Virgil Flowers is back, and in addition to his personal life changing drastically, he gets a case that is anything but normal. Then again, when has Virgil ever done normal?
I've been a fan of Virgil's since he was first introduced way back when in the Prey series, and the more I read of him, the more I like him. He's not your average cop, and he certainly doesn't dress like one. His investigation style may be different, and it doesn't really follow a procedure, but his out of the box ways do produce results.
In Bloody Genius, we get plenty of Virgil's own brand of investigating. I always picture him casually strolling around, asking questions and plucking tidbits out of conversations. He does the same here, although it's not always with his usual almost lazy style. I don't want to give anything away, but I will add that Sandford gives us the answers, we just have to be paying attention. I'll admit, I very nearly missed it, but for me, I've grown to love these characters, so the books are as much about catching up with them as solving the mystery. Speaking of characters, we do get some Jenkins and Shrake time, which is always fun. You know things are going to start happening when those two show up. And in true Sandford form. once things all come together, it's a race to the finish.
As always, we get Sandford's sharp wit and sense of timing in a wonderfully written book full of interesting and entertaining characters. If you're up to date with the series, you already know that Virgil has some big things on the horizon, and those things are only getting bigger. I can't wait to see what's next for this terrific character.

Bloody Genius is John Sandford’s latest novel in his Virgil Flowers series. When the investigation into the murder of wealthy, well-connected university professor Barthelemy Quill made no progress, the governor became involved. Calls were made, and Virgil Flowers, of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, was assigned to the case. So, Virgil teamed up with Maggie Trane, a sergeant with Minneapolis Homicide who was leading the Quill investigation. With two ex-wives (and an estranged wife number three), a feud with another academic department, disgruntled patients, colleagues and employees at his university lab and at the hospital, and an angry surviving daughter, there were no shortages of suspects. That is, until Flowers was assigned and did his thing.

Virgil Flowers is a tall, thin man with longish blond hair who routinely wears jeans, t-shirts depicting various indie bands, and cowboy boots. His style – both in manner of dress and in method of operation – are very different than that of his good friend Lucas Davenport (who does make a cameo appearance in Bloody Genius).

I have been a long time fan of Sandford’s Lucas Davenport series and Virgil Flowers series. While reading Bloody Genius, however, I realized that I am no longer such a Flowers fan. I do not know if my tastes have changed or if I do not care for the direction Sandford has taken his character. Although the introduction of a spouse and children can be difficult for an author to pull off, I think Sandford was successful with regard to Davenport. However, I do not like Frankie and am not looking forward to the birth of their twins.

Nonetheless, Bloody Genius presents a pretty good mystery. The plot is complex and convoluted, and Sandford takes us step by step through the process Flowers used to solve the case. This is vintage Sandford, with typical Sandford humor, and Flowers does discover Quill’s killer.

When a college professor who does medical research is murdered in the college library. that f-ing Flowers is called to investigate.. Another page-turner from Sandford, with cameo appearances by Lucas, Del Capslock, and the other usual suspects.

I start waiting impatiently for the next Virgil Flowers novel as soon as I finish the one I'm reading. Now it time to start the wait. Bloody Genius is wonderful and Virgil always gets his man or woman...

If a dead body was found in a library I’d assume that he must have had some serious overdue fees. Those librarians don’t play around.

A professor who does high end medical research is found murdered in a college library so Minnesota state investigator Virgil Flower is assigned to help out when the local Minneapolis cops hit a dead end. As Virgil digs into the case his problem isn’t that there aren’t any clues, it’s that there are far too many. Sex, drugs, blackmail, lawsuits, ex-wives, an estranged daughter, and a bitter academic rivalry are all angles that come up. Sifting through the noise and finding the killer’s motive is the key to cracking the case, but the more Virgil digs into it, the less sense the entire thing makes.

This is a crackerjack of a whodunit. Sandford’s usual MO is to let the reader know the villain is from the jump, or at least give us their point of view. His books are generally a cat-and-mouse game between the cop and the bad guy so his stuff is often more thriller than traditional mystery although detective work always plays a major role. He has done a few where the reader is completely in the dark as to the killer and their motives, and this is one of his best pure head scratchers.

We’ve got an intriguing scenario with plenty of viable red herrings so that I was as stumped as Virgil for the entire time. When the killer’s identity is revealed it’s a very satisfying answer because Sandford plays fair, and the clues were all there the entire time.

There's also a good tense situation built up at the end that plays into Sandford’s strength of building momentum in action scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat. Virgil continues to be a strong lead character with his laid back persona making for a nice change of pace from your typical thriller heroes. There’s a little less humor in this one than the last couple of Flowers books, but still some good chuckles that make this a touch lighter than the Prey series.

Overall, it’s a very nice piece of crime writing with a solid mystery and a great ending.

I fantastic Virgil Flowers story. This mystery was interesting with a pool of characters who may have committed the crime. Well written and captivating storyline.

