Publication
New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2016.
Collection
Call number
Fiction S
Physical description
392 p.; 24 cm
Status
Available
Call number
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:Whenever you hear the sky rumble, that usually means a storm. In Virgil Flowers� case, make that two. The exceptional new thriller from the writer whose books are �pure reading pleasure� (Booklist). The first storm comes from, of all places, the Minnesota zoo. Two large, and very rare, Amur tigers have vanished from their cage, and authorities are worried sick that they�ve been stolen for their body parts. Traditional Chinese medicine prizes those parts for home remedies, and people will do extreme things to get what they need. Some of them are a great deal more extreme than others�as Virgil is about to find out. Then there�s the homefront. Virgil�s relationship with his girlfriend Frankie has been getting kind of serious, but when Frankie�s sister Sparkle moves in for the summer, the situation gets a lot more complicated. For one thing, her research into migrant workers is about to bring her up against some very violent people who emphatically do not want to be researched. For another�she thinks Virgil�s kind of cute. �You mess around with Sparkle,� Frankie told Virgil, �you could get yourself stabbed.� �She carries a knife?� �No, but I do.� Forget a storm�this one�s a tornado.… (more)
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User reviews
LibraryThing member grumpydan
A pair of rare Amur tigers are abducted from a zoo, to be used to make various Chinese medicines. The underground market is quite lucrative and those involved could make a lot of money. Vigil Flowers starts following the trial of the thieves and soon dead bodies (humans) start accumulating the more
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he investigates. Although, we know who took the tigers and why, this is still a suspenseful story. It is also quite graphic when it comes to the tigers. John Sanford doesn’t disappoint with his characters and story telling. Vigil is human and likable. Although, there may be some slow points, it never gets dull. Show Less
LibraryThing member phoenixcomet
A solid and fun novel by Sandford featuring "that fuckin' Flowers". When 2 tigers are stolen from a local zoo, the race is on before they become tiger burgers for sale. A fun fast read where you can't wait for the bad guy to get it in the end.
LibraryThing member Twink
Virgil Flowers started out as a supporting character in John Sandford's 'Prey' series. But Virgil proved to be pretty popular and ended up with his own series. Escape Clause is the ninth book in his series.
What makes Virgil so popular? He's a 'good ole boy' with a laid back attitude, loves fishing
So I was eager to see what his latest case was. This time 'round, Virgil is after two tigers stolen from the Minnesota zoo. Is it animal rights activists or has someone stolen them for their value in traditional Chinese medicine? And on the homefront, Frankie's sister Sparkle has come to visit. Sparkle seems to be ruffling some feathers at a local business that could mean trouble.
In the zoo case there's no mystery as to who dunnit, but it's enjoyable to ride along as Virgil and his team try to piece it together and make it stick. That journey is a lot of fun, but fair warning - there is some violence.
But for me the real draw of the Virgil books are the characters. The supporting cast of players is just as great as Virgil. I've always enjoyed mainstays Jenkins and Shrake. There's a cameo by Lucas Davenport and faithful readers will spot the tie in to Sandford's last book. The dialogue is the other thing I really enjoy - it's quick, wry and witty.
This series isn't high drama or contain convoluted plotting. What it is, is just plain entertaining. Great quirky characters, left of centre plotting and witty dialogue add up to a quick and addictive read. The trademark phrase 'That f****ng Flowers is always fun to watch for.
Fans of the television show Fargo would enjoy this series. And upon saying that, I think it would be great to see Virgil on the screen as well. Now, who should be cast as the lead.......
What makes Virgil so popular? He's a 'good ole boy' with a laid back attitude, loves fishing
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as much as he loves working and his cases are always, well, odd. He's got an eye for the ladies (and the ladies for him) but things seem to be getting more serious with girlfriend Frankie. He's crap with a gun, often not even bothering to carry one and instead relies on his wits and his mouth to get him out of tight situations. Bottom line, I just like him.So I was eager to see what his latest case was. This time 'round, Virgil is after two tigers stolen from the Minnesota zoo. Is it animal rights activists or has someone stolen them for their value in traditional Chinese medicine? And on the homefront, Frankie's sister Sparkle has come to visit. Sparkle seems to be ruffling some feathers at a local business that could mean trouble.
In the zoo case there's no mystery as to who dunnit, but it's enjoyable to ride along as Virgil and his team try to piece it together and make it stick. That journey is a lot of fun, but fair warning - there is some violence.
