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)

funny. Heartfelt. f...king flowers

loved it. still best flowers book ever. must read for those with funny bone or not.

A lighter version of Virgil Flowers

I am apparently the dissenting opinion. I liked this outing with Virgil Flowers. I think I liked the lighter, funnier storyline. Yes, maybe the plot was a little suspect but I liked the various characters, agencies, fake agencies and even Ma Noble. I will agree that I thought Mr. Conger was a little lax in trying to have different voices. I had a hard time distinguishing between Lucas and Virgil. He did great accents though. I will also agree that he has never done any research on the pronunciation of the cities in Minnesota. I still haven't forgotten Cloquet being pronounced "Klo-ket". Still, I think this outing may provide new characters for Virgil in the future. It was fun taking a walk on the lighter side.

I really like Virgil!

The story is improbable but interesting and funny, not horrifying, like some crime stories. Loved meeting Frankie for the first time.

another Virgil Flowers

I have listened to all of John Sandford books and really love his Flowers series.
Flowers is a different kind of cop and gets the "bad guys" in his own way.

this was a good installment - He has his unique way of doing things --

worth a credit --

Great Listen

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

Just a great unpredictable story all the way to the end.

What did you like best about this story?

Never lost interest or drifted.

What about Eric Conger’s performance did you like?

Nothing special. Did a good job. I focused on the story, just like a listener is supposed to. I didn't catch any breaks or badly pronounced words. nice.

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

just kept a good pace.

Any additional comments?

nope

Classic f_ _ _in Flowers!

It's the Virgil we love. Interesting twists, not the darkness of some of Virgil's other books; but a great read just the same. Ignore the other comments to the contrary, get this and enjoy.

First Davenport now Flowers is slowing down

Would you listen to Storm Front again? Why?

There wasn't anything I would want to listen to again. The story dragged and I often found my mind wandering while listening. I will probably still continue to follow the adventures of Davenport and "that effin Flowers" but just like Davenport settling down with a wife and kids has taken the steam out of his stories, now Flowers is getting old.

What aspect of Eric Conger’s performance would you have changed?

The person who produces the audio failed with this book. I don't blame Eric Conger but somebody didn't do the homework on how to pronounce place names in Minnesota! Edina is pronounced with a long E and long I. Owatonna starts with a long O, and the college in St Peter is Gustavus and the A in the middle is long. I live in Rochester Minnesota and have family in Mankato, St Peter and the twin cities. Hearing these continually mispronounced was like fingers on a black board.

Sandford Writes Another Winner

An intriguing story full of memorable characters sprinkled with some great wit. I'd love to read a sequel to this story.

As good as ever

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

Even though the premise is time tested Sandford brings the topic to life through that f-ing Flowers!

What did you like best about this story?

Setting is perfect contrast .... Middle East v. Minnesota

John Sanford has never written a bad book.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, you never get bored. All the twists and turns and romance on the side and international
intrigue and human nature make it a great book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Always Virgil Flowers, though "Ma" was a standout for more than one reason.

Which scene was your favorite?

When hmmmm, I don't want to give it away but there is a great deception than the novel is based on.

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

No, I have my life to live, but it never gets boring and I look forward to hearing about the next exploits in the book from foreign agents to local cops.

Any additional comments?

John Sanford is a great read or listen. Any book is good. I have listened to them all from Virgil Flowers, cop, to Lucas Davenport Detective.