Shock Wave (A Virgil Flowers Novel)

Unfortunately, it’s become clear to me, having now read a dozen or so books in this genre, that if one truly appreciates the written word, in all of its wonderfully creative and literary forms, one is essentially looking, at best, a 70/30 chance of coming away disappointed. This work by Sanford, “Shockwave,” is also unfortunately one of them, so overridden with horribly vapid attempts at cavalier dialogue and banal machismo that it nearly sends this otherwise well thought out plot into oblivion.

Virgil Flowers, our main protagonist, is actually portrayed rather badly here as the alpha-male…a “surfer-dude looking” type, Sanford, seemingly, can't decide on portraying him as 1) an “aw shucks” cowboy type, 2) a Bass Pro Shop expert fly-fisherman or 3) a cool stud-detective. And as a result of this crucial character build, we’re stuck with a completely superfluous lead character, one who bounces around in all these roles without ever actually converging onto a singular psyche. And as if this isn't enough, Sanford interjects these ridiculous religious undertones throughout that essentially seals its fate:

“Before he went to sleep, Virgil spent a few minutes thinking about God, and why he’d let a bomber run around killing people, although he was afraid that he knew the reason: because the small affairs of man were of not much concern to the All-Seeing, All knowing.” Well, Virgil, that’s extremely profound but so wrong-headed and irrelevant that I almost quit right there. Hey Sanford: there is no “god” you lunk-head and if you wanted to approach realism, you wouldn’t have added this further miasma of absurd articulation for us to get through to understand the plot.

And of this plot, it is. admittedly, what saves this dread…bombs are going off at an alarming rate in a small Minnesota town following an equally vicious explosion at the corporate offices of Willard Pye, real estate and business mogul who is developing a monster store near the river in town. The fear is that the river will get polluted, run into the nearby lake (one of the many in this area) and destroy the trout fishing. Also, and more importantly, it’ll send many small-town, privately owned businesses out, creating hate and discontent among the masses.

Virgil shows up and we learn that this bomber is likely a home-grown criminal and through many twists and turns (Sanford is actually VERY GOOD here…), we get to the climax slowly but enticingly. Although occasionally appearing as if he’s scribing strictly from his index-card outline, Sanford nevertheless provides an interesting and entertaining timeline that culminates in some surprising (to me) outcomes. The writing aside, this is a well thought out and scripted case that many readers, who are undoubtedly faithful to Sanford, illuminate about.

So now the question begs, will I attempt another Sanford work? Possibly…he’s written a long line of “Prey” novels (Rules of Prey, Shadow Prey, Eyes of Prey…) that get high marks in the the store reviews. One thing that I’ll be aware of, however, is the submergence of his prose into the utterly farcical...and that unfortunately pervades in this work.

My brother and I both love the Virgil Flowers series of books written by John Sandford. I had already read this one (library copy) and loved it, so I got him this copy for Christmas. He's a happy camper with all his Christmas books!

First I like Sanford's writing style. Feel bad that Virgil had a tough time fishing or relating to women in this book. That seems to add to his charm. It did cause me to lose sleep as it was hard to turn off the Kindle and go to bed. Will most likely reread this book.

I have always enjoyed the "prey " novels with Lucas Davenport. But their is something more off the cuff with the way Virgl does his detecting. I find myself look forward to this series more. Some authors can lose their way a little after a run with the same character, and they become predictible and dull. Sandford has found a way to keep life in Minnesota not only interesting but very believable. Their is something very calm in the way Virgil handles this case. Unlike Davenport who seemed to have a more underhand, violent way about him. I like the way Sandford still brings in some of the older characters, but not in a way that overwelms.
Look forward to more 'Flowers' novels

John Sandford is an awesome writer; the only issue I have with his books? There is alot of detail to get to the plot, but then it's like the ending/solution pops out too quickly amidst all the details you just had to muddle through.

Sandford's style is so readable. John's sick mind has created some of the most gruesome crime scenes and horrifically evil criminal masterminds over the last 20 years. Thanks for creating Virgil who has been schooled in Lucas Davenport's method of 'thinking' through the criminal's mind.

Another episode of the lawman every woman wants to get to know. Lots of running around with things exploding right and left. It was a page turner but does Virgil have a darker side? Hope we get to find out.

Another amazing read, "that f`n flowers" has done it again.
This time with out a shootout, but always with women on his mind.
I could not put this book down, John Sandford gets better with ever book.

Worse John Sandford (Virgil Flowers) book ever! Loved the Minnesota setting because I could relate to names of towns, hiways,etc. But after I read the book I thought what a waste of my time. Okay, I'll say it...the ending sucked!

John Sandford does it again, wonderful book, it grabs you from the start. A must have for any collection. Virgil Flowers seems to be Sandford's new hero but keeping Davenport alive. Loved it, a great birthday present.

Worse John Sandford (Virgil Flowers) book ever! Loved the Minnesota setting because I could relate to names of towns, hiways,etc. But after I read the book I thought what a waste of my time. Okay, I'll say it...the ending sucked!

John Sandford does it again, wonderful book, it grabs you from the start. A must have for any collection. Virgil Flowers seems to be Sandford's new hero but keeping Davenport alive. Loved it, a great birthday present.

nice read. quick and suspenseful. like that the characters have sense of humor! enjoyed maybe more than Davenp
ort and much more than Reacher. how did cruise get that part, a foot too short and 80# too light

???

I enjoyed the book. I especially enjoy the wit at times that John uses. The books are interesting & keep you turning the pages. Although I enjoyed the book & have no regrets at all of reading it, I found it to be a little less than his other books of Virgil Flowers.