Deep Freeze
Written by John Sandford
Narrated by Eric Conger
4/5
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Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
About this audiobook
Class reunions: a time for memories—good, bad, and, as Virgil Flowers is about to find out, deadly—in the thrilling new novel in the #1 New York Times-bestselling series.
Virgil knows the town of Trippton, Minnesota, a little too well. A few years back, he investigated the corrupt—and as it turned out, homicidal—local school board, and now the town's back in view with more alarming news: A woman's been found dead, frozen in a block of ice. There's a possibility that it might be connected to a high school class of twenty years ago that has a mid-winter reunion coming up, and so, wrapping his coat a little tighter, Virgil begins to dig into twenty years' worth of traumas, feuds, and bad blood. In the process, one thing becomes increasingly clear to him. It's true what they say: High school is murder.
John Sandford
John Sandford is the pseudonym for the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Camp. He is the author of thirty-three Prey novels, two Letty Davenport novels, four Kidd novels, twelve Virgil Flowers novels, three YA novels co-authored with his wife, Michele Cook, and five stand-alone books.
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Reviews for Deep Freeze
231 ratings21 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Even though the murre is aptly explained in the first chapter, who, where, what why, you still keep scratching your head wondering how Virgil will get it figured out.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I learned 2 things while reading John Sandford's 'Deep Freeze': Stay away from Trippton, Minnesota (not a real place, by the way) and the bloom is off Virgil Flowers (pun intended). Flower's 2nd experience with the small town along the Mississippi is nearly as violent as his first, yet justice eventually prevails.There are 2 story lines involved in Deep Freeze. Flowers has his vacation interrupted with a demand that he investigate a possible murder in Trippton, the setting of a previous novel in the series. A woman's body has been discovered in the frozen river by a fisherman who hooked her through a hole in the ice. Additionally, he's asked to help a west coast PI serve papers to a company that's infringing on the Mattel name by making erotic versions of the Barbie and Ken dolls. Unfortunately, the company making the dolls is nowhere to be found according to the locals, nobody is willing to talk about anyone who may be involved, and it's the only business extant that's providing employment to several people put out of work in the last recession. The stories don't have any overlap to speak of until close to the end.Flowers (or as he was widely known in his earlier days, 'effin Flowers') has been a star, in my opinion, of Sanders' successful transition of headliners from Lucas Davenport, as he aged. He has a few similar characteristics as Davenport but is different enough to have made it interesting. The problem I'm seeing is that as Flowers gains more experience, he settles down quite a bit and becomes a milder and therefore less interesting version of his character. I generally start out all of Sandford's novels with 4 stars and the stories are usually good enough to gain an extra one. Deep River gets a rare deduction, though. It meanders a bit too much- a lot of thrashing around by Flowers with little to show for it, and there are some rare holes, IMO, in the investigative work. The resolutions of both story threads were fine but two assaults on Flowers weren't completely closed and I can't picture anyone in law enforcement walking away from them. The writing and dialogue were, as usual, strong, but I don't feel the stories were quite up to historical levels. That being said, any Sandford novel is definitely readable and worthwhile, especially if you're a fan.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5OK, so I've now read or listened to all 10 Virgil Flowers novels. Eric Conger is a terrific reader, btw. This one is not as good as some of the others but still a huge cut better than most novels out there in the genre, and I like them better than the Davenport series, too. Flowers is just a much more interesting character.As I pointed out in the other Flowers book that takes place in Trippton, MN, Sandford has a bizarre concept of what constitutes a small town. The people all act like the population is barely one hundred, but the town's infrastructure is that of a small city. I have lived in all sizes and his description hits a false note each time. No matter. I still like the books.Interesting that I don't think Flowers's nickname (that fucking Flowers) comes up at all in this one.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Only that "***kin" Flowers could go to nowhere MN to investigate a murder and end up involved in a pornographic Barbie and Ken caper. Not his best investigative mission; but there are a lot of distractions. A broken nose provided by some tough locals, women no less and having his beloved 4 Runner steed shot out from under him would slow down even a superhero. Deep dish Chicago style pizza made with sharp cheddar cheese and a pie crust, sugar free of course, compete with Scandinavian Lasagna, hopefully not made with lutefisk to demonstrate that MN cuisine does go beyond mac and cheese. Some tedious ponderings near the end but still a fun read.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Almost 30 years ago I fell in love with John Sandford's literary creation Lucas Davenport. The first Prey books are among my favorite mystery books of all time. But somewhere along the way Lucas became a whole lot less interesting. Luckily Sandford introduced us to Virgil Flowers.I hate to admit it, but these days I enjoy the Flowers books a whole lot more than the Prey books. The newest entry Deep Freeze is no exception. The cases that Virgil tackles are never that deep or sinister, just people being greedy and dumb. In this case it's an exterminator that crosses the line into exterminating people. There are a couple side plots to keep the pace moving along but the major emphasis always remains on Virgil and the rich cast of characters.If you are looking for a good yarn to spend a weekend with, the Deep Freeze may be just what you are looking for.