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Lucas Davenport #24.5
Rhymes With Prey: Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport
In this short story from the thrilling anthology FaceOff, bestselling authors Jeffery Deaver and John Sandford—along with their popular series characters Lincoln Rhyme and Lucas Davenport—team up for the first time ever.The last time Lucas Davenport traveled from his home in Minnesota to New York City, it was to help his friend, NYPD detective Lily Rothenburg, catch a serial killer who was terrorizing the streets of Manhattan. So it’s no surprise that Lily would ask him back to consult on another difficult case—this time, one she can’t trust to her fellow NYC cops. Teaming up with New York’s finest forensic mind, the irascible and brilliant Lincoln Rhyme, and Lincoln’s partner Amelia Sachs, they set out to investigate the deaths of four young women, all illegal Mexicans, all of whom seem to be connected to the drug trade. The problem the killings may not be cartel hits—they may be carried out by corrupt cops looking to get information, and then silence the source. Or, as the veteran investigators will soon discover, they could be dealing with a very different kind of killer—and to draw him out, Lily and Amelia will have to pose as bait. For more exciting pairs, check out all eleven short stories in FaceOff!
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2014
652 people are currently reading
1525 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
511 books11.7k followers#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 21, 2023
I’ve read all of Sandford’s Lucas Davenport tales and quite a few of Deaver’s Lincoln Ryme stories too, so a short story involving the pair operating together was a no brainer for me. Set in Manhattan – Ryme’s home patch – it involves them teaming up to search for a brutal serial killer.
From the start there’s a suspect – well, it’s a short story, so it helps to have something already to hand – and aided by a female NYPD detective (who featured in Silent Prey) and Ryme’s partner Amelia Sachs they set about trying to establish if he’s their man. It’s short and sweet but the interactions between characters are great fun and the dialogue is brilliant. There’s also the expected sprinkling of science here as Lincoln does his stuff. It’s all great fun. If I have a bone to pick it’s that it’s all just wrapped up too quickly – but that’s just short stories for you.
From the start there’s a suspect – well, it’s a short story, so it helps to have something already to hand – and aided by a female NYPD detective (who featured in Silent Prey) and Ryme’s partner Amelia Sachs they set about trying to establish if he’s their man. It’s short and sweet but the interactions between characters are great fun and the dialogue is brilliant. There’s also the expected sprinkling of science here as Lincoln does his stuff. It’s all great fun. If I have a bone to pick it’s that it’s all just wrapped up too quickly – but that’s just short stories for you.
February 15, 2016
Rhymes With Prey
What a great story by two great authors. Jeffrey Deaver and John Sandford are two of the best crime writers at the top of their game right now and they just keep getting better and better. Rhymes and Davenport are two of the best characters around. This is a must read between novels.
What a great story by two great authors. Jeffrey Deaver and John Sandford are two of the best crime writers at the top of their game right now and they just keep getting better and better. Rhymes and Davenport are two of the best characters around. This is a must read between novels.
August 1, 2020
This was a fun short story that has Lucas Davenport working with Lincoln Rhyme on a serial murder case in New York City. They both brought something different to the table, Lucas the grit and Lincoln the forensics. The mystery is good and my only complaint would be that it seemed to end a bit abruptly. I would have liked maybe another 15-20 pages for it to play out a little slower. What I think I enjoyed the most is the chemistry between Lucas and Amelia. That would be fun to explore in the future!
October 15, 2020
2.5 Stars
rounded up to 3 Stars
I know my rating sticks out like a sore thumb but for some reason this duo with their corresponding female support just didn't click. The plot was good but the dynamics of the story just seemed so choppy from scene to scene with a sort of thrown together ending to tie in the corrupt cop angle. I hate to do this to two great series stars but together they just didn't work for me.
I know my rating sticks out like a sore thumb but for some reason this duo with their corresponding female support just didn't click. The plot was good but the dynamics of the story just seemed so choppy from scene to scene with a sort of thrown together ending to tie in the corrupt cop angle. I hate to do this to two great series stars but together they just didn't work for me.
January 17, 2019
This short story had two famous authors, Jeffrey Deaver and John Sandford, co-write their iconic characters Lincoln Rhyme and Lucas Davenport into one story. Investigator Davenport heads to NYC to work with a former flame and fellow police officer, Lily Rothenburg on a case that they join forces with forensics expert Rhyme who is a quadriplegic and his partner Detective Amelia Sachs. In a bit of a convoluted case, they investigate a sculptor who they suspect of being a mass murderer and how it links to a possibly corrupt unit in the police department. The case had the two females dress up sexy to lure the sculptor, and Davenport seemed sleazier than usual, so I was not a fan of those angles. But overall, it was a fun read with a perfect title.
