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Virgil Flowers #11
Holy Ghost
Pinion, Minnesota: a metropolis of all of seven hundred 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.
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.
373 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2018
8556 people are currently reading
4185 people want to read
About the author
John Sandford
234 books9,640 followersJohn Sandford is the pen name of John Roswell Camp, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author known for his gripping thrillers and popular crime series. After earning degrees in history, literature, and journalism from the University of Iowa, Camp began his writing career as a reporter, first at The Miami Herald and later at The Saint Paul Pioneer Press, where he earned critical acclaim for in-depth series on Native American communities and American farm life. His work won him the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing in 1986.
In 1989, Camp transitioned into fiction, publishing two novels: The Fool's Run under his real name and Rules of Prey under the pseudonym John Sandford. The latter launched the long-running “Prey” series, starring Lucas Davenport, a sharp, fearless investigator navigating politically sensitive crimes across Minnesota and beyond. The series grew to include spin-offs and crossovers, notably featuring characters like Virgil Flowers, a laid-back BCA agent with a sharp wit, and Letty Davenport, Lucas's equally determined daughter, who stars in her own series starting in 2022.
Sandford’s books have consistently appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, with over two dozen debuting at number one. Known for his dynamic storytelling, fast pacing, and keen attention to detail, Sandford combines his journalistic roots with a gift for character-driven narratives. He remains an avid reader and outdoorsman, and continues to write compelling fiction that resonates with readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers grounded in realism and driven by memorable protagonists.
In 1989, Camp transitioned into fiction, publishing two novels: The Fool's Run under his real name and Rules of Prey under the pseudonym John Sandford. The latter launched the long-running “Prey” series, starring Lucas Davenport, a sharp, fearless investigator navigating politically sensitive crimes across Minnesota and beyond. The series grew to include spin-offs and crossovers, notably featuring characters like Virgil Flowers, a laid-back BCA agent with a sharp wit, and Letty Davenport, Lucas's equally determined daughter, who stars in her own series starting in 2022.
Sandford’s books have consistently appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, with over two dozen debuting at number one. Known for his dynamic storytelling, fast pacing, and keen attention to detail, Sandford combines his journalistic roots with a gift for character-driven narratives. He remains an avid reader and outdoorsman, and continues to write compelling fiction that resonates with readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers grounded in realism and driven by memorable protagonists.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,784 reviews
November 1, 2018
Oh Virgil, you did it again. Pulled me into one of your cases, and what a strange one it was. Sightings of the Virgin Mary saves a dying town, new businesses, townspeople making money, but then the killing started, and who did they call. Yep, you. I know how frustrated you were when nothing was adding up, couldn't figure out the who or the why. Strange days indeed, full of weird townspeople, guns, bows send arrows, even a small group of supposed Nazis. Then again isn't this part of the charm of small towns? For a while it seemed as if you were never going to get to the bottom of this, but don't worry, as usual I found it all vastly entertaining.
Bet you never want to look at another chicken pot pie, and I was surprised that you weren't surprised that not only others in law enforcement call you ",that f***ing Flowers. Guess your reputation has spread. Looking forward to seeing you again in the near future.
ARC from Netgalley.
Bet you never want to look at another chicken pot pie, and I was surprised that you weren't surprised that not only others in law enforcement call you ",that f***ing Flowers. Guess your reputation has spread. Looking forward to seeing you again in the near future.
ARC from Netgalley.
January 28, 2022
I received a free copy of this from NetGalley for review.
This book asks the ultimate question: How long can a man live eating only frozen chicken pot pies?
Wheatfield, Minnesota, is a dying small town until several apparitions of the Virgin Mary in an old church are captured on video by multiple people and posted on social media. Now Wheatfield is booming thanks to an influx of visitors hoping to see the vision for themselves. However, when a sniper wounds two people outside the church at different times it puts the brakes on the new tourism trade. State investigator Virgil Flowers arrives and tries to figure out why someone would be randomly shooting folks who are just hoping to catch a glimpse of Mary. Virgil begins pulling on multiple threads involving various townsfolk, and things quickly escalate.
Can Virgil track down the sniper before he finds himself in the crosshairs? Or will he starve to death first since he can’t get a decent meal anywhere in town and has to subsist on chicken pot pies from the convenience store?
This is a pretty typical Virgil Flowers novel, and as a John Sandford fan that’s good enough for me. Once again we’ve got Virgil going to a small town to solve a mystery, and he relies on tapping into local gossip more than forensics or Sherlock Holmes style deduction to do it. There’s a lot of fun characters, and we get a welcome dose of Sandford regulars Shrake and Jenkins. Virgil also continues to see his personal life change and grow with a big event on the horizon.
The difference in this one is that it’s much more of a whodunit than most of Sandford’s other thrillers. Usually we get a lot from the villain’s perspective even if Sandford masks their identity in the writing, and the mystery usually comes from withholding a critical piece that turns out to be the way that Virgil or Lucas Davenport find the bad guy when they figure that out. This time we are completely in the dark as to who is doing the shooting and why until near the end except for one brief chapter in the middle which gives nothing away. When the answers come it’s the kind of logical and satisfying solution that I’d expect from the tight plotting that Sandford does.
The only really negative thing I can say about this is that it may have ruined pot pies for me. At least for a little while...
This book asks the ultimate question: How long can a man live eating only frozen chicken pot pies?
Wheatfield, Minnesota, is a dying small town until several apparitions of the Virgin Mary in an old church are captured on video by multiple people and posted on social media. Now Wheatfield is booming thanks to an influx of visitors hoping to see the vision for themselves. However, when a sniper wounds two people outside the church at different times it puts the brakes on the new tourism trade. State investigator Virgil Flowers arrives and tries to figure out why someone would be randomly shooting folks who are just hoping to catch a glimpse of Mary. Virgil begins pulling on multiple threads involving various townsfolk, and things quickly escalate.
Can Virgil track down the sniper before he finds himself in the crosshairs? Or will he starve to death first since he can’t get a decent meal anywhere in town and has to subsist on chicken pot pies from the convenience store?
This is a pretty typical Virgil Flowers novel, and as a John Sandford fan that’s good enough for me. Once again we’ve got Virgil going to a small town to solve a mystery, and he relies on tapping into local gossip more than forensics or Sherlock Holmes style deduction to do it. There’s a lot of fun characters, and we get a welcome dose of Sandford regulars Shrake and Jenkins. Virgil also continues to see his personal life change and grow with a big event on the horizon.
The difference in this one is that it’s much more of a whodunit than most of Sandford’s other thrillers. Usually we get a lot from the villain’s perspective even if Sandford masks their identity in the writing, and the mystery usually comes from withholding a critical piece that turns out to be the way that Virgil or Lucas Davenport find the bad guy when they figure that out. This time we are completely in the dark as to who is doing the shooting and why until near the end except for one brief chapter in the middle which gives nothing away. When the answers come it’s the kind of logical and satisfying solution that I’d expect from the tight plotting that Sandford does.
The only really negative thing I can say about this is that it may have ruined pot pies for me. At least for a little while...
