Holy Ghost

A Virgil Flowers Novel

By: John Sandford

Narrated by: Eric Conger

Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

Virgil Flowers investigates a miracle - and a murder - in the wickedly entertaining new thriller from the master of "pure reading pleasure" (Booklist)

Pinion, Minnesota: a metropolis of all of 700 souls, for which the word moribund might have been invented. Nothing ever happened there, and nothing ever would - until the mayor of sorts (campaign slogan: "I'll Do What I Can") and a buddy come up with a scheme to put Pinion on the map. They'd heard of a place where a floating image of the Virgin Mary had turned the whole town into a shrine, attracting thousands of pilgrims. And all those pilgrims needed food, shelter, all kinds of crazy things, right? They'd all get rich! What could go wrong? 

When the dead body shows up, they find out, and that's only the beginning of their troubles - and Virgil Flowers' - as they are all about to discover all too soon.

©2018 John Sandford (P)2018 Penguin Audio

F*****G Flowers and Frozen Pot Pies!!!!

This story begins with a religious hoax that goes horribly wrong.
Following one and then another sniper shooting outside the church Virgil Flowers is called in to investigate. Of course CSI investigators are not called in. Why use forensics when you can use the gossipy townsfolk against each other. So Virgil sets up a few traps and calls in old friends Shrake and Jenkins. Unfortunately on of them is injured. But Virgil's not done he has a few more tricks up his sleeve.
Meanwhile Virgil can't seem to find food in town and is living on frozen pot pies from the convenience store. By the middle of the book he's sick of them. By the end the thought makes him want to retch. As with other books in this series this is a fun fast listen that will keep wondering until the end.
Eric Conger does an outstanding job narrating.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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Liked it a lot but...

OK, I really did like this book, Great writing, humor, great narration,, interesting characters. My only complaint is Virgil. I want the old Fucking Flowers back. I'm wondering why Sandford keeps domesticating his protagonists. First Lucas, now Virgil. I'd hoped Flowers would have, by this time, moved on from Frankie and returned to the 3 times married and still searching, Flowers. I still like Virgie, but I think he was much more interesting in earlier books. Unattached.
I also miss his conversations and interactions with Lucas Davenport who's earlier character I also miss.

One more thing... how could anyone not like the Eric Conger narration? He has brought the Flowers series to life. Somebody said the narration was "gruff" - gruff? WTF?

As good as any

Just as good as the rest of the Virgil books. Maybe better because it keeps you guessing longer than most.

Virgil Flowers Delights Again!

Virgil Flowers is my favorite literary character. He's sublimely natural in his wit and charm. Even when he screws up (which he does too often, even he would admit), it's entertaining. Eric Conger captures Virgil perfectly, with subtle perfection.

I like that there is less shoot-em-up in this one--well, there's some. But, not too much. I always enjoy the quirky local characters. And Jenkins and Shrake make an appearance, which is always fun.

I think an appreciation for the Midwest adds to the enjoyment of the Virgil Flowers novels. I've got family in that area and it always feels homey to me when I hear about the towns and people in these books.

It's interesting, because Sandford's best known character, Detective Lucas Davenport, is rich, worldly and covers the nation. The larger Lucas' stage becomes, the more focused Virgil's becomes.

Another great read!

Ghosts are real. Neither is this book.

Humor. Charisma. Fast paced, interesting plotting. "Holy Ghost" has none of what I have come to expect from a 'Flowers" novel. I ordered the 'audible' version. While the performance was adequate, the first four chapters of this newest installation of Virgil Flowers was, simply put, boring. The premise itself should have carried this book, but well into chapter 6 the best we receive is flat characterization and little action while the 'backstory' is told in droll exposition. What action does occur (other than being told what happened before Virgil was called in) amounts to Flowers walking the streets of this small town looking for likely places a shooter may have hidden. No real danger. No real excitement. I'd say, "Spoiler alert" but there isn't enough happening to spoil. I'm a devoted fan of John Sanford, but am no fan of this latest entry into an otherwise fascinating and fun world. Perhaps Lucas Davenport should be sent to investigate what the heck went so wrong!

Great laugh

Love the reader and love virgil flowers. Places you laugh out loud. Great fun and mystery

getting too political

He is putting too much right wing bashing crap in his books lately. I'm done.

Done with John Sandford

His books have become way too insidiously political. Only made it one hour this time

Loved it as usual.

Listened to it all in one day. Sorry I didn't space it out cause now it's done.

Virgil Flowers at his Best!

I have never written a review before, but this is one of the best Virgil Flowers I have read. I have read every John Sandford book and love his unique style and way back when he introduced Flowers...I was delighted with the character. Since then some of the Flowers books have been a little so-so, but this one was a breath of fresh air. Virgil is so respectful of all...even the bad guys. The small town folk are portrayed with fun personalities and surprising wisdom. Frankie is the perfect character for his wife and it is so nice for Virgil to have a family and a growing one at that. Loved the ending of the book! I had asmile on my face throughout the reading of this book. Thank you JS.