September 6, 2021
“And heaven help you if you ever strike up a conversation with a stranger in a bar.”
Lucas and Lily travel to NYC to team up with Lincoln and Amelia to figure out who has killed and tortured four females who were connected to the drug trade. It's not really much of a case, and the twist wasn't really that twisty. I think this crossover idea was a good one, but this story was just so-so.
Lucas and Lily travel to NYC to team up with Lincoln and Amelia to figure out who has killed and tortured four females who were connected to the drug trade. It's not really much of a case, and the twist wasn't really that twisty. I think this crossover idea was a good one, but this story was just so-so.
August 31, 2018
Love Deavers and Sandford separately, together they hit a grand slam even for a short story. Great read.
September 13, 2018
Very good story with intriguing characters and situations.
I have read all the Lucas Davenport books, but none of the Lincoln Rhyme books, a deficiency that I will soon rectify.
I have read all the Lucas Davenport books, but none of the Lincoln Rhyme books, a deficiency that I will soon rectify.
January 20, 2020
Another Face Off team up and this is one where I know both characters.
I read a bunch of Lucas Davenport books probably about twenty five years ago now and Lincoln Rhyme about eighteen years ago, anyway, a decent story of their meeting, again it all feels a little forced and would work better with a cameo or small part in a novel than these stories.
Face Off #6
I read a bunch of Lucas Davenport books probably about twenty five years ago now and Lincoln Rhyme about eighteen years ago, anyway, a decent story of their meeting, again it all feels a little forced and would work better with a cameo or small part in a novel than these stories.
Face Off #6
January 30, 2015
This was a short book but, it was AMAZING! Just might check out Deaver due to this book.
October 1, 2019
Read as part of the Anthology book Faceoff.
December 2, 2024
Barely worth the time except to be completist. Choppy short story with a contrived exit/wrap up
April 17, 2025
Available individually as a short story or as part of a collection of collaborative works within “Face Off” edited by David Baldacci.
Fans of Lucas Davenport and Lincoln Rhymes would rush to buy this missing case from their hero’s portfolio. Keen to devour everything about them and their investigations.
Indeed, it is a delight to briefly share this strange partnership as both default to the Alpha Male role. Locking horns but ultimately showing respect. The full scale rutting season isn’t enacted largely due to the presence of Lily Rothenburg and Amelia Sachs, tough operators in their own right.
The story is a direct symbiosis between two of the greats in this genre. I imagine something like Spock’s mind meld. Jeffrey Deaver and John Sandford bring their A games to this unique project. The result is a credible hunt for a serial killer, a perpetrator is identified but material evidence is difficult to find for arrest and positive court result. The team’s plans are further frustrated by what appears to be a third party being one step ahead of them. The worry being that a leak, or bent copper may work within the NYPD.
I am a fan of these characters and follow them closely. I enjoy these authors and appreciate their writing skills. As a reader of many of their books I have never been disappointed. In working together they have produced a fine tribute and lasting standalone of a partnership that should never have really happened. I, for one though, am happy they preserved and produced this one off short story, faithful to their body of work.
Fans of Lucas Davenport and Lincoln Rhymes would rush to buy this missing case from their hero’s portfolio. Keen to devour everything about them and their investigations.
Indeed, it is a delight to briefly share this strange partnership as both default to the Alpha Male role. Locking horns but ultimately showing respect. The full scale rutting season isn’t enacted largely due to the presence of Lily Rothenburg and Amelia Sachs, tough operators in their own right.
The story is a direct symbiosis between two of the greats in this genre. I imagine something like Spock’s mind meld. Jeffrey Deaver and John Sandford bring their A games to this unique project. The result is a credible hunt for a serial killer, a perpetrator is identified but material evidence is difficult to find for arrest and positive court result. The team’s plans are further frustrated by what appears to be a third party being one step ahead of them. The worry being that a leak, or bent copper may work within the NYPD.
I am a fan of these characters and follow them closely. I enjoy these authors and appreciate their writing skills. As a reader of many of their books I have never been disappointed. In working together they have produced a fine tribute and lasting standalone of a partnership that should never have really happened. I, for one though, am happy they preserved and produced this one off short story, faithful to their body of work.
March 9, 2022
While looking through John Sandford’s collection and organizing my home library, I came across this short story as part of the Lucas Davenport series collection via Goodreads - and it peaked my interest.
First off, I was surprised that I hadn’t come across this story since I’ve been reading Sandford’s novels for a few years now.
This was also the first introduction to Jeffery Deaver’s writing and to the Lincoln Rhymes character.