The Lothario, hunter, fisher, writer, photographer and ace investigator of the upper Midwest returns in Bloody Genius . The advent of girlfriend Frankie soon to be delivered of twins has kept him closer to home and has put paid to Virgil Flowers' roaming.
Unfortunately, the position of being one of the governor’s golden haired boys (one sided as Virgil does not return the affection) still exists and results in the governor sending him to Minneapolis to solve a particularly vicious murder. Virgil, an investigator for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, once inadvertently did the governor a great favor. No good deed goes unpunished and so Virgil has to put his boat up, avoid serious farm chores, and head to the Twin Cities.
The victim is a wealthy, well-respected professor and brilliant researcher at the University of Minnesota. Virgil suspects it is the wealthy part that has attracted the Governor's attention.
In two weeks, the well regarded MPD’s homicide unit has had no luck in solving the crime even though suspects abound; ex-wives, fellow researchers, students, a whole other university department and of course, the famous “some other guy”. Of course Virgil is warmly welcomed by MPD’s homicide unit, especially the lead detective, Margaret Trane whom the media has characterized as being ‘baffled’. No really, would I lie?
Eventually Trane and Virgil come to an accommodation when she realizes Virgil does not want any credit for solving the case whereas Trane and her unit need the solve after the drumming they have received from the press. They quickly established an easy work relationship which is a change from the usual ‘competitive partnership until the last moment’ trope found in so many books.
As Virgil pokes around he quickly makes a few discoveries that put the stalled investigation back into gear.
I have always thought books with the easiest readability might be the hardest to write.
Sandford excels as making his books rewarding with well thought out stories, some quirky characters and uncommon settings. Who ever thought the U of Minn. would be a great setting for a murder, except maybe for the students of the University of St Thomas?
Virgil Flowers-nope not gonna say it-has long been known for his charm, his womanizing (formerly), his band tees and his astute insight into the men and women he meets, but his defining characteristic is his innate decency. Virgil must have demanded his own series from author John Sandford after being a part of the Lucas Davenport series. I don’t want to forget Virgil’s toughness. As easy-going as he can be, he is nobody’s fool and won’t be played for one.
Now I’m going to spoil the gushing a bit by saying there was one distasteful moment when Virgil visualized a suspect’s “hair spread out on a pillow and her legs wrapped around his neck.” Just too jarring with Virgil in love with the mother of his twins; the woman he is planning to marry. Not to mention a very unprofessional view of a woman might have committed a very brutal murder.
I like that Virgil has no problem talking about his cases to people he meets. His smart view is that it is surprising the information or insights he gains. Toward the end of the book we are treated to Flowers trying to waffle out of admitting to an acquaintance that he was wrong about an important aspect of the investigation. Too funny.
Bloody Genius is a terrific continuation of the Virgil Flowers series. It is hinted Virgil might take some time off to write his own novel.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

John Sandford has given us a great character in Virgil Flowers. Bloody Genius does not disappoint; lots of action and a mystery that isn't easily solved.

Sandford continues to entertain his fans with the latest Virgil Flowers mystery. Flowers, a Minnesota BCA agent is asked, well told, by the governor to look into the perplexing case of a university professor found bludgeoned to death in the library. Flowers makes his way through the case in the only way he can, with humor and unconventional methods. One of the greatest characters in mysteries today.

The governor wants a favor for one of his donors: he asks Virgil Flowers to look into the unsolved murder of the donor’s husband. The victim was a highly respected, but not well liked professor and researcher at the university, who had his head bashed in after midnight in the school’s library.

With no shortage of suspects with solid alibis, Virgil and homicide detective Traynor are led on one wild goose chase after another, until they finally find their killer.

Filled with the cop humor we’ve come to expect from the Flowers novels, Bloody Genius is John Sandford at his best. Highly recommended.

It's no secret that I love Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent Virgil Flowers - he long ago earned a forever spot on my Top 10 list of favorite book heroes. But it's also no secret that I'm not thrilled that he's in a serious relationship with a woman - Frankie - who in fact is close to delivering a set of twins she and Virgil concocted seven months or so ago. Somehow, he'd turned into a kinder and mellower Virgil - and in the process lost a bit of the edge that endeared him to me.

Well, after reading this, the 12th book in the series, I'd say he's still a little mellow and his language is, for the most part, more like a tricycle salesman than a truck driver. But overall, he's got that edge back - and for sure he's kept that irreverent sense of humor alive and well, as evidenced by my chuckles throughout, to-wit:

"You know how to kill any earworm? You hum that Walt Disney thing, 'It's a Small World.' It'll kill anything, but it's such a miserable song...it won't stay in your head on its own."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

But I digress. This story begins as Virgil is called in when a big-shot medical doctor and University of Minnesota professor is murdered in an upper-level, usually locked library room on the campus - a place he's really not supposed to be. Especially since he's for the most part an unlikable jerk, there's no shortage of suspects, from his research team colleagues to members of a rival research team to his own daughter. Most of the characters are quirky, to say the least (well, this is a university campus, after all). And early on, it appears the good doctor just might be living a secret life that involves illicit drugs and blackmail.