May 24, 2023
The latest book in the Virgil Flowers series is much like the last, a fairly light and breezy entertainment that is neither as dark nor, frankly, as compelling as the earlier entries in the series. It takes place in the sleepy little town of Wheatfield, Minnesota, which is basically dying on the vine. But then, miraculously (?), the Blessed Virgin Mary appears to the worshippers at the town's Catholic church. All of a sudden, the town is swarming with pilgrims hoping to catch a glimpse of the Virgin.
Happily, Wheatfield is now back on the road to recovery until a couple of the town's visitors are shot. Enter that F***in' Virgil Flowers of the Minnesota BCA who needs to quickly find the shooter before the pilgrims are driven away and the town is on the skids again. Even though a couple of people will ultimately be killed, there doesn't seem to be a lot of urgency in the task, though. The book is populated by quirky characters and it's fun to watch Virgil interact with them. You never really get the sense that Virgil won't solve the crime and you just sort of coast along with the ride until he does.
It's a fun read, but for me, and I suspect a lot of other readers, it's one you'll forget about practically the moment you're finished; there's nothing particularly memorable or weighty about it. Also, while Flowers has deservedly become one of the most popular figures in modern crime fiction, the character is not quite as interesting as he once was.
While Virgil's always been an amusing character, in the earlier books he also had something of an edge that seems to have gradually slipped away. Moreover, he was always very attractive to the women who populate these books, and it was always a lot of fun watching him interact with them. However, a couple of books ago, Sandford settled him down into an ongoing relationship, and his girlfriend, Frankie, is now pregnant, which suggests that Virgil is going to remain settled down.
Sandford has argued that he needed to do this (as he also did with Lucas Davenport) because he fears that if his male characters are continually moving from one woman to another, they will appear to be predators. I would, very respectfully, of course, strongly disagree with him on this point, but the decision to do this has taken away one of the most attractive and interesting aspects of the character. It's still a lot of fun to watch Virgil in action, but, to me at any rate, not as much as it once was.
Holy Ghost is still a fun read, but I'm beginning to miss the "old" Virgil, just as I am missing the "old" Lucas Davenport. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
Happily, Wheatfield is now back on the road to recovery until a couple of the town's visitors are shot. Enter that F***in' Virgil Flowers of the Minnesota BCA who needs to quickly find the shooter before the pilgrims are driven away and the town is on the skids again. Even though a couple of people will ultimately be killed, there doesn't seem to be a lot of urgency in the task, though. The book is populated by quirky characters and it's fun to watch Virgil interact with them. You never really get the sense that Virgil won't solve the crime and you just sort of coast along with the ride until he does.
It's a fun read, but for me, and I suspect a lot of other readers, it's one you'll forget about practically the moment you're finished; there's nothing particularly memorable or weighty about it. Also, while Flowers has deservedly become one of the most popular figures in modern crime fiction, the character is not quite as interesting as he once was.
While Virgil's always been an amusing character, in the earlier books he also had something of an edge that seems to have gradually slipped away. Moreover, he was always very attractive to the women who populate these books, and it was always a lot of fun watching him interact with them. However, a couple of books ago, Sandford settled him down into an ongoing relationship, and his girlfriend, Frankie, is now pregnant, which suggests that Virgil is going to remain settled down.
Sandford has argued that he needed to do this (as he also did with Lucas Davenport) because he fears that if his male characters are continually moving from one woman to another, they will appear to be predators. I would, very respectfully, of course, strongly disagree with him on this point, but the decision to do this has taken away one of the most attractive and interesting aspects of the character. It's still a lot of fun to watch Virgil in action, but, to me at any rate, not as much as it once was.
Holy Ghost is still a fun read, but I'm beginning to miss the "old" Virgil, just as I am missing the "old" Lucas Davenport. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
November 3, 2018
John Sandford’s Virgil Flowers series is one of the few that successfully combine humor with suspense. And what’s wild is how a book with so little true action was able to keep me so engaged. It’s like putting a puzzle together. Most of the time is spent with Virgil interviewing dozens of townspeople.
The premise is that a small town in Minnesota, in the verge of dying, has a Marian apparition at the Catholic Church. Pilgrims start to arrive, the town starts to revive and then folks start getting shot. Virgil is brought in to track down the sniper. Of course, all those conversations gives you a glimpse at a lot of interesting folks. I particularly loved Skinner, a seventeen year old entrepreneur who has a real way with the ladies. But no one seems to be the one doing the shooting. Sandford does a great job of leading us down the garden path. He gives us little hints that eventually tie everything up.
I listened to this, Eric Conger is the narrator and is the perfect fit for this series.
The premise is that a small town in Minnesota, in the verge of dying, has a Marian apparition at the Catholic Church. Pilgrims start to arrive, the town starts to revive and then folks start getting shot. Virgil is brought in to track down the sniper. Of course, all those conversations gives you a glimpse at a lot of interesting folks. I particularly loved Skinner, a seventeen year old entrepreneur who has a real way with the ladies. But no one seems to be the one doing the shooting. Sandford does a great job of leading us down the garden path. He gives us little hints that eventually tie everything up.
I listened to this, Eric Conger is the narrator and is the perfect fit for this series.
January 3, 2019
Another hit from Mr. Sanford's creative mind. 9 of 10 stars
November 6, 2018
Oh John Sandford, you’ve done it again!
I’ve thought, for the last couple of Virgil Flowers books anyway, that I wasn’t liking Virgil settling down with Frankie. This book turned my thinking around 180°. Frankie has had a profound effect on Virgil’s outlook and happiness, and I love Virgil even more now.
Virgil always gets weird cases, but they are always interesting. This one involves the murders of religious visitors who want to see the miraculous appearance of Mary in one of the local churches. A pseudo-headquarters is set up in the back room of the local store, and the owners, one of whom is the mayor, are helpful with local knowledge. Virgil gets assists from the local sheriff and his deputies. Shrake and Jenkins eventually show up to help as well. Wheatfield’s residents add to the comic relief. The dialogue is full of jokes, innuendo, and sarcasm mixed with some serious thinking about the crimes. I hope Sandford’s signature storytelling style never changes.
At the end of this book, Sandford gives updates for several characters. I thought that was great. The best one was Virgil’s.
I’ve thought, for the last couple of Virgil Flowers books anyway, that I wasn’t liking Virgil settling down with Frankie. This book turned my thinking around 180°. Frankie has had a profound effect on Virgil’s outlook and happiness, and I love Virgil even more now.
Virgil always gets weird cases, but they are always interesting. This one involves the murders of religious visitors who want to see the miraculous appearance of Mary in one of the local churches. A pseudo-headquarters is set up in the back room of the local store, and the owners, one of whom is the mayor, are helpful with local knowledge. Virgil gets assists from the local sheriff and his deputies. Shrake and Jenkins eventually show up to help as well. Wheatfield’s residents add to the comic relief. The dialogue is full of jokes, innuendo, and sarcasm mixed with some serious thinking about the crimes. I hope Sandford’s signature storytelling style never changes.
At the end of this book, Sandford gives updates for several characters. I thought that was great. The best one was Virgil’s.
November 22, 2018
This was my very first John Sandford novel, so my first Virgil Flowers. I always worry about coming into a series so far in, but from the review's I had read it didn't seem to matter. But I think it kinda did...
Seasoned detective Virgil Flowers is sent to a small town to investigate some sniper shootings. Was the killer a local? Or one of the many visitors who have recently flocked to the town after apparitions of the Virgin Mary had appeared in a church? And then more bodies start showing up, and as he gets closer to the truth - Virgil becomes the next target.
