Escape Clause

A Virgil Flowers Novel, Book 9

By: John Sandford

Narrated by: Eric Conger

Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

Whenever you hear the sky rumble, that usually means a storm. In Virgil Flowers' case, make that two.

The exceptional new thriller from the writer whose books are "pure reading pleasure" (Booklist).

The first storm comes from, of all places, the Minnesota zoo. Two large and very rare Amur tigers have vanished from their cage, and authorities are worried sick that they've been stolen for their body parts. Traditional Chinese medicine prizes those parts for home remedies, and people will do extreme things to get what they need. Some of them are a great deal more extreme than others - as Virgil is about to find out.

Then there's the home front. Virgil's relationship with his girlfriend, Frankie, has been getting kind of serious, but when Frankie's sister, Sparkle, moves in for the summer, the situation gets a lot more complicated. For one thing, her research into migrant workers is about to bring her up against some very violent people who emphatically do not want to be researched. For another...she thinks Virgil's kind of cute.

"You mess around with Sparkle," Frankie told Virgil, "you could get yourself stabbed."

"She carries a knife?"

"No, but I do."

Forget a storm - this one's a tornado.

©2016 John Sandford (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Super Sandford

Here's a book that does a whole lot that John Sandford can imagine Virgil Flowers doing. Which is more than most authors can can imagine their characters doing. So if you like Virgil as much as I do, then... why not listen to Eric Conger do another cool reading?

If you've NOT listened to Flowers do his detective work... then start at the beginning of this series since there are a passle of spoilers strewn about here that'll take the edge of the sharp stuff Virgil does before this.

Virgil and Conger at their best

This wasn't a spectacular story but I was very impressed by narrator Conger's performance. It raised my overall rating from a four to a five. His phrasing when speaking for a Xanax-filled Peck presented a vivid accounting of just how whacked out this anti-hero was. His depiction of a female, Hispanic factory worker helped me envision the character. I appreciate good narration and Conger was nothing short of brilliant. It helped that he had good material and Sandford was on his game in the latest Flowers adventure. I'm actually starting to prefer the Flowers series to the Davenport series. A good story line, lots of humor and the aforementioned excellent narration make this a most worthwhile listen.

5 stars for Virgil lovers. 4.5 for newbies

What did you love best about Escape Clause?

I love Virgil! This series is lighter than the Lucas Davenport series and there are usually a few laugh out loud moments courtesy of Virgil, Shrake and Jenkins, and slightly bumbling bad guys. I already knew Virgil from the Lucas Davenport series so I starting reading this series from book 1 and know about his relationships and quirks. Someone who picks up this book without knowing Virgil will miss out on some of that, but it will still be an enjoyable read.

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

Not really edge of seat, but interested. It wasn't as much what will happen next as how will these idiots get themselves caught.

What about Eric Conger’s performance did you like?

I really like that he reads the book rather than performing it. He does some accents but I was thankful that he read the females in his own voice rather than trying to impersonate female voices.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No spoilers, but I loved the way things ended for Peck.

Not for animal lovers or lovers of John Sandford

Besides being a slow story, the central plot revolves around animal abuse. I could not finish it.

Tiger By The Tail

I thoroughly enjoy John Sandford's style of writing, and Virgil Flowers is one of my favorite colorful characters. As usual, there are several plot twists circling around Virgil, especially the stolen tigers,and Escape Clause doesn't disappoint. Sandford's gift of characterization draws the listener to attention. Eric Conger's narrative style also makes this a delight. I don't like sharing spoilers, so I will conclude by writing if you are a JS fan, you won't be disappointed by his latest contribution to the Virgil Flowers series: Escape Clause. And course: Way to go Katya!!!

That F.. Flowers is back

Any additional comments?

This book is in the Virgil Flowers series by John Sandford. It runs along with the Davenport series also written by Sandford. Even though this book is in a series, it can also stand alone. Virgil is a detective with an unusual approach. He wears cowboy boots and hat along with rock band Tee shirts. He usually is pulling a boat behind his vehicle because he loves to fish. He doesn't like guns . He does like to talk to locals about his cases whereas other detectives keep information away from people. Virgil thinks he picks up useful information by talking with people at the local cafe. He is the son of a minister and likes to lie in bed and think about the Bible, but he is not a church goer.

In Escape Clause, Virgil is trying to locate the people who have taken two tigers from the zoo. There is much action and Virgil does his amazing work detecting. He is smart and always figures things out, and he does so in this book too. The ending is spectacular - but I can't give any more information or it will ruin it for you.

Sandford is a great writer. His books are always entertaining because he knows how to tell a story and create memorable characters. His style is easy going and down to earth familiar. I have been reading both his series for years and I almost know the map of Minnesota by heart because of his descriptions of driving all over the state. He mentions the road numbers and towns - you can follow the journeys with a road map while you read.

Can't close without saying that Eric Conger narrates Sandford's book and he is a super talented performer. I love his voice, his accents for the characters and the way he reads the written words. He is awesome.

incredible <br />I love flowers

beyond your wildest imagination.
perfectly narrated
flowers moves from saving dogs to tigers. this suspense story is good to the last bite

Entertaining read

Sandford delivers another enjoyable story with humor, drama, suspense. Eric Conger is a great voice and perfect for this material

a good story

Maybe not the best Virgil book, but still much better than the average book I listen to.
Sandford still favorite writer, Conger still favorite narrator, Virgil still favorite character.
Hope there are more adventures for Virgil.

another Flowers book

I love Flowers -- good book-- not a good "robbery" of the tigers.
I liked the secondary story too.
I am not sure why he is still with Frankie --- I guess he is older and likes to be settled

enjoyed it as always