Holy Ghost

A Virgil Flowers Novel

By: John Sandford

Narrated by: Eric Conger

Virgil Flowers investigates a miracle--and a murder--in the wickedly entertaining new thriller from the master of "pure reading pleasure" (Booklist)

Pinion, Minnesota: a metropolis of all of seven hundred souls, for which the word "moribund" might have been invented. Nothing ever happened there and nothing ever would--until the mayor of sorts (campaign slogan: "I'll Do What I Can") and a buddy come up with a scheme to put Pinion on the map. They'd heard of a place where a floating image of the Virgin Mary had turned the whole town into a shrine, attracting thousands of pilgrims. And all those pilgrims needed food, shelter, all kinds of crazy things, right? They'd all get rich! What could go wrong?

When the dead body shows up, they find out, and that's only the beginning of their troubles--and Virgil Flowers'--as they are all about to discover all too soon.

Critic reviews

Praise for Holy Ghost

“John Sandford’s madly entertaining Virgil Flower mysteries are more fun than a greased-pig-wrestling contest. The plots outlandish; the characters peculiar; and the best bits of dialogue are largely unprintable.”—Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review

"Another winner."—Washington Post

“Holy smoke, Holy Ghost is a hot one! . . . The dialogue is sometimes biting and always witty, and the entire book is at once wicked and sublime.”—Booklist (starred review)

“Wickedly enjoyable . . . Sandford’s trademark sly humor shines throughout.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Praise for Deep Freeze

“Along the way to the satisfying ending, Virgil displays the rough humor and rough justice that make him such an appealing character.”— Publishers Weekly

“The ride, as always in a Sandford novel, surprises and delights....Add a gripping storyline, a generous helping of exquisitely conceived characters and laugh-out-loud humor that produce explosive guffaws, not muted chuckles, and you’re in for the usual late-night, don’t-even-think-of-stopping treat when Flowers hits town.” —Richmond Times-Dispatch

Virgil Flowers at his Best!

I have never written a review before, but this is one of the best Virgil Flowers I have read. I have read every John Sandford book and love his unique style and way back when he introduced Flowers...I was delighted with the character. Since then some of the Flowers books have been a little so-so, but this one was a breath of fresh air. Virgil is so respectful of all...even the bad guys. The small town folk are portrayed with fun personalities and surprising wisdom. Frankie is the perfect character for his wife and it is so nice for Virgil to have a family and a growing one at that. Loved the ending of the book! I had asmile on my face throughout the reading of this book. Thank you JS.

That Virgil Flowers!!

Can never get enough of this series. Eric Conger is the perfect narrator. I love the quirky characters in those little Minnesota towns and the interesting storylines. Keep them coming!!

F-ing Flowers does not disappoint

Not sure if I like the Flowers or Davenport series better. Great mysteries and what a cast of characters. Next - a Jenkins and Shrake series??? One can hope...

Love Virgil Flowers

I like that Eric Conner reads all the Virgil Flower books. It makes me feel like he is Virgil. I also like how John Sanford can really capture the Midwest/Prairie way of life. He makes the stories very compelling.

May Well be the Best Virgil Flowers Yet

This has all the usual hallmarks and archetypes of the other Virgil Flowers books..... quirky country folks who are a lot smarter than the sophisticates think, hilarious banter about any topic you care to bring up, Virgil's short talks with or thoughts about God, and even some interesting or useful information about either guns, fishing, boats, or .... ?
To me it was the most interesting plot premise to date and had me going several directions. There are always some strong female characters in Sandford's stuff, and this one did not disappoint in this regard even if the women were mostly ancillary characters. From the first Flowers book I preferred them to the "Prey" series because they are funnier. I always get some good gut laughs out of a Virgil story while the Davenport stories are limited to a smile or a quick chuckle or two.
At any rate, read this and enjoy it. If you don't laugh at least a few times you just don't know funny.