Reiterating, it is probably because this is the first Virgil Flowers book that I have read... I just couldn't find myself warming to him much. I didn't know enough about his past or how he works, his relationship with Frankie, or his humour or personality. And it took a while to get used to him. I did enjoy his banter, but I also found him and some decisions that he made to be silly and unrealistic.
I also found the book extremely sexist. Again, most people who have read this series are probably used to the writing and the settings, however almost every single female character was portrayed as promiscuous, or a bad tempered, ill mouthed yokel and if they weren't portrayed that way, inappropriate remarks were still made about them as soon as they were out of the scene by one of the many superior male characters... It just didn't sit well with me. Even the token female police officer in the novel was "too pretty" to be a police officer and made them uncomfortable. I was inwardly cringing.
However, it was a good premise, clever. It had loads of twists and turns, and the writing took you in different directions that you weren't expecting and ultimately left the identity of the perpetrator a surprise until the end.
There were quite a few characters to keep track of. Lots of suspects.
Would I recommend Holy Ghost?
Probably not as a stand alone. I wish I had read some of the other Virgil Flowers books before I delved into this one. It fell a bit flat for me although I did enjoy it.
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia for a copy of Holy Ghost for me to review.
For more reviews check out my:
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Seasoned detective Virgil Flowers is sent to a small town to investigate some sniper shootings. Was the killer a local? Or one of the many visitors who have recently flocked to the town after apparitions of the Virgin Mary had appeared in a church? And then more bodies start showing up, and as he gets closer to the truth - Virgil becomes the next target.
Reiterating, it is probably because this is the first Virgil Flowers book that I have read... I just couldn't find myself warming to him much. I didn't know enough about his past or how he works, his relationship with Frankie, or his humour or personality. And it took a while to get used to him. I did enjoy his banter, but I also found him and some decisions that he made to be silly and unrealistic.
I also found the book extremely sexist. Again, most people who have read this series are probably used to the writing and the settings, however almost every single female character was portrayed as promiscuous, or a bad tempered, ill mouthed yokel and if they weren't portrayed that way, inappropriate remarks were still made about them as soon as they were out of the scene by one of the many superior male characters... It just didn't sit well with me. Even the token female police officer in the novel was "too pretty" to be a police officer and made them uncomfortable. I was inwardly cringing.
However, it was a good premise, clever. It had loads of twists and turns, and the writing took you in different directions that you weren't expecting and ultimately left the identity of the perpetrator a surprise until the end.
There were quite a few characters to keep track of. Lots of suspects.
Would I recommend Holy Ghost?
Probably not as a stand alone. I wish I had read some of the other Virgil Flowers books before I delved into this one. It fell a bit flat for me although I did enjoy it.
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia for a copy of Holy Ghost for me to review.
For more reviews check out my:
Blog
November 15, 2018
The thing about Virgil Flowers is that he’s good company. He gets on with people, shares more information than just about any other cop would and he listens. He’s a friendly guy and as an agent for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension he often solves his cases by co-opting a gaggle of locals and by investing in their combined brain trust. And the biggest decision he had to make this time before setting off to find a sniper in a nearby rural community? Whether to take his boat with him or not - well, you never know when you’re going to get the opportunity to fish!
Virgil’s stories are set in the less populated areas of the Upper Midwest and usually start off with a crime that looks like it only needs one decent cop to resolve but then escalates to the point you wonder why the whole area isn’t crawling with police and other agency staff. This seldom happens, of course, the crime fighting force is normally restricted to Virgil, the local sheriff and a few of his (not too bright) boys and maybe a pair of heavies that Flowers frequently calls upon. And this tale follows that pattern with two seemingly random, non-fatal shootings in a small town kicking off Virgil’s involvement.
The town itself has suddenly become significantly busier lately following ‘miracle’ sightings of the Virgin Mary at the local Catholic church. It seems likely that the local mayor and his side-kick, a smart seventeen-year-old lad, are somehow tied up in this. They are now making a nice profit out of their recently opened Eats & Souvenirs store. But this is just a side issue which allows a good deal of banter and speculation, as soon the first fatal shooting occurs.
All are agreed that the shooter must be a local person, but there are few clues to aid identification. As the story progresses we get to meet quite a few of the town’s inhabitants – they’re nearly all simple, friendly folk. Can one of these people really be the shooter? It’s all very well done and there’s plenty of humour here too, often centred around the limited availability of any kind of edible food in this town.
This is the 11th book featuring Flowers as the lead, after Sandford had previously introduced him as a character within his Prey (Lucas Davenport) series. These tales are great fun and I never tire of spending time with Virgil. I’m hoping there are plenty more adventures to come!
Virgil’s stories are set in the less populated areas of the Upper Midwest and usually start off with a crime that looks like it only needs one decent cop to resolve but then escalates to the point you wonder why the whole area isn’t crawling with police and other agency staff. This seldom happens, of course, the crime fighting force is normally restricted to Virgil, the local sheriff and a few of his (not too bright) boys and maybe a pair of heavies that Flowers frequently calls upon. And this tale follows that pattern with two seemingly random, non-fatal shootings in a small town kicking off Virgil’s involvement.
The town itself has suddenly become significantly busier lately following ‘miracle’ sightings of the Virgin Mary at the local Catholic church. It seems likely that the local mayor and his side-kick, a smart seventeen-year-old lad, are somehow tied up in this. They are now making a nice profit out of their recently opened Eats & Souvenirs store. But this is just a side issue which allows a good deal of banter and speculation, as soon the first fatal shooting occurs.
All are agreed that the shooter must be a local person, but there are few clues to aid identification. As the story progresses we get to meet quite a few of the town’s inhabitants – they’re nearly all simple, friendly folk. Can one of these people really be the shooter? It’s all very well done and there’s plenty of humour here too, often centred around the limited availability of any kind of edible food in this town.
This is the 11th book featuring Flowers as the lead, after Sandford had previously introduced him as a character within his Prey (Lucas Davenport) series. These tales are great fun and I never tire of spending time with Virgil. I’m hoping there are plenty more adventures to come!
February 14, 2025
3.5
The Virgin Mary has appeared in the little town of Wheatfield, Minnesota. With her apparition, the town suddenly finds itself with an influx of tourists, bringing income to a forgotten town.
Was it a true miracle, or was someone behind her apparition?
As more people come into town and things look good, someone shoots a person close to the church.
Virgil Flowers is called to investigate the crime. When more people are shot at, it's only a matter of time until someone dies from their wounds. Virgil needs to find out who the killer is, and fast!
Holy Ghost had the usual structure. The readers don't know who the killer is, which is not the usual Sandford way. Most of the time, we know who the baddies are, usually from the first chapter.
As always, there is humor intertwined with the suspense, which works every time. Although, this one didn't have the usual sense of crazy activity that his other books have had. Nevertheless, this one was quite enjoyable too.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The Virgin Mary has appeared in the little town of Wheatfield, Minnesota. With her apparition, the town suddenly finds itself with an influx of tourists, bringing income to a forgotten town.
Was it a true miracle, or was someone behind her apparition?
As more people come into town and things look good, someone shoots a person close to the church.
