattleboro's tight-knit Asian community, but witnesses refuse to speak. Detective Joe Gunther pushes past the wall of silence and uncovers something bigger than a simple burglary. His investigation reveals an extensive smuggling operation that has moved drugs, contraband, and people across the Canadian border for years. The network operated undetected until rival criminal groups began fighting for control, bringing violence into the open. Gunther must navigate complex international jurisdictions as he works with federal agents, border patrol officers, and Canadian Mounties. Each agency has its own priorities and protocols, complicating his pursuit of the truth. The case forces Gunther to balance local police work with international crime fighting while competing criminal organizations escalate their deadly conflict around him.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: cat-and-mouse, international-intrigue, police-investigation
Setting: Brattleboro, Canada
Period: 21st-century
353 pages · Kindle Edition · AM Press
Content warnings: violence