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Lucas Davenport #36
Revenge Prey
Lucas Davenport must track down a ruthless Russian hit team
Leonard Summers—not his real name—is on the run. A former high-ranking Russian intelligence officer who defected to the U.S. after providing critical information about Russian spies in U.S. government service, Leonard, his wife Martha, and son Bernard have spent the past year holed up in a CIA facility near Washington. After the CIA makes a deal with the U.S. Marshal Service’s Witness Protection Program (WPP), Leonard’s family is transported to Minneapolis. The plan is to hide them in a wooded Minneapolis suburb that resembles their former home and dacha near Moscow.
The Summers are received at their destination by Lucas Davenport and fellow marshal Shelly White. Unbeknownst to them, the WPP group has been tracked by a Russian hit team. And while nobody in the WPP has ever been attacked…Leonard might be the first victim. As shots are fired and enemies dodged, Lucas must move quickly to uncover where the leak is coming from, before the hit team can strike again.
Leonard Summers—not his real name—is on the run. A former high-ranking Russian intelligence officer who defected to the U.S. after providing critical information about Russian spies in U.S. government service, Leonard, his wife Martha, and son Bernard have spent the past year holed up in a CIA facility near Washington. After the CIA makes a deal with the U.S. Marshal Service’s Witness Protection Program (WPP), Leonard’s family is transported to Minneapolis. The plan is to hide them in a wooded Minneapolis suburb that resembles their former home and dacha near Moscow.
The Summers are received at their destination by Lucas Davenport and fellow marshal Shelly White. Unbeknownst to them, the WPP group has been tracked by a Russian hit team. And while nobody in the WPP has ever been attacked…Leonard might be the first victim. As shots are fired and enemies dodged, Lucas must move quickly to uncover where the leak is coming from, before the hit team can strike again.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2026
2800 people are currently reading
1947 people want to read
About the author
John Sandford
237 books9,810 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 422 reviews
April 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This latest installment of the Prey series did not disappoint! Lucas Davenport, US Marshall extraordinaire, is back and this time around teams up with a crafty CIA agent to track down a group of wily Russian assassins. This storyline felt like a return to the earlier books in terms of offering up an intriguing thriller that kept me guessing, which made me very happy, especially so since I wasn't able to figure out the mysteries ahead of the reveals.
Those of you who are like me and have read every book in the series (along with the Virgil Flowers and Letty Davenport novels) will appreciate the continued evolution of Lucas' development as a character working in law enforcement and navigating the politics associated with it. But you need not have read any of these books to enjoy this gripping thriller, really!
Again, like with prior books in the series, the characters include some strong females (one of the assassins and Shelly White returns as Luas' partner on the case), which is always nice to see in this genre. We also get some very brief appearances and updates on Virgil and Letty. All in all, this was a very satisfying mystery-thriller that kept me captivated from start to finish.
I am reposting this review as Marked as Read without a star rating because GRs has implemented an automatic label for ARCs that influences the algorithms so that even if your review has a gajillion likes and is the most popular review, it puts the review at the bottom of the reviews because apparently people think advance reader reviews are less valid. Not sure that is a plausible argument but it is what it is. Will add GR stars once the book is published and use my own for now.
Disclosure: Received an uncorrected ARC of this book from NetGalley and GP Putnam's Sons/Penguin Random House LLC (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.
This latest installment of the Prey series did not disappoint! Lucas Davenport, US Marshall extraordinaire, is back and this time around teams up with a crafty CIA agent to track down a group of wily Russian assassins. This storyline felt like a return to the earlier books in terms of offering up an intriguing thriller that kept me guessing, which made me very happy, especially so since I wasn't able to figure out the mysteries ahead of the reveals.
Those of you who are like me and have read every book in the series (along with the Virgil Flowers and Letty Davenport novels) will appreciate the continued evolution of Lucas' development as a character working in law enforcement and navigating the politics associated with it. But you need not have read any of these books to enjoy this gripping thriller, really!
Again, like with prior books in the series, the characters include some strong females (one of the assassins and Shelly White returns as Luas' partner on the case), which is always nice to see in this genre. We also get some very brief appearances and updates on Virgil and Letty. All in all, this was a very satisfying mystery-thriller that kept me captivated from start to finish.
I am reposting this review as Marked as Read without a star rating because GRs has implemented an automatic label for ARCs that influences the algorithms so that even if your review has a gajillion likes and is the most popular review, it puts the review at the bottom of the reviews because apparently people think advance reader reviews are less valid. Not sure that is a plausible argument but it is what it is. Will add GR stars once the book is published and use my own for now.
Disclosure: Received an uncorrected ARC of this book from NetGalley and GP Putnam's Sons/Penguin Random House LLC (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2026
As I have stated in previous reviews, I am a fairly avid reader of John Sandford over the years, especially a fan of his Lucas Davenport “Prey” series. A pretty big fan to be honest, even though honesty requires me to admit the books have been spotty over the last five to seven years. It seems like every other book is a really good one and the other less than stellar. My fear is that Sanford may be losing some steam when it comes to creating interesting storylines and complex bad guys. Several of his more recent books have had less than worthy bad guys and relied heavily on long-winded chase scenes that lasted for hundreds of pages.
In the current and 36th Prey novel by Sandford - “Revenge Prey” – Sanford focuses heavily on Lucas Davenport, along with some side appearances from his wife and surgeon, Weather; his adopted daughter and successful Homeland Security agent, Letty; and his former investigative partner, Virgil Flowers, who’s working on his fifth mystery novel.
This time, U.S. Marshall Davenport starts out in a supporting, just along for the ride, role in collaboration with other government agencies, including the FBI and CIA. The reason for them to work together is due a high-ranking Russian intelligence officer who has defected to the United States. He’s not just any defector either. He was a high-ranking leader who provided valuable information about Russian counter-intelligence spies placed in the U.S. Government and the Russian oligarchy leadership is not happy about it.
