Rough Country

A Virgil Flowers Novel

By: John Sandford

Narrated by: Eric Conger

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2009 John Sandford (P)2009 Penguin

Critic reviews

"Rich, satisfying, and frequently hilarious.” (Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly)

"Unexpected twists...Sandford excels at all the required elements of the novelist: plot, personality, and prose. The melding is masterful and produces an exquisitely paced book at once beautiful and profane, a story that fans of both crime-novel approaches can enjoy. He makes Flowers as appealing and captivating a character as always. With a confident touch, Sandford brings it all home in Rough Country.” (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

“It’s a complicated case, but Virgil is up to the task, and, as always, he’s funny, smart, and tough when he needs to be.” (Publishers Weekly)

One of the best of the Virgil Flowers series

I'm reviewing some of the John Sandford novels I listened to several years ago. Rough Country is the third novel in the 9 novel Virgil Flowers series which is a spin off of the Lucas Davenport series. The first novel in the series was released in 2007, 18 years after the start of the Davenport series. Davenport appears briefly in Virgil Flowers series novels as Flowers' boss at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (what most states call their State Bureau of investigation).

Flowers is not at all like the wealthy and urbane Lucas Davenport. He works outside the twin cities throughout the state always towing his fishing boat behind his vehicle just in case he finds the time for his second favorite activity. His attitude toward life is usually devil may care. He loves women and in most of the novels in the series he loves them and leaves them. He is also a great cop.

In this book Virgil Flowers investigates the of a woman killed by a sniper at a women only resort. He is clearly in his element. I rate this novel 5 stars and it is likely the best of the 9 novels released so far. However, all of them are at least solid 4 star detective mysteries. Eric Conger is an excellent narrator, but in my opinion he is not in the top tier.

Flowers has blossomed

Best Virgil Flowers novel so far. Interesting plot and good twists and turns. Very enjoyable.

Fantastic listen

This Flowers character is really growing on me. I had my doubts at first, being a big fan of the Prey series, but I've listened to all three Flowers books and have found them worthy successors. Sandford just can't put these out fast enough!

My Fourth Virgil.

This was the best read so far. Loved it. Now on to the next novel.

Virgil Flowers is awesome!

I’ve been reading Sanford’s Prey books for a very long time. Virgil is a great spin off from the Davenport series. I️ Read the first three books in about a week and a half!

Sanford has a great detective writing style. He mixes real life, humor, drama, and action to the pit and stirs it up. Light reads that go deep. Love it!

Almost silly

My husband loves these books and has read them all. We started listening to them and now I love them. A little suspenseful, but not terrifying, some consistent laugh out loud too.

best Virgil Flowers book I've listened to

I thought I had listened to all of this series but I discovered I somehow missed this one. This book was my favorite of the Virgil Flowers series. funny, fast paced, good action, and as already Virgil is an excellent character. great narrator. I hope John Sanford continues this series for years to come. I think Virgil is as good (maybe even a bit better) of a character as Lucas Davenport.

Great

love love loved it!! wirth your time. Virgil's character us amazing. Download it today you will not be sorry.

On Par

I have always liked John Sandford's style of writing. I have read, and re-read, every book in the "Prey" series. Virgil Flowers character is excellent. I love his easy-going style. It's not often you find a state cop that drives a truck and pulls a boat wherever he goes! His writing style makes you feel like you are there in person. I grew up in central and northern MN and know this area very well. Now some 25 years later and living in the south, it makes me feel like I am back home when I read/listen to these books. The quality of the audio and narration is excellent.

Break a few rules, have some fun catch the bad guy

Another great from John Sandford. A great story with interesting people, some tiwsts when you don't expect them and a cool finish.