I like the Virgil Flowers series by John Sandford and really enjoyed this newest entry. Virgil is an agent for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. He lives in Mankato, MN in the southeast part of the state and his cases are usually in southern Minnesota. This time most of his time is spent in the Minneapolis area. 2 rare tigers have been stolen from the Minnesota Zoo and they call him in to lead the investigation. He has a different way of looking at cases and usually comes through. The case is mixed up with the tigers, 4 murders, several persons that could use tiger parts for Traditional Chinese medicine, a Chinese father and son, a Ferrari, overuse of Xanax, 6 Simonian men bent on revenge, and an old vacant farm. How do you hide 2 tigers? Along with that, he has to deal with his girlfriend Frankie when she is beaten up and has broken ribs along with bruises and cuts. A small town punk is to blame. What is behind the attack and will Virgil be able to hold back from beating the crap out of him when they find him?
I've read a few of the reviews on this book where people are horrified that the tigers are stolen and are possibly being killed for their parts for various types of illegal uses. People - this is FICTION! This book highlights the danger to rare animals without actually killing real ones. Get a grip!
I much prefer Virgil to Lucas Davenport, Sandford's longest series. He prefers not to use his gun, nor does he want anyone helping him to use a gun unless absolutely necessary. He thinks of God before going to sleep, though this isn't mentioned in this book. He is a man of integrity. I highly recommend this series and this book in particular.

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