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Lucas Davenport #1-5
Lucas Davenport Collection, Books 1-5
Suspense fans will love this "sterling quintet"* of novels featuring Minneapolis homicide investigator Lucas Davenport from "one of the most consistently entertaining crime writers working today" (Booklist). The first five in the # 1 New York Times bestselling series, with introductions by John Sandford included. *Publishers Weekly Rules of Prey Shadow Prey Eyes of Prey Silent Prey Winter Prey
1858 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2011
593 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
John Sandford
235 books9,655 followersJohn Sandford is the pen name of John Roswell Camp, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author known for his gripping thrillers and popular crime series. After earning degrees in history, literature, and journalism from the University of Iowa, Camp began his writing career as a reporter, first at The Miami Herald and later at The Saint Paul Pioneer Press, where he earned critical acclaim for in-depth series on Native American communities and American farm life. His work won him the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing in 1986.
In 1989, Camp transitioned into fiction, publishing two novels: The Fool's Run under his real name and Rules of Prey under the pseudonym John Sandford. The latter launched the long-running “Prey” series, starring Lucas Davenport, a sharp, fearless investigator navigating politically sensitive crimes across Minnesota and beyond. The series grew to include spin-offs and crossovers, notably featuring characters like Virgil Flowers, a laid-back BCA agent with a sharp wit, and Letty Davenport, Lucas's equally determined daughter, who stars in her own series starting in 2022.
Sandford’s books have consistently appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, with over two dozen debuting at number one. Known for his dynamic storytelling, fast pacing, and keen attention to detail, Sandford combines his journalistic roots with a gift for character-driven narratives. He remains an avid reader and outdoorsman, and continues to write compelling fiction that resonates with readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers grounded in realism and driven by memorable protagonists.
In 1989, Camp transitioned into fiction, publishing two novels: The Fool's Run under his real name and Rules of Prey under the pseudonym John Sandford. The latter launched the long-running “Prey” series, starring Lucas Davenport, a sharp, fearless investigator navigating politically sensitive crimes across Minnesota and beyond. The series grew to include spin-offs and crossovers, notably featuring characters like Virgil Flowers, a laid-back BCA agent with a sharp wit, and Letty Davenport, Lucas's equally determined daughter, who stars in her own series starting in 2022.
Sandford’s books have consistently appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, with over two dozen debuting at number one. Known for his dynamic storytelling, fast pacing, and keen attention to detail, Sandford combines his journalistic roots with a gift for character-driven narratives. He remains an avid reader and outdoorsman, and continues to write compelling fiction that resonates with readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers grounded in realism and driven by memorable protagonists.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 18, 2014
If you love murder mysteries set in today's time frame then you need to step away from the TV and stop watching that CRAP and pick up the prey series from John Sandford. Really. You're missing some captivating fiction here. Lucas Davenport gets it done and not always in a conventional way. The characters are always intriguing and I love his real world dialogue. Get them and READ THEM! You will NOT be disappointed. I read them in order. Not required, but I really like to follow the protagonist development (and other characters too).
January 3, 2013
Love all of John Sanford's Books.
February 15, 2013
Great series
February 20, 2018
Good plot but main character was an issue
I realized after starting this book it was written in the 90s so the way the main character treated women was more typical for the times. I didn't like it then and still don't. He sorta respected women but didn't have a problem harassing female coworkers or other women he met during a case for sex even if they were married. His morals even on the job were suspect and close to the line. There is very little background on the main character. The only reason I kept reading was the plot. It kept me interested enough not to stop reading because I didn't care for the main character's behavior. As a side note, I had read one of his later books first, a contemporary one, and the character's attitude towards women he worked around was more respectful, making it easier to tolerate his earlier behavior.
I realized after starting this book it was written in the 90s so the way the main character treated women was more typical for the times. I didn't like it then and still don't. He sorta respected women but didn't have a problem harassing female coworkers or other women he met during a case for sex even if they were married. His morals even on the job were suspect and close to the line. There is very little background on the main character. The only reason I kept reading was the plot. It kept me interested enough not to stop reading because I didn't care for the main character's behavior. As a side note, I had read one of his later books first, a contemporary one, and the character's attitude towards women he worked around was more respectful, making it easier to tolerate his earlier behavior.
August 23, 2017
EVERY Book John Sandford writes is five star. He is an incredibly talented author. I have two signed books that I received as gifts, one is a hardcopy of his First Book....Rules of Prey (1989) and the other is Saturn Run - which seriously needs to be made into a movie.
I have read all his books 2-3 times. They soothe me.
I have read all his books 2-3 times. They soothe me.
August 27, 2019
I really enjoy the Lucas Davenport character.
August 20, 2020
The characters are so real life. I am a Fergus Falls girl so the details are true to life.
August 29, 2024
Two-haiku review:
First five prey novels
Every one worth five stars
Explosive action
Lucas is growing
Character development
From wild to grownup
First five prey novels
Every one worth five stars
Explosive action
Lucas is growing
Character development
From wild to grownup
September 25, 2024
Some of John Sandford’s first books. Great reads.
October 9, 2014
If you like super cops & murder mysteries, the Lucas Davenport series by John Sandford is a tasty piece of fiction, which will be relished by mystery lovers.
The series is basically based on a persistent cop, who works for the love of the hunt rather than taking his work as a job that pays the rent. Davenport is portrayed as a a game creator who makes a decent amount of dough through creating fantasy games.
The only cop in his city and department who drives a Porsche and wears expensive $800 clothes to the envy of other without being corrupt. The other side of his character is that, he has a bad temper & believes in taking revenge for his lost loved ones & friends. Quick with trigger.
Being in love with the hunt, he is persistent in his job and always tracks down the murderers with innovative ways & creative mind maps. Over the series, Davenport looses his jobs and starts a company for games & software; becomes a consultant etc...
There are other interesting characters along with beautiful & desirable female TV news anchors hungry for the info bytes before the other TV channels get the pie at any costs. Lots of controlled romances & sex.
If you are the type who hungers for super bad attitude cops hunting down crazy psychopaths, then this is a series you will love and will keep you occupied for quite some time.
Hope you like it...dilpreet111@gmail.com
Thanks...
Dilpreet Singh
The series is basically based on a persistent cop, who works for the love of the hunt rather than taking his work as a job that pays the rent. Davenport is portrayed as a a game creator who makes a decent amount of dough through creating fantasy games.
The only cop in his city and department who drives a Porsche and wears expensive $800 clothes to the envy of other without being corrupt. The other side of his character is that, he has a bad temper & believes in taking revenge for his lost loved ones & friends. Quick with trigger.
Being in love with the hunt, he is persistent in his job and always tracks down the murderers with innovative ways & creative mind maps. Over the series, Davenport looses his jobs and starts a company for games & software; becomes a consultant etc...
There are other interesting characters along with beautiful & desirable female TV news anchors hungry for the info bytes before the other TV channels get the pie at any costs. Lots of controlled romances & sex.
If you are the type who hungers for super bad attitude cops hunting down crazy psychopaths, then this is a series you will love and will keep you occupied for quite some time.
Hope you like it...dilpreet111@gmail.com
Thanks...
Dilpreet Singh
November 17, 2020
Good way to get the first five books of the series in one fat volume. I wouldn't know since I actually borrowed it through LIBBY, read it on KINDLE, and/or listened to it on HOOPLA, switching frequently from one format to the other. Trying to take advantage of a few of the free audible/reading electronically options to catch up with the Virgil Flowers mysteries in which Lucas is his boss and a minor character. Similar character traits between Lucas and Virgil!
July 11, 2014
I love Sandford and the Davenport series. I got started on it with one of the later books, got hooked, and started from the beginning. Its pretty dark at times, but I enjoy the idyllic hero, and also the fact that he doesn't always succeed in saving the girl.
November 12, 2015
Love all of his books, Davenport, Virgil Flowers & even the two new stand alone teen books that will have its final book coming out in 2016. Am reading my way back through the prey series this year. But have read them all I think!
June 24, 2014
These early John Sandford novels are the best of all. The plots are original and Davenport's character is gritty and believable, as are those of the bad guys.
September 1, 2014
Favorite crime author for quick reads. Love Lucas Davenport character.
November 11, 2014
Great series
April 7, 2022
Always a good read. Really enjoyed having five on one kindle entry.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews