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Lucas Davenport #24
Field of Prey
The night after the fourth of July, Layton Carlson Jr., of Red Wing, Minnesota, finally got lucky. And unlucky.
He’d picked the perfect spot to lose his virginity to his girlfriend, an abandoned farmyard in the middle of cornfields: nice, private, and quiet. The only problem was . . . something smelled bad—like, really bad. He mentioned it to a county deputy he knew, and when the cop took a look, he found a body stuffed down a cistern. And then another, and another.
By the time Lucas Davenport was called in, the police were up to fifteen bodies and counting. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, when Lucas began to investigate, he made some disturbing discoveries of his own. The victims had been killed over a great many years, one every summer, regular as clockwork. How could this have happened without anybody noticing?
Because one thing was for sure: the killer had to live close by. He was probably even someone they saw every day. . . .
He’d picked the perfect spot to lose his virginity to his girlfriend, an abandoned farmyard in the middle of cornfields: nice, private, and quiet. The only problem was . . . something smelled bad—like, really bad. He mentioned it to a county deputy he knew, and when the cop took a look, he found a body stuffed down a cistern. And then another, and another.
By the time Lucas Davenport was called in, the police were up to fifteen bodies and counting. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, when Lucas began to investigate, he made some disturbing discoveries of his own. The victims had been killed over a great many years, one every summer, regular as clockwork. How could this have happened without anybody noticing?
Because one thing was for sure: the killer had to live close by. He was probably even someone they saw every day. . . .
400 pages, ebook
First published May 6, 2014
2304 people are currently reading
7127 people want to read
About the author
John Sandford
237 books9,659 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 - 30 of 1,883 reviews
May 4, 2017
The only thing better than a new John Sandford book is a FREE John Sandford book. Thanks Goodreads giveaways!
A serial killer has been using an old well in a remote field to dump the bodies of women he has abducted over the years, and when it’s discovered the police find body parts from over 20 corpses* that have turned into what one cop describes as ‘bean soup’. The media hysteria is instant and rabid over what they dub The Black Hole Murders so the political pressure being put on the police and politicians is enormous. As usual when Minnesota cops have a crime that will get people fired they put in a call to their head rat catcher, Lucas Davenport. With most of his usual crew off on various assignments of their own Lucas works a lot with a smart but abrasive female deputy from the county where the bodies were found.
The Prey series has done its fair share of serial killer plots, but my favorites tend to be the ones where the villains had more interesting motives than just being psychotic. The recent books had gotten away from that maniac murderer concept so I was a little concerned at the start of this when it seemed like Sandford was just doing an old familiar plot but turning the dial up to 11 by throwing an overwhelming amount of bodies at the reader.
However, I should have had more faith because the story takes several unexpected turns and ends up being one where Lucas is at his most emotionally involved. While I’ve always liked the way that Davenport has mostly been portrayed as a guy doing a job he loves rather than the stereotypical burned out cop with his stable home life and realistic perspective about the limits of what he can do there can be an impression that he’s just gliding over the carnage without it really impacting him. Events here take a turn that has him fully engaged in a way we haven’t seen in a while other than threats to his family, and that’s what just kept this from feeling like another rematch of Lucas Vs. The Serial Killer.
As with most of the Davenport books the killer is introduced early, and the tension comes from watching the cat-and-mouse game between him and Lucas from both perspectives although Sandford holds back a few items to keep the reader guessing. Sandford also remains one of the best I’ve ever read at creating a sense of momentum at times that makes me want to pace as I read because I can barely stay in my chair.
It also seems like change is on the horizon for Lucas. There are several references that when the Minnesota governor leaves office that Lucas will be out too, and a few other things that could be hints that Lucas’s time with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension may be coming to an end. Sandford has talked about ending the series in the near future although his web site also states that he may keep doing Davenport but end the Prey naming format. He may be 70 years old, but with the quality remaining this high I’d like to see him keep going for another 10 or 20 years.
* Edited because I originally said there were 20 corpses and there aren't actually 20 full corpses in the well. 8/10/14
Next Up: Lucas meets some Juggalos in Gathering Prey.
A serial killer has been using an old well in a remote field to dump the bodies of women he has abducted over the years, and when it’s discovered the police find body parts from over 20 corpses* that have turned into what one cop describes as ‘bean soup’. The media hysteria is instant and rabid over what they dub The Black Hole Murders so the political pressure being put on the police and politicians is enormous. As usual when Minnesota cops have a crime that will get people fired they put in a call to their head rat catcher, Lucas Davenport. With most of his usual crew off on various assignments of their own Lucas works a lot with a smart but abrasive female deputy from the county where the bodies were found.
The Prey series has done its fair share of serial killer plots, but my favorites tend to be the ones where the villains had more interesting motives than just being psychotic. The recent books had gotten away from that maniac murderer concept so I was a little concerned at the start of this when it seemed like Sandford was just doing an old familiar plot but turning the dial up to 11 by throwing an overwhelming amount of bodies at the reader.
However, I should have had more faith because the story takes several unexpected turns and ends up being one where Lucas is at his most emotionally involved. While I’ve always liked the way that Davenport has mostly been portrayed as a guy doing a job he loves rather than the stereotypical burned out cop with his stable home life and realistic perspective about the limits of what he can do there can be an impression that he’s just gliding over the carnage without it really impacting him. Events here take a turn that has him fully engaged in a way we haven’t seen in a while other than threats to his family, and that’s what just kept this from feeling like another rematch of Lucas Vs. The Serial Killer.
As with most of the Davenport books the killer is introduced early, and the tension comes from watching the cat-and-mouse game between him and Lucas from both perspectives although Sandford holds back a few items to keep the reader guessing. Sandford also remains one of the best I’ve ever read at creating a sense of momentum at times that makes me want to pace as I read because I can barely stay in my chair.
It also seems like change is on the horizon for Lucas. There are several references that when the Minnesota governor leaves office that Lucas will be out too, and a few other things that could be hints that Lucas’s time with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension may be coming to an end. Sandford has talked about ending the series in the near future although his web site also states that he may keep doing Davenport but end the Prey naming format. He may be 70 years old, but with the quality remaining this high I’d like to see him keep going for another 10 or 20 years.
* Edited because I originally said there were 20 corpses and there aren't actually 20 full corpses in the well. 8/10/14
Next Up: Lucas meets some Juggalos in Gathering Prey.
April 17, 2022
This one has a great build-up.
Like most of his other books in the Prey series, Sandford gives you the killer early on. So we know who had done it but Lucas has to connect all the dots in order to get to them before they kill again and by the end of Field of Prey, it is personal to Lucas.
The book begins with a couple of teenagers finding an area with a strong smell of death. The next day, the guy returns with a cop friend and they find a body. Soon where there was one, there are multiple dead women. The media finds out and the Black Hole Killer becomes the priority.
At first, Lucas is not completely involved but when another investigator is murdered, Lucas goes in 100%. In order to find the killers, he teams up with a local cop, Catrin Mattson who knows Virgil. It's a good combination.
The last part of Field of Prey has plenty of violence. It had my poor heart hammering. Time was running out for the next victim and Lucas needed to hurry up in a big way.
