Rough Country (Virgil Flowers)
by John Sandford
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Lowest price: $8.20
Binding: Hardcover
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It's a joy to announce that John Sandford is still doing everything right," wrote the Cleveland Plain Dealer about the second adventure of Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigator Virgil Flowers. "Virgil acts like the best series protagonists-becoming someone we just enjoy spending time with."
Virgil's always been known for having a somewhat active, er, social life, but he's probably not going to be getting too many opportunities for that during his new case. While competing in a fishing tournament in a remote area of northern Minnesota, he gets a call from Lucas Davenport to investigate a murder at a nearby resort, where a woman has been shot while kayaking. The resort is for women only, a place to relax, get fit, recover from plastic surgery, commune with nature, and while it didn't start out to be a place mostly for those with Sapphic inclinations, that's pretty much what it is today.
Which makes things all the more complicated for Virgil, because as he begins investigating, he finds a web of connections between the people at the resort, the victim, and some local women, notably a talented country singer. The more he digs, the more he discovers the arrows of suspicion that point in many directions, encompassing a multitude of motivations: jealousy, blackmail, greed, anger, fear. Then he finds that this is not the first murder, that there was a second, seemingly unrelated one, the year before. And that there's about to be a third, definitely related one, any time now. And as for the fourth . . . well, Virgil better hope he can catch the killer before that happens. Because it could be his own.
Rich with the brilliant plotting and compulsively readable prose that are his hallmarks, Rough Country is another immensely satisfying tale by one of our very best suspense writers.
Virgil's always been known for having a somewhat active, er, social life, but he's probably not going to be getting too many opportunities for that during his new case. While competing in a fishing tournament in a remote area of northern Minnesota, he gets a call from Lucas Davenport to investigate a murder at a nearby resort, where a woman has been shot while kayaking. The resort is for women only, a place to relax, get fit, recover from plastic surgery, commune with nature, and while it didn't start out to be a place mostly for those with Sapphic inclinations, that's pretty much what it is today.
Which makes things all the more complicated for Virgil, because as he begins investigating, he finds a web of connections between the people at the resort, the victim, and some local women, notably a talented country singer. The more he digs, the more he discovers the arrows of suspicion that point in many directions, encompassing a multitude of motivations: jealousy, blackmail, greed, anger, fear. Then he finds that this is not the first murder, that there was a second, seemingly unrelated one, the year before. And that there's about to be a third, definitely related one, any time now. And as for the fourth . . . well, Virgil better hope he can catch the killer before that happens. Because it could be his own.
Rich with the brilliant plotting and compulsively readable prose that are his hallmarks, Rough Country is another immensely satisfying tale by one of our very best suspense writers.
Average Customer Review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
66 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
Virgil is a sexy beast, October 2, 2009
by Kathy Kaiser
Okay, I admit it. I've got a crush on Virgil Flowers, John Sandford's great new detective. Flowers is reminiscent of Lucas Davenport during his younger, single years. Davenport is now older, married, and unfortunately boring. So, I've been thrilled that Sandford created a younger, hipper, sexier detective, one who thinks about God a few minutes every night before he goes to sleep but oozes sex appeal during the daylight hours. Whereas Davenport dealt with his depression and mental demons, Virgil has a brighter outlook on life. That's refreshing.
The plot is fast-paced and involving. While I've been reading John Sandford for almost 20 years, I was wholly taken by surprise at the end of the investigation. The final twist is interesting and unnerving. Totally didn't see that coming. But, it's Virgil Flowers with his quasi surfer look, obscure and sometimes old-school band t-shirts, cool demeanor, and quiet intelligence that really floats my boat. He's a great character. I'm already looking forward to the next book.
The plot is fast-paced and involving. While I've been reading John Sandford for almost 20 years, I was wholly taken by surprise at the end of the investigation. The final twist is interesting and unnerving. Totally didn't see that coming. But, it's Virgil Flowers with his quasi surfer look, obscure and sometimes old-school band t-shirts, cool demeanor, and quiet intelligence that really floats my boat. He's a great character. I'm already looking forward to the next book.
