Rough Country

by John Sandford

Part of Virgil Flowers, book 3

First published 2009

Virgil Flowers takes a break from his fishing tournament in northern Minnesota when Lucas Davenport calls about a murder. A woman has been shot while kayaking at a nearby women-only resort. The resort caters to guests seeking fitness, recovery from plastic surgery, and nature retreats. Most clientele now have lesbian relationships, complicating Virgil's investigation. He discovers connections between resort guests and local women, including a gifted country singer. Multiple suspects emerge with motives ranging from jealousy and blackmail to greed and fear. Virgil uncovers a second murder from the previous year that initially seemed unrelated. A third killing appears imminent and directly connected to his current case. The detective races to identify the killer before a fourth victim falls. That next target might be Virgil himself.

Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective

Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking

Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water

Setting: Minnesota, Women-Only Resort

Period: Contemporary

388 pages · Hardcover · G. P. Putnam's Sons

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