As always, I love the audio. Mr. Ferrone does a wonderful job at understanding and manifesting Lucas. I don't think I could listen to a book without his voice. He is Lucas to me.
I ended up liking Catrin a lot and I hope I can see her in other books. She deserves to be back.
I'm slowly catching up on this series and I already know that I will start the Virgil Flowers books next. If someone is a match for Lucas's personality, is Virgil.
Field of Prey is a winner. Between the humor, the sense of danger, and the amazing characterization, there is no way I wouldn't enjoy it.
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Like most of his other books in the Prey series, Sandford gives you the killer early on. So we know who had done it but Lucas has to connect all the dots in order to get to them before they kill again and by the end of Field of Prey, it is personal to Lucas.
The book begins with a couple of teenagers finding an area with a strong smell of death. The next day, the guy returns with a cop friend and they find a body. Soon where there was one, there are multiple dead women. The media finds out and the Black Hole Killer becomes the priority.
At first, Lucas is not completely involved but when another investigator is murdered, Lucas goes in 100%. In order to find the killers, he teams up with a local cop, Catrin Mattson who knows Virgil. It's a good combination.
The last part of Field of Prey has plenty of violence. It had my poor heart hammering. Time was running out for the next victim and Lucas needed to hurry up in a big way.
As always, I love the audio. Mr. Ferrone does a wonderful job at understanding and manifesting Lucas. I don't think I could listen to a book without his voice. He is Lucas to me.
I ended up liking Catrin a lot and I hope I can see her in other books. She deserves to be back.
I'm slowly catching up on this series and I already know that I will start the Virgil Flowers books next. If someone is a match for Lucas's personality, is Virgil.
Field of Prey is a winner. Between the humor, the sense of danger, and the amazing characterization, there is no way I wouldn't enjoy it.
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
November 7, 2018
A rather busy Davenport mystery. It was hard at times to keep up with all the moving parts. This one is pure Davenport; his compatriots are all off on different assignments, which we hear about as well. I enjoyed this, but not as much as some others in the series.
Like most Davenport mysteries, this one is like putting a puzzle together. We know who the killer is. We, like Lucas, are given small pieces of info and get to see how the connections are made to lead him to the killer’s door. Here, I was a little surprised that the connection which seemed obvious to me alluded Lucas for so long.
Heads up, this one also contains some very graphic violence. Lots of action with the typical Sandford dry humor as well.
I listened to this. Richard Ferrone does his normal excellent job with the narration.
May 7, 2015
Two high school kids are parked out in a field near Redwing, Minnesota, enjoying an evening of youthful passion, when they notice a very bad smell coming from somewhere nearby. The boy, being the responsible sort, tells a deputy sheriff and the next day he and the deputy go back to the spot and discover a concealed cistern. When they pry the cover off, they discover that the cistern is filled with decaying female bodies.
The local authorities begin pulling the bodies from the cistern and quickly realize that this is a job for the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Lucas Davenport races to the scene and by the time he arrives, parts of fifteen bodies have been brought to the surface.
There are still more to come, and it soon becomes apparent that the bodies have been deposited over a long period of time. The victims are all young, blonde, busty women from a broad area around the field where their bodies are discovered. Most of them disappeared after being out for a night of drinking and were never seen again.
Lucas realizes that a very clever killer is at work here. The assumption is that he's a local man, but no one has any idea who it might be, let alone how he could possibly have gotten away with this behavior for so many years and right under their noses.
The reader knows fairly quickly who is responsible for these murders and it becomes a question of how many more victims will be claimed before Davenport, the BCA and the local authorities can bring him down. Most of Lucas's regular team members are off on other investigations and so Lucas is effectively teamed up with a sheriff's investigator named Catrin Mattson. It's an interesting combination, and even though most of the usual "Prey" characters are not available, there's still a lot of great banter and wry humor even in the midst of a case so horrible.
The tension ratchets up dramatically when the killer decides to target members of the investigating team and this fast-paced thriller gathers even more steam. All in all, it's another great ride from John Sandford that will leave readers waiting impatiently for the next Prey novel.
The local authorities begin pulling the bodies from the cistern and quickly realize that this is a job for the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Lucas Davenport races to the scene and by the time he arrives, parts of fifteen bodies have been brought to the surface.
There are still more to come, and it soon becomes apparent that the bodies have been deposited over a long period of time. The victims are all young, blonde, busty women from a broad area around the field where their bodies are discovered. Most of them disappeared after being out for a night of drinking and were never seen again.
Lucas realizes that a very clever killer is at work here. The assumption is that he's a local man, but no one has any idea who it might be, let alone how he could possibly have gotten away with this behavior for so many years and right under their noses.
The reader knows fairly quickly who is responsible for these murders and it becomes a question of how many more victims will be claimed before Davenport, the BCA and the local authorities can bring him down. Most of Lucas's regular team members are off on other investigations and so Lucas is effectively teamed up with a sheriff's investigator named Catrin Mattson. It's an interesting combination, and even though most of the usual "Prey" characters are not available, there's still a lot of great banter and wry humor even in the midst of a case so horrible.
The tension ratchets up dramatically when the killer decides to target members of the investigating team and this fast-paced thriller gathers even more steam. All in all, it's another great ride from John Sandford that will leave readers waiting impatiently for the next Prey novel.
July 8, 2014
Well, this review has me more conflicted than would be usual for a John Sandford book. As usual, it is well written with a complex, multifaceted plot. As usual, there is major crime, and it is especially brutal. And this time it also involves old crimes and heavily misogynistic people and crimes. I found it difficult to deal with at times though I have probably read similar material by Sandford or others in the past. (This is not to say that Sandford is misogynistic, no. It is the criminals he has written about here and I am well aware that there are people like that in this world.) The question is whether I wish to read about them, whether in fiction or non-fiction.
So yes, this continues to be an excellent series but, perhaps I have had enough and have mentally moved on to other things. We'll see.....
Addendum 7/7/14: I originally intended to rate this at 3* and somehow it slipped by at 4. I just noticed this today and am now correcting the rating. The rating is because of the subject matter and explicit, over the top degree of it in this episode. Part of me has been tempted to go with a 2 but Sandford's writing is, as always, excellent. As I have said above, I may, however be nearing the end of the road for reading his books.
So yes, this continues to be an excellent series but, perhaps I have had enough and have mentally moved on to other things. We'll see.....
Addendum 7/7/14: I originally intended to rate this at 3* and somehow it slipped by at 4. I just noticed this today and am now correcting the rating. The rating is because of the subject matter and explicit, over the top degree of it in this episode. Part of me has been tempted to go with a 2 but Sandford's writing is, as always, excellent. As I have said above, I may, however be nearing the end of the road for reading his books.
May 22, 2014
Can't believe this is number 24, in the Davenport series. I have been reading Sandford for a long, long time. He is my go to author of crime, the author that for me keeps up the high quality of his fiction, regardless of how many he has written.