After having kept the defector, his wife, and adult son, secluded in a secret facility near Washington D.C. for almost a year, the CIA has placed them into the U.S. Marshalls service’s Witness Protection Program. Davenport and his partner Shelly White are assigned to help them place the defector and his family in their new home, which is located in the heavy back woods of Owatonna, Minnesota. A place that is intended to remind them of their former home and dacha located near the capital city of Moscow.
As Lucas and White are coordinating and receiving the defectors family in the cold woods of Minnesota, unbeknownst to them and the rest of the government agencies involved, the Russian oligarchy leadership is deeply unhappy about this betrayel. The defector was one of President Vladimir Putin’s personal appointments, and he wants to make a powerful point about what happens to traitors of the homeland. That reaction includes sending a professional Russian hit team to the U.S. with the sole mission to assassinate the defector. That team of ruthless killers, along with a sleeper agent acting as their guide, have been tracking the government’s handling of the defector and know where the family will settle into their new lives in the deep woods of Minnesota. They have this information because they have someone on the inside helping them.
As soon as the defector’s family arrives at their new home, the Russian hit team strikes, leaving behind victims, a political mess, and Davenport trying to figure out which h agency the potential leak is coming from before the hit team attacks again…
As much as I have enjoyed reading John Sanford novels over the years and have an endearing love for his characters – Lucas, Virgil, and Letty – I have mixed feelings about the last eight or nine books. For me, it felt like every other book was good and the other was weak (I think it was mostly the odd numbered books that I didn’t care as much). As if Sandford was steadily losing steam as a writer. Although the plots were generally interesting, the plotting grew more and more predictable, and the bad guys got stupider and stupider. You knew pretty much after the first chapter or two they were bound to get caught. In several of the books, that dangerous heart pounding thriller that Sanford used to be capable of was dwindling away.
The good news with “Revenge Prey” is that this one is a step up from those previous books. This was one was an improvement.
There were some pretty good moments, lots of fast paced action, and even some family updates. Besides Letty, Lucas has two remaining children at home, including one teenage boy with racing hormones (just like his father?). As expected, Sandford’s writing is fast-paced, fluid, and full of the sharp sarcastic style he’s known for, his villains this time were ruthlessly trained members of a Russian hit squad. Their shoot first and answer questions later made them a bit more intimidating than some of the weak-minded psychos in some of the more recent books. For the most part, the hit team and the leak drove the storylines and the action, forcing Davenport to be reactive most of the time, just trying to keep up with all of the chaos and political battles going on around him.
I especially enjoyed several of cool cameos from past characters, especially those that hate Lucas with a passion like FBI agent St. Vincent. Their squabbling and verbal jabs were entertaining and well appreciated. For me, the back-and-forth verbal quibbles, debates, and shots are a large part of what makes this series work so well. The overly sarcastic tone when done well is almost magical.
Even though Letty and Virgil had small appearances, the sarcasm and quips were kept strong by others like Lucas’s wife, Weather, his partner, White (she got a couple of really good shots in), and especially newcomer, CIA agent Sherwood, who served as Davenport’s partner for most of the book. Even though he’s not Virgil Flowers, he held his own with Davenport pretty well. Well enough that we’d like to see him working with Lucas again or with Letty. Based on his initial interactions with her, having Sherwood spend time on a case with Letty would be good too.
I also appreciated Sandford’s dealing with the political battles between the various government agencies – the FBI, CIA, U.S. Marshalls, and even the counter-intelligence group. The way they spent most of their time fighting, posturing, and trying to on-up each other, it was almost lucky that they were able to get anything done trying to work together. Those storylines amplified the tension in the book for me and were a part of why I liked about it.
Now, the lesser news is that the improvements were not quite as much as I was hoping for. Let me explain why.
As enjoyable as this book was to read, the plotting was a little disappointing for me from an execution standpoint. I’ve usually enjoyed how Sanford has Lucas investigate a murder or crime, working through one clue at a time, until things start to unravel and build to some kind of a climactic confrontation and capture moment that usually involves some kind of violent chase. And there was a lot of that in this book. Sort of… Truth be told this is a 387 page long chase scene that beings at the end of chapter one and doesn’t end until the second to last chapter. Granted, there are a few moments to rest and regroup throughout, but it is still one book long manhunt chase scene from one location to another.
Because of that, although the overall storylines were interesting, they began to become less compelling and started losing tension and suspense as things developed. It also took a bit away from character development for Lucas, Weather, Letty, and even Virgil’s updates were mostly provided by others. Even more so, the Russian team members were not as explored as they could have been, which would have provided more depth and tension to the outcome. Although they displayed some humanity in one key scene, more often they came across like plain stereotypes rather than captivating and dangerous.
For me, things changed from exciting to more of being interesting. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the hit team wasn’t going to get away. It was just a matter of time for them. Then I started focusing on the political battles between our government agencies, how Lucas was going to figure out who the leak was, and then have to spoon feed the answers to those running the operation (because he’s the smartest person in the room).
Overall, for me the good things about Davenport and this this series made the book worth reading, but they didn’t fully outweigh the quality of the bad guys and the execution of the plotlines. My guess is that most Sanford fans will find this an easy and fun read, and I wouldn’t disagree with that. It was a good fun read, but for me, this one will fall somewhere in the middle of the range or a tad higher. It was enjoyable mind-candy that provided two fun nights of reading.
I’m giving this one a 3-star rating. You might be able to talk me into 3.5 stars, but not much more.
In the current and 36th Prey novel by Sandford - “Revenge Prey” – Sanford focuses heavily on Lucas Davenport, along with some side appearances from his wife and surgeon, Weather; his adopted daughter and successful Homeland Security agent, Letty; and his former investigative partner, Virgil Flowers, who’s working on his fifth mystery novel.
This time, U.S. Marshall Davenport starts out in a supporting, just along for the ride, role in collaboration with other government agencies, including the FBI and CIA. The reason for them to work together is due a high-ranking Russian intelligence officer who has defected to the United States. He’s not just any defector either. He was a high-ranking leader who provided valuable information about Russian counter-intelligence spies placed in the U.S. Government and the Russian oligarchy leadership is not happy about it.