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
Rough Country Hits It!, October 4, 2009
by Kathy
I've got to say that Virgil really grows on you. The action and twists kept me guessing the entire time. I couldn't put it down. I've liked Virgil since Invisible Prey, (back then I wondered what kind of a name was Virgil Flowers for a hippy-type cop?) his laid-back manner and his aversion to guns. That's so funny for a cop in his position to not like guns the way he does. I've always liked the Prey novels and John Sandford's really done it up right again. Each Virgil Flower's offering keeps getting better. Although, I felt a little sorry for Virgil at the end of Rough Country. I won't elaborate for spoiler sake. But come on! Didn't he suffer enough in the line of duty? Isn't the hero supposed to get a little something in the end? It was an excellent read all the way around. If John will keep writing them, I'll keep reading them!
36 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
Please, people, review the BOOK, not the price, October 5, 2009
by Barry S. Sharpnack
I read this book, and I loved it just as much as the previous two Virgil Flowers books. He's an interesting detective, and I always like John Sandford's plots. This one was well thought out, and had a strong ending. What I expect from Sandford. Great as always.
But I am TIRED of reading reviews from people that do nothing but complain about the price. If you have a gripe about the price, contact Amazon customer service! Don't give the book a one-star review because you don't like the price. This is a place for BOOK REVIEWS. It is not a forum for launching a protest against Amazon's pricing policies.
These reviews complaining about the price are improper and unfair to the author, and also unfair to fans who may get the wrong impression of the book.
So please, don't be misled by the bad reviews. This is an excellent read. If you don't like the price, then wait for the paperback.
But I am TIRED of reading reviews from people that do nothing but complain about the price. If you have a gripe about the price, contact Amazon customer service! Don't give the book a one-star review because you don't like the price. This is a place for BOOK REVIEWS. It is not a forum for launching a protest against Amazon's pricing policies.
These reviews complaining about the price are improper and unfair to the author, and also unfair to fans who may get the wrong impression of the book.
So please, don't be misled by the bad reviews. This is an excellent read. If you don't like the price, then wait for the paperback.
39 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
An actual REVIEW! - I've read the book - 3 ½ Stars, October 3, 2009
by Brian Baker
I've long been a Sanford fan, and have REALLY enjoyed the Virgil Flowers books. I find him fresh and innovative, and a terrific counterpoint to Lucas Davenport's dourness.
There's quite a bit in this book to appreciate: first and foremost, the irony of chronic womanizer and hound Flowers finding himself smack-dab in the middle of a murder case heavily populated with beautiful - and gay - women.
You see, a murder has taken place at a resort hotel patronized exclusively by women - especially gay women. The victim's gay, as are many of the suspects and witnesses and other characters. Gay women.
What's a hound like Virgil to do?
Though this is a really clever device for a while, the blush does come off that rose, and there's only so far it can be driven as the primary mover of the story.
And that's why I didn't rate the book higher. After a while, we have to address the fact that there's supposed to be an actual story here. There is, in a sense: it's fun seeing Virgil driving and flying hither and yon chasing down clues and leads. The problem is this: less than halfway through the book, I'd figured out who the perp was and why that person committed the crime.
Oh, there was a slight twist thrown in at the end that I hadn't figured out, but I had the right perp and motivation at about page 120 or so.
So.... Buyer beware. If you're looking for a puzzler, this isn't going to satisy. If you're looking for a very light romp, some beach or airline reading, then this book's for you.
PS... to you Kindle whiners. This isn't the forum for that. Write an email to Amazon or something. No one wants to wade through your tantrums while trying to figure out if this is a book they want to read.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Great twist!, October 3, 2009
by Page
When I first started this book I was afraid maybe I had stepped away from this genre for too long. It felt rough around the edges, seemed more of a "man's" book, and I wasn't sure I was going to like it. But, I knew if I walked away from a mystery, it would bug me not knowing who the killer was. So, I stuck it out through the language (which wasn't excessive, but apparently I've been reading books that don't contain a lot), and the focus on the lesbian issues. Then it really started to draw me in, and I was extremely glad I hadn't given up on it. I got a great twist towards then end that I really didn't see coming. I love that because I've read enough of this type of story that I usually can see it coming. The mystery was tied together nicely and the last pages left me laughing!
