Archer Mayor Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Archer Mayor books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

Archer Mayor is not just a writer — he’s a storyteller who brings the world of crime fiction to life with every page he writes. Best known as the creator of the long-running Joe Gunther detective series, Mayor has built a loyal following of readers who eagerly await each new release. With more than 30 books under his belt, his work stands out in the mystery genre for its depth, realism, and strong sense of place.

But before he became a bestselling author, Archer Mayor led a life full of rich experiences — and it’s these experiences that breathe authenticity into his novels. Born in the United States, Mayor studied at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, a prestigious Ivy League school known for producing top minds. His education gave him a strong foundation, but it was his career journey after college that truly shaped his writing voice.

Mayor worked in both France and the U.S. before fully committing to writing. Over the years, he took on many different roles — journalist, photographer, editor, and researcher. At one point, he even worked on special projects at the University of Texas Press, where he helped publish The Book of Merlyn, a posthumous work by The Once and Future King author, T.H. White. This early connection to literary history foreshadowed the impact Archer himself would later make in the world of fiction.

In 1988, Archer Mayor published his first novel, Open Season. This book wasn’t just his debut — it was also the start of what would become the beloved Joe Gunther series. Set in the small yet vividly drawn town of Brattleboro, Vermont, the story introduced readers to Detective Joe Gunther, a character who would go on to star in dozens of gripping, smartly written police procedurals. Open Season was just the beginning, but it set the tone for everything that followed: suspenseful plots, strong character development, and a deep love for Vermont’s unique landscape.

Since then, Mayor has published a new Joe Gunther book almost every year, creating a series that feels both consistent and ever-evolving. His novels don’t rely on flashy action or unbelievable twists. Instead, they’re grounded, methodical, and deeply human — much like the real investigations they reflect. That’s no surprise, considering Archer Mayor doesn’t just write about detectives — he’s worked as a death investigator himself. This rare combination of fiction writing and real-world experience gives his books an edge that fans appreciate and critics respect.

Living in Newfane, Vermont, Archer continues to write from the very region that inspires most of his stories. His love for New England shows up in every book — from the foggy hills to the close-knit communities, Vermont almost becomes a character of its own. As readers follow Joe Gunther from one case to the next, they also get to explore the heart of Vermont through a detective’s eyes.

One of the reasons Mayor’s books resonate so strongly is that they aren’t just about crime — they’re about people. His characters are multidimensional. Joe Gunther, for example, is not your typical hard-boiled detective. He’s thoughtful, principled, and often caught between duty and compassion. The emotional undercurrents in Mayor’s writing give his stories a richness that sets them apart from other crime novels.

Over the years, Archer Mayor has received critical acclaim and a growing fan base. His books are available in bookstores, libraries, and online, making them accessible to anyone who enjoys a well-written mystery. Whether you prefer print, digital, or audiobook, you can always find a way to step into Joe Gunther’s world.

If you’re new to Archer Mayor’s work, Open Season is the perfect place to start. It sets the stage for everything that comes after — and once you finish, you’ll probably want to pick up Borderlines, the second book in the series. From there, the journey only gets better. With each new book, Archer Mayor continues to explore the complexities of crime, justice, and humanity in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.

In a world full of flashy thrillers and over-the-top plots, Archer Mayor offers something different — something real. His books invite readers to slow down, think, and truly engage with the mystery. That’s why he remains one of the most respected voices in American crime fiction today.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his work, Archer Mayor’s stories are sure to leave a lasting impression. His dedication to craft, his deep understanding of criminal investigation, and his love for storytelling make his books must-reads for any lover of detective fiction.