After having kept the defector, his wife, and adult son, secluded in a secret facility near Washington D.C. for almost a year, the CIA has placed them into the U.S. Marshalls service’s Witness Protection Program. Davenport and his partner Shelly White are assigned to help them place the defector and his family in their new home, which is located in the heavy back woods of Owatonna, Minnesota. A place that is intended to remind them of their former home and dacha located near the capital city of Moscow.
As Lucas and White are coordinating and receiving the defectors family in the cold woods of Minnesota, unbeknownst to them and the rest of the government agencies involved, the Russian oligarchy leadership is deeply unhappy about this betrayel. The defector was one of President Vladimir Putin’s personal appointments, and he wants to make a powerful point about what happens to traitors of the homeland. That reaction includes sending a professional Russian hit team to the U.S. with the sole mission to assassinate the defector. That team of ruthless killers, along with a sleeper agent acting as their guide, have been tracking the government’s handling of the defector and know where the family will settle into their new lives in the deep woods of Minnesota. They have this information because they have someone on the inside helping them.
As soon as the defector’s family arrives at their new home, the Russian hit team strikes, leaving behind victims, a political mess, and Davenport trying to figure out which h agency the potential leak is coming from before the hit team attacks again…
As much as I have enjoyed reading John Sanford novels over the years and have an endearing love for his characters – Lucas, Virgil, and Letty – I have mixed feelings about the last eight or nine books. For me, it felt like every other book was good and the other was weak (I think it was mostly the odd numbered books that I didn’t care as much). As if Sandford was steadily losing steam as a writer. Although the plots were generally interesting, the plotting grew more and more predictable, and the bad guys got stupider and stupider. You knew pretty much after the first chapter or two they were bound to get caught. In several of the books, that dangerous heart pounding thriller that Sanford used to be capable of was dwindling away.
The good news with “Revenge Prey” is that this one is a step up from those previous books. This was one was an improvement.
There were some pretty good moments, lots of fast paced action, and even some family updates. Besides Letty, Lucas has two remaining children at home, including one teenage boy with racing hormones (just like his father?). As expected, Sandford’s writing is fast-paced, fluid, and full of the sharp sarcastic style he’s known for, his villains this time were ruthlessly trained members of a Russian hit squad. Their shoot first and answer questions later made them a bit more intimidating than some of the weak-minded psychos in some of the more recent books. For the most part, the hit team and the leak drove the storylines and the action, forcing Davenport to be reactive most of the time, just trying to keep up with all of the chaos and political battles going on around him.
I especially enjoyed several of cool cameos from past characters, especially those that hate Lucas with a passion like FBI agent St. Vincent. Their squabbling and verbal jabs were entertaining and well appreciated. For me, the back-and-forth verbal quibbles, debates, and shots are a large part of what makes this series work so well. The overly sarcastic tone when done well is almost magical.
Even though Letty and Virgil had small appearances, the sarcasm and quips were kept strong by others like Lucas’s wife, Weather, his partner, White (she got a couple of really good shots in), and especially newcomer, CIA agent Sherwood, who served as Davenport’s partner for most of the book. Even though he’s not Virgil Flowers, he held his own with Davenport pretty well. Well enough that we’d like to see him working with Lucas again or with Letty. Based on his initial interactions with her, having Sherwood spend time on a case with Letty would be good too.
I also appreciated Sandford’s dealing with the political battles between the various government agencies – the FBI, CIA, U.S. Marshalls, and even the counter-intelligence group. The way they spent most of their time fighting, posturing, and trying to on-up each other, it was almost lucky that they were able to get anything done trying to work together. Those storylines amplified the tension in the book for me and were a part of why I liked about it.
Now, the lesser news is that the improvements were not quite as much as I was hoping for. Let me explain why.
As enjoyable as this book was to read, the plotting was a little disappointing for me from an execution standpoint. I’ve usually enjoyed how Sanford has Lucas investigate a murder or crime, working through one clue at a time, until things start to unravel and build to some kind of a climactic confrontation and capture moment that usually involves some kind of violent chase. And there was a lot of that in this book. Sort of… Truth be told this is a 387 page long chase scene that beings at the end of chapter one and doesn’t end until the second to last chapter. Granted, there are a few moments to rest and regroup throughout, but it is still one book long manhunt chase scene from one location to another.
Because of that, although the overall storylines were interesting, they began to become less compelling and started losing tension and suspense as things developed. It also took a bit away from character development for Lucas, Weather, Letty, and even Virgil’s updates were mostly provided by others. Even more so, the Russian team members were not as explored as they could have been, which would have provided more depth and tension to the outcome. Although they displayed some humanity in one key scene, more often they came across like plain stereotypes rather than captivating and dangerous.
For me, things changed from exciting to more of being interesting. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the hit team wasn’t going to get away. It was just a matter of time for them. Then I started focusing on the political battles between our government agencies, how Lucas was going to figure out who the leak was, and then have to spoon feed the answers to those running the operation (because he’s the smartest person in the room).
Overall, for me the good things about Davenport and this this series made the book worth reading, but they didn’t fully outweigh the quality of the bad guys and the execution of the plotlines. My guess is that most Sanford fans will find this an easy and fun read, and I wouldn’t disagree with that. It was a good fun read, but for me, this one will fall somewhere in the middle of the range or a tad higher. It was enjoyable mind-candy that provided two fun nights of reading.
I’m giving this one a 3-star rating. You might be able to talk me into 3.5 stars, but not much more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another good Lucas Davenport installment. This one seemed a little more cut and dried compared to previous books in the series, but it still had Lucas's enjoyable wit, and of course his banter with others. Of course there's appearances by favorites in the series as well. A good, solid thriller.
Thank you to Net Galley and Putnam books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Putnam books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 30, 2026
I need to start off by saying that I am a huge fan of this author and this series. We are well over 50 books with this series and with the spin offs- Virgil Flowers, Letty Davenport, etc. So, yep, I am always thrilled when I get the opportunity to read an ARC.
I was thinking when I was reading this, that Lucas has gone through so many changes in his career. First as a beat cop, then the BCA, then his work with the Senators, and now his work with the US Marshals. The thing is, even though he is "officially" working for the US Marshals, he is really pretty much doing his own thing, but able to use his creds for the Marshals and contacts with everyone else to help him when he needs help. Not sure if that makes sense or not but it just felt to me that Lucas was entering yet another different phase of his career.
In this case, Lucas and fellow agent Shelly White are called out to help when there is a new Russian family being installed in a new home under the Witness Protection Program. These people- the Russian Family - they were not good people. The father was responsible for many crimes in Russia in the name of the Russian government that included torture and other things that are better left unsaid.
Unfortunately, there is a leak somewhere in the information regarding their schedule and accommodations and a Russian hit squad attacks the house. They miss the target - Leonid Sokolov - and miss his son Bernie, but kill his wife.
Things take off from there as Lucas joins a new character - CIA Agent John Sherwood - as they are in a hunt to find and stop the hit team while the hit team is determined to try again, and to keep trying until they fulfill their orders. These orders come from the very highest levels in Russia - like the President. So, needless to say, they cannot quit until the job is done.
I liked the new relationship between Sherwood and Davenport. They have a unique type of camaraderie that made for entertaining, interesting, and funny banter and definitely held my interest. There was a bit of a change in the pacing in the middle of the book that caused the story to stall a bit, but things picked back up as we got near the end of the storyline . The tension continued to build and build as the climax approached.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on April 7, 2026.
I was thinking when I was reading this, that Lucas has gone through so many changes in his career. First as a beat cop, then the BCA, then his work with the Senators, and now his work with the US Marshals. The thing is, even though he is "officially" working for the US Marshals, he is really pretty much doing his own thing, but able to use his creds for the Marshals and contacts with everyone else to help him when he needs help. Not sure if that makes sense or not but it just felt to me that Lucas was entering yet another different phase of his career.
In this case, Lucas and fellow agent Shelly White are called out to help when there is a new Russian family being installed in a new home under the Witness Protection Program. These people- the Russian Family - they were not good people. The father was responsible for many crimes in Russia in the name of the Russian government that included torture and other things that are better left unsaid.
Unfortunately, there is a leak somewhere in the information regarding their schedule and accommodations and a Russian hit squad attacks the house. They miss the target - Leonid Sokolov - and miss his son Bernie, but kill his wife.
Things take off from there as Lucas joins a new character - CIA Agent John Sherwood - as they are in a hunt to find and stop the hit team while the hit team is determined to try again, and to keep trying until they fulfill their orders. These orders come from the very highest levels in Russia - like the President. So, needless to say, they cannot quit until the job is done.
I liked the new relationship between Sherwood and Davenport. They have a unique type of camaraderie that made for entertaining, interesting, and funny banter and definitely held my interest. There was a bit of a change in the pacing in the middle of the book that caused the story to stall a bit, but things picked back up as we got near the end of the storyline . The tension continued to build and build as the climax approached.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on April 7, 2026.
November 16, 2025
3 stars
I found this novel to be mildly interesting and not as exciting as several other Lucas Davenport novels. The plot centers around a Russian family in the witness protection program and a search for a “mole” who seems to have all the information about their whereabouts. The book is wordy and overly long with many murders and untoward situations on the way to a startling conclusion. I thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its publication.
I found this novel to be mildly interesting and not as exciting as several other Lucas Davenport novels. The plot centers around a Russian family in the witness protection program and a search for a “mole” who seems to have all the information about their whereabouts. The book is wordy and overly long with many murders and untoward situations on the way to a startling conclusion. I thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its publication.
April 8, 2026
I just read the newest one, "Revenge Prey." I have read every one of the Prey Books. I have even listened to them as audiobooks. Both experiences were grand. Now that we are many years into this series, I suspect we've seen the best of the series. This latest one is quick escapist fiction and can be read in a day. However, if you are expecting the magic of Lucas's earlier days, I think we've passed that point.
This book has an enormous amount of characters all focused on three Russians in the Witness Protection Program. It is a family. The father is the key defector because he was high up in the government and known for his vicious methods. His wife and son are the other two.
The Russians have sent a hit squad to kill them. We have no less than the following working on solving this crime together, or separately, as the clues roll in: CIA, FBI, US Marshalls (Lucas and a woman partner), and local law enforcement as the kill squad drives through Minnesota, Iowa,and Wisconsin. We also meet up with Del and Letty for short doses of their help on the problem.
It is entertaining but rather unbelievable. Plus there is a lot of time spent on law enforcement camaraderie. This is especially true between Lucas and his new bestie, a bigshot with the CIA. They both use the same tailor in Washington.
I can't say I disliked it but I can say I liked it a whole lot less than most of the Prey books. If you are a longtime fan, like I am, you will likely read it and have a decent enough time, But you will also be missing the older Preys.
This book has an enormous amount of characters all focused on three Russians in the Witness Protection Program. It is a family. The father is the key defector because he was high up in the government and known for his vicious methods. His wife and son are the other two.
The Russians have sent a hit squad to kill them. We have no less than the following working on solving this crime together, or separately, as the clues roll in: CIA, FBI, US Marshalls (Lucas and a woman partner), and local law enforcement as the kill squad drives through Minnesota, Iowa,and Wisconsin. We also meet up with Del and Letty for short doses of their help on the problem.
It is entertaining but rather unbelievable. Plus there is a lot of time spent on law enforcement camaraderie. This is especially true between Lucas and his new bestie, a bigshot with the CIA. They both use the same tailor in Washington.
I can't say I disliked it but I can say I liked it a whole lot less than most of the Prey books. If you are a longtime fan, like I am, you will likely read it and have a decent enough time, But you will also be missing the older Preys.
November 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. PUTNAM'S SONS for the advanced reader copy, all opinions are my own.
It's safe to say the Davenport series is the longest running series I've read across the last 30 years of my life and yet somehow, John Sandford keeps it fresh and interesting every time. These books are a total thrill ride right from the get-go.
In this latest episode, Lucas and Shelly White are on assignment to help guard three Russian Nationals in the woods when they suddenly come under fire. From there the book tears forward like a runaway car as the Russian assassins attempting to kill the people Lucas and Shelly are protecting just keep trying.