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I really enjoy John Sandford's Lucas Davenport series. Virgil Flowers was a supporting character in that series, but is now the lead in his own set of books. I really like Lucas, but have to say that 'that f****** Flowers' is my fave! The 10th (and latest) Flowers book is Deep Freeze.Virgil is happily enjoying some time off when he's called back in and sent to Trippton, Minnesota - remember that murderous school board? Well, there's another dead body in town - this one's frozen. And the suspects are many - everything points to one of the Trippton graduating class of twenty years ago. Turns out they've got a reunion planned....Now, we the reader know who the culprit is. But the body isn't where he left it. So the killer is just as confused. Knowing what we believe to be the whodunit in no way detracts from being on the case with Virgil. My interest was held right through to the end. And there's one more thing his superiors want him to look into while he's in Trippton. Some locals are adding some, well, 'inappropriate' sound chips to Barbie dolls. Mattel would like them to 'cease and desist.'Oh, Sandford's plotting is always great. In Virgil's cases, nothing is straight forward or 'normal'. And that's a huge part of the appeal of this series. But the real draw is of course Virgil. With his blond surfer boy looks, his laconic, down homey charm, his sense of humour and ability to fit right in with the locals, Virgil is not what you would expect of an Minnesota BCA Agent. The situations and dialogue assigns to Virgil are laugh out loud funny. One of the best supporting characters takes a larger role this time out. Johnson Johnson (nope, that's not a typo, that's his name) lives in the Trippton area, so he adds himself to the investigation. The banter between these two is great fun.Virgil's personal life is also a step left of center. Sandford has moved things along in each new entry in the series. There's a fairly large development in Deep Freeze - I will be curious to see what the next book brings. Deep Freeze is another great entry in this entertaining series
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Well, I just like Virgil Flowers. He is sent off to Tripton, MN, to investigate a murder and has to spend several days away from his girlfriend, Frankie, because the crime is harder to solve than he anticipated. This is not the best or funniest entry in the series, but Virgil interacts with the usual local characters in his entertaining way. The book ends with an indication of upcoming life-style changes for our hero.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5John Sandford is one of my favorite authors, and Virgil is one of my favorite characters. Does that make me biased? Maybe a little. But being a little biased does not make me wrong. Not in the least. Really. Read this book and find out for yourself.Virgil is a sought-after, accomplished investigator. He's also unconventional, independent, and, at times, irreverent. He's like a modernized Columbo. Do you remember Columbo? Sorry, my age is showing. Virgil has a quick sense of humor and a country boy kind of persona that belies his intelligence. In Deep Freeze, Virgil is sucked into working two cases at once, in a rural Minnesota town during the heart of winter. One is a serious murder case and the other is just plain funny. The pace is quick. Even the minor characters are well developed and feel real. The writing is all show, no tell. You're right there in the story with the characters.While this book is part of an ongoing series, I think it reads well as a stand-alone. Readers unfamiliar with the character should have no problem getting into the story.*I was provided with an advance ebook copy by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Well what can I say, this is Flowers!!! Two cases draw Flowers off his vacation, unwillingly as fans know how seriously Flowers takes his time off, which more often than not, he doesn't ever complete. A woman found dead, in the lake, a prominent member of the community, owner of the local bank, and Barbie and Ken dolls being altered in a sexual way. So we get the usual suspects of stereotypical type that seem to populate this place, people who are harboring secrets, and those who harbor or hide evidence, so that Virgil can't figure out if he is coming or going. We know from the beginning who committed both crimes, the draw is of course the detecting, following of clues, and discovering who is hiding what and why.At this point it really doesn't matter what the case is, whether it attracts me not. These are just fun, rather quick reads, and the biggest draw is the dialogue, the lines, the funny situations and of course the trouble Flowers causes others and himself.ARC from Netgalley
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I liked the book, not the reader. Emotionless, cold, bland.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I always love the Virgil Flowers novels. I greatly enjoyed the narrator on this audiobook. He did a great job of slightly varying the accents and voices for the different characters, but didn't go completely and ridiculously over-the-top like some audiobook book narrators tend to do.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Deep Freeze is another Virgil Flowers murder mystery. Virgil, the police officer who doesn't look like a cop, works on solving a couple of cases in this book. The book is set in a small town in Minnesota in today's time. The story and characters are all believable. Deep Freeze receives five stars in this review because from the beginning to end it kept the reader engaged and was just a good story.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Quick Fun read!! That effin' Flowers always cracks me up!!!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Another entertaining romp with Virgil - this time through the snow and ice (lots of snow and ice) in the small town of Trippton. You'll remember this town from Deadline, where Virgil was chasing dog-nappers and members of the school board. This time he's sent to investigate a murder and stop production of altered Barbie sex dolls. Simple, right? Not really, but with the help of his friend, Johnson Johnson, and wife, Clarice, Virgil manages to get the job done. Fact-paced and packed with humor, this story was definitely worth the time invested.