Shock Wave

By: John Sandford

Narrated by: Eric Conger

Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

The thrilling new Virgil Flowers novel from the #1 New York Times best-selling author.

The superstore chain PyeMart has its sights set on a Minnesota river town, but two very angry groups want to stop it: local merchants, fearing for their businesses, and environmentalists, predicting ecological disaster. The protests don't seem to be slowing the project, though, until someone decides to take matters into his own hands.

The first bomb goes off on the top floor of PyeMart's headquarters. The second one explodes at the construction site itself. The blasts are meant to inflict maximum damage-and they do. Who's behind the bombs, and how far will they go? It's Virgil Flowers's job to find out... before more people get killed.

©2011 John Sandford (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[Sandford]’s a thorough professional who knows exactly what he’s doing. Whether you’re new to Sandford or not, whether you’ve ever read a Virgil Flowers novel or not, once you start Shock Wave, you’ll read it straight through, quickly, compulsively, happy the whole time to be in such good hands.” (The Washington Post)

“Wry humor, a fully realized lead, and tense atmospherics...Sandford effortlessly conjures up the rhythms and personalities of a small town in one of his best outings to date.” (Publishers Weekly)

“If Shock Wave is any indication, Flowers has a better than even chance of equaling if not surpassing Davenport in the hearts and minds of Sandford’s legion of readers.” (Bookreporter)

Virgil Flowers is at it again!

Any of the Virgil Flowers novels by John Sanford are excellent reads. I can't wait for the next one!

Sanford at best. Wacky characters brought to life

Few authors can create such life-like dialogue, and throw in a few over-the-top characters for comedy relief (I laughed aloud a couple of times). This may be the best book in the series. Sanford keeps you guessing throughout the book, as Virgil chips away at the multilayered mystery.

Big fan of Virgil Flowers

I like characters who go their own way and do their own thing, and Virgil is very much like that. Very determined to get the job done, but not so much that he doesn't sneak a little fishing in. I like the Virgil books better than the other John Sandford series as you get to see a little more of the state and the people who live in the smaller, more rural areas.

Great Car Listening

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

I had an eight hour drive alone in my car. This book kept me awake and alert and the time flew by.

Great fan of Virgil Flowers.

I love the Minnesota references of names common in the area. Some towns mentioned were slightly mispronounced - but it was a good try!

More great John Sandford

I have read John Sandford's books for many years and think his Lucas Davenport character is one of the greats. Now I can listen to his books on Audible.com leaving my hands free to knit or crochet. It just doesn't get any better than that for me. Thank you Mr. Sandford and Audible.com. I am one very happy camper.

Another good Virgil Flowers book

I read a few reviews that had me worried about this one, since i've enjoyed all the Virgil Flowers books so far. But this one didn't disappoint me at all. I enjoyed it and felt it was on par with the other books in the series. It's never too heavy, but always fun. Narration was good too.

Good Story!

Would you consider the audio edition of Shock Wave to be better than the print version?

My first experience with John Sanford was Buried Prey and Rules of Prey (different series and very good!) so I decided to see if there were more from him that I would like. I'm so glad I found this Virgil Flowers series and I'm looking forward to the rest of the books. The narrator is great!

Which character – as performed by Eric Conger – was your favorite?

Virgil of course!

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

Yes!

Any additional comments?

I'm a new Sanford fan so I hope he keeps writing for a long time!

it's that ******* Flowers

Love Virgil, the main character. author keeps his personality true to form. Plot, while not his best, does keep you guessing. could do without current political jabs and regerences. See enough of that on TV.

Still A Good One

What did you love best about Shock Wave?

The way Virgil is able to get people to talk to him with his own special personality is always a treat to witness.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Shock Wave?

At the end when you realize that Virgil is alone and seems to be troubled about the woman who has obviously captured his attention

Have you listened to any of Eric Conger’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. The performances are always superb.

Any additional comments?

This book wasn' as heart pounding with excitement the way "Bad Blood" or "Heat Lightning" was, but it is still a very worthwhile read. I still highly recommend the entire series.