In this one we know, or do we, the perpetrators of the crime. Multiple bodies of women found in an old cistern, and one way or another Lucas is drawn into the hunt. I usually am not a big fan of stories that start out with a known killer or killers, but in the hands of Sandford , this too is wonderfully done. Many authors struggle with dialogue, but dialogue in these books are used to keep the story rolling and rolling quickly and well. The characters are wonderfully portrayed, a good mix of their personal and professional lives. Humor, yes there can be humor even in the pursuit of a professional deviant. One finds themselves cringing one moment and laughing the next. True talent.
Room for thought. "Could Davenport's adopted daughter find herself with a bigger role in coming stories? I hope so, I quite enjoy Letty's view on things.
Anyway keep it up Sandford. I am in awe of your amazing talent.
In this one we know, or do we, the perpetrators of the crime. Multiple bodies of women found in an old cistern, and one way or another Lucas is drawn into the hunt. I usually am not a big fan of stories that start out with a known killer or killers, but in the hands of Sandford , this too is wonderfully done. Many authors struggle with dialogue, but dialogue in these books are used to keep the story rolling and rolling quickly and well. The characters are wonderfully portrayed, a good mix of their personal and professional lives. Humor, yes there can be humor even in the pursuit of a professional deviant. One finds themselves cringing one moment and laughing the next. True talent.
Room for thought. "Could Davenport's adopted daughter find herself with a bigger role in coming stories? I hope so, I quite enjoy Letty's view on things.
Anyway keep it up Sandford. I am in awe of your amazing talent.
June 1, 2015
I love the Prey series. Lucas Davenport is the coolest crime stopper in America, the one we'd all want to be (well, the one I'd like to be, anyway). These are brilliant suspense thrillers - we know who dunnit and we know Lucas will get them in the end - and the trick Sandford always pulls of superbly is to keep us engaged in the chase, wondering how much havoc will be wreaked in the meantime.
This is probably not the best book in the series, but it's still good. There's a bit of me that thinks Lucas on a good day would have snapped this particular killer off at the neck a hundred pages earlier. But hey, that would have spoilt the fun.
There are a couple of side stories thrown in for good measure and the denouement is as good as it gets. Bring on the next one, as soon as possible please, John.
This is probably not the best book in the series, but it's still good. There's a bit of me that thinks Lucas on a good day would have snapped this particular killer off at the neck a hundred pages earlier. But hey, that would have spoilt the fun.
There are a couple of side stories thrown in for good measure and the denouement is as good as it gets. Bring on the next one, as soon as possible please, John.
May 9, 2014
One of the things that I appreciate about John Sandford's writing, both in his Prey Series and the interconnected Flowers Series is that his protagonists don't always connect the dots, immediately. In a lot of other books, in this genre, as soon as the detective gets the relevant facts and clues, everything lines up, the tumblers click, the light goes on and Eureka! he solves the crime and saves the day. Sandford's protagonists usually have their own eureka moment, but they are usually in possession of the facts, long before they connect the dots.
It's a more realistic kind of cop story and it's the underlying theme of this one. Sandford's hero, Lucas Davenport is in possession of all the facts he needs to crack this case fairly early on--and in fact, another cop on the case connects the dots long before Lucas does and it gets him into trouble. This installment of the Prey series sees Lucas knowing that he has all of the facts he needs to solve the case, and being unable to figure it out. All the while, girls are going missing and dying at the hands of a wicked serial killer.
Lucas' frustration is palpable and we see him doing things that he's never done previously in this series. At one point, frustrated out of his mind, Lucas calls the hero of Sandford's other series, Virgil Flowers and says, "Tell me what to do." Those of you who have read this series will know how very out of character this is for him.
Sandford refuses to let Lucas get stale. He refuses to trot the same old hero out to save the same old day, time after time. He lets his hero grow and change and age. This time, we see Lucas start to crumble under the weight of his ego and the pressure of not being able to do what another has already done. We see it weigh on him.
We also see a lot of other things that will delight readers--like a much larger role for Lucas' adoptive daughter, and fan-favorite character, Letty. Letty is soon to be leaving for Stanford to start college and the interactions between her and Lucas are much more adult in nature. And Lucas leans on her too--involving her in the case and even grooming her a bit, accepting that she is born to do the same things he does. As a great counterpoint to Letty, there's a new character, a female cop that Lucas is working with who Lucas sees as an almost grown-up version of Letty.
I won't give away what happens, but rest assured that it's action packed, tightly paced and another win in the Prey Series for Sandford. I find myself saying it over and over again, but if you've never read this series, start at the beginning and do it now! If you have, you'll love this one. It's quality Prey from start to finish.
It's a more realistic kind of cop story and it's the underlying theme of this one. Sandford's hero, Lucas Davenport is in possession of all the facts he needs to crack this case fairly early on--and in fact, another cop on the case connects the dots long before Lucas does and it gets him into trouble. This installment of the Prey series sees Lucas knowing that he has all of the facts he needs to solve the case, and being unable to figure it out. All the while, girls are going missing and dying at the hands of a wicked serial killer.
Lucas' frustration is palpable and we see him doing things that he's never done previously in this series. At one point, frustrated out of his mind, Lucas calls the hero of Sandford's other series, Virgil Flowers and says, "Tell me what to do." Those of you who have read this series will know how very out of character this is for him.
Sandford refuses to let Lucas get stale. He refuses to trot the same old hero out to save the same old day, time after time. He lets his hero grow and change and age. This time, we see Lucas start to crumble under the weight of his ego and the pressure of not being able to do what another has already done. We see it weigh on him.
We also see a lot of other things that will delight readers--like a much larger role for Lucas' adoptive daughter, and fan-favorite character, Letty. Letty is soon to be leaving for Stanford to start college and the interactions between her and Lucas are much more adult in nature. And Lucas leans on her too--involving her in the case and even grooming her a bit, accepting that she is born to do the same things he does. As a great counterpoint to Letty, there's a new character, a female cop that Lucas is working with who Lucas sees as an almost grown-up version of Letty.
I won't give away what happens, but rest assured that it's action packed, tightly paced and another win in the Prey Series for Sandford. I find myself saying it over and over again, but if you've never read this series, start at the beginning and do it now! If you have, you'll love this one. It's quality Prey from start to finish.
July 26, 2015
A really satisfying police procedural, okay to start without reading others in the long series. As typical we are treated to vignettes of the twisted life of the bad guy, in this case a serial rapist/killer, so it’s not a whodunit but a pressure-cooker tale on how to find and stop him.
I’ve only read 9 of the 24 of the line of “Prey” books featuring Lucas Davenport of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (which he is wont to say is superior to the FBI since the title promises more than just investigation). I had gotten a little tired of the prurient horrors of monster psychology in some of the entries from the 90’s, but I am happy all that is relatively minimalized here. We get a gruesome pit of remains of many bodies to kick us off and some brutalities by the bad guy along the way, but where sexual violence is concerned Sandford restrains to the level of “he raped her.”
