Joe Gunther Books in Order

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

About the Joe Gunther Series

If you’re a fan of gripping crime fiction with a strong sense of place and a hero who feels real, the Joe Gunther series by Archer Mayor is a journey you won’t want to miss. Set in the quiet yet complex landscapes of Vermont, this long-running detective series offers a deeply satisfying reading experience for those who love clever plots, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters.

The series began back in 1988 with Open Season, Archer Mayor’s debut novel and the first glimpse into the world of Detective Joe Gunther. Since then, the series has grown to include over two dozen titles, each exploring new layers of crime, justice, and human nature. What makes this series stand out isn’t just the mystery or suspense — though there’s plenty of that — but the sense of realism that Mayor brings to each story. That’s no surprise, considering the author’s diverse background.

Archer Mayor isn’t your average novelist. Before he turned to full-time writing, he wore many hats — from journalist to researcher, editor to photographer. He even worked in both France and the U.S., which adds a rich, worldly perspective to his storytelling. He studied at Yale University and currently resides in Newfane, Vermont, a setting that clearly inspires his work. His connection to Vermont is woven through every page, making the towns, landscapes, and local cultures feel authentic and alive.

The character of Joe Gunther reflects this same grounded authenticity. Gunther isn’t a flashy, over-the-top detective. Instead, he’s thoughtful, methodical, and deeply human. A long-time investigator with the Brattleboro Police Department, Gunther approaches each case with quiet determination and a sharp, analytical mind. But what truly defines him is his empathy. Unlike many hard-boiled detectives in crime fiction, Gunther isn’t hardened by his job — he’s shaped by it. He cares about justice, yes, but also about people. That balance makes him one of the most compelling figures in the genre today.

The first novel, Open Season, sets the tone for the rest of the series. It opens with a shocking murder — an elderly woman kills a man with a shotgun blast that rocks the peaceful town. What seems like a tragic but isolated event quickly spirals into something far more sinister. As Gunther digs deeper, he uncovers long-buried secrets and a chilling connection to a high-profile murder trial from the past. The suspense builds naturally, and by the end of the book, readers are left hungry for more.

In the second book, Borderlines (1990), Gunther finds himself out of his comfort zone and drawn into a new case in a remote Vermont town. What starts as an investigation into a suspicious fire soon entangles him in a web of lies, religious fanaticism, and small-town politics. The stakes rise quickly, and Gunther must navigate not only the criminal elements but also personal relationships from his past that complicate his work. Like many of Mayor’s novels, Borderlines is layered and immersive — a mystery that challenges not only the detective but the reader as well.

Each book in the Joe Gunther series builds on the last, but they’re also written in a way that allows new readers to jump in at nearly any point. That accessibility has made the series especially popular among both longtime mystery lovers and those just discovering the genre. Whether you’re reading your first Joe Gunther novel or your fifteenth, there’s always something new to uncover — a fresh case, a twist you didn’t see coming, or a deeper look into Gunther’s life and the people around him.

Archer Mayor’s writing style is clean, direct, and quietly powerful. He doesn’t rely on gimmicks or flashy prose. Instead, he lets the characters and setting speak for themselves. His background in journalism and research gives the novels a solid backbone of realism, while his gift for storytelling keeps you turning the pages. It’s no wonder that his books are not only popular among readers but also praised by critics for their intelligence and depth.

You can find the Joe Gunther books online, whether you prefer digital copies, audiobooks, or traditional paperbacks. Many fans love collecting the entire series, as each book feels like catching up with an old friend. And if you’re someone who enjoys reading about real places and people who feel authentic, this series delivers that and more.

To sum it up, the Joe Gunther series is more than just a collection of crime novels — it’s a thoughtful, ongoing portrait of a man who’s seen it all but still believes in doing the right thing. It’s a love letter to Vermont, to justice, and to the quiet heroism that lives in everyday life. If you haven’t started the series yet, there’s no better time than now. Grab a copy of Open Season and dive into a world where every clue matters, every character counts, and the truth is always worth chasing.

How many books are there in the Joe Gunther series?

There are a total of 33 main Joe Gunther books and 2 short stories. The series, written by Archer Mayor, includes the following titles in order: