Shock WaveShock Wave
Score Modern
What it's about
A huge superstore chain plans to open in a small Minnesota river town, angering local merchants and environmentalists alike. Their protests are ignored, until a bomb goes off at the company's Michigan headquarters, the first of a series of explosions, and investigator Virgil Flowers is sent to find the bomber.
Why it's worth reading
It reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. John Sandford's Virgil Flowers novels are funny, relaxed and full of small-town color.
You'll love it if you liked
Golden Prey
Wicked Prey
Extreme PreyGood to know
It's a Virgil Flowers book; each stands alone. Start with Dark of the Moon if you like it.
By the numbers
- Readers82 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller33 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #127 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #553 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #1064 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping, Adventurous
More by John Sandford
Golden PreyWicked PreyExtreme Prey
Naked PreyIf you like this, read next
Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland
Verity
Gone Girl
The Martian
2666
Gideon the NinthExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is Shock Wave worth reading?
Yes. It reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. It ranks #1,064 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 72.3 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Shock Wave about?
A huge superstore chain plans to open in a small Minnesota river town, angering local merchants and environmentalists alike. Their protests are ignored, until a bomb goes off at the company's Michigan headquarters, the first of a series of explosions, and investigator Virgil Flowers is sent to find the bomber.
How long does it take to read Shock Wave?
About 11 hours (429 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Shock Wave?
If you liked it, try Golden Prey by John Sandford, Wicked Prey by John Sandford or Extreme Prey by John Sandford.