This was a total cat-and-mouse adventure introducing us to a new and fascinating character from the CIA, John Sherwood who I certainly hope we haven't seem the last of.
As usual, I flew thru it..My only complaint is that I can't read these books slowly. Highly recommend...fans of Lucas Davenport will NOT be disappointed.
It's safe to say the Davenport series is the longest running series I've read across the last 30 years of my life and yet somehow, John Sandford keeps it fresh and interesting every time. These books are a total thrill ride right from the get-go.
In this latest episode, Lucas and Shelly White are on assignment to help guard three Russian Nationals in the woods when they suddenly come under fire. From there the book tears forward like a runaway car as the Russian assassins attempting to kill the people Lucas and Shelly are protecting just keep trying.
This was a total cat-and-mouse adventure introducing us to a new and fascinating character from the CIA, John Sherwood who I certainly hope we haven't seem the last of.
As usual, I flew thru it..My only complaint is that I can't read these books slowly. Highly recommend...fans of Lucas Davenport will NOT be disappointed.
Read
April 20, 2026Loved the story. Love the series! Audiobook
November 11, 2025
Revenge Prey is the 36th book in the Lucas Davenport Prey series from John Sandford.
"The marshals are moving a Russian defector into Witness Protection when he is shot by a hit team. Lucas and his partner fire back and manage to wound one of the assassins. Now they have to find them and find the leak that brought them to the door."
All of these books are standalones. That said it was nice to see some old characters make an appearance like Del, Virgil and Letty. This is a chase story. There's a hit and Lucas uses his skill as a bad-guy hunter to find the assassins. His interactions with the CIA spook are different from previous books with the fashion shmoozing and willingness to push the limits of due process. The story is fast-paced and hard to put down. Lots of surprises - like where the leak comes from - and how the story works out. There are hints of a Sherwood - Letty collaboration. That should make for a great book.
Another great Lucas Davenport story.
"The marshals are moving a Russian defector into Witness Protection when he is shot by a hit team. Lucas and his partner fire back and manage to wound one of the assassins. Now they have to find them and find the leak that brought them to the door."
All of these books are standalones. That said it was nice to see some old characters make an appearance like Del, Virgil and Letty. This is a chase story. There's a hit and Lucas uses his skill as a bad-guy hunter to find the assassins. His interactions with the CIA spook are different from previous books with the fashion shmoozing and willingness to push the limits of due process. The story is fast-paced and hard to put down. Lots of surprises - like where the leak comes from - and how the story works out. There are hints of a Sherwood - Letty collaboration. That should make for a great book.
Another great Lucas Davenport story.
January 4, 2026
US Marshal Lucas Davenport is back in book #36 in the “Prey” series, and he’s hot on the tail of a Russian hit team who are gunning for a defector. Davenport is paired in this adventure with a CIA agent, and it’s nonstop action from start to finish, a trademark of this series, with little time for the reader to catch their breath. The plot is straightforward, as the marshal’s try to apprehend a dangerous group of Russians who are hellbent on eliminating their target and anyone who gets in their way. Featuring crisp dialogue, lots of dark humor and plenty of chase scenes, this is another solid book in this series which, like Davenport, shows no signs of decline. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2026
This is the 37th Davenport book, and l've been reading the series since 1989 when an interesting looking book called Eyes of Prey caught my eye.
Lucas started out as a Minneapolis cop, then BCA agent, to his current employer the US Marshals. He is assigned to help in protecting a Russian turncoat, where he meets a CIA operative named Sherwood who's responsible for him.
There's an attempt on the Russian's life, and later another. The hit team knows too much and it's suspected that there's a leak. Davenport and Sherwood team up and seem to bond. We may have another interesting supporting character.
Sandford always spins a compelling yarn and doesn't disappoint with this one.
Lucas started out as a Minneapolis cop, then BCA agent, to his current employer the US Marshals. He is assigned to help in protecting a Russian turncoat, where he meets a CIA operative named Sherwood who's responsible for him.
There's an attempt on the Russian's life, and later another. The hit team knows too much and it's suspected that there's a leak. Davenport and Sherwood team up and seem to bond. We may have another interesting supporting character.
Sandford always spins a compelling yarn and doesn't disappoint with this one.
April 13, 2026
The book description is much better than the actual book and I usually am a fan of Lucas Davenport
April 28, 2026
It’s my favorite time of year. Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, the lawn needs mowing, and there’s a new Prey novel!
My bad for being so excited though, because after the end of Lethal Prey, I mistakenly assumed that Revenge Prey was going to be about Lucas & Virgil out for the blood of whoever threatened the farm. I thought we would be getting part two of that story…. But I am ahead of myself.
I feel like once again I ended up with mixed (but not bad) feelings at the end of a new Prey.
First off: I was definitely hoping Sandford would continue the storyline of the prior novel. Instead, we heard nothing about Virgil except that he is writing another book and appears to be doing well. Oookay, that Flowers bloodlust was anticlimactic.
Second: Most of the plot involved the Russian hit team leaving a trail, and Lucas reacting to it. It seemed like a constant cat-and-mouse sequence that never let up. I have a hard time believing that a top notch hit squad would really be that ill-prepared? Let’s forget that and move on, because I did like their banter and how the assassins were portrayed as just people doing their jobs. They were trying to kill a monster, trying to stay alive, and felt pretty morally gray from my perspective. Those are my favorite kinds of bad guys – but also they just really were not prepared for this at all.
In higher points, I liked that Lucas was back working in Minnesota. I liked the multitude of old characters and rivalries being rehashed, with plenty of banter and quips and sarcasm for days. Lucas got St. Vincent good with the cheese thing, and Mallard/Chase + the new CIA guy were a fun combination. I do feel like Sandford is pulling in some new characters and twining all the side series together to start pushing towards an end-goal. Now we have two unresolved storylines (cough cliffhanger) so…
There was tons of action and plenty of the old-school banter and dialogue that brought me to the series originally. Big kudos there. I just feel like Sandford is lacking *something* in the plot execution of the past few books, and is relying more on interagency politics to pull the books along. At least Lucas did less by-standing this time and had a more active role in the pursuit of the bad guys.