Virgil Flowers is called to investigate the crime. When more people are shot at, it's only a matter of time until someone dies from their wounds. Virgil needs to find out who the killer is, and fast!
Holy Ghost had the usual structure. The readers don't know who the killer is, which is not the usual Sandford way. Most of the time, we know who the baddies are, usually from the first chapter.
As always, there is humor intertwined with the suspense, which works every time. Although, this one didn't have the usual sense of crazy activity that his other books have had. Nevertheless, this one was quite enjoyable too.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
September 23, 2018
If you've yet to read any of the Virgil Flowers novels, no worries about starting with this book. This is the type of series you can jump into at any time, without concern about missing backstory or not understanding characters' relationships.
You won't find nonstop action or edge-of-your-seat suspense in this story. Virgil simply doesn't work that way. The focus with Virgil Flowers is largely on the characters and the setting. In this story, Virgil is in a small town full of fun, wacky, unique, and memorable characters. Regardless of what was going on with the murder investigation, I just enjoyed hanging out with these people.
The pace moves at a steady pace, with the last quarter getting more intense and giving us some great twists.
Virgil is a thoughtful guy, and Sandford slips some intriguing content into the plot. These aren't the kinds of themes that wack you in the face or preach at you, but instead they're little nuggets that make you stop and think a little.
Virgil and his supporting cast always make me smile, even when they're investigating murder.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
You won't find nonstop action or edge-of-your-seat suspense in this story. Virgil simply doesn't work that way. The focus with Virgil Flowers is largely on the characters and the setting. In this story, Virgil is in a small town full of fun, wacky, unique, and memorable characters. Regardless of what was going on with the murder investigation, I just enjoyed hanging out with these people.
The pace moves at a steady pace, with the last quarter getting more intense and giving us some great twists.
Virgil is a thoughtful guy, and Sandford slips some intriguing content into the plot. These aren't the kinds of themes that wack you in the face or preach at you, but instead they're little nuggets that make you stop and think a little.
Virgil and his supporting cast always make me smile, even when they're investigating murder.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
October 29, 2018
Holy Ghost is the eleventh book in the Virgil Flowers series by prize-winning American journalist and author, John Sandford. It’s a late May Sunday morning when Minnesota BCA agent Virgil Flowers leaves Frankie Noble coping with morning sickness to investigate two shootings in the nearby town of Wheatfield (there may be some confusion as the blurb refers to the town as Pinion). What was a dying town that has recently seen a change in fortunes with sightings of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Mayor, Wardell Holland, is concerned for the adverse publicity.
Virgil’s not there long before another shooting occurs, this one fatal. In each case, the location and time of day are identical, but despite eye-witnesses, confusion reigns about the shooter’s location. Each tiny clue sends Virgil in a different direction, frustrating his attempts to make sense of it all. The townsfolk are a quirky bunch and include a hairdresser who gives shoulder massages, a petty criminal who enjoys porn and has a taste, if not a talent, for blackmail, and a mayor who shoots flies.
This dose of Virgil Flowers has quite a few twists and a whole school of red herrings that have Virgil chasing his tale and keep the reader guessing to the action-filled climax. Virgil does come up with some stupidly dangerous ideas that indicate he’s not yet quite used to the idea of being a prospective father. To keep things interesting, there’s a disgusting diner, a stolen semi-trailer-load of Lego, and chicken potpies are consumed to excess.
There’s plenty of sitcom humour, some of it bordering on slapstick, and the dialogue, especially the banter between Virgil and his BCA colleagues, is a highlight. According to some reviews, this is not Sandford’s best Virgil Flowers novel, from which the reader might conclude that the first ten must indeed be rather good. Very entertaining.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Simon & Schuster Australia
Virgil’s not there long before another shooting occurs, this one fatal. In each case, the location and time of day are identical, but despite eye-witnesses, confusion reigns about the shooter’s location. Each tiny clue sends Virgil in a different direction, frustrating his attempts to make sense of it all. The townsfolk are a quirky bunch and include a hairdresser who gives shoulder massages, a petty criminal who enjoys porn and has a taste, if not a talent, for blackmail, and a mayor who shoots flies.
This dose of Virgil Flowers has quite a few twists and a whole school of red herrings that have Virgil chasing his tale and keep the reader guessing to the action-filled climax. Virgil does come up with some stupidly dangerous ideas that indicate he’s not yet quite used to the idea of being a prospective father. To keep things interesting, there’s a disgusting diner, a stolen semi-trailer-load of Lego, and chicken potpies are consumed to excess.
There’s plenty of sitcom humour, some of it bordering on slapstick, and the dialogue, especially the banter between Virgil and his BCA colleagues, is a highlight. According to some reviews, this is not Sandford’s best Virgil Flowers novel, from which the reader might conclude that the first ten must indeed be rather good. Very entertaining.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Simon & Schuster Australia
September 14, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group / Putnam for this arc.
If you want a good time....call Virgil F*** Flowers!
I thought Holy Ghost was a great read. Not to be confused with great literature, but a fun, fun good time.
This was a typical Virgil story. Poking around in a wide spot in the woods (or corn fields) a very small town just chock full of all sorts of interesting folks leading rural lives. most pretty typical of small town (read dying) business owners, just trying to keep the heads above water and a few up to no good.
Daggum if someone didn't get really bad and start shooting! Enter Virgil. Overall, the pacing of the story was small town slow, That's okay -- made for a better showcasing of all those interesting characters. There was some gore and violence, but the story needed at least some, but I found nothing to be overly graphic. There were just a few "action scenes" (unless eating potpies counts as action). Mostly just Virgil rambling around and conversating with everyone. Always the best part of the Virgil books.
If you want a good time....call Virgil F*** Flowers!
I thought Holy Ghost was a great read. Not to be confused with great literature, but a fun, fun good time.
This was a typical Virgil story. Poking around in a wide spot in the woods (or corn fields) a very small town just chock full of all sorts of interesting folks leading rural lives. most pretty typical of small town (read dying) business owners, just trying to keep the heads above water and a few up to no good.
Daggum if someone didn't get really bad and start shooting! Enter Virgil. Overall, the pacing of the story was small town slow, That's okay -- made for a better showcasing of all those interesting characters. There was some gore and violence, but the story needed at least some, but I found nothing to be overly graphic. There were just a few "action scenes" (unless eating potpies counts as action). Mostly just Virgil rambling around and conversating with everyone. Always the best part of the Virgil books.
May 3, 2020
When a small, make that tiny, fictitious town in rural southern Minnesota becomes the scene of a random shooting, Virgil Flowers is on the case in
Holy Ghost
. Flowers, an agent for the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, is an engaged father-to-be who has put his wilder days behind him. Mostly. Still, his reputation precedes him because even the local yokels in this teeny town seem to know him as “that f-ing Flowers.”
Before Virgil even arrives, we’ve met the mayor of Wheatfield, Wardell Holland, who was practically drafted for the position. His sidekick is a brilliant high school student with lots of potential. Together, they run Skinner & Holland, Eats & Souvenirs. It’s pretty much the only place to get decent food in town, if you like microwavable frozen potpies. Even if you don’t. The usual munchies and snacks can also be found there. This pair plays a fairly significant role in this story, much more than you’d ever expect a couple of civilians to figure into a state police investigation. But remember, this is a Virgil Flowers story.
