Rules of Prey: A Lucas Davenport Mystery, Book 1

by John Sandford, Richard Ferrone (Narrator)

For Maddog, the killer who had Minneapolis in a grip of chilled terror, satisfaction came from the thrill of the contest. After each grisly murder he would leave behind one of the rules he had Never kill anyone you know. Never have a motive. Never follow a discernible pattern. He was no textbook psychopath. But Lieutenant Lucas Davenport was no ordinary detective. To bring an end to Maddog's trail of death, he would have to play by his own rules.

Audible Audio

Published November 1, 2012

About the author

John 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.

Reviews

[Marta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am confused. Maybe I did listen to this book in its entirety previously. A lot of things seemed awfully familiar. Doesn’t matter, I have finished it now.

2.5⭐️’s rounded up I guess. Even though 3⭐️’s seems a little generous. I am going to give another book in the series a chance. Maybe Lucas will become more likeable in future books. And Jennifer? I am just confused by all of that. Okay just decided round down because I don’t know.
I didn’t really like any of the characters. Carla was okay. But everyone else was ehhhh.

I think I am too exhausted to think again. I am realizing I really wasn’t a huge fan of the book, yet am willing to give another book a chance? Makes no sense to me.

Rating and brief thoughts posted: 12/22/25

After reading a comment and reading what I said yesterday ‘I am realizing I really wasn’t a huge fan of the book’ a 2⭐️ rating as opposed to 2.5⭐️’s seems much more accurate. What was i thinking for a few seconds yesterday that I was going to round up?! This doesn’t change the star rating, but just a note for myself that it was a 2 star listen, not my original 2.5 star.
Updated rating and note to myself posted: 12/23/25

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll look for another in the sequel