|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
Archer Mayor, author of the popular Joe Gunther mystery series has written his first standalone novel. Actually, THE SNIPER’S WIFE does involve the characters from his Gunther series; however, this book can be read on its own. Willy Kunkle is an embittered cop; emotionally damaged from abuse and Vietnam as well as physically damaged due to a withered arm received in the line of duty. A former New York City cop, he relocated to Vermont on a fluke; yet, is mostly satisfied with his job. A former alcoholic, he has managed to control the demons that formerly haunted him. Out of the blue, he is contacted as next of kin for his ex-wife. She was found dead, due to an apparent OD of heroin. Kunkle travels down to New York City in order to identify the body. Once there he noticed things about Mary’s life that seem inconsistent with an OD. His guilt over her death and their divorce, forces him to investigate her death through the connections he made in the city during his years as a cop. The only chance Kunkle has for forgiveness (from himself) and redemption is to determine the true cause of Mary’s death without allowing his demons to control him. Mayor took a risk when he wrote THE SNIPER’S WIFE. To take a well-established and well-liked series and introduce change can always be risky; even more so when the focus of the book shifts both character and location. Rather than focus on Gunther and the changing face of Vermont crimes; Mayor takes a very private character, Kunkle, to a city full of crimes radically different from small town concerns. Luckily for Mayor, this was a well-founded risk. Kunkle is an extremely interesting character and has the knowledge of how the “big city” works. This book does not contain the feel of a small-town cop lost; but of one coming home. The actions that occur in THE SNIPER’S WIFE will most likely be a necessary catharsis for Kunkle to grow as a character. By overcoming/ confronting his mistakes, he will hopefully mellow without losing the qualities the make him a good cop. Even if the future books once again focus on Gunther, Kunkle will always be more understandable and approachable. Regardless, it is always refreshing to see another viewpoint to situations. Willy Kunkle is a dark character, but one can only hope that Mayor will take some of these characteristics with him when he returns to familiar turf and crimes.
Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, April 2003
This book has more than one review. Click here to show all.
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