But for me the real draw of the Virgil books are the characters. The supporting cast of players is just as great as Virgil. I've always enjoyed mainstays Jenkins and Shrake. There's a cameo by Lucas Davenport and faithful readers will spot the tie in to Sandford's last book. The dialogue is the other thing I really enjoy - it's quick, wry and witty.
This series isn't high drama or contain convoluted plotting. What it is, is just plain entertaining. Great quirky characters, left of centre plotting and witty dialogue add up to a quick and addictive read. The trademark phrase 'That f****ng Flowers is always fun to watch for.
Fans of the television show Fargo would enjoy this series. And upon saying that, I think it would be great to see Virgil on the screen as well. Now, who should be cast as the lead.......
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LibraryThing member ecw0647
That “Fuckin’” Flowers, as he is affectionately called, is relaxing in his favorite swimming hole with Frankie, his girl” on her farm after putting up some hay, a task Virgil hates, so she can sell it instead of feeding it to her non-existent cattle and can claim it as a business expense.
Best Sandford series, bar none. They are all good.
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All of a sudden her sister Sparkle charges down the path with her squeeze Bob, a nine-months-out-of-the-year-celibate priest (she only gets it during the summer.) If that weren’t a good enough beginning, Virgil is called away to find two tigers that had been stolen from the Minnesota State Fair zoo. Best Sandford series, bar none. They are all good.
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LibraryThing member norinrad10
I started reading John Sanford with his first book, Rules of Prey, because I fell in love with the character of Lucas Davenport. These days though I think I enjoy the Virgil Flowers tales more. In his latest adventure Virgil chases after some tiger thieves. These books are starting to take a little
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Elmore Leonard flavor on. There is a sense of humor to the stories and the crooks are not exactly geniuses. I like the cross pollination of characters between series as well. If you are looking for some enjoyable reading, this book is what the doctor ordered. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rockett
Best ending of any book ever. Virgil Flowers tracks 2 tigers abducted from the zoo.
LibraryThing member bfister
A mildly entertaining if not-very-memorable thriller involving big cats stolen from a zoo to be used for parts. Not for people who can't stand animals in jeopardy.
LibraryThing member shazjhb
Always writes good books. So enjoyable.
LibraryThing member jamespurcell
A typical week in the life of that f**kin Flowers as he tries to track down two rare Amur Tigers stolen from a zoo to be turned into many dollars worth of oriental medicines. One of the Keystone Kops-like tigernappers turns serial killer to cover his, not the tigers', tracks. Much good sleuthing is
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done while; simultaneously and covertly, addressing some local and personal issues. Aptly appropriate endings resolve all the crimes in true Flower Fashion. Show Less
LibraryThing member gmmartz
Virgil Flowers running the show and the great Lucas Davenport now but a voice on the phone, is the story of a quirky kidnapping of a couple of exotic tigers from the Minneapolis zoo. The crime is impressively planned and carried out, but things begin falling apart for the criminals once Flowers
I continue to marvel at how seamlessly this series has transitioned from being led by Lucas Davenport (one of the great detectives in the genre, IMO) to Virgil Flowers, approaching 'greatness' in his own right. Through the many years Sandford has had the series in play, he skillfully 'aged' Davenport, established the Flowers character as his own man with unique skills and personality, and is now taking Flowers through the same process while Davenport recedes. It's really been a pleasure to follow.
You'll enjoy the writing, dialogue, and story in 'Escape Clause'.... another Sandford gem.
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gets on the trail and the cat-napping turns into much more serious stuff.I continue to marvel at how seamlessly this series has transitioned from being led by Lucas Davenport (one of the great detectives in the genre, IMO) to Virgil Flowers, approaching 'greatness' in his own right. Through the many years Sandford has had the series in play, he skillfully 'aged' Davenport, established the Flowers character as his own man with unique skills and personality, and is now taking Flowers through the same process while Davenport recedes. It's really been a pleasure to follow.
You'll enjoy the writing, dialogue, and story in 'Escape Clause'.... another Sandford gem.
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LibraryThing member readafew
Escape Clause is the 9th book in the Virgil Flowers series, my how the time flies! It doesn’t seem that long ago that Sandford only had Davenport Prey books out! While Lucas Davenport always seemed a bit grittier and in your face violence. Virgil Flowers is a little more laid back, though no less
Two Amur tigers are discovered missing from the Minnesota Zoo. It looks like a fairly well planned operation, no one saw anything and there are very few clues to follow. Virgil does help figure out how they were able to make them disappear and one of the local teens gave him a hint where to look for some evidence.