The seriousness of the crimes drives Lucas and his team to extreme efforts, and their approaches to handling the pressures, milking the leads, and choreography in teamwork are what makes this a great story. It’s cool to witness the support he earns from his dedicated staff and his ability to nurture the capabilities of an impetuous female detective from the rural county sheriff’s department where the action is centered. Quite the skirt chaser in his early career, the mature Davenport now reaps the support of a surgeon wife and kids, including Letty, a 20-something daughter interested in a law enforcement career. He takes her along for some of his field investigation trips, and it was fun to experience the insights emerge through the synergy of their healthy relationship. As usual, the dialog and dramatic pacing were excellent, and the humorous elements just right to leaven the tension. In recent years, I have come to favor the series with his more low-key detective Virgil Flowers, but I now back to appreciating the art form he achieves with thriller/procedurals featuring Davenport.
I’ve only read 9 of the 24 of the line of “Prey” books featuring Lucas Davenport of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (which he is wont to say is superior to the FBI since the title promises more than just investigation). I had gotten a little tired of the prurient horrors of monster psychology in some of the entries from the 90’s, but I am happy all that is relatively minimalized here. We get a gruesome pit of remains of many bodies to kick us off and some brutalities by the bad guy along the way, but where sexual violence is concerned Sandford restrains to the level of “he raped her.”
The seriousness of the crimes drives Lucas and his team to extreme efforts, and their approaches to handling the pressures, milking the leads, and choreography in teamwork are what makes this a great story. It’s cool to witness the support he earns from his dedicated staff and his ability to nurture the capabilities of an impetuous female detective from the rural county sheriff’s department where the action is centered. Quite the skirt chaser in his early career, the mature Davenport now reaps the support of a surgeon wife and kids, including Letty, a 20-something daughter interested in a law enforcement career. He takes her along for some of his field investigation trips, and it was fun to experience the insights emerge through the synergy of their healthy relationship. As usual, the dialog and dramatic pacing were excellent, and the humorous elements just right to leaven the tension. In recent years, I have come to favor the series with his more low-key detective Virgil Flowers, but I now back to appreciating the art form he achieves with thriller/procedurals featuring Davenport.
May 8, 2014
Bought as a birthday present to myself, I read this in about 10 great hours. Lucas - I missed you! And Weather and Letty and Del too.
I love the mix of personal and professional life in this series yet with so much going on, it is not over told or over dramatized. The side stories are interesting and play well into the overall plot. The secondary characters are appropriately lovable and hated.
Did not see the crazy part coming so that was a pleasant surprise. I actually had to go back and read a bit back because I thought I missed something but no, the was just Sandford's way of bringing it out. Well done.
I cannot wait for the next one.
I love the mix of personal and professional life in this series yet with so much going on, it is not over told or over dramatized. The side stories are interesting and play well into the overall plot. The secondary characters are appropriately lovable and hated.
Did not see the crazy part coming so that was a pleasant surprise. I actually had to go back and read a bit back because I thought I missed something but no, the was just Sandford's way of bringing it out. Well done.
I cannot wait for the next one.
March 12, 2015
Another great addition to the Davenport Series, which I have been reading for years...can't believe this is book #24.
I have watched Lucas Davenport fighting crime for a long time....he's now "grown" up...his daughter is about to enter college, he's still the cool guy with the cool wardrobe and car and still putting the bad guys behind bars.
It's interesting watching him putting the puzzles together and just love the way he interacts with the secondary characters in the series.
Great storyline and plot, well developed characters, action, twists and plots and totally enjoyable to read.
Hopefully Lucas D will continue fighting bad guys and looking forward to book #25.
I have watched Lucas Davenport fighting crime for a long time....he's now "grown" up...his daughter is about to enter college, he's still the cool guy with the cool wardrobe and car and still putting the bad guys behind bars.
It's interesting watching him putting the puzzles together and just love the way he interacts with the secondary characters in the series.
Great storyline and plot, well developed characters, action, twists and plots and totally enjoyable to read.
Hopefully Lucas D will continue fighting bad guys and looking forward to book #25.
October 3, 2019
I thought that Sandford did a good job with this one. It's a solid book. The main reason why I gave this four stars though is that I felt like once again there is too much Letty in this. And I have to wonder about her being at a murder scene and telling the cops how someone must have gotten shot. I still find this character less than useless, but at least Sandford has her shipped off to college by the end of this one so hopefully she only pops up sporadically now. Also I loathed the throwaway line about an ex of Lucas (who was Marcy). At this point Sandford needs to write as if people have been following this series. Also having Lucas speak of Marcy this way and not mention his grief of her being murdered in "Buried Prey" which had everyone on the lookout to keep Lucas from murdering the man who shot and killed her is just baffling. And then I started to remember how irritated I was by "Buried Prey" and how Marcy got fridged for Lucas's development (eyeroll).
So in the 24th installment of the Prey series starring Lucas Davenport, Sandford goes back to a well he's left alone for a while. Lucas ends up trying to identify a serial killer who has murdered at least 21 women. Along with having to worry about a long-time friend who is on another case and his daughter Letty going off to college, Lucas has a lot going on. If he doesn't end up figuring out who the killer is though, he may end up costing him his job.
I think what was good is that Sandford follows what seems to be a strange crime with two men trying to abduct a woman and then jumps forward years later to two kids about to have sex for the first time. When the young man and woman smell something that smells rotten like a body they both wonder whether it could be an animal. The young man eventually goes to the police and they find one body. From there the police converge on the site and figure out someone has been disposing of dead women in an abandoned cistern on a farm. Lucas is pulled in due to the fact that Rose Marie knows how high profile this case will be and that it can have bad political consequences for the governor who is hoping to get vetted as Vice President. Lucas though is juggling two cases and doesn't have time to devote to the "Black Hole" killer as he is dubbed. When someone is taken out during the case though, Lucas is pulled back in.
Lucas in this one I thought was good. Also you have it known he's old which made me laugh. A lot of the scenes with Lucas and Del and Lucas with a local deputy also working the case, Catrin Mattsson were great too. For once we have a woman not going on about how hot Lucas is and thinking about him in bed. Catrin calls Lucas old enough to be her dad and his insult at that had me cracking up. We also get to see Lucas more domesticated in this way. He references his first daughter (who we still never see or have him discussing much) and his two children with Weather, and Letty. There are some changes afoot since Letty is going to college and I stopped wondering how old she was since it felt like the last few book she was just 15 or 16.
The other characters we follow is a man named Shaffer who is Lucas's opposite in every way. The two men don't like each other, but have worked on cases in the past. No spoilers, but I wish that Sandford would have thought about ending things a bit differently here.
We also get Catrin's character and once again no spoilers, but I ended up really liking this character and am curious if she will show up in future Prey books or not.
We also get reappearances of old characters like Del, Elle, and others.
The writing was good and I thought the flow worked for the most part. When the book shifted to Del though it lost its momentum I thought. I also thought that Sandford was trying to show the change in the press with regards to the police in this one, but it didn't hold much water for me though and it felt like a weird side story that should have been left on the cutting room floor.
The ending though feels grim and you get a sense of loss and loneliness.
So in the 24th installment of the Prey series starring Lucas Davenport, Sandford goes back to a well he's left alone for a while. Lucas ends up trying to identify a serial killer who has murdered at least 21 women. Along with having to worry about a long-time friend who is on another case and his daughter Letty going off to college, Lucas has a lot going on. If he doesn't end up figuring out who the killer is though, he may end up costing him his job.