I have nothing really bad to say overall and as always, I’ll keep my eyes out for the next Prey book!
My bad for being so excited though, because after the end of Lethal Prey, I mistakenly assumed that Revenge Prey was going to be about Lucas & Virgil out for the blood of whoever threatened the farm. I thought we would be getting part two of that story…. But I am ahead of myself.
I feel like once again I ended up with mixed (but not bad) feelings at the end of a new Prey.
First off: I was definitely hoping Sandford would continue the storyline of the prior novel. Instead, we heard nothing about Virgil except that he is writing another book and appears to be doing well. Oookay, that Flowers bloodlust was anticlimactic.
Second: Most of the plot involved the Russian hit team leaving a trail, and Lucas reacting to it. It seemed like a constant cat-and-mouse sequence that never let up. I have a hard time believing that a top notch hit squad would really be that ill-prepared? Let’s forget that and move on, because I did like their banter and how the assassins were portrayed as just people doing their jobs. They were trying to kill a monster, trying to stay alive, and felt pretty morally gray from my perspective. Those are my favorite kinds of bad guys – but also they just really were not prepared for this at all.
In higher points, I liked that Lucas was back working in Minnesota. I liked the multitude of old characters and rivalries being rehashed, with plenty of banter and quips and sarcasm for days. Lucas got St. Vincent good with the cheese thing, and Mallard/Chase + the new CIA guy were a fun combination. I do feel like Sandford is pulling in some new characters and twining all the side series together to start pushing towards an end-goal. Now we have two unresolved storylines (cough cliffhanger) so…
There was tons of action and plenty of the old-school banter and dialogue that brought me to the series originally. Big kudos there. I just feel like Sandford is lacking *something* in the plot execution of the past few books, and is relying more on interagency politics to pull the books along. At least Lucas did less by-standing this time and had a more active role in the pursuit of the bad guys.
I have nothing really bad to say overall and as always, I’ll keep my eyes out for the next Prey book!
May 6, 2026
Mr. Sandford has written better.
April 14, 2026
Absolute travesty of a book.
Linear, plodding, predictable, no twists, no turns
Avoid…
Lucas teams up with a CIA asset, and fellow Marshall along with ‘Del’ for a bit with a v brief mention of Flowers.
A Russian under Marshall, witness protection gets shot and…. Well that’s about it…..
It’s then basically a monologue ‘what happens next’ which is so boring it could help insomniacs….
It’s just a pedestrian troupe slow burn that fizzles out long before the end.
Feels like Sandford just wrote for the sake of it, to hit the publishing deadline.
This from someone who’s read and loved all the Prey books and the Lucas character.
So disappointed with this, really hope if more get written that Sandford gets Lucas in a complex twisty plot with a great ending - all those things are lacking here…
Really Really Avoid.
Linear, plodding, predictable, no twists, no turns
Avoid…
Lucas teams up with a CIA asset, and fellow Marshall along with ‘Del’ for a bit with a v brief mention of Flowers.
A Russian under Marshall, witness protection gets shot and…. Well that’s about it…..
It’s then basically a monologue ‘what happens next’ which is so boring it could help insomniacs….
It’s just a pedestrian troupe slow burn that fizzles out long before the end.
Feels like Sandford just wrote for the sake of it, to hit the publishing deadline.
This from someone who’s read and loved all the Prey books and the Lucas character.
So disappointed with this, really hope if more get written that Sandford gets Lucas in a complex twisty plot with a great ending - all those things are lacking here…
Really Really Avoid.
April 13, 2026
Lucas Davenport is helping to secure the safe house for a Russian defector and his family. Everything looks clear until someone take a sniper shot at said defector and his wife is killed instead. Lucas and the other US Marshall Shelly White surprise the sniper team and are able to injury most of them, but the team is still mobile enough to get away and for the hunt to start. The sniper team also missed their target; will they have the opportunity to try again?
Getting involved in spooky stuff isn't completely abnormal for Lucas, but it is a fun change of pace from other recent books. As usual, this had a lot of great action and fun plot twists. If you are this far down the Prey rabbit hole, keep coming, you will enjoy the trip. If you haven't fallen down the rabbit hole yet, why not? All the cool kids are.
Getting involved in spooky stuff isn't completely abnormal for Lucas, but it is a fun change of pace from other recent books. As usual, this had a lot of great action and fun plot twists. If you are this far down the Prey rabbit hole, keep coming, you will enjoy the trip. If you haven't fallen down the rabbit hole yet, why not? All the cool kids are.
December 6, 2025
Another awesome adventure in the Lucas Davenport series. I get so excited whenever there is a new book. In this story, Lucas and Shelly White, a fellow marshal are to meet a Russian dissident, his wife and son at a hideaway near Minnesota. They will stay there until all is set to get them into the witness protection program.
However, there are those that do not want to see that happen. I don't want to give too much away, but a Russian hit team has found them. Lucas and Sherwood (CIA) need to find this team and take them in, or down.
This story flowed so smoothly and quickly. I could not put this book down. The banter between Lucas and Sherwood is priceless. However, Lucas is always the same and he speaks pretty frankly and he does things his way. Enjoy this book! I know did.
I would like to thank G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for this early read.
However, there are those that do not want to see that happen. I don't want to give too much away, but a Russian hit team has found them. Lucas and Sherwood (CIA) need to find this team and take them in, or down.
This story flowed so smoothly and quickly. I could not put this book down. The banter between Lucas and Sherwood is priceless. However, Lucas is always the same and he speaks pretty frankly and he does things his way. Enjoy this book! I know did.
I would like to thank G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for this early read.
April 12, 2026
Not his strongest: solid premise, but a bit uneven, some strange character choices, excessively-brutal moments that jar with characters’ commitment to the justice system (which has been well-established by this point).
Full review: https://civilianreader.com/2026/01/02...
Full review: https://civilianreader.com/2026/01/02...
April 29, 2026
This one is really disappointing, much like the last one. It reads like it was designed to be an audiobook you listen to while doing something else and aren't really paying too much attention to it, rather than a book you read and focus on.
