Mad River

By: John Sandford

Narrated by: Eric Conger

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Bonnie and Clyde, they thought. And what's-his-name, the sidekick. Three teenagers with dead-end lives, and chips on their shoulders, and guns.

The first person they killed was a highway patrolman. The second was a woman during a robbery. Then, hell, why not keep on going? As their crime spree cuts a swath through rural Minnesota, some of it captured on the killers' cell phones and sent to a local television station, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigator Virgil Flowers joins the growing army of cops trying to run them down. But even he doesn't realize what's about to happen next.

©2012 John Sandford (P)2012 Penguin Audio

For Fans Only

John Sandford is my favorite mystery-thriller author. [Wouldn't mind knowing Virgil Flowers either.] So I enjoyed the book. But it's not up to par with Sandford's other books.

From start to finish it felt like Sandford was fulfilling a contract commitment and didn't have time to get inspired.

Note to Publisher: Please don't make him dumb down this series or the one with Lucas just to grind out more books!

I LIKE the social commentary, don't get me wrong. But I didn't learn anything new.

Another thing, the main characters use the same sentence structure, which I've noticed before. Breaks the spell. Maybe the next book could include disguising your identity in a sophisticated manner and Sandford could learn about changing sentence structure along the way?

You have to love Virgil Flowers

This was a great listen. There were a couple "turns" in the story I didn't see coming. As usualy, John Sandford didn't dissapoint.

another great Virgil Flowers story

Sandford has parlayed the relatively minor character of Virgil Flowers into a stand-alone character with at least as much personality as his original Lucas Davenport. I never miss one of Sandford's books and this is as good as any.

loved it

I love this whole book I love flowers that f****** flowers anyway I can't wait for the new ones come out John Sandford's got to be one of the best crime novelist I've ever read enjoy every one of his books but I do still miss Lucas Davenport on occasion

Slow start. Good finish.

Slow start laying foundation. Good Virgil Flowers story. Would recommend stories and reader. Second time listening to this series. Liked finish.

Another ripping-good Sandford novel

Where does Mad River rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This novel ranks in the top five for me. I've read Sandford since his first book was published over 20 years ago and he always delivers a gripping plot line and sub-plots, vivid characters and a satisfying conclusion. No fluff or filler - just the real thing.

What did you like best about this story?

The intertwining of events, Virgil, of course, the development of an array of rich characters, whether they are on the side of good or evil, the matter-of-factness that somehow helps to temper the sobering violence. Unfortunately, the theme of multiple murders and shakey motives rings even more true lately.

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

I love his voice. In future, I will seek out books that he reads.

Any additional comments?

I'm looking forward to more Sandford. And Conger.

not as good as previous books

Where does Mad River rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

it ranks in at about a 25 out of 30

Would you recommend Mad River to your friends? Why or why not?

yes.. simply because i enjoy john sandfords books

excellent as always

Really liked the story and naration.The Virgil Flowers stories never disappoint and I continue to recommend them.

STELLAR!

If you could sum up Mad River in three words, what would they be?

Thrilling Exciuting Riveting

What did you like best about this story?

The whole plot from stART TO FINMISH IS WONDERFUL AND KEEPS YOU at the edge of your seat

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

The Latter Day Bonnie and Clyde

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

YES

Great Series

Love the Virgil Flowers series. I'm in a new world never having been to Minnesota and it's small towns and farms. Love the pace, the style, the descriptions of the environment and the characters. Virgil Flowers himself is not what you would think a typical detective would be like. He's one of a kind, laid back, patient and very likable. Eric Conger has to be one of the best voice actors I've heard; what a great story teller. This book is different from the prior ones in that it is pretty simplistic and basic yet very enthralling, interesting and entertaining.