I think what was good is that Sandford follows what seems to be a strange crime with two men trying to abduct a woman and then jumps forward years later to two kids about to have sex for the first time. When the young man and woman smell something that smells rotten like a body they both wonder whether it could be an animal. The young man eventually goes to the police and they find one body. From there the police converge on the site and figure out someone has been disposing of dead women in an abandoned cistern on a farm. Lucas is pulled in due to the fact that Rose Marie knows how high profile this case will be and that it can have bad political consequences for the governor who is hoping to get vetted as Vice President. Lucas though is juggling two cases and doesn't have time to devote to the "Black Hole" killer as he is dubbed. When someone is taken out during the case though, Lucas is pulled back in.
Lucas in this one I thought was good. Also you have it known he's old which made me laugh. A lot of the scenes with Lucas and Del and Lucas with a local deputy also working the case, Catrin Mattsson were great too. For once we have a woman not going on about how hot Lucas is and thinking about him in bed. Catrin calls Lucas old enough to be her dad and his insult at that had me cracking up. We also get to see Lucas more domesticated in this way. He references his first daughter (who we still never see or have him discussing much) and his two children with Weather, and Letty. There are some changes afoot since Letty is going to college and I stopped wondering how old she was since it felt like the last few book she was just 15 or 16.
The other characters we follow is a man named Shaffer who is Lucas's opposite in every way. The two men don't like each other, but have worked on cases in the past. No spoilers, but I wish that Sandford would have thought about ending things a bit differently here.
We also get Catrin's character and once again no spoilers, but I ended up really liking this character and am curious if she will show up in future Prey books or not.
We also get reappearances of old characters like Del, Elle, and others.
The writing was good and I thought the flow worked for the most part. When the book shifted to Del though it lost its momentum I thought. I also thought that Sandford was trying to show the change in the press with regards to the police in this one, but it didn't hold much water for me though and it felt like a weird side story that should have been left on the cutting room floor.
The ending though feels grim and you get a sense of loss and loneliness.
May 14, 2019
5/13/19
For the record, I did go back and read them all again. Still as good as the first time.
6/13/14
I love these books. I love these books so much I'm considering blowing off all the books I have started reading and just going back to Rules of Prey and start the whole series over again. Honestly, they really do just get better and better. After Stolen Prey and Letty's amazing freaking amazing-ness (there's really no words for how much I love Letty) and then the appearance of Kidd & Lauren in Silken Prey I really didn't imagine that things would get even better, but they did.
Here's why John Sandford is such a perfect story teller: He tells a slow burner story. There is this HUGE case in Red Wing and Lucas isn't even the head investigator. He's the heavy. He's the one Rose Marie sends in to get shit done.
So he's doing. And usually he's doing with Del, Jenkins or Shrake along for the ride, but this time there's stuff going on all over the place and everyone, including Virgil are off on other cases. So Lucas is poking around. And the whole time you know who the killer is. You know how close and how far they are from him. But everything is taking time. Lucas jumps to the wrong conclusions, makes assumptions that are close, but not right. He gets the guy, right there, but then skips right over him. And you, as the reader are thinking, holy crap! He's RIGHT THERE!
But you're not mad, because if you've read a Lucas Davenport book you know he'll get it done.
So you wait. And while things are moving slowly you aren't frustrated or bored. Sandford somehow makes the mundane interesting. In the middle of the giant case, Lucas goes home so he can go shopping to buy new shoes. But that's how real life works. Cases don't get solved right away. Sometimes months go by. Sometimes cases go cold.
But then shit hits the fan. And it isn't even anything to do with what you think it should be, but damn it, I'm invested. I'm invested in all of these people. For most of them, I've been with them for 20 years. They're like my book friends.
So some shit hits the fan, but then all of a sudden, ALL of the shit hits the fan and I've got 88 more pages to go and I'm slapping my legs, bouncing up and down, pulling my hair, everything but biting my nails. And it is so intense that when it's over I feel drained. I feel relief and I feel spent.
Lucas is flawed. And he's bent and twisted and ruthless. But he is good and dependable and loyal and a fucking maniac. And damnit I love Weather. I love that she knows this man so well and loves him for it, expects nothing less than who he is, what he's capable of.
There is no better author out there. None.
For the record, I did go back and read them all again. Still as good as the first time.
6/13/14
I love these books. I love these books so much I'm considering blowing off all the books I have started reading and just going back to Rules of Prey and start the whole series over again. Honestly, they really do just get better and better. After Stolen Prey and Letty's amazing freaking amazing-ness (there's really no words for how much I love Letty) and then the appearance of Kidd & Lauren in Silken Prey I really didn't imagine that things would get even better, but they did.
Here's why John Sandford is such a perfect story teller: He tells a slow burner story. There is this HUGE case in Red Wing and Lucas isn't even the head investigator. He's the heavy. He's the one Rose Marie sends in to get shit done.
So he's doing. And usually he's doing with Del, Jenkins or Shrake along for the ride, but this time there's stuff going on all over the place and everyone, including Virgil are off on other cases. So Lucas is poking around. And the whole time you know who the killer is. You know how close and how far they are from him. But everything is taking time. Lucas jumps to the wrong conclusions, makes assumptions that are close, but not right. He gets the guy, right there, but then skips right over him. And you, as the reader are thinking, holy crap! He's RIGHT THERE!
But you're not mad, because if you've read a Lucas Davenport book you know he'll get it done.
So you wait. And while things are moving slowly you aren't frustrated or bored. Sandford somehow makes the mundane interesting. In the middle of the giant case, Lucas goes home so he can go shopping to buy new shoes. But that's how real life works. Cases don't get solved right away. Sometimes months go by. Sometimes cases go cold.
But then shit hits the fan. And it isn't even anything to do with what you think it should be, but damn it, I'm invested. I'm invested in all of these people. For most of them, I've been with them for 20 years. They're like my book friends.
So some shit hits the fan, but then all of a sudden, ALL of the shit hits the fan and I've got 88 more pages to go and I'm slapping my legs, bouncing up and down, pulling my hair, everything but biting my nails. And it is so intense that when it's over I feel drained. I feel relief and I feel spent.
Lucas is flawed. And he's bent and twisted and ruthless. But he is good and dependable and loyal and a fucking maniac. And damnit I love Weather. I love that she knows this man so well and loves him for it, expects nothing less than who he is, what he's capable of.
There is no better author out there. None.
August 24, 2016
Well dressed and fast driving Lucas Davenport is at it again...or still. I'm not much for clothes or cars but do enjoy a cop (guy or gal) that effectively deals with assholes and murderers or; as is the case more often than not serial killers.
Again a killer or killers preying on pretty young ladies. This cistern is not your grandfathers cistern. but, murders and mayhem and cat and mouse and a bit of Lucas's family form the tale.
A few side nods to Del and that F**king Flowers, just so you know they are alive along with the usual cast of law enforcement.