The two big leading theories were that they were stolen by animal rights activists to ‘protect’ the tigers or by someone looking to turn them into traditional chinese medicine. And when no demands were made, it was more and more likely that it was for the latter. Talking with some of the extreme animal rights activists enforced this belief, since even they felt zoos were needed in cases like the endangered Amur tiger. And every day that the tigers weren’t recovered was increasing the chances that they would be killed and processed into little medicine bottles.
On top of this Virgil’s girlfriend’s sister, is home visiting, a hot little number coming home to do some research for her thesis, and the research is to bring to light some illegal employment practices by a local food processor. They don’t like it and try to warn her off a couple times (though other people are the ones paying for her interference). One is her sister and this distracts Virgil from finding the tigers.
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competent at his job (and he works/ed for Lucas). The Virgil books seem to be much more humorous in the reading and less intense. Two Amur tigers are discovered missing from the Minnesota Zoo. It looks like a fairly well planned operation, no one saw anything and there are very few clues to follow. Virgil does help figure out how they were able to make them disappear and one of the local teens gave him a hint where to look for some evidence.
The two big leading theories were that they were stolen by animal rights activists to ‘protect’ the tigers or by someone looking to turn them into traditional chinese medicine. And when no demands were made, it was more and more likely that it was for the latter. Talking with some of the extreme animal rights activists enforced this belief, since even they felt zoos were needed in cases like the endangered Amur tiger. And every day that the tigers weren’t recovered was increasing the chances that they would be killed and processed into little medicine bottles.
On top of this Virgil’s girlfriend’s sister, is home visiting, a hot little number coming home to do some research for her thesis, and the research is to bring to light some illegal employment practices by a local food processor. They don’t like it and try to warn her off a couple times (though other people are the ones paying for her interference). One is her sister and this distracts Virgil from finding the tigers.
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LibraryThing member Tatoosh
You can predict the ultimate climax after the first 1/3 of the book. What you can't figure out is how the author will make it seem plausible. I found John Sandford's clever approach to the conclusion I knew was coming to be both interesting and believable. That's not enough to elevate "Escape
Two tigers are stolen from the Minnesota zoo and the whole state is in an uproar. At least we are told that everyone is upset but only a few comments here and there attest to that sentiment. Most of the staff of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is busy working on the security arrangements for the coming Minnesota State Fair, so Flowers is assigned the case and told he will not have any assistance. Nevertheless, the BCA supporting cast members play their usual roles. Shrake and Jenkins, the BCA "thugs," are called on to fill their typical stakeout role and Sandy, the BCA researcher, even has time for a quick trip to California.
Most novels in the Flowers and Davenport series include a subplot and "Escape Clause" is no exception. Virgil's girlfriend, Frankie, is beaten by two thugs when she is mistaken for her sister. The BCA assigns Catrin Mattson to the case to insure that Flowers continues to focus on the hunt for the tigers and to prevent him from resorting to vigilante justice when he finds the guilty parties. Mattson's role, little more than a cameo, is depicted as a female version of Jenkins and Shrake.
"Escape Clause" also relegates Davenport to a cameo; but his appearance is unnecessary name-dropping. Flowers consults with Davenport a couple of times and Lucas, who is now retired from the BCA, checks in occasionally to see how the investigation is developing,
Also noticeable is the diminishing use of "that fucking Flowers" as a colorful characterization of Flowers unorthodox approach to solving cases. I recall the use of that appellation only once in the book. I guess now that Flowers is the lead BCA investigator he is becoming more conventional.
"Escape Clause" is not one of Sandford's better efforts. It may be that producing a Flowers, Davenport, and Science Fiction novel, all in the space of a year, has over-extended Sandford. For whatever reason, the story moves at a leisurely pace the result is not as satisfying. Nevertheless, reading Sandford's clever, witty writing is always a pleasant diversion and "Escape Clause" is mildly disappointing only because I have come to expect much more from Sandford.
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Clause" to the level of Sandford's earlier novels in the Virgil Flowers series but I appreciated his creative solution.Two tigers are stolen from the Minnesota zoo and the whole state is in an uproar. At least we are told that everyone is upset but only a few comments here and there attest to that sentiment. Most of the staff of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is busy working on the security arrangements for the coming Minnesota State Fair, so Flowers is assigned the case and told he will not have any assistance. Nevertheless, the BCA supporting cast members play their usual roles. Shrake and Jenkins, the BCA "thugs," are called on to fill their typical stakeout role and Sandy, the BCA researcher, even has time for a quick trip to California.