The town has been all abuzz about several “miraculous” appearances of the Virgin Mary in the Catholic church, which has seen revived attendance at Mass; non-Catholics, too, are talking about the events. In the midst of all the hubbub, a shooting has occurred. Then another. And another. Things eventually turn serious, as in fatal, and Virgil knows he has his work cut out for him, so he calls for backup. Enter Jenkins and Shrake. Even with real cops helping him, as opposed to Holland and Skinner, who, let’s face it, really had no business accompanying Virgil on official police business, Virgil found himself no closer to finding the killer. Would they get a lucky break? Would the killer eventually make a foolish mistake?
As a Minnesotan, I really enjoyed the local flavor in this book. Did it exaggerate the hokiness of small town life? Ya, sure, you betcha. But I got a kick out of the local rural talk and Minnesota references. Did anyone catch the woman in the “strawberry beret”? Mr. Sandford, was that a shout out to the Twin Cities’ own Prince and his song Raspberry Beret? Oh, and yes, there really is still a Country Kitchen in Blue Earth. As he often does, Sandford makes a few proud references to "the Mayo", Minnesota's world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Thanks for that! I thought those cozy restaurants had gone extinct long ago. I haven’t always been a Virgil fan, (I know, I’m probably in the minority) but I did like the kinder, gentler Virgil Flowers in this book. I realize that others disagree, but it seemed to me that he had more depth. The old Virgil isn’t entirely gone, because, well, he just wouldn’t be Virgil. He does a few things that cross the line, acting more like a PI than a cop (breaking and entering using his trusty butter knife, for one), but he gets away with them. And there is plenty of humor and flat-out weird stuff and head-scratching occurrences that held my interest throughout. Adulterers, misfits calling themselves Nazis, Marian apparitions...Just another day at the office for Virgil Flowers & Co.
From very early on, I thought I knew who was responsible for the shootings. I was wrong. Virgil had no idea, and then I began to wonder if John Sandford knew from the onset who he would finger, or if he’d just figure it out as he went along. The book has sort of a rambling feel to it, which lets us see the action from Virgil’s perspective. That’s good writing, don’tcha know.
4 stars
Before Virgil even arrives, we’ve met the mayor of Wheatfield, Wardell Holland, who was practically drafted for the position. His sidekick is a brilliant high school student with lots of potential. Together, they run Skinner & Holland, Eats & Souvenirs. It’s pretty much the only place to get decent food in town, if you like microwavable frozen potpies. Even if you don’t. The usual munchies and snacks can also be found there. This pair plays a fairly significant role in this story, much more than you’d ever expect a couple of civilians to figure into a state police investigation. But remember, this is a Virgil Flowers story.
The town has been all abuzz about several “miraculous” appearances of the Virgin Mary in the Catholic church, which has seen revived attendance at Mass; non-Catholics, too, are talking about the events. In the midst of all the hubbub, a shooting has occurred. Then another. And another. Things eventually turn serious, as in fatal, and Virgil knows he has his work cut out for him, so he calls for backup. Enter Jenkins and Shrake. Even with real cops helping him, as opposed to Holland and Skinner, who, let’s face it, really had no business accompanying Virgil on official police business, Virgil found himself no closer to finding the killer. Would they get a lucky break? Would the killer eventually make a foolish mistake?
As a Minnesotan, I really enjoyed the local flavor in this book. Did it exaggerate the hokiness of small town life? Ya, sure, you betcha. But I got a kick out of the local rural talk and Minnesota references. Did anyone catch the woman in the “strawberry beret”? Mr. Sandford, was that a shout out to the Twin Cities’ own Prince and his song Raspberry Beret? Oh, and yes, there really is still a Country Kitchen in Blue Earth. As he often does, Sandford makes a few proud references to "the Mayo", Minnesota's world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Thanks for that! I thought those cozy restaurants had gone extinct long ago. I haven’t always been a Virgil fan, (I know, I’m probably in the minority) but I did like the kinder, gentler Virgil Flowers in this book. I realize that others disagree, but it seemed to me that he had more depth. The old Virgil isn’t entirely gone, because, well, he just wouldn’t be Virgil. He does a few things that cross the line, acting more like a PI than a cop (breaking and entering using his trusty butter knife, for one), but he gets away with them. And there is plenty of humor and flat-out weird stuff and head-scratching occurrences that held my interest throughout. Adulterers, misfits calling themselves Nazis, Marian apparitions...Just another day at the office for Virgil Flowers & Co.
From very early on, I thought I knew who was responsible for the shootings. I was wrong. Virgil had no idea, and then I began to wonder if John Sandford knew from the onset who he would finger, or if he’d just figure it out as he went along. The book has sort of a rambling feel to it, which lets us see the action from Virgil’s perspective. That’s good writing, don’tcha know.
4 stars
August 20, 2019
Virgil Flowers #11. Leaving his boat and trailer behind, Virgil heads off to a small town with a sniper on the loose, who has shot two people. The prairie town has had a resurgence since a couple of appearances of the Virgin Mary recorded by cellphone cameras. After Virgil arrives and gets a much needed haircut, someone is finally killed by the sniper. Virgil starts his socializing method of investigation, sharing theories. When that fails, he puts himself in the crosshairs of the sniper, but one of his BCA buddies gets shot by an arrow, further narrowing the field of suspects. The usual humor, often at Virgil's expense, is sprinkled throughout. 3.75 stars.
January 14, 2021
Sandford brings his usual crisp writing and clever plotting to this Virgil Flowers story, but with a new twist. In the previous thirty-some novels, Sandford follows the conventional thriller structure: we know who the bad guy is (often in the first chapter) and we switch off between chapters of the good guys trying to catch the bad guy, and chapters where the bad guy is trying to evade and complete whatever crimes they're pursuing. Not Holy Ghost. Here, we have the conventional mystery structure: we don't know who the bad guy is. We don't know why he's shooting at religious pilgrims.
This is much more satisfying structure for me. Now Virgil suspects someone and investigates them and the reader will suspect them too. If it turns out to be a clever red herring, this is satisfying fun. In the old thriller model, the reader would know Virgil was pursuing the wrong suspect, know who the real bad guy was, and have no need to seriously consider or pay attention for those scenes. Sandford's writing is always engaging, but much more-so in this book, where any clue might be significant. The cherry on top of this clever structure: the killer is a clever surprise, one more twist right at the end.
This is much more satisfying structure for me. Now Virgil suspects someone and investigates them and the reader will suspect them too. If it turns out to be a clever red herring, this is satisfying fun. In the old thriller model, the reader would know Virgil was pursuing the wrong suspect, know who the real bad guy was, and have no need to seriously consider or pay attention for those scenes. Sandford's writing is always engaging, but much more-so in this book, where any clue might be significant. The cherry on top of this clever structure: the killer is a clever surprise, one more twist right at the end.
April 5, 2020
As usual a really good mystery by John Sanford. Virgil Flowers is a great character that you can't help but like even though he has some unorthodox ways of handling crime and searching for criminals. This was a really good story about a town that became famous because of visions of Mary at the Catholic Church and then the murders started. I loved all the characters and also the humor. If oyu read this book or have read it, remember Chicken Pot Pies! Too funny.