Bottom line...Justice served, but just a bit too late. If you like Davenport, you will really like this one.
Again a killer or killers preying on pretty young ladies. This cistern is not your grandfathers cistern. but, murders and mayhem and cat and mouse and a bit of Lucas's family form the tale.
A few side nods to Del and that F**king Flowers, just so you know they are alive along with the usual cast of law enforcement.
Bottom line...Justice served, but just a bit too late. If you like Davenport, you will really like this one.
June 23, 2018
2nd reading - Nicely written mystery, with a search for a killer of young women, whose bodies are thrown into a remote farm cistern over the course of 20 years. A huge investigation centering around 3 small Minnesota towns, with suspicious glances at many local figures.
1st reading - The latest Davenport story and it was awesome. Quite the kink about 2/3 of the way in - didn't see that coming. Several regular characters have major changes. Hope to see more of Catrin if she joins the BCA.
1st reading - The latest Davenport story and it was awesome. Quite the kink about 2/3 of the way in - didn't see that coming. Several regular characters have major changes. Hope to see more of Catrin if she joins the BCA.
October 15, 2019
I worry about Sandford's imagination reading this book and some of the other titles where he inserts the actions and thinking of the bad guys. The killer in this one rapes and kills women and the vividness and detail with which Sandford recounts his actions is beyond chilling; it's obscene and pornographic. There's a vast chasm between erotic pornography that's loving and tender and that which is brutal and sadistic. This is the latter and it's not pleasant. One wonders about a mind that can even think up this stuff. I'm not sure I would want Sandford over for dinner.
There is a side plot (one wonders why it was included at all) involving the brother of a man shot by police during a bank robbery. Lucas is portrayed by the media as celebrating the man's death ("the police showed great restraint" in striking the man with only 20 bullets) and having been involved setting the man up for the shooting. From other comments made during the book, it's clear Sandford despises the media (ironic as Sandford is a pseudonym for John Camp a former journalist), and the name of the brother, "Immanuel Kent" can't possibly be an accident and must be a reference to Immanuel Kant, who gave us the "categorical Imperative" and the moral worth of an individual comes less from the consequences of his actions than from his motivations. Lucas' motivations in warning the police of the bank robbery was good, but the actual consequence was bad. The brother (supported by the media) seems to argue that he should be responsible for the unintended consequences, distinctly un-Kantian.
No need to repeat the plot. Lots of those descriptions available. That said, he has created some interesting characters. Davenport and his sidekicks have become more interesting as the series has progressed. And having Flowers make an appearance never hurts, either. I enjoyed this audio-book which was well read (as ever) by Richard Ferrone.
There is a side plot (one wonders why it was included at all) involving the brother of a man shot by police during a bank robbery. Lucas is portrayed by the media as celebrating the man's death ("the police showed great restraint" in striking the man with only 20 bullets) and having been involved setting the man up for the shooting. From other comments made during the book, it's clear Sandford despises the media (ironic as Sandford is a pseudonym for John Camp a former journalist), and the name of the brother, "Immanuel Kent" can't possibly be an accident and must be a reference to Immanuel Kant, who gave us the "categorical Imperative" and the moral worth of an individual comes less from the consequences of his actions than from his motivations. Lucas' motivations in warning the police of the bank robbery was good, but the actual consequence was bad. The brother (supported by the media) seems to argue that he should be responsible for the unintended consequences, distinctly un-Kantian.
No need to repeat the plot. Lots of those descriptions available. That said, he has created some interesting characters. Davenport and his sidekicks have become more interesting as the series has progressed. And having Flowers make an appearance never hurts, either. I enjoyed this audio-book which was well read (as ever) by Richard Ferrone.
May 24, 2014
John Sandford and his prey series have been a favorite of mine since the very first book. Before I started this book I read some of the recent reviews and was hoping I would like it more than most of the other readers did but I have to agree that this was not his best writing. I am disappointed but I'm certainly not giving up on him. The book wasn't all bad, it just could have been much better.
July 21, 2015
Hard to believe this is the twenty-fourth installment in this successful series of novels by John Sandford. Over the years, I've read most, if not all, of Mr. Sandford's works. He continues with his successful formula: a flawed protagonist; a Looney Tunes antagonist; interesting support players; a hint of sexual tension; and short sub-chapters.
In this tale, a body dump-site is discovered on an abandoned farm in rural Minnesota. A long-forgotten cistern holds the remains of more than twenty bodies, most women. Fearing a political backlash, the head of public safety, who is also Lucas' patron, pulls out all the stops to quickly solve the crimes. Progress is made but fate intervenes, leaving the investigation back at square one.
Cue Lucas Davenport. Remove his shackles. Watch him solve the crime.
Without providing plot details, I will offer a few observations. Sandford's dialogue is interesting and entertaining as always. Lucas seems to have mellowed over the years. He is less inclined to fight and shoot first. In general, he is more thoughtful. Sandford also included a main female character who becomes the object of the killer's obsession. She may well be spun off into another series. As for bit players and side-characters, Sandford's inclusion of other favorite characters, i.e. that fu(#!ng Flowers, interrupted the flow of the story and served little purpose other than to add pages.
Still, the story and style made for a fast and enjoyable read. Even with the few flaws noted (in my very humble and less experienced opinion), I have to provide Field of Prey with a 4-star rating on the Goodreads' scale and a 4.3 on my more detailed scale.
In this tale, a body dump-site is discovered on an abandoned farm in rural Minnesota. A long-forgotten cistern holds the remains of more than twenty bodies, most women. Fearing a political backlash, the head of public safety, who is also Lucas' patron, pulls out all the stops to quickly solve the crimes. Progress is made but fate intervenes, leaving the investigation back at square one.
Cue Lucas Davenport. Remove his shackles. Watch him solve the crime.
Without providing plot details, I will offer a few observations. Sandford's dialogue is interesting and entertaining as always. Lucas seems to have mellowed over the years. He is less inclined to fight and shoot first. In general, he is more thoughtful. Sandford also included a main female character who becomes the object of the killer's obsession. She may well be spun off into another series. As for bit players and side-characters, Sandford's inclusion of other favorite characters, i.e. that fu(#!ng Flowers, interrupted the flow of the story and served little purpose other than to add pages.
Still, the story and style made for a fast and enjoyable read. Even with the few flaws noted (in my very humble and less experienced opinion), I have to provide Field of Prey with a 4-star rating on the Goodreads' scale and a 4.3 on my more detailed scale.
May 10, 2014
the beginning few chapters of FoP begin in a somewhat rudimentary fashion. We meet the villain, discover the bodies, and initially the police bicker over jurisdiction and worry about media coverage. In short the book begins so drenched in formula even for a formula soaked genre that I almost gave up.
Luckily for me there was a bonus - don't want to spoil, I will simply say I was surprised by some early scenes, that pulled me out of my cynicism and made me take notice.
Unfortunately there was really only one such scene. Once the twist was out of the way, I was subject to a typical meandering police plotline, where disturbingly the bad-guy's chapters were more enjoyable simply because their criminality at least offered some interest.