Most novels in the Flowers and Davenport series include a subplot and "Escape Clause" is no exception. Virgil's girlfriend, Frankie, is beaten by two thugs when she is mistaken for her sister. The BCA assigns Catrin Mattson to the case to insure that Flowers continues to focus on the hunt for the tigers and to prevent him from resorting to vigilante justice when he finds the guilty parties. Mattson's role, little more than a cameo, is depicted as a female version of Jenkins and Shrake.
"Escape Clause" also relegates Davenport to a cameo; but his appearance is unnecessary name-dropping. Flowers consults with Davenport a couple of times and Lucas, who is now retired from the BCA, checks in occasionally to see how the investigation is developing,
Also noticeable is the diminishing use of "that fucking Flowers" as a colorful characterization of Flowers unorthodox approach to solving cases. I recall the use of that appellation only once in the book. I guess now that Flowers is the lead BCA investigator he is becoming more conventional.
"Escape Clause" is not one of Sandford's better efforts. It may be that producing a Flowers, Davenport, and Science Fiction novel, all in the space of a year, has over-extended Sandford. For whatever reason, the story moves at a leisurely pace the result is not as satisfying. Nevertheless, reading Sandford's clever, witty writing is always a pleasant diversion and "Escape Clause" is mildly disappointing only because I have come to expect much more from Sandford.
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LibraryThing member cathyskye
Shortly after the tigers are stolen in Escape Clause, one of the thieves makes a remark about the female which provided so much anticipation that it lasted throughout the book and helped me ignore my intense dislike of so-called medicine that relies on exterminating the wildlife of this planet.
This was my first foray into Sandford's Virgil Flowers series, and I enjoyed the humor and the character of Virgil. I liked his quick, logical thinking and the way he got the investigation in high gear with very little fuss. It was also a pleasure to see that various law enforcement agencies could actually work together harmoniously for a common aim.
The pace did bog down a bit when Flowers had to wait for the bad guy-in-chief to come unglued and make more mistakes, but then there was Sparkle to worry about. Sparkle had a typical young person's lack of vision, with no concept of what her dissertation was getting her (and others) into.
Yes, indeed. I enjoyed my first visit with Virgil Flowers, and I'm sure that there will be more in the future.
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This was my first foray into Sandford's Virgil Flowers series, and I enjoyed the humor and the character of Virgil. I liked his quick, logical thinking and the way he got the investigation in high gear with very little fuss. It was also a pleasure to see that various law enforcement agencies could actually work together harmoniously for a common aim.
The pace did bog down a bit when Flowers had to wait for the bad guy-in-chief to come unglued and make more mistakes, but then there was Sparkle to worry about. Sparkle had a typical young person's lack of vision, with no concept of what her dissertation was getting her (and others) into.
Yes, indeed. I enjoyed my first visit with Virgil Flowers, and I'm sure that there will be more in the future.
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LibraryThing member Brian55
I really enjoyed this, it was a fast read. I've read a few of Sanford's novels but, this is the first Virgil Flowers novel. I really liked the characters in this story. There were many unexpected twists but, not too many that the story got lost. The dry humor was great, a few times I had flashes of
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reading Carl Hiaasen. Show Less
LibraryThing member repb
Forget the ridiculous plot. Sandford lost me on this one when he introduced "Fr. Bill" - a poor excuse of a priest who is a disgrace to his religion. Instead Sandford portrays this lost character as cute and lovable. His usual deplorable language is bad enough, but he has crossed the line on this
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one. Show Less
LibraryThing member iadam
I received a free advance e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Virgil Flowers skinnydipping. Wow!! I’d like to see that! Another great Virgil Flowers thriller from John Sandford. The action and suspense never quits. We have two kidnapped Amur
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tigers, an investigation of a local factory employing migrant workers, a vengeful group of Armenians and as always Shrake and Jenkins and Lucas Davenport. Virgil (that fxxxing Flowers) has a quirky sense of humor and he can be a little unorthodox for a cop. Whenever he is involved there is a light peppering of bawdy language. Where does Virgil get his material? Virgil, a minister’s son, is so likable and so human. John Sandford is an excellent storyteller and as always I was hooked right from the beginning. I love the way the author brings out the playful rivalry between Minnesota and Wisconsin. I can relate as I live just across the border in Wisconsin. Another keeper by John Sandford! Now I just have to patiently wait for the next John Sandford thriller. Show Less
LibraryThing member dickmanikowski
The redoubtable Virgil Flowers finds himself assigned to a particularly unusual case--the hijacking of a pair of rare Amur tigers from the Minneapolis Zoo.
