The Second Mouse by Archer Mayor

Review by Theodore Feit 

 

Joe Gunther, veteran Vermont Bureau of Investigations detective, wanders in one day, being in the neighborhood, to the site of an apparent death by natural causes.  The scene already is in the hands of a local cop, but the situation appears to be a little unusual, leading Joe to look into it further.   From this innocuous beginning develops a complex and suspenseful tale.  Although there are no clues or signs of violence, Joe is intrigued, more by instinct than anything else.

 

Although suicide is a reasonable assumption, Joe and his team discover various facts that make them wonder about a few suspects.  Following a trail of false leads and half-truths, they begin to unravel the circumstances of the death, only to uncover a series of other crimes.  Serendipity often plays a part in solving mysteries.  And this novel is no exception.

 

The characters and topography always play a part in this author's writing, and these attributes are no exception in this novel.  From the highways to the Green Mountains, the reader is brought into the atmosphere of New England.   The writing and plotting are superb, and one should only sit back and enjoy the book.

 

Recommended.