Towards the end the book picked up considerably (but then don't all crime thrillers?) and Sandford certainly doesn't shy away from tough scenes. Nonetheless as they say its about the journey and despite a worthy attempt the book simply feels like 2-3 gory ideas, padded out with boring, formulaic police nonsense that in no way stands out from the next detective novel.
Luckily for me there was a bonus - don't want to spoil, I will simply say I was surprised by some early scenes, that pulled me out of my cynicism and made me take notice.
Unfortunately there was really only one such scene. Once the twist was out of the way, I was subject to a typical meandering police plotline, where disturbingly the bad-guy's chapters were more enjoyable simply because their criminality at least offered some interest.
Towards the end the book picked up considerably (but then don't all crime thrillers?) and Sandford certainly doesn't shy away from tough scenes. Nonetheless as they say its about the journey and despite a worthy attempt the book simply feels like 2-3 gory ideas, padded out with boring, formulaic police nonsense that in no way stands out from the next detective novel.
August 20, 2020
This is not your usual Davenport book. There are lots of murders and a twist I totally missed,. In short this was a totally gripping read. Add into the mix an emotionally invested Lucas and you have it all.
The side story of Letty heading off to Uni adds a nice personal twist. I can't help feeling Davenport's run is coming to an end and that Letty, how is a Lucas mini me, will take over the reins.
The side story of Letty heading off to Uni adds a nice personal twist. I can't help feeling Davenport's run is coming to an end and that Letty, how is a Lucas mini me, will take over the reins.
May 20, 2025
This title came up at our book club meeting when one of our (many) off-topic discussions landed on my hometown's hardware store owner. Someone knew he had been interviewed for this novel and although it was published more than 10 years ago, none of us had read it but now we all wanted to.
Being set in the Minnesota county I live in was a blessing and a curse. Mostly a blessing as I always enjoy a story with a setting I can picture and relate to and I knew every road and tree that was mentioned here. A bit annoying though when the details were fictionalized. All the towns named are actual places in Goodhue County but the name and layout of the town the killer lived in (my home town!) was changed. Maybe not the worst idea to protect the town's reputation and anyone who might resemble a shady character, but a little irksome nonetheless. (Page 117 still has me laughing as it uses the names of two people I know and describes one accurately enough that I had to inquire if they had also been interviewed by the author.) The other thing that threw me off in a description of a place I know so well was sometimes he had the roads running East-West when they actually run North-South. Other than that, I could basically take you right to each place mentioned. None of this has any bearing on the average reader and I do highly recommend anyone in (or outside of) Goodhue County give it a shot, unless............you are opposed to murder mystery/thriller novels, some vulgar language and sexual content.
This is the first Sandford novel I've read and I'm going to attribute most of my negative thoughts to the fact that there were over 20 previous installments in this series. Jumping in this late means I have no backstory on some of the characters that seemed to crowd the plot unnecessarily. Those with a minor mention are probably major players in other titles and were dropped in to keep their story-line active. Looking just at this title though, they were a distracting sidebar. Overall, I really enjoyed this plot and writing style and moved through the easy-reading, realistic dialog quite easily.
There was a bit of a crazy "twist" toward the end and I wasn't sure if I should laugh or roll my eyes, but it did finally answer a question I'd had since much earlier in the story. What I still don't know is...why did it take the experienced detectives so long to figure out the "connection" between the original suspect and the actual killer?
Being set in the Minnesota county I live in was a blessing and a curse. Mostly a blessing as I always enjoy a story with a setting I can picture and relate to and I knew every road and tree that was mentioned here. A bit annoying though when the details were fictionalized. All the towns named are actual places in Goodhue County but the name and layout of the town the killer lived in (my home town!) was changed. Maybe not the worst idea to protect the town's reputation and anyone who might resemble a shady character, but a little irksome nonetheless. (Page 117 still has me laughing as it uses the names of two people I know and describes one accurately enough that I had to inquire if they had also been interviewed by the author.) The other thing that threw me off in a description of a place I know so well was sometimes he had the roads running East-West when they actually run North-South. Other than that, I could basically take you right to each place mentioned. None of this has any bearing on the average reader and I do highly recommend anyone in (or outside of) Goodhue County give it a shot, unless............you are opposed to murder mystery/thriller novels, some vulgar language and sexual content.
This is the first Sandford novel I've read and I'm going to attribute most of my negative thoughts to the fact that there were over 20 previous installments in this series. Jumping in this late means I have no backstory on some of the characters that seemed to crowd the plot unnecessarily. Those with a minor mention are probably major players in other titles and were dropped in to keep their story-line active. Looking just at this title though, they were a distracting sidebar. Overall, I really enjoyed this plot and writing style and moved through the easy-reading, realistic dialog quite easily.
There was a bit of a crazy "twist" toward the end and I wasn't sure if I should laugh or roll my eyes, but it did finally answer a question I'd had since much earlier in the story. What I still don't know is...why did it take the experienced detectives so long to figure out the "connection" between the original suspect and the actual killer?
April 20, 2014
If I could give this book a rating of more than five, I would. First off, full disclosure, I did win this book through Goodread's First Reads Program. After reading Sandford's last Davenport novel, Silken Prey, I didn't think he could top it. I was proven wrong. I read a third of the book the first night I got it. The serial killers are pure evil and really draw you in. I am not sure where Sandford came up with premise for disposing of the bodies, but it is sickening and makes you cheer for Lucas and the boys even that much harder. The story moves quickly, and spreads out Lucas and his sidekicks. This allows Sandford to bring in a new and interesting character that I am sure we will be seeing in future novels (I'll let you read the book to find out who it is). I love the fact that there were some big surprises you don't see coming though out the novel. As always Sandford does a great job of using the Minnesota geography and landscape to help tell his story. I love the Red Wing area with it surrounding towns, and it makes a great back drop with lots ways for the story to go. Fans of the Prey series as well as anyone who loves a good thriller will love his book. It is one of the best books I have read this year, and one of the fastest reads too. When this book arrives on May 6, do yourself a favor and head to your local book store and grab it. I wouldn't even recommend ordering online because by the time it arrives via UPS you could have already read it!!!
September 21, 2018
Not one of the best of the series, but still pretty darn good. I'm just tired of another crazy serial killer. I didn't buy the identification toward the end. It's a small town, lots of coverage, & the recognition was too certain at that point. Not the end of the world, just seemed a bit too convenient for the word count. OTOH, there is a bit of evidence that our nose is rubbed in & the expectation is it will break the case. It doesn't work that way for all that Lucas attempts to recreate events. Excellent slight of hand.
Again, the characters & their interactions were one of the best parts. Flowers gets a couple of cameos & it's always fun the way he interacts with Lucas. A couple of excellent other characters, one who we may see again.
I finally got Rough Country, the 3d Flowers book, so I'm going to read that next. It's out of order, but I want to see if it is a case that's been mentioned several times. Doesn't look like it, though.
Again, the characters & their interactions were one of the best parts. Flowers gets a couple of cameos & it's always fun the way he interacts with Lucas. A couple of excellent other characters, one who we may see again.
I finally got Rough Country, the 3d Flowers book, so I'm going to read that next. It's out of order, but I want to see if it is a case that's been mentioned several times. Doesn't look like it, though.