This short story takes place after Davenport was shot and after his trip to New York City. Rhymes notices that Davenport has a difficult time looking directly at him - which Davenport explains his near death experience and how he could have either been killed or become paralyzed, just like Rhymes.
I also find it funny how any round shaped glasses are now referred to Harry Potter glasses.
The story, while enjoyable, was a bit flat for me. Granted this is just a short story and it’s difficult to get a grasp for both main characters. Still an interesting collaboration between the two authors.
First off, I was surprised that I hadn’t come across this story since I’ve been reading Sandford’s novels for a few years now.
This was also the first introduction to Jeffery Deaver’s writing and to the Lincoln Rhymes character.
This short story takes place after Davenport was shot and after his trip to New York City. Rhymes notices that Davenport has a difficult time looking directly at him - which Davenport explains his near death experience and how he could have either been killed or become paralyzed, just like Rhymes.
I also find it funny how any round shaped glasses are now referred to Harry Potter glasses.
The story, while enjoyable, was a bit flat for me. Granted this is just a short story and it’s difficult to get a grasp for both main characters. Still an interesting collaboration between the two authors.
November 10, 2023
4.75 stars rounded up. An outstanding short story. The plot is thrilling and the characters are enthralling. I couldn't put it down.
SYNOPSIS: "In this short story from the thrilling anthology FaceOff, bestselling authors Jeffery Deaver and John Sandford—along with their popular series characters Lincoln Rhyme and Lucas Davenport—team up for the first time ever.
The last time Lucas Davenport traveled from his home in Minnesota to New York City, it was to help his friend, NYPD detective Lily Rothenburg, catch a serial killer who was terrorizing the streets of Manhattan.
So it’s no surprise that Lily would ask him back to consult on another difficult case—this time, one she can’t trust to her fellow NYC cops. Teaming up with New York’s finest forensic mind, the irascible and brilliant Lincoln Rhyme, and Lincoln’s partner Amelia Sachs, they set out to investigate the deaths of four young women, all illegal Mexicans, all of whom seem to be connected to the drug trade. The problem is: the killings may not be cartel hits—they may be carried out by corrupt cops looking to get information, and then silence the source."
SYNOPSIS: "In this short story from the thrilling anthology FaceOff, bestselling authors Jeffery Deaver and John Sandford—along with their popular series characters Lincoln Rhyme and Lucas Davenport—team up for the first time ever.
The last time Lucas Davenport traveled from his home in Minnesota to New York City, it was to help his friend, NYPD detective Lily Rothenburg, catch a serial killer who was terrorizing the streets of Manhattan.
So it’s no surprise that Lily would ask him back to consult on another difficult case—this time, one she can’t trust to her fellow NYC cops. Teaming up with New York’s finest forensic mind, the irascible and brilliant Lincoln Rhyme, and Lincoln’s partner Amelia Sachs, they set out to investigate the deaths of four young women, all illegal Mexicans, all of whom seem to be connected to the drug trade. The problem is: the killings may not be cartel hits—they may be carried out by corrupt cops looking to get information, and then silence the source."
October 2, 2024
Written by John Sandford and Jeffery Deaver this novella brings together Lucas and Lincoln Rhyme. Lucas has come to NY to help his friend Lily capture a serial killer. Lily and Amelia go under cover and meet with the suspect. They are fairly certain he is the killer, but then he shows up dead. It appears to be suicide, but then it doesn't. Then it appears that Lily shot him, and then it doesn't.
The story is good but the leaps to conclusion seem based on intuition at first. Eventually we learn what tipped the team off to follow certain leads, but I still think much of the reasoning was done off the page with information we did not become privy to until later in the story.
I much prefer a story where I have a chance to figure out the mystery based on clues received at the same time the book in habitants receive them.
The story is good but the leaps to conclusion seem based on intuition at first. Eventually we learn what tipped the team off to follow certain leads, but I still think much of the reasoning was done off the page with information we did not become privy to until later in the story.
I much prefer a story where I have a chance to figure out the mystery based on clues received at the same time the book in habitants receive them.
February 21, 2023
For a novella this book had a lot packed into it. The authors managed a little twist which is usually hard to do in a short story and even more so when it involves two writers. I thought the story flowed well and both characters were true to their series.
I'm not usually a fan of books written by more than one author but this one was enjoyable. I liked how the intro explained how this story was written. I have only read one book by Jeffery Deaver but it was easy to tell what chapters and dialogue were written by Sandford.
I would recommend this story to anyone who is familiar with both characters and looking for something quick to read in between books or during a layover at the airport.
I'm not usually a fan of books written by more than one author but this one was enjoyable. I liked how the intro explained how this story was written. I have only read one book by Jeffery Deaver but it was easy to tell what chapters and dialogue were written by Sandford.
