Rough Country

I read quite a few procedurals, and since Lucas Davenport first came gunslinging onto the scene chasing the maddog killer, he's consistently been by far my favorite 'serial cop.' But.... I think I need to confess that I've been cheating on Lucas recently. With That F***ing Flowers, of all people! He's just so laid BACK, you know? And always looking for a way to show a girl a good time before he gets his. Not to mention that it's a lot easier to hang out with a guy who wears vintage t-shirts instead of Italian suits. I find myself watching the release dates list, wondering which of them I'll be spending the night with next. I guess it's a good thing that these are fictional men....

I've got to say that Virgil really grows on you. The action and twists kept me guessing the entire time. I couldn't put it down. I've liked Virgil since Invisible Prey, (back then I wondered what kind of a name was Virgil Flowers for a hippy-type cop?) his laid-back manner and his aversion to guns. That's so funny for a cop in his position to not like guns the way he does. I've always liked the Prey novels and John Sandford's really done it up right again. Each Virgil Flower's offering keeps getting better. Although, I felt a little sorry for Virgil at the end of Rough Country. I won't elaborate for spoiler sake. But come on! Didn't he suffer enough in the line of duty? Isn't the hero supposed to get a little something in the end? It was an excellent read all the way around. If John will keep writing them, I'll keep reading them!

Okay, I admit it. I've got a crush on Virgil Flowers, John Sandford's great new detective. Flowers is reminiscent of Lucas Davenport during his younger, single years. Davenport is now older, married, and unfortunately boring. So, I've been thrilled that Sandford created a younger, hipper, sexier detective, one who thinks about God a few minutes every night before he goes to sleep but oozes sex appeal during the daylight hours. Whereas Davenport dealt with his depression and mental demons, Virgil has a brighter outlook on life. That's refreshing. The plot is fast-paced and involving. While I've been reading John Sandford for almost 20 years, I was wholly taken by surprise at the end of the investigation. The final twist is interesting and unnerving. Totally didn't see that coming. But, it's Virgil Flowers with his quasi surfer look, obscure and sometimes old-school band t-shirts, cool demeanor, and quiet intelligence that really floats my boat. He's a great character. I'm already looking forward to the next book.