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Deep Freeze. A Virgil Flowers Novel. John Sandford. 2017. Virgil Flowers books are always fun to read. Virgil is called to investigate the murder of a woman banker and finds plenty of suspects, most of them former classmates. And he also has to help a PI from California track down a woman who is making sex toys out of Barbie and Ken dolls! Lots of understated humor and excitement even though you know Virgil will get his man in the end.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Sandford's Virgil Flowers series has grown into one of my annual standbys and seasonal favorites. Just as the author's annual Lucas Davenport novel signals spring is in the air, we can (almost always) look forward to autumn with the Minnesota BCA investigator pulled off another attempted fishing vacation and thrown into the hunt for one more villain. Although I miss the old banter with former BCA head Davenport, Virgil's fishing buddies and colleagues such as Johnson Johnson have taken up the banner in the back and forth dialogue. As opposed to the often interstate and larger conspiracies of the Davenport books, the Flowers novels are often small town and backwoods location affairs. And the mystery is not who is the killer/evildoer, they is often revealed very early to the reader, but more about how will Virgil proceed to figure it out and who will he have to outthink and outwit along the way.There is even some unspoken social / economic / political commentary along the way, as one of the side-cases to the central murder mystery here is Virgil also being assigned to help track down a Minnesotan team of Barbie Doll copyright breakers who are, ahem, adding x-rated features to the iconic Barbie and Ken dolls and are re-selling them on the underground online market. Virgil's sympathies are shown to be more obviously with the group of out-of-work small-town women behind the scheme, especially as the copyright case seems to be tainted with an element of political corruption at the State level.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Synopsis: A woman's been found dead, frozen in a block of ice. There's a possibility that it might be connected to a high school class of twenty years ago that has a mid-winter reunion coming up, and so, wrapping his coat a little tighter, Virgil begins to dig into twenty years' worth of traumas, feuds, and bad blood. In the process, one thing becomes increasingly clear to him. It's true what they say: High school is murder. (John Sanford site)Review: It's a Virgil Flowers so it's gotta be fun to read - and it was. My favorite part was the Barbie - Oooos.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5This is the first book I've read of this series and I guess I just don't get the point. We know from the first chapter who the murderer is and the investigation didn't hold my interest so I didn't see a reason to continue reading. There is also a side plot about someone who is turning Barbie and Ken dolls into sex toys. I was not amused.
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- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5It’s winter in Minnesota and a local fisherman hooks a body that surfaced through an open spot created by the outflow of warm effluent from the local sewage plant. Virgil Flowers is called in to investigate. No sooner does he get to town than a former LA cop, now a private investigator, asks for Virgil’s help locating a woman who is modifying Barbie and Ken dolls to make sexually explicit comments. This leads to Virgil being beaten by a group of four women. Regular readers of this series will recognize this as a semi-routine experience for Virgil. It’s boring and tends to sidetrack the plot. Once that is out of the way, however, the story shifts into high gear and becomes another solid outing in the series.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5John Sandford is one of the best writers of police fiction. Following a meeting of the committee to plan their 25th class reunion from Trippton High School. David Birkmann went back to the house where they had gathered to see if he could get a date with Gina Hemming. He had been in love with her since sixth grade but they but did not travel in the same circles. She was extremely popular. He was on the lower end of the scale. She was now the president of a local bank, exceedingly wealthy and prominent. He owned an exterminating company. He brought a bottle of champagne with him. She screamed and swore at him, letting him know she still saw him as a loser. She then went after him with her fingernails and he automatically swung back with the hand holding the bottle. The bottle hit her, she went down, and died.Her body was discovered the two days later by a fisherman as he was preparing to fish in the water near the sewage plant where the water was warm enough to still attract fish.Virgil Flowers, an agent for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, had barely begun working on the case when he was introduced to Margaret Griffin, representing Mattel Toys, who had just arrived in town to serve a federal cease-and-desist order against a woman who was taking Barbie and Ken dolls and altering them to become X-rated. She asked Flowers to help her locate the woman.Flowers’ started investigating Hemming’s death and was finding it difficult to find someone with the motive, means, and opportunity to kill her. He soon figured out that almost everyone knew the woman who was running the doll-altering operation but no one would admit they knew where she was. Trippton was a small town facing hard times. In their minds, they saw the work as a way to earn money to support their families.John Sandford does an excellent job telling the story. The characters are realistic, the descriptions satisfying, and the action keeps coming. There are several references to one of Flowers’s previous cases in Trippton but DEEP FREEZE can be read without having read it.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Virgil Flowers is sent to Trippton to solve a small case. He ends up being involved in a murder investigation as well. Can he sole one or both of them? Another fast paced John Ssndford novel.