Fruits of the Poisonous Tree

The Joe Gunther Mysteries, Book 5

By: Archer Mayor

Narrated by: Tom Taylorson

Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

When Gail Zigman, town selectwoman and Joe Gunther's companion of many years, is raped, Gunther finds himself caught between the media, local politicians, and a network of well-meaning victims' rights advocates as he tries to put his own feelings aside and follow a trail of evidence. Every lead points to a single obvious suspect, but is the evidence too perfect?

Risking his friendship with Gail, the respect of his peers, and his own life, Lieutenant Gunther keeps digging, hoping to find out if the man they have in jail is rightly there or if the evidence against him is tainted—what police call "fruits of the poisonous tree".

©2016 Archer Mayor (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

great story

I enjoyed it and thought the subject of rape was handled well. I was a little let down by actions near the end. I like it better when rapists die rather than go to jail to suck our taxes. The real twist was what Gail and Joe decided to do at the very end. Nice one on me.

Great detective series continues!

Archer Mayor is skilled at blending a compelling story with vibrant characters, all the result of his writing skill. This story presented the emotional journey of both the victim and the man who loves her. Sensitive and real, it was powerful from start to finish. The narrator is also superb! His delivery and character voices added to the joy of listening to a well-spun mystery.

I lived in Vermont when Mayor was writing there but only recently discovered his books. “Better late than never” was never more true.

Twist

The final twist was good but not far fetched. I wish I liked Gayle more. There’s something irritating about her. I’m basing this on all the books I’ve read so far. I find myself hoping for the breakup. It may have to do with the narrator’s choice for her voice. I’m not sure.

BEST OF THE SERIES SO FAR!

This was the best story-line so far in this series. The story was easy to follow unlike some of the others in the past. The narration was as excellent as we've come to expect from Tom Taylorson. I hope that doesn't change throughout the series. And I certainly hope the next book is as good as this one.

Another great one

So far, I think this is one of his best. I appreciate the suspense and character build up.!

Excellent Story Treatment of Sexual Assault

This is my fourth Gunther audiobook, and by far, it exceeded the previous two that I listened to. Tom Taylorson, the narrator is the reason that I continued to listen even as my excitement/enjoyment of the previous two waned; BUT Mayer hit it out of the park with this one. Rape is a subject that is often glossed over where the feelings of the rape victim and her friends and family are concerned. Archer Mayor wove those feelings and the police work needed to apprehend the rapist masterfully. He told us at the beginning of the book that he would put some focus on the rape victim rather than just on the cop side of the issue, and he came through with flying colors. Choosing to write with sensitivity about the victim in no way diluted the action portrayed in the story. I was so engrossed that I listened to this audiobook continuously, which is something I don't normally do. Thank you, Archer Mayor!

The Best One Yet!

I am slowly making my way thru the Joe Gunther series enjoying each one - but this one was exceptional.

Twist and turns

Great story and great details!!! Really enjoyed the twists and turns toward the end to make it mor suspenseful!

Skip this one

If you are following this series, you can definitely skip this one with just the Cliff notes. While the topic is something that should be addressed, this particular version dragged on so endlessly and unnecessarily long. There are so many times in the book that it was just not even necessary to keep reading, and the ending was anticlimactic.

At one point, he’s arbitrarily stuck in some random water tunnel that made absolutely no sense …. It was confusing and completely useless. I literally thought the story was over until I looked down and saw there were three hours left. That was the first time I was disappointed to find a book was still going! the “twists and turns“ this particular story took were more like meandering trails into nothingness. Wish I could get my time back on this one.

Joe Gunther Bk 5

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.