Storm Front

Virgil Flowers, Book 7

By: John Sandford

Narrated by: Eric Conger

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The thrilling new novel in the number one New York Times - bestselling series.

In Israel, a man clutching a backpack searches desperately for a boat. In Minnesota, Virgil Flowers gets a message from Lucas Davenport: You're about to get a visitor. It's an Israeli cop, and she's tailing a man who's smuggled out an extraordinary relic - a copper scroll revealing startling details about the man known as King Solomon.

Wait a minute, laughs Virgil. Is this one of those Da Vinci Code deals? The secret scroll, the blockbuster revelation, the teams of murderous bad guys? Should I be boning up on my Bible verses?

He looks at the cop. She's not laughing. As it turns out, there are very bad men chasing the relic, and they don't care who's in the way or what they have to do to get it. Maybe Virgil should start praying.

©2013 John Sandford (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“One of the best in that series so far...[it is] exciting, complex and funny.... The beauty of Sanford's writing is that the narrative of the book is told in perfect harmony with Flowers' personality. The descriptions of the plot and the locale of the story have the same laconic quality as Virgil's tone and speaking habits. You seem to be in Virgil's mind and thoughts as the narrative unfolds...Storm Front is an enjoyable and relaxing read. Sandford knows his characters, his locale and his plot. There are no missteps. It is entertaining reading all the way.” (Huffington Post)

“With another gritty storyline and appealing characters, Sandford has penned another winner, one sure to shoot to the top of the best-seller lists.” (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

“Clever, quirky...unusually good-natured intrigue distinguishes this outing.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Hope this isn't the last

Sandford did it again in my book. Simply love his style. Flowers is a lot softer than Davenport but don't let that put you off. Sandford gives Flowere's just as much brain power as Davenport. Good story great narrator all around good read.

Loved it!

Would you listen to Storm Front again? Why?

It is a great read and if I listened to it again I am I sure I would be hearing things I missed the first time around.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

There are many twists and turns and I loved the comedic pauses in the thick of things.
It moved quickly from one character to another.

Which character – as performed by Eric Conger – was your favorite?

My favourite character had to be the young pilot.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Fast Paced.

Any additional comments?

Loved the surprise ending. Never saw it coming.

Great Fun!

I recently discovered John Sandford. After listening the meager selection of audibooks my local library system has to offer, I came home to Audible for my fix :) Love both the Lucas Davenport & Virgil Flowers series. Both have the perfect narrators to bring the characters to life! Love Virgil & Ma/Frankie together plus all the fun secondary characters. Thanks for a great experience!

Flowers is Fantastic

If you could sum up Storm Front in three words, what would they be?

Virgil Rocks Again

What other book might you compare Storm Front to and why?

Hit Man by Lawrence Block. A good intriguing story interspersed with sly humor. Totally different types of books but the writing and stories are both great. Not too heavy and the "heroes" don't take themselves too seriously.

What about Eric Conger’s performance did you like?

Dead on with Virgil; Conger is the voice of Virgil to me. He's also pretty good with the other characters. I think he does a good job with most of the other voices.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I like to string the good ones out because it makes is easy to walk and exercise while listening to a good story.

Fine Flowers

Another Fine Flowers. Nice twists and turns in the plot . Good performance and story overall

Wonderful

I love the Virgil Flower novels. They are fun and entertaining!! Need more real soon.

Huge plot holes

I won't go into it, in the interest of not giving spoilers. The book was still very interesting and kept me going.

Virgil Flowers Is Back... Yea!

Tight plot, fast pace, odd characters, and - of course, Virgil Flowers - at his randy-est. In fact - I think it's Chapter 23 that might be one of the shortest hot writings in all of thriller/mystery/detective-dom. If you liked John Sanford's Flowers before he slacked off a tad in 'Mad River' well there's no slack in "Storm Front".

Oh, and Eric Conger's a terrific actor, builds a gripping ensemble, and suspends disbelief... Fine team here.

Virgil Flowers is unique

Any additional comments?

I wish Virgil were real and worked in my town. I like him a lot and would like to sit in the diner and talk to him. This was a good book - a little different from former books in the series, but Virgil is still the same. There is a lot of humor in the story and so many suspects that you are constantly changing your mind. Which shell is the stone under!? The Israel connection is interesting, but the great majority of the story takes place in Minnesota, as usual. I loved the Lebanese student pilot. He was an entertaining character and a suspect. Ma is also very interesting and also entertaining and also a suspect. Sandford keep me guessing on this one.

Another Virgil Flower's escapades

Would you consider the audio edition of Storm Front to be better than the print version?

The print edition would allow you to re-orient to the character with the name.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Always Virgil Flowers

What about Eric Conger’s performance did you like?

Always good

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Good fast pace that kept you engaged

Any additional comments?

I have listened to most of John Sandford’s books and this is right up with the best. Eric Conger continues as an enjoyable narrator. The only negative is that there are many Middle Eastern character names and it is difficult to orient the listener which character they goes with the name.