The Prey books used to be so much grittier and character focused, and you saw a lot more of the internal world of Lucas and others. Granted it wasn't "good" but it was enjoyable and engaging like any other long-series thriller...now it feels very "this happens and this happens and this happens" -- lots of name dropping of characters from throughout the series (literally a 2 second name drop of Virgil, Frankie, and Letty...for basically no reason). The big plot point of a "leak" existing had no drama or intrigue or real drive for the reader to figure out who it is...and then they just straight up tell you who it is without build-up. Massive lack of tension, and the stakes feel hollow. Not to mention, Lucas felt like a side character in his own story.
It was basically just some witty chats and banter, a few paragraphs with a lot of shooting, talking about planning, "and then they did that" after than planning (not telling you as it goes on, literally the phrase "and then they did that"), and more This then This then This tumbling over one another with no real meat in-between...the conversations felt like filler, and those quick cut-offs felt like notes you'd put in a draft before going back and actually filling in the actions of them enacting their plans.
Very sad. I miss the old Prey books :(
The Prey books used to be so much grittier and character focused, and you saw a lot more of the internal world of Lucas and others. Granted it wasn't "good" but it was enjoyable and engaging like any other long-series thriller...now it feels very "this happens and this happens and this happens" -- lots of name dropping of characters from throughout the series (literally a 2 second name drop of Virgil, Frankie, and Letty...for basically no reason). The big plot point of a "leak" existing had no drama or intrigue or real drive for the reader to figure out who it is...and then they just straight up tell you who it is without build-up. Massive lack of tension, and the stakes feel hollow. Not to mention, Lucas felt like a side character in his own story.
It was basically just some witty chats and banter, a few paragraphs with a lot of shooting, talking about planning, "and then they did that" after than planning (not telling you as it goes on, literally the phrase "and then they did that"), and more This then This then This tumbling over one another with no real meat in-between...the conversations felt like filler, and those quick cut-offs felt like notes you'd put in a draft before going back and actually filling in the actions of them enacting their plans.
Very sad. I miss the old Prey books :(
April 28, 2026
This is not a review. It is a warning. You have been warned.
I started this book thinking that it was about Amanda Fisk, because John Sandford (praise be unto him) had left the last book (LETHAL PREY) on a cliffhanger as to whether the serial killer / prosecutor was going to be convicted or not. And guess what? There is a new Lucas Davenport book, and THERE IS NOT ONE WORD IN THIS BOOK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO AMANDA FISK, AND I OBJECT TO BEING TREATED THIS WAY.
Hmph.
Oh, the book is fine. There are Russian assassins. Lucas makes a new friend. He wrecks his Porsche and buys another. He has dinner with Weather, multiple times. There are references to what Virgil and Letty are doing, but they don't show up. People get shot up real bad. It's FINE. I have no objections to the book but if you are going to have a cliffhanger ending you need to resolve it and maybe that means there's another book, which would be okay with me but get it out into the world because I need to know, please, thank you.
I started this book thinking that it was about Amanda Fisk, because John Sandford (praise be unto him) had left the last book (LETHAL PREY) on a cliffhanger as to whether the serial killer / prosecutor was going to be convicted or not. And guess what? There is a new Lucas Davenport book, and THERE IS NOT ONE WORD IN THIS BOOK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO AMANDA FISK, AND I OBJECT TO BEING TREATED THIS WAY.
Hmph.
Oh, the book is fine. There are Russian assassins. Lucas makes a new friend. He wrecks his Porsche and buys another. He has dinner with Weather, multiple times. There are references to what Virgil and Letty are doing, but they don't show up. People get shot up real bad. It's FINE. I have no objections to the book but if you are going to have a cliffhanger ending you need to resolve it and maybe that means there's another book, which would be okay with me but get it out into the world because I need to know, please, thank you.
April 24, 2026
Lucas Davenport, a US Marshall in Minnesota, is tasked with apprehending a Russian hit team that is after a defecting Russian spy. He is paired with a CIA agent, who is as ruthless as he is, and they strike up a friendship as they track down the Russians after they botch their initial hit. At this stage in his career, Davenport uses his many contacts in law enforcement to get what he wants. This buddy cop type of narrative didn't work for me, as they both seemed like mean men who I wouldn't want to spend time with. Although in this regard, it's realistic, since at this time in his demanding career, Davenport would be very jaded and on edge. Still, not my favorite book in the series, but Sandford always tells a good story.
April 20, 2026
Just a "meh" installment in the Lucas Davenport world. The book seemed about 75-100 pages longer than it needed to be in order to tell the story.
The plot is basically that a Russian hit team is operating on U.S. soil to kill a Russian who crossed Vladimir Putin and one of my pet peeves is when authors try to shoehorn the latest cultural markers into their novel as that often dates a book. Yes we get it, Vodka Man Bad, but taking a current event and building a story around it almost never works out well.
I know this is a fictional novel and you have to suspend some disbelief but the plot is pretty implausible and the book is full of empty filler. I noticed on the book description that the novel clocks in at exactly 400 pages in hardcover and it certainly seems like Sandford was fluffing the book to hit a predetermined, perhaps contractually obligated, number of pages. There were some vintage quips and dialogue that made me COL (chuckle out loud) but overall it just wasn't great.
It is still better than the Letty Davenport spinoffs but that is a low bar.
The plot is basically that a Russian hit team is operating on U.S. soil to kill a Russian who crossed Vladimir Putin and one of my pet peeves is when authors try to shoehorn the latest cultural markers into their novel as that often dates a book. Yes we get it, Vodka Man Bad, but taking a current event and building a story around it almost never works out well.
I know this is a fictional novel and you have to suspend some disbelief but the plot is pretty implausible and the book is full of empty filler. I noticed on the book description that the novel clocks in at exactly 400 pages in hardcover and it certainly seems like Sandford was fluffing the book to hit a predetermined, perhaps contractually obligated, number of pages. There were some vintage quips and dialogue that made me COL (chuckle out loud) but overall it just wasn't great.
It is still better than the Letty Davenport spinoffs but that is a low bar.
