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)

great story telling

I am sad that I finished it. I miss the characters and the plot line.

Wow!!!! You have to read this!!!

This was such an amazing book and it wasn't even my first time reading it. It has been long enough that I kind of remembered, but didn't completely remember what happened and I couldn't put it down. I was still shocked all over again. I drive 6 hours to get to work and back once or twice a week (travel nurse) and this keeps me wide awake!!! Love his Virgil Flowers books!

Another great Sanford book

Sandford writes the most entertaining books.
I would highly recommend this series as well as the Lucas Davenport series.

twist and turns

great story, well written. it keeps you guessing how and why throughout. definitely one of the better one in the series.

Excellent Story Line

I totally enjoyed this book. I love all of the Davenport series and am now starting to love Virgil Flowers as well.

True Minnesota novel.

All Virgil flowers books are really good. Sanford is a most excellent author that I enjoy because I am a native Minnesotan.

Best Flowers Book.

Really enjoyed the book. Got to know Flowers better. Love Davenport but need more Flowers!

Classic Virgil Flowers

A terrific story by John Sanford and an outstanding presentation by Eric Conger. Very enjoyable listen.

New character, and a sense of fun

5.0 out of 5 stars A great new character who is still growing., October 15, 2009
By J.S. Banks (Mountain View, CA) - See all my reviews
First a word about the narrator: Eric Conger reads the novel. He does a great job. I was worried because Richard Ferrone is a the definitive interpreter of the Lucas Davenport "Prey" series. Conger is different, a little more laid back, and a perfect match for Sandford's new character, Virgil Flowers.

As for the story itself. The mystery is no great shakes, and one questionable lapse of judgement by our otherwise clever hero is a stutter in the plot. Still, as far as characterization and dialog, Sandford hasn't lost a beat. There is more to chuckle at as the author dials up the humor and lets a little of his inner Hiaasen out. A protagonist a lot less macho than Sandford's Lucas Davenport, quirky Virgil Flowers is younger than our fictional friend, Lucas, and so has a whole bunch of life ahead of him, with twists and turns we can only guess at, but that the author, John Sandford, will be happy to think up. Love this book.

Another fan of Virgil

I never heard of this book but truly enjoyed it. Virgil made the story with his humor. I now plan to go back and read the others.