October 29, 2018
The 11th outing in the Virgil Flowers series and filled with John Sandford's usual wit and humor. And characters. Wheatfield, Minnesota has been hit hard by the bad economy. The population is declining. The town is dying. The mayor, Wardell Holland (campaign slogan: "I'll Do What I Can"), spends his time sitting in his trailer shooting at flies with a BB gun. Then the mayor and his seventeen-year-old buddy, Skinner, come up with a brilliant idea. Skinner heard of a place where a floating image of the Virgin Mary had turned a whole town into a shrine, attracting thousands of pilgrims. If it worked there it would work in Wheatfield. And pilgrims need a place to sleep and eat. What could go wrong?
In a John Sandford something has to go wrong. Here a sniper starts shooting the pilgrims. Two wounded so far but it is only a matter of time before someone is killed. The mayor calls Virgil. Virgil is reluctant. His girlfriend, Frankie Nobles, is pregnant with their baby. But he agrees. Wheatfield is only an hour away. Shouldn't take too long. He won't even take his boat.
Things are not that simple. No one heard either of the shots. They are not even sure where the sniper was shooting from. You can't even get a decent meal in Wheatfield. Virgil is forced to eat microwaved chicken pot pies. Then their worse fears are realized when there is another shooting and this time the victim is killed. Virgil calls his boss for help and Shrake and Jenkins are sent.
It doesn't take long before the bodies start piling up. They still have no suspect or clues. Virgil will have to come up with a plan. Besides how many microwaved chicken pot pies can you eat? This is not great literature. It is not even a great mystery. But, it is a fun and entertaining story with humor a town full of quirky characters. Reading these stories I don't know if I want to visit Minnesota but I am looking forward to the next Virgil Flowers story.
In a John Sandford something has to go wrong. Here a sniper starts shooting the pilgrims. Two wounded so far but it is only a matter of time before someone is killed. The mayor calls Virgil. Virgil is reluctant. His girlfriend, Frankie Nobles, is pregnant with their baby. But he agrees. Wheatfield is only an hour away. Shouldn't take too long. He won't even take his boat.
Things are not that simple. No one heard either of the shots. They are not even sure where the sniper was shooting from. You can't even get a decent meal in Wheatfield. Virgil is forced to eat microwaved chicken pot pies. Then their worse fears are realized when there is another shooting and this time the victim is killed. Virgil calls his boss for help and Shrake and Jenkins are sent.
It doesn't take long before the bodies start piling up. They still have no suspect or clues. Virgil will have to come up with a plan. Besides how many microwaved chicken pot pies can you eat? This is not great literature. It is not even a great mystery. But, it is a fun and entertaining story with humor a town full of quirky characters. Reading these stories I don't know if I want to visit Minnesota but I am looking forward to the next Virgil Flowers story.
November 12, 2018
John Sandford has become one of my favorite writers. I could attribute this to many factors--his craftsmanship, his eye for detail, his sense of humor--but what I love most about his books is what matters most to me in fiction:
The characters.
Whether it's a book or a movie or a tv show, I need great characters. And Virgil Flowers is about three steps beyond great.
I've read four books in the PREY series and enjoyed them all. Lucas Davenport, the protagonist of that series, is a great character. But what makes the Virgil Flowers series even better is the fact that its protagonist is even more "dimensional."
How real is Virgil Flowers? Folks, I wouldn't be surprised if he walked into the room right now, plopped down in a chair, brushed a crumb off of one of his obscure rock band t-shirts, and asked me if I observed anything strange last night. That's how real Virgil is.
If you're not reading this series yet, you're missing out. HOLY GHOST was recently #1 on the NYT Bestseller List. Sometimes you see books on that list and scratch your head and wonder why folks love a particular book so much; other times you see a name like John Sandford or Stephen King or Gillian Flynn or JK Rowling and you nod your head and smile because you know they've got game. You know they're there for a reason.
Sandford is a master. Do yourself a favor and read him.
The characters.
Whether it's a book or a movie or a tv show, I need great characters. And Virgil Flowers is about three steps beyond great.
I've read four books in the PREY series and enjoyed them all. Lucas Davenport, the protagonist of that series, is a great character. But what makes the Virgil Flowers series even better is the fact that its protagonist is even more "dimensional."
How real is Virgil Flowers? Folks, I wouldn't be surprised if he walked into the room right now, plopped down in a chair, brushed a crumb off of one of his obscure rock band t-shirts, and asked me if I observed anything strange last night. That's how real Virgil is.
If you're not reading this series yet, you're missing out. HOLY GHOST was recently #1 on the NYT Bestseller List. Sometimes you see books on that list and scratch your head and wonder why folks love a particular book so much; other times you see a name like John Sandford or Stephen King or Gillian Flynn or JK Rowling and you nod your head and smile because you know they've got game. You know they're there for a reason.
Sandford is a master. Do yourself a favor and read him.
October 14, 2018
I enjoy John Sandford's novels a lot. And I am particularly fond of Virgil Flowers. And I would have given this a three except for it moved a little slowly, seemed to have too much filler of stock conversations, and I was EXTREMELY IRRITATED that the guilty party was barely introduced until three/fourths of the way into the novel. That's no good.
January 11, 2025
4 Stars. Intentional? Or inadvertent? It appears to this reader that Sandford's occasional subliminal messages are on billboards in this one. Look at the name of the novel. The story's epicentre is the small, rural town of Wheatfield, Minnesota which suddenly becomes the focal point for all things Catholic. The Virgin Mary has appeared in the local church. It had been failing, and the town too, but her appearance revives both. With the sighting, Mayor Wardell Holland's convenience store nearby is flourishing under the tourist trade. Later, someone looks carefully at an iPhone picture and asks if anyone else thinks the apparition looks like the cashier in Holland's store! Others don't see it. Then three parishioners are shot on the steps of the church, one of them fatally, Margery Osborne, a Wheatfield local. The shots came from several hundred yards away. Was a CZ.223 Varmint used? Because no one heard the shot, did it have a suppressor? The gun culture moves to the fore, with detailed comparisons of various weapons, and attitudes which took centre stage in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Intentional to me. And another good one. (Ap2021/Ja2025)
November 22, 2018
Each year, I eagerly await the release of John Sandford's latest Virgil Flowers novels. The series has become one of the few that I routinely keep track of. There's just something about Flower's off-kilter approach to crime fighting that makes the books must-read events. When I was offered an advanced copy of the eleventh and latest novel in the series, I eagerly accepted. It sat on my "to be read" list a bit longer than I anticipated, but the pages flew by as soon as I began reading it.
Typical to the Flower's series, Holy Ghost begins with a bit of an absurd set up. The local mayor of a small Minnesota town is shooting at the pervasive flies in his trailer. He and a couple other citizens are complaining about the downfall of the town. People just don't come here anymore, and the local businesses are beginning to crumble. Then they have a bright idea that is sure to change their fortunes.
Weeks later an apparition of the Virgin Mary conveniently appears at the local Catholic church. Just like that, the town's fortunes are improved. People from all over begin flocking from all over for the chance to witness another miracle. The mayor and his friends happened to open a general store of sorts directly across from the church a few weeks before the blessed appearance. Now the entire town is facing a revitalizing windfall. But a lone shooter seems to have it out for the town. A few weeks into the new found prosperity, two people have been shot.
