Gatekeeper

The Joe Gunther Mysteries, Book 14

By: Archer Mayor

Narrated by: Tom Taylorson

Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

When, in the course of a week, a young heroin addict is gunned down while trying to rob a convenience store, a narcotics dealer is found hanging from a bridge, and the granddaughter of a political bigwig dies of an overdose, Vermont detective Joe Gunther vows to stop the flow of drugs into his beloved state.

©2018 Archer Mayor (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Joe Gunther Bk 14

I was new to Joe Gunther mysteries //Archer Mayor and began listening with book 1. I was captivated by the character building of all the individuals in the series. I almost feel like I know each of their doppelgangers in my own life. As I was saying I began with book 1 and became so entrenched in the Joe Gunther mysteries I binged listened to all 32 books with fascination, escape, and enjoyment. I love the less than perfect characters, the thought processes each character manipulates and how each struggle with mental demons (some more than others) that make them real and come to life. I am also really impressed that not one of Mr Mayor’s stories (of all 32 books) repeat themselves in story line which is a impressive feat. My only disappointment is the next book isn’t out until Sept 2022.

who are you

the story was good and posable. it is something that feels comfortable and realistic. never sure on what will happen.

Disappointed with the ending

Why did Mayor just let Manuel Ruiz, the drug gangster/murderer get away? Simply having Joe Gunther expressing disappointment at not getting the case wrapped with arrests and convictions was totally unsatisfactory.
Almost don’t feel like listening to next book in the series.

Love Joe Gunther series

Love the series, but this was not my favorite book. It was still OK, just not as great.

Another step up in the series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These stories are better than ever in the 3rd person! More of all of the characters so more interesting story lines.
The Best Part: Tom Taylorson - each character is absolutely that character's voice. No need for anyone to say who they are with or who is talking. Joe is Joe, Gail is Gail, Sammy is Sammy, and even Willy is Willy.

This series has always been one of my favorites. Reasonably calm, interesting, and easy to follow.

Great book!

After reading the reviews I was going to skip this one. Glad I didn’t!! I thought it was a poignant view into the drug battles.

Not again!!!!

I love Archers’ Joe Gunter books, I love the plots and characters. The ending of most of the books however, leaves something to be desired. I guess that’s the price you pay to play.

Excellent Story, Weak Ending

I've listened to over a dozen of the Gunther series titles. That's a testament that I enjoy them. Unfortunately, every one has a weak ending. These are all action stories that maintain your interest. My preference would be to have the action continue all the way to the last page instead of everything being answered over the last chapter as we are slowly being fed Pablum.

Good story. Quick ending.

Good story line. Sam continues to become more of a bad ass. Very little of Willie or Joe. Story seemed to end abruptly, but still very entertaining.

Joe Takes A Step Back

As I continue to listen to the Joe Gunther series, by far the best deal in the Plus Catalog selection, my enjoyment of each novel keeps me coming back for more. My one gripe, at least for now, is the change in style from a first person telling by Joe Gunther to a third person for all characters in the series. Mr. Mayor explained in the intro of Gatekeeper why he did this is to allow involvement of more characters in the storyline. Not sure I agree with that assessment, but time will tell as I continue to listen to the series. As for now, the term Gatekeeper definitely applies literally to Joe Gunther as he takes a step back allowing other characters to be more involved.

Gatekeeper is more of a Sammie Martens tale as she goes undercover attempting to disrupt a drug ring before it takes over the state of Vermont. Sammie's ambition and decision making to take on the assignment without consulting Gunther first works on some levels, but puts her in danger in others. Willie Kunkle, one of her counterparts in the Vermont Bureau of Investigation (VBI) and her on again off again boyfriend is beside himself when finding out what Sammie has done. While promising Gunther to leave it alone, Willie just cannot seem to help himself and saves Sammie's life in the process.

Speaking of on again off again, a sub plot of Gatekeeper involves Gail Zigman, Joe's girlfriend and confidant attempting to be a do gooder rescuing a drug idled young girl. Gail is so entrenched in the effort, she leaves Joe on the sidelines until the whole matter turns against her.

All in all, with the exception of Joe being less than a major part of the story, I found Gatekeeper a solid listen and I am looking forward to the next installment in the series. And, of course, strong kudos to Tom Taylorson for continuing his great job as the narrator of the series.