April 14, 2026
This novel continues the series on the career of Lucas Davenport. In this one he works with the CIA and FBI in protecting a Russian defector and his family. It is fast paced and a quick read as are all of the Prey novels.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
April 22, 2026
I Was In The Mood For Lucas of the BCA
...he has come to save the day! Hooray! Where's that fuckin' Flowers, though? I hope I read a book about Virgil soon.
Recommended to all of those Dear Readers who have read the other 37 Prey books (Or however many there are.)
...he has come to save the day! Hooray! Where's that fuckin' Flowers, though? I hope I read a book about Virgil soon.
Recommended to all of those Dear Readers who have read the other 37 Prey books (Or however many there are.)
November 7, 2025
Thanks to John Sandford, Putnam, and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lucas is back in this thriller that involves a Russian hit team in Minnesota after a defector in the federal witness protection program. Lucas is assigned as part of the protection detail while the witness and his family are in a rural Minnesota home. There is an unexpected attack on the witness and Lucas must uncover the plot and discover the perpetrators before it is too late.
This is the 36th installment in the Prey series and it doesn’t disappoint. Many of the usual characters are there (Del, Weather, Mallard, and Letty among others) and the banter between the characters is first rate, as always. A great edition to the Prey series. Recommended.
Lucas is back in this thriller that involves a Russian hit team in Minnesota after a defector in the federal witness protection program. Lucas is assigned as part of the protection detail while the witness and his family are in a rural Minnesota home. There is an unexpected attack on the witness and Lucas must uncover the plot and discover the perpetrators before it is too late.
This is the 36th installment in the Prey series and it doesn’t disappoint. Many of the usual characters are there (Del, Weather, Mallard, and Letty among others) and the banter between the characters is first rate, as always. A great edition to the Prey series. Recommended.
December 2, 2025
Another solid installment in the Prey series by John Sandford. In this book we have Lucas Davenport and several other main characters investigating the death of a Russian national in US Witness Protection. This book did not involve Letty and other past characters as much I would have liked, but they are ancillary to the story. The action and the story line are solid and the reveal is unexpected. Recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
April 7, 2026
Revenge Prey by John Sandford is a Lucas Davenport novel and a good one, lots of shooting. This one had to do with a family of Russians who had escaped and received asylum In the US. Sokolov had had plenty of information for the CIA and was now ready to go into witness protection, which is the US Marshal’s bailiwick. Hence, Lucas, and his partner of the day, Shelly White. It was a darn nice house they were moving into, although not exactly what they had hoped for. Then, shots rang out. They got his wife; shot half her head off. As luck would have it, Sokolov, himself, was bending down at just the right time and the bullet missed him. Their son apparently wasn’t a target. Thus began the search for the kill team. There were were at least three agencies involved: CIA, FBI, and Marshals, not to mention local law enforcement as the chases moved locales. Davenport was not a popular guy with some in his agency. Apparently he was too free a thinker and too quick with his gun. The Russian kill team was interesting. Plus, there seemed to be a mole within the team, too. Lots of stuff to take care of.
Ya gotta love Lucas Davenport. He is independent, but so smart. Sort of lackadaisical in a way. He is also a good guy with a good wife and a couple of kids. He gets along well with the CIA partner he has inherited for this mission, a guy named Sherwood. CIA supposedly doesn’t operate on US soil and also doesn’t carry guns. Might be just a touch inaccurate. Watching the story develop as the reader is with both teams, it is astounding how organized they can be, and yet how careless in some ways. Both sides. Good plot development. Excellent characters. Enough to make one nervous: are these people really operating in the US? Davenport is one of my favorite thriller characters so I automatically loved this book.
I was invited to read Revenge Prey by Putnam. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Putnam #JohnSandford #RevengePrey
Ya gotta love Lucas Davenport. He is independent, but so smart. Sort of lackadaisical in a way. He is also a good guy with a good wife and a couple of kids. He gets along well with the CIA partner he has inherited for this mission, a guy named Sherwood. CIA supposedly doesn’t operate on US soil and also doesn’t carry guns. Might be just a touch inaccurate. Watching the story develop as the reader is with both teams, it is astounding how organized they can be, and yet how careless in some ways. Both sides. Good plot development. Excellent characters. Enough to make one nervous: are these people really operating in the US? Davenport is one of my favorite thriller characters so I automatically loved this book.
I was invited to read Revenge Prey by Putnam. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Putnam #JohnSandford #RevengePrey
April 22, 2026
Another great novel in this long running (over 30 years!) series of Lucas Davenport novels by John Sandford! Lucas, his wife Weather, Del Capslock, and Shelly White all return in this suspenseful police detective procedural. I'm a big fan of this series, and this novel does not disappoint. The pacing, plot structure, interesting specfic details and rich characterization are what have made almost every single book in this series a best seller and this one continues in that tradition. Something I really enjoy about this series is how the reader gets to know Lucas and see him grow and change as his career progresses. I also love that this writer is a former crime beat journalist and his style of writing is very engaging and interesting. The plot structure in this novel seemed very realistic, too, given the times we are currently living in. If you love a good thriller, I recommend this novel as well as the entire series.
April 29, 2026
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Thriller, Crime, Suspense
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Revenge Prey is the 36th installment in author John Sandford's Lucas Davenport series. Lucas Davenport is a true maverick; whether he's working for the law or skirting procedure, he utilizes his exceptional ability to get inside the mind of a killer, along with his select contacts in the government, the media, and the criminal underworld to get the job done. He's worn many hats during his career in Minnesota—police officer, detective, BCA investigator, state troubleshooter—but his newest job takes him into the biggest arena of all.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Review
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Thriller, Crime, Suspense
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Revenge Prey is the 36th installment in author John Sandford's Lucas Davenport series. Lucas Davenport is a true maverick; whether he's working for the law or skirting procedure, he utilizes his exceptional ability to get inside the mind of a killer, along with his select contacts in the government, the media, and the criminal underworld to get the job done. He's worn many hats during his career in Minnesota—police officer, detective, BCA investigator, state troubleshooter—but his newest job takes him into the biggest arena of all.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Review
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
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