Enter Virgil Flowers, the rough and tumble detective for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. His harder edges have been softened by his girlfriend Frankie. The couple is expecting their first child together, so Virgil is truly starting to settle down. Still, his unconventional methods and everyman personality still help him to solve the "hard ones". As the Virgil arrives in town, the shooter claims his first fatality, and the urgency of the case intensifies. The livelihood of an entire town depends on him.
With Holy Ghost, author John Sandford continues to fire on all cylinders with this series. He perfectly mixes engaging characters with a gripping mystery. Unlike many of the previous novels, the identity of the villain in this one is kept secret throughout. There was a heightened thrill in discovering the bad guy with Virgil. I've been a bit worried about the development of Virgil's personal life in the past few books, but I think his relationship with Frankie has grounded him in a way that has only made him more relatable. Holy Ghost is a novel in a fantastic series by an author who is at the top of his game. I can't wait to read the next one!
Typical to the Flower's series, Holy Ghost begins with a bit of an absurd set up. The local mayor of a small Minnesota town is shooting at the pervasive flies in his trailer. He and a couple other citizens are complaining about the downfall of the town. People just don't come here anymore, and the local businesses are beginning to crumble. Then they have a bright idea that is sure to change their fortunes.
Weeks later an apparition of the Virgin Mary conveniently appears at the local Catholic church. Just like that, the town's fortunes are improved. People from all over begin flocking from all over for the chance to witness another miracle. The mayor and his friends happened to open a general store of sorts directly across from the church a few weeks before the blessed appearance. Now the entire town is facing a revitalizing windfall. But a lone shooter seems to have it out for the town. A few weeks into the new found prosperity, two people have been shot.
Enter Virgil Flowers, the rough and tumble detective for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. His harder edges have been softened by his girlfriend Frankie. The couple is expecting their first child together, so Virgil is truly starting to settle down. Still, his unconventional methods and everyman personality still help him to solve the "hard ones". As the Virgil arrives in town, the shooter claims his first fatality, and the urgency of the case intensifies. The livelihood of an entire town depends on him.
With Holy Ghost, author John Sandford continues to fire on all cylinders with this series. He perfectly mixes engaging characters with a gripping mystery. Unlike many of the previous novels, the identity of the villain in this one is kept secret throughout. There was a heightened thrill in discovering the bad guy with Virgil. I've been a bit worried about the development of Virgil's personal life in the past few books, but I think his relationship with Frankie has grounded him in a way that has only made him more relatable. Holy Ghost is a novel in a fantastic series by an author who is at the top of his game. I can't wait to read the next one!
October 15, 2018
Virgil Flowers is back! And while he may be a bit more mellow than before he hooked up with girlfriend Frankie Nobles - who's pregnant with their baby, by the way - he hasn't lost much of his irreverent edge. Flashes of humor are here as always, this time nailing politics, frozen potpies and even visions of the Virgin Mary. Also sprinkled liberally throughout is the "f" word (fans of Virgil won't be shocked at all, but I mention it as a caution to those who might be).
In my eyes, though, Virgil can do no wrong (well, let's say that when he does, it just makes him more lovable). In fact, I learned here that we have a new special bond; apparently, both of us are good at distinguishing the smells of manure from various farm animals (cows, chickens, pigs and horses in particular). I don't know about Virgil, but it's a skill I honed by spending my 18 formative years on a farm and at county fairs.
As this story begins, Virgil is called to a tiny town in Minnesota, where a random sniper may be at work. Not long ago, the town became a tourist attraction, thanks to mysterious sightings of a "floating" Virgin Mary image at the local Catholic church. So far, two victims have been targeted - but as luck (or bad aim) would have it, neither was killed. That changes, though, when one of the town's socialites takes a fatal bullet.
The only clue is that all were shot at precisely 4:15 p.m., but no one can figure out why. Virgil and his cohorts, including Jenkins and Shrake, keep working the case, which early on leads to a local shooting range (after all, regular customers would be expected to know their way around guns). Nothing turns up - not even the owner - until the investigative team gets another unwelcome surprise. That the community also serves as home to a group of Nazi sympathizers adds more possibilities to the mix.
More details I can't reveal without spoiling things for others, but I will say (grudgingly) that the person I was certain was the shooter was way off the mark. The identity of the real killer - and the motive - came as a complete surprise (and the ending brought a surprise of a totally different sort). All told, this is yet another Flowers book that comes up roses. Good job!
In my eyes, though, Virgil can do no wrong (well, let's say that when he does, it just makes him more lovable). In fact, I learned here that we have a new special bond; apparently, both of us are good at distinguishing the smells of manure from various farm animals (cows, chickens, pigs and horses in particular). I don't know about Virgil, but it's a skill I honed by spending my 18 formative years on a farm and at county fairs.
As this story begins, Virgil is called to a tiny town in Minnesota, where a random sniper may be at work. Not long ago, the town became a tourist attraction, thanks to mysterious sightings of a "floating" Virgin Mary image at the local Catholic church. So far, two victims have been targeted - but as luck (or bad aim) would have it, neither was killed. That changes, though, when one of the town's socialites takes a fatal bullet.
The only clue is that all were shot at precisely 4:15 p.m., but no one can figure out why. Virgil and his cohorts, including Jenkins and Shrake, keep working the case, which early on leads to a local shooting range (after all, regular customers would be expected to know their way around guns). Nothing turns up - not even the owner - until the investigative team gets another unwelcome surprise. That the community also serves as home to a group of Nazi sympathizers adds more possibilities to the mix.
More details I can't reveal without spoiling things for others, but I will say (grudgingly) that the person I was certain was the shooter was way off the mark. The identity of the real killer - and the motive - came as a complete surprise (and the ending brought a surprise of a totally different sort). All told, this is yet another Flowers book that comes up roses. Good job!
October 29, 2018
Not a very good effort out of Sandford regarding this book. Too much pot pie, too much time spent in a small town, and subtle digs about society.
October 8, 2018
As a reader who's followed all of John Sandford's fiction series, I feel like I've gone home for a family reunion when I pick up one of the Virgil Flowers, Lucas Davenport or Luellen-Kidd books. Nobody depicts rural life -- where nothing ever happens, yet something is happening all the time -- and rural people better than John Sandford.
This was a particularly fun installment. Virgil is sent to a tiny farming village that is barely holding on to practice his unconventional brand of investigation. None of the typical secretive, us-against-them manner for Flowers: this agent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension uses instead a more-the-merrier approach to solving crime.
Sounds goofball, but this is seriously good writing, with spot-on dialogue, and a plot that considers, and abandons, a significant percentage of the town's residents as the possible perpetrator of shootings against -- churchgoers?
Just as Sandford doesn't condescend to his characters, he never talks down to his readers. He respects their intelligence, and the frequent funny bits rely less on wisecracks than on the humor inherent in the situation.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC!
This was a particularly fun installment. Virgil is sent to a tiny farming village that is barely holding on to practice his unconventional brand of investigation. None of the typical secretive, us-against-them manner for Flowers: this agent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension uses instead a more-the-merrier approach to solving crime.
Sounds goofball, but this is seriously good writing, with spot-on dialogue, and a plot that considers, and abandons, a significant percentage of the town's residents as the possible perpetrator of shootings against -- churchgoers?