June 22, 2015
Field of Prey – Simply Brilliant
Field of Prey the twenty-fourth in the Lucas Davenport series, is actually my first foray and one that I enjoyed and wondering why it has only taking me twenty-five years to discover this wonderful crime series. Stephen King is correct when he says John Sandford is a great summer read and a great novelist and the great thing about this book it might be the twenty-fourth but can still be read without having read his previous outings.
I was impressed with all the twists and turns in this novel that turns Field of Prey from being just another crime novel in to a must read and value for money crime thriller. Field of Prey has a great plot, there is plenty of suspense, some violence when required, plenty of twists with a race to the end to solve the crime. What makes Lucas Davenport such a brilliant character is that he comes across as more human, who loves life, loves to laugh and not afraid to make mistake, a defective detective he is not.
An n eighteen year old school senior is about to get lucky with his girlfriend Ginger, and he does seal the deal as it were, but they both discover a smell that is so disgusting that any hunter knows is a body decomposing. He tells a local deputy and takes him to a derelict farmstead and they make a grim discovery in the old underground cistern, and the law enforcement agencies of the state of Minnesota start an investigation.
As the more bodies are found they are all female some of just the skulls and so begins a search of missing blonde young females across a tri-state area. The clues do not seem to be there for Davenport and when one of his colleagues is killed and another taken he knows that he is in a race against time to find the killer and save that colleague.
At the same time of the investigation we also are able to examine the human side of Lucas Davenport and the growing relationship he has with his Stanford bound daughter Letty who helps to give him various insights in to the crime. All in which makes him more human to the reader than a lot of fictional characters.
I cannot recommend Field of Prey highly enough, if you are a fan you know what you are getting but if you are new to the series pick this one up and you will want to read all the others. It looks like I have a summer challenge ahead of myself. This is a brilliant crime thriller that delivers on all pages and you will not be disappointed.
Field of Prey the twenty-fourth in the Lucas Davenport series, is actually my first foray and one that I enjoyed and wondering why it has only taking me twenty-five years to discover this wonderful crime series. Stephen King is correct when he says John Sandford is a great summer read and a great novelist and the great thing about this book it might be the twenty-fourth but can still be read without having read his previous outings.
I was impressed with all the twists and turns in this novel that turns Field of Prey from being just another crime novel in to a must read and value for money crime thriller. Field of Prey has a great plot, there is plenty of suspense, some violence when required, plenty of twists with a race to the end to solve the crime. What makes Lucas Davenport such a brilliant character is that he comes across as more human, who loves life, loves to laugh and not afraid to make mistake, a defective detective he is not.
An n eighteen year old school senior is about to get lucky with his girlfriend Ginger, and he does seal the deal as it were, but they both discover a smell that is so disgusting that any hunter knows is a body decomposing. He tells a local deputy and takes him to a derelict farmstead and they make a grim discovery in the old underground cistern, and the law enforcement agencies of the state of Minnesota start an investigation.
As the more bodies are found they are all female some of just the skulls and so begins a search of missing blonde young females across a tri-state area. The clues do not seem to be there for Davenport and when one of his colleagues is killed and another taken he knows that he is in a race against time to find the killer and save that colleague.
At the same time of the investigation we also are able to examine the human side of Lucas Davenport and the growing relationship he has with his Stanford bound daughter Letty who helps to give him various insights in to the crime. All in which makes him more human to the reader than a lot of fictional characters.
I cannot recommend Field of Prey highly enough, if you are a fan you know what you are getting but if you are new to the series pick this one up and you will want to read all the others. It looks like I have a summer challenge ahead of myself. This is a brilliant crime thriller that delivers on all pages and you will not be disappointed.
March 31, 2025
Always a pleasure to read a Lucas Davenport book; this one was no exception, and maybe even better than most.
We knew, or at least thought we knew, who the killer was at the beginning, and we get to hear his point of view throughout the story. It was interesting to see how the investigation progressed through misdirection as they zigged and zagged toward the conclusion. At times, it seemed like Davenport was losing, but then we find out he passed us even though we knew, or thought we knew, who the killer was. At one point near the end, I wasn't even sure who done it.
Looking forward to the next one!
We knew, or at least thought we knew, who the killer was at the beginning, and we get to hear his point of view throughout the story. It was interesting to see how the investigation progressed through misdirection as they zigged and zagged toward the conclusion. At times, it seemed like Davenport was losing, but then we find out he passed us even though we knew, or thought we knew, who the killer was. At one point near the end, I wasn't even sure who done it.
Looking forward to the next one!
May 12, 2014
Why do I love John Sandford's books so much? Well, first his characters just jump off the page. Lucas Davenport is his central character and we've known him for 24 books now. Yes, that many. The banter between him and and his fellow detectives still makes me laugh. And this in the middle of solving a horrendous mystery. This time it's the Black Hole killer. Bodies are found in a cistern, that's an abandoned well in the middle of nowhere. It's a great place for two teenagers to get their grove on and to dump bodies. But when the well starts filling up, the smell becomes obvious and the cops are called. So the hunt is on. The killer is a creep, the detectives have a hard time tracking him down and three crimes are going on at once. I roared through this book and was sad to turn the last page. Vintage Sandford and I loved every minute of it. I see he's going to do one with a co-writer soon. I hope it doesn't dilute his humor and great voice. This one is too good to pass up. Get it now. It was my best Mother's Day present to myself.
February 10, 2020
It's been a long time since I read a John Sandford book and I know I'm way behind in the Lucas Davenport series. I've read a few of his "Prey" books previously but looking through the list I just can't remember which ones so it was almost like going into this one blind. As the story progressed I did recall some things we had learned about Lucas Davenport in the past but, in my opinion, a person could pick up the series from here and still get the gist of what's happening, especially since the story itself doesn't depend on past events. Mr. Sandford doesn't waste words so this could be a very quick and easy read if a person put their mind to it. I plan to read some more of this series but maybe not in order and I'm also looking forward to reading some of Mr. Sandford's books featuring Virgil Flowers. Pretty much anything he writes is highly recommended.
July 27, 2014
I read half of this at an airport and plane, that was all well and good. Then the second half I tried my best to avoid, even staring at a white wall was more compelling. It is only the second book in the series and it will be my last. I've had enough. It's not badly written, but the story felt lazy, as if the author is relying in earlier laurels. I'm hampered by not knowing the characters, but there wasn't any development of them here. Everything is fairly predictable. The violence is more explicit than required. NOT recommended.
July 23, 2014
Lucas Davenport and his team are after a serial killer that has been killing and dumping bodies for years into a cistern. A member of his team while investigating gets killed and turns the team into searching everywhere for the killer. He engages us into the chase, running around after clues, the clues become useless. It takes awhile for Lucas to solve this one. The ending is very suspenseful and frightening! What a page turner! An exciting and wild ride!
May 22, 2014
Because I am used to being more riveted from the outset,the first half was more about wondering and spinning wheels. The second half is much more interesting and typical of Sanford's "Prey" series. 6 of 10 stars
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