LibraryThing member thebookbabe
Worst book - nowhere near the quality of the earlier Virgil Flowers books. Can't believe Sandford wrote it. :(
LibraryThing member jefware
You can see it coming, you root for it and he delivers.
LibraryThing member Carlathelibrarian
Who would have thought that stolen tigers could be the premise of a Virgil Flowers Book. John Sandford's character, Minnesota BCA agent Virgil Flowers, returns in another entertaining mystery. Flowers is a laid-back guy who spends the bulk of his time investigating rural crime. Virgil is in a
When two endangered Amur tigers are stolen from the Minnesota Zoo, Virgil is assigned to lead the investigation. The fear is that they were stolen for their parts that are used to make non-traditional medicine specifically used in the Asian Markets. Because of this fear, Virgil needs to work fast. At the same time, Frankie is beat up and ends up in the hospital. Does this have something to do with Virgil, or with Sparkle who is trying to gather information about exploited workers and sneaks into a plant putting herself and others in danger. Virgil is being pulled in two directions with these two situations. Bodies start piling up as Virgil gets closer to the tiger thieves. The book shifts back and forth from Virgil's POV to the thieves POV but it is easy to follow. There is a lot of violence in this book but it is not described in depth. There are also some humorous spots as well. I was surprised I enjoyed this as well as I did, because I was not sure at the beginning. If you enjoy John Sandford books, you will enjoy this one as well. It is a fun crime mystery with entertaining characters and a story that brings to light endangered animals, exploitation of workers and the purpose of zoos in some cases.
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relationship with Frankie and her sister Sparkle is visiting to get information for her dissertation.When two endangered Amur tigers are stolen from the Minnesota Zoo, Virgil is assigned to lead the investigation. The fear is that they were stolen for their parts that are used to make non-traditional medicine specifically used in the Asian Markets. Because of this fear, Virgil needs to work fast. At the same time, Frankie is beat up and ends up in the hospital. Does this have something to do with Virgil, or with Sparkle who is trying to gather information about exploited workers and sneaks into a plant putting herself and others in danger. Virgil is being pulled in two directions with these two situations. Bodies start piling up as Virgil gets closer to the tiger thieves. The book shifts back and forth from Virgil's POV to the thieves POV but it is easy to follow. There is a lot of violence in this book but it is not described in depth. There are also some humorous spots as well. I was surprised I enjoyed this as well as I did, because I was not sure at the beginning. If you enjoy John Sandford books, you will enjoy this one as well. It is a fun crime mystery with entertaining characters and a story that brings to light endangered animals, exploitation of workers and the purpose of zoos in some cases.
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LibraryThing member judithrs
Escape Clause. A Virgil Flowers Novel. John Sandford. 2016. Virgil is at his best. Two rare tigers have been stolen from a local zoo, and he is called on the find them before they’re killed. The missing cats are a hot topic with the public. Virgil finds himself dealing with strange people dealing
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with oriental medicine and with the PETA weirdos. The thieves are mean and crazy so Virgil has his hands full. On top of that Sparkle, Virgil’s girlfriend, Frankie’s sister has showed up determined to interview illegal Mexicans working in the local canning factory. She is determined to expose the horrible conditions these people are working in. Virgil is one of my favorite fictional characters, and will try to catch up on the titles I’ve missed. It is suspenseful and witty. Show Less
LibraryThing member lbswiener
Escape Clause is a story with a lot of gore. The main story is about people trying to make a lot of money with Chinese traditional medicine. The characters are believable as well as the settings. The time is today. Unfortunately the end came rather quick and did not tie up all of the pieces. One
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got the feeling that the author just forgot to finish the book. It is a good story but because of not finishing the book it received a solid four stars in this review. Show Less
LibraryThing member Andy_DiMartino
An excellent addition to Virgil's story.
LibraryThing member sleahey
When two endangered tigers are stolen from a zoo, Virgil Flowers is called on to locate them before they are killed for their high medicinal value. Murder and mayhem ensue, with Virgil's usual irreverence.
LibraryThing member JBreedlove
Brisk easy and entertaining read. JS filled the 468 page turner w action and his trade mark wise ass comments effectively. Summer in south Minnesota saw Virgil chasing nutty tiger thief and there were more than enough twists and turns to keep my attention. Though you did know from almost the
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beginning that the bad guy was gonna get 'et. It wil be a sad day when I run out of Virgil Flowers noverls. Show Less
Language
Original publication date
2016
ISBN
9780399168918