I would recommend this story to anyone who is familiar with both characters and looking for something quick to read in between books or during a layover at the airport.
December 3, 2025
Rhymes With Prey: Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport, my thirty-sixth read from author John Sandford & my thirty-third from from Jeffery Deaver. After reading The Investigator (Letty Davenport Book 1) I went looking for more Sanford books I owned & I found this one that I purchased 10 years ago & lost track of. Two prolific, excellent authors collaborating results in an excellent short read. “I purchased a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The price of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from these authors, in fact Dark Angel (A Letty Davenport Novel Book 2) is already high on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 13, 2019
This is a book that you read just for fun. It's from a series of books co-written by pairs of authors who write in the same area. John Sandford and Jeff Deaver both write wildly successful police procedurals and they are among the very best at what they do. Their protagonists, Lincoln Rhyme and Lucas Davenport, couldn't be more different. As a big fan of both, this book was, of course, a must-read. I suppose that I'd prefer to read a full-length book from either (It's a little weird to read a book that has two authors.) but this is fun and interesting.
September 4, 2025
I just finished reading all the Lucas Davenport series books. I wasn’t sure if I would like this story, as it felt forced by the publishers and editors – just to get something written for these two authors and characters. I am glad it was a quick read for me, as there was hardly any suspense and action for me to enjoy. The plot was a bit confusing, and I kept having to reread prior pages to make sure I understood. I may add all the Rhyme books as he seems like an interesting character.
July 9, 2020
Great story by two of my favorite authors. When Lucas Davenport and Lincoln Rhyme get together to solve a crime that involves dirty cops, a sadistic artist, and a serial murderer from Lucas's past, the action doesn't stop until the bad guys are tracked down and disposed of as only these two icons can do. Loved it.
December 6, 2020
Loved the concept
I'm a longtime fan of both Rhyme and Davenport and found the idea of a collaboration interesting. Loved meeting old friends and the story was good --I just thought it wrapped up too neatly and quickly. Note that this is a shorter story rather than a full-length novel so that might be why. May check out one of the anthologies next.
I'm a longtime fan of both Rhyme and Davenport and found the idea of a collaboration interesting. Loved meeting old friends and the story was good --I just thought it wrapped up too neatly and quickly. Note that this is a shorter story rather than a full-length novel so that might be why. May check out one of the anthologies next.
May 7, 2018
I fully enjoyed this combination of the Prey series with the Rhymes series. I'm a huge fan of both authors. Lucas was his normal cool self. Rhymes was his normal curt/grumpy self. It was an interesting story and interesting combination of characters. A good read.
December 22, 2018
Came together nicely for the work of two different authors. As usual with a short by an author I really like I wish this was longer. Not that it wasn't a good full story, it was I just liked it so well I wish there was more of it.
April 24, 2019
"This Story Has Some Brass"
This is a short story by two famous authors using their two most favorite characters. The two team up in this novella to find a serial killer terrorizing Manhattan, New York City. A great story which totally captivated me. Highly recommend.
This is a short story by two famous authors using their two most favorite characters. The two team up in this novella to find a serial killer terrorizing Manhattan, New York City. A great story which totally captivated me. Highly recommend.
April 30, 2019
Not my favorite Davenport tale, but for a short story, it said a lot. Though I was already quite familiar with Sandford's detective, Lucas Davenport, this short introduced me to Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme, an interesting character. Worth the time.
July 3, 2020
Lucas And Lincoln Rhymes?
Often books bringing two famous detectives from different series don't work. This one does. It's a quick read with a twisty plot. Two of my favorite guys Lucas and Lincoln take their varied and complementary talents to find a S&M serial killer. Yeah!
Often books bringing two famous detectives from different series don't work. This one does. It's a quick read with a twisty plot. Two of my favorite guys Lucas and Lincoln take their varied and complementary talents to find a S&M serial killer. Yeah!
December 31, 2020
Rhymes with Prey is an thrilled packed short, sustaining the thrill first page to the last. Lucas Davenport is still too much arrogant, Lincoln Rhyme remains surly, it packs everything you would expect in a short.
June 30, 2023
Jeffery Deaver & John Sanford teamed up to write an interesting short story which brings together their characters Lincoln Rhyme's & Luca Davenport in tracking down a serial killer in NYC. It's fast-paced with several unforeseen plot twists. A quick read, enjoy.
December 1, 2023
More like 3.5 if I'm being generous. Basically a short story. Two favorites...Lincoln Rhymes and Lucas Davenport working together. Just not enough detail or depth and a rushed and unsatisfying ending. I felt cheated.
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