Review: St. Albans Fire

It is winter in North-western Vermont and Joe Gunther is called to the scene of a barn arson, in which a teenager was burnt to death. He soon discovers that this arson was part of a chain that has been taking place around the area and that there is much more to the business of dairy farming than first meets the eye.

This novel marks quite a development in the Joe Gunther series. Firstly, it takes the police officer away from Vermont as he investigates leads in New Jersey, giving the reader an opportunity to see Gunther outside of his natural habitat. Secondly, it also marks an important point in his relationship with Gail Zigman, something that has been simmering on the back burner in previous novels.

'St Albans Fire' is one of Mayor's most intricate books to date. He creates a large group of characters, with wildly differing behaviour, and also has crafted an intriguing plot. Just as you think that you have got the mystery solved, Mayor is able to send the storyline developing in a completely different direction. Some may not find the ending entirely satisfying, wanting it to conclude in a different way, but there is no denying that it is a denouement with a twist.

Always conscious of plots becoming stale, Mayor is careful in his series not to reuse plots. Whereas some authors are happy to have their detective confronting serial killer after serial killer, Mayor uses a variety of plots in his tales. Here, he uses arson as a theme, whereas in his previous book, 'The Surrogate Thief', Gunther investigated a case from the past. This is refreshing and also allows Mayor to demonstrate the lengthy research process, by giving the reader a great deal of information on arson.

Once again, Mayor will not disappoint his fans with his latest evocation of a rather dangerous Vermont.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Book Review: St. Albans Fire