I think the narrator was good, as he is for this whole series.

HOWEVER, I had serious problems with this book. I normally look forward to the latest Sandford, but I found the quality lacking. I'm not against foul langauge in books, but the word "p*ssy" was used far too much. AND I need an explanation for why the author felt the need to have a character use a racial slur against Asians - even if that character was an ignorant jerk, it was not necessary and it's not acceptable.

I will never, ever, ever in my life tire of John Sandford. He could have Virgil whittling a stick for 400 pages and I truly would read it.

Virgil does more than whittle here. He solves a weird and mysterious death and hookers, gamers, and a really cool lady detective all intertwine into a good story.

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.

Typical Sandford. Which is to say: pretty great. Not a lot of tension or a real sense of danger in this one, but the story rolls right along, with bits of humor to spice up the proceedings.

All the usually elements are here and the writing of up to the usual quality but it's more mystery than thriller which doesn't really fit the series.

Good stuff as always. I really whipped right through this. Couldn't put it down. I figured out who did it about 3/4 in but didn't care because it was a great ride.

This is an okay read but normally I hate to put down a Sandford book and this time, it was okay to. Virgil is as likable as ever, we get to see both Shrake and Jenkins, Del Capslock, and even Lucas Davenport. But there was just something lacking with the story for me.