Just as Sandford doesn't condescend to his characters, he never talks down to his readers. He respects their intelligence, and the frequent funny bits rely less on wisecracks than on the humor inherent in the situation.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC!
January 22, 2020
I was just searching through the list of Sandford's books trying to find one I had tried and discarded. I guess it was too many years ago before Goodreads. Maybe it's a false memory.
I enjoyed reading this book as it had a slow but steady pace as Flowers is called in to investigate murders in a small Minnesota town. The characters are likable and the mystery a very tricky one. The town life provides some chuckles for sure.
A couple of "geniuses" come up with a plan to attract tourists by staging a visitation of the Virgin Mary at their local church. Before this magnet, the main industry of the town was the shooting range owned by one of the people fated to become another murder victim.
It takes a team effort to solve the crime wave and there are some near misses. Flowers survives the arrow to the heart as it did not penetrate his protective vest, but one of the men ends up in the hospital.
I will look for more Virgil Flowers books.
Library Loan
I enjoyed reading this book as it had a slow but steady pace as Flowers is called in to investigate murders in a small Minnesota town. The characters are likable and the mystery a very tricky one. The town life provides some chuckles for sure.
A couple of "geniuses" come up with a plan to attract tourists by staging a visitation of the Virgin Mary at their local church. Before this magnet, the main industry of the town was the shooting range owned by one of the people fated to become another murder victim.
It takes a team effort to solve the crime wave and there are some near misses. Flowers survives the arrow to the heart as it did not penetrate his protective vest, but one of the men ends up in the hospital.
I will look for more Virgil Flowers books.
Library Loan
February 18, 2019
In a small town in Minnesota, the Virgin Mary has taken to appearing in a small church. Is it a hoax? That's really none of Virgil Flowers' business, but the maniac who has taken to shooting people outside the church is!
The 11th Virgil Flowers novel is every bit as delightful as the previous ones. Virgil has grown a bit, settling in to the idea of being a father.
The book just zooms an bounces along. As usual the supporting characters are all well rounded and interesting. I am hoping for a couple of them to come back in future books.
My cup of happiness overflowed when Jenkins and Shrake appeared. The BCA's bully boys are possibly my favourites of John Sandford's supporting characters.
"Holy Ghost" is an excellent addition to the Virgil Flowers series, which has now overtaken the Lucas Davenport books as my preferred John Sandford reads.
Highly recommended.
The 11th Virgil Flowers novel is every bit as delightful as the previous ones. Virgil has grown a bit, settling in to the idea of being a father.
The book just zooms an bounces along. As usual the supporting characters are all well rounded and interesting. I am hoping for a couple of them to come back in future books.
My cup of happiness overflowed when Jenkins and Shrake appeared. The BCA's bully boys are possibly my favourites of John Sandford's supporting characters.
"Holy Ghost" is an excellent addition to the Virgil Flowers series, which has now overtaken the Lucas Davenport books as my preferred John Sandford reads.
Highly recommended.
March 10, 2019
It's another Virgil Flowers book. They're great! If you've read one, then you know they should be read in order, although this one stands alone better than many. No appearance by Lucas, although the there are a few of the typical crew.
It's another typically twisty mystery with a satisfying ending. Sandford even went so far as to wrap up most of the secondary characters which is unusual, but a nice touch. Well narrated, as usual. Highly recommended.
It's another typically twisty mystery with a satisfying ending. Sandford even went so far as to wrap up most of the secondary characters which is unusual, but a nice touch. Well narrated, as usual. Highly recommended.
October 27, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy of this book. I am a big fan of this series, and appreciate not needing to wait for a copy, which I surely would get when available.
What I love most about the Virgil Flowers series are the characters, especially Virgil himself., a lawman from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The humor in their banter makes the actual plot less important; it's almost just there to provide a vehicle for the character's interactions. But in this one, the plot seems to be more upfront and involved. But don't despair - there's plenty of the banter, too.
A new character, a local 17 year old high-school kid named Skinner who is too smart for the small town, provides a lot of interest and humor to the story; I hope he returns in later episodes. He didn't like cops too much to start with because of a local cop from a few year previous who used to give him a hard time; the cop would pull him over every time he was out driving with a girlfriend, yank him out of his car, and yell at him. At first, Virgil felt sorry for the kid, until he found out Skinner usually had an open beer.... and he was twelve at the time.
Skinner is definitely no dummy, though. He comes up with a way to make money for himself, his buddy the mayor, and the town as a whole during a steady decline in the town's prosperity, such as it is. He and the mayor, whose favorite past-time is shooting flies in his trailer, fabricate a Virgin Mary sighting at the local church, which brings in a lot of outsiders hoping to catch sight of her.. This actually works out well until people start getting shot outside the church, and this is what brings Virgil into the story. The Mayor and Skinner are especially motivated to solve the case, as it promises to spoil their money-making scheme. And so, this sets up the story and gives lots of opportunities for humor as Virgil, the mayor, and Skinner all work together to solve the mystery.
I have really come to love this series, after reading all of the available books. I will beg, borrow, or steal any of the series, and might even read some twice. If you've ever seen the TV series "Justified" and liked it, you will probably like this series, too.
What I love most about the Virgil Flowers series are the characters, especially Virgil himself., a lawman from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The humor in their banter makes the actual plot less important; it's almost just there to provide a vehicle for the character's interactions. But in this one, the plot seems to be more upfront and involved. But don't despair - there's plenty of the banter, too.
A new character, a local 17 year old high-school kid named Skinner who is too smart for the small town, provides a lot of interest and humor to the story; I hope he returns in later episodes. He didn't like cops too much to start with because of a local cop from a few year previous who used to give him a hard time; the cop would pull him over every time he was out driving with a girlfriend, yank him out of his car, and yell at him. At first, Virgil felt sorry for the kid, until he found out Skinner usually had an open beer.... and he was twelve at the time.
Skinner is definitely no dummy, though. He comes up with a way to make money for himself, his buddy the mayor, and the town as a whole during a steady decline in the town's prosperity, such as it is. He and the mayor, whose favorite past-time is shooting flies in his trailer, fabricate a Virgin Mary sighting at the local church, which brings in a lot of outsiders hoping to catch sight of her.. This actually works out well until people start getting shot outside the church, and this is what brings Virgil into the story. The Mayor and Skinner are especially motivated to solve the case, as it promises to spoil their money-making scheme. And so, this sets up the story and gives lots of opportunities for humor as Virgil, the mayor, and Skinner all work together to solve the mystery.
I have really come to love this series, after reading all of the available books. I will beg, borrow, or steal any of the series, and might even read some twice. If you've ever seen the TV series "Justified" and liked it, you will probably like this series, too.
October 13, 2018
Typical Virgil Flowers/John Sandford novel...……...well developed plot with lots of twists and red herrings, great characters and entertaining dialogue, action, suspense, humor, etc. Virgil Flowers will pick you up and take you for a ride. Unfortunately I finished the novel and now have nothing to replace it. Bummer!
November 5, 2018
Almost stopped reading this 40% through. Interminable speculation and little real movement on who was sniping people in a little town where the Blessed Virgin had made an "apparition." Eventually, Virgil calls forth his deductive powers and movement begins to run at a pretty satisfying clip. If you like Virgil, this will fulfill your wishes at long last.
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