The Dark Root (Joe Gunther Mysteries Book 6)

"The Dark Root" is the 6th Joe Gunther novel. He is a central participant on a multi-agency task force which takes on Asian gangs which are fighting each other at the same time. You will need to track who is who in terms of the Asian characters (literally suggest you keep a list with pertinent notations), and there are many of them, with various names. If you are familiar with Southeast Vermont (Brattleboro area) and Montreal, Quebec, you will find yourself comfortable with the references. If not, I suggest you keep a map handy.Vermont is about 96% white, with about 1% Asian. So, I was surprised that the book focused on Asians, but at the time the book was written, Asians represented the largest minority, albeit a small number, in Vermont. The action is fast paced and dramatic.The reason I assigned 4 stars rather than 5 is I got lost from time to time with all the Asian characters.

Starting out this was my least favorite book, I felt like the first quarter of it just did not flow well. And I was kinda disappointed...AND then wham change of pace and I was totally hooked. The rest of the book took on a mind of it's own and had me hooked like Archer Mayor does so well. This book brought light to many things going on that easily get over looked. Archer Mayor did it again when he wrote this book, he's got it down to a science and I can not wait to read the rest of the series. I'm just waiting on them to come out with the kindle editions of them all now. This is another must read!!!

The subject matter was very interesting - smuggling Chinese immigrants and drugs across the Canadian border. The leaders of these "gangs" brutalized everyone, mostly their own people. Illegals were treated as slaves as were local businessman. The problem with the story was Joe Gunther. He seems to live and work in slow motion waiting for all the "i's" to be dotted and the "t's" to be crossed. Perhaps in real life law enforcement that's the way it goes, but in an action thriller it doesn't play well.

I found one of the Archer Mayor series at our local library and really enjoyed it. The continuing character, Joe Gunther, is an honorable man. He reminds me of a Dick Francis hero--not perfect but basically the person you would want in your corner.Mr. Mayor has published the early books of the series himself on Kindle. I was happy to find them, because only the six or so newest books are available in the library and I wanted to read the books in order.I did have a little trouble with the time sequence in the series--as a WW II veteran, I think he should be about 80 in the newest books.

I am loving this series. The characters are interesting and Joe Gunther is someone you would want to know IRL. The audible book has excellent narration as well

Another interesting will written mystery in the same. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line has an international twist as it moves to the conclusion. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys will written mysteries.

correct book, on time and in great condition

I liked this to read but it wasn't as good as the first five Joe Gunther stories I felt. I read fast and this one seemed to take me longer and part of that was because the story line wasn't as interested. I've been getting his kindle books and reading them in order. This one seemed out of place for some reason. A good read overall just not a great read. I would recommend this to anyone who is reading this series.

I have been an avid follower of Archer Mayors Gunther series and I am sorry to say that, The Dark Root, is well below the standard of the previous novels.Mayor has tried to fit too much in and I was left skimming the pages of explanations on who, why, what and where. Worse, to make the story work, Mayor has Gunther taking non-believable short cuts, like making a quick phone call to fit a major piece of the story together.I am now doubtful as to whether I should continue with the series or, has Gunther gone as far as he can go while staying interesting.Just off point, I do not like the habit of releasing an excerpt of the next novel on the kindle versions. Far better to start at the beginning than having read a key part of the next book.

I have been steadily working my way through all the Joe Gunther books in order and have enjoyed them all, but this one was really hard going. A good premise, illegal doings by Asian immigrants both in the USA and Canada. But, it was so bogged down in police procedure dialogue I felt as though I was reading a training manual.Whilst all of his books have the procedures documented, and more enjoyable because of it, this one seemed to be procedures first, plot second.Sorry, not that good.

I've read the first 12 Joe Gunther books one after another in chronological order...and I'm still hungry for more ! Not boring or bored...keep 'em coming !

getting involved with Joe Gunther becomes compulsive reading. Each novel revealing more layers of the characters and drawing you in deeper and deeper

once more this author never fails to disappoint, really thrilling in places, good plot leads you up and down many trails , right up to the end