As is customary in these books, Virgil touches base with his former boss, Lucas Davenport (the subject of another popular series by this author and another of my love-to-read-about characters, BTW). A couple of his old friends get to help out, as does a scrappy female officer from the local police who gives Virgil a good run for his money in the sarcasm department.

Problem is, all of those above-mentioned suspects have what appear to be iron-clad alibis. Clearly, it will take a goodly amount of sleuthing to uncover the motive and catch the killer. All that is accomplished in fine Virgil style, making this another must-read book for fans like me. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy. Bloody good!

I am a big fan of John Sandford and his new book in the Virgil Flowers series , Bloody Genius, does not disappoint. Very entertaining and hard to put down. Just the right blend of intrigue, light humor and the whole cast of familiar characters. I had been trying to get my husband (who wasn’t a big reader) to try the Virgil Flowers series. After the first book, he was hooked. We will both be looking foreword to the next book in this series.

5 stars

That effing Flowers is on the trail of a killer once more. This time he must go to the city – reluctantly – of Minneapolis to investigate the murder of a brilliant college professor and doctor who specializes in neurosurgery and microsurgery for those who are disabled.

With a host of suspects, including two ex-wives and one about to be ex, an estranged daughter, her two weird friends and an ongoing feud with another department at the college he and his Minneapolis detective partner have their hands full. The investigation has stalled for two weeks and the governor has put pressure on Flowers' BCA (Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension), squad to get it solved. Virgil is not very thrilled to be back in the city. He prefers his farm where his pregnant girlfriend Frankie her son Sam live and let's don't forget his dog Honus.

Virgil carefully re-examines the crime scene, the victim's home and his partner's notes. He comes up with some observations and he and his partner follows the leads. Very slowly, they get somewhere.

This is another great story in the Virgil Flowers series of novels by John Sanford. I don't know how he keeps coming up with these ideas. And he manages to turn them into gems. His characters are infused with color and personality. The dialogue is fantastic. Each character has his or her own voice. The story is fast-paced and suspenseful. I really like Virgil with his jeans, t-shirts and rather hippie-looking appearance. His appearance makes him easy to overlook or underestimate. He is a charmer for sure.

I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read, enjoy and review.

“Bloody Genius “ is the latest in the Virgil Flowers series, but I felt it was one of the weakest books. The plot fell a little flat, and most “gamers” probably wiil figure out the connection very early on. Compared to other books in this series, the action is a little tame, as the author has toned down the violence a bit. That being said, it’s still an interesting novel, and for fans of the series, like myself, it won’t matter much, as I still enjoy the characters, especially Flowers, and his methods, and I still eagerly await the next book. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I read about a third of this before setting it aside. It just didn't sparkle enough for me to want to continue reading it.

Another winner for John Sandford.. This Virgil Flowers mystery has all the police procedural, off beat characters, and humor we’ve come to expect from a John Sandford. Fast paced, enjoyable read.

Sandford is back with Virgil and his unique investigating style. really enjoyed his unique point of view and humor. also appreciated seeing how his family is doing and progressing. can't wait to see how he deals with twin babies! good to catch of with jenkins and shrake and davenport. look forward to the next davenport and virgil books.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group/Putnam for this arc.

Gotta love that f**cking Flowers. Virgil is back! And he doesn't have his boat! He's come in from the backcountry and into the city for this story (without his boat). He's sent to Minneapolis to the university by the governor to help out on a two week old murder the city's investigation has stalled on. Naturally, the city detective resents his presence and well, Virgil wasn't wild about the assignment either. He does however manage to charm his way into the job. There is a plethora of possible suspects and Virgil in his usual meandering way talks to all of them slowly picking apart the murder with the help of some of his old pals, Capslock, Jenkins, and Shrake. The story moved along at a fair pace, slowed down only by Virgil's return home to check in on Frankie and hay baling.

4.5 stars rounded up

i always enjoy a James Sanford novel. And Virgil is a favorite. I enjoy his humor and smart ass outlook. Helping the local police with the murder of a college professor, this adventure seems to have Virgil running in circles. Every time he thinks he has it figured out a new twist turns up. Towards the last quarter of the book it felt like the plot got sidetracked (i have to agree with some of the other reviews about that), it did find its way back, but it was confusing. And i was left with the feeling that Virgil is just about finished with his police career. He seems to be looking at his new family and maybe becoming a writer of novels. Perhaps we have another novel coming or perhaps a new spin off. Wasn’t Lucas's daughter thinking of following in her Daddy’s footsteps? Could be interesting.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy.J

I adore those F*cking Flowers books. Great stories, fun characters mysteries that you could figure out all the clues were there. (I say you could figure out, I was clueless until the end.) Even if Bloody Genius was horrible we'd be buying it for our library, but it's bloody brilliant.