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Lucas Davenport #16
Broken Prey: Lucas Davenport 16
A Lucas Davenport thriller by internationally bestselling novelist John Sandford The first corpse is found on the riverbank. The second in an isolated farmhouse. Both have been savagely beaten, the skin flayed from their bodies, their throats cut. For both victims, there's a DNA match. Charlie Pope, a convicted sex offender, has cut himself free from his court-imposed ankle bracelet and disappeared. Now all Davenport has to do is find him. But something doesn't smell right. The killings were calculated and methodical. Pope is of low intelligence, incapable of careful forethought and planning. All the evidence points to Pope - but Davenport has his doubts. To find the answers, he must track down his key suspect. And to do that, he'll need the help of the Big three vicious serial killers locked up in the state security hospital. Three killers as cunning as they are deranged...***READERS LOVE THE PREY SERIES*** 'John Sandford knows all there is to know about detonating the gut-level shocks of a good thriller' The New York Times Book Review 'The best Lucas Davenport story so far. The man has a fine touch for outlaws' Stephen King on Golden Prey 'Sandford’s trademark blend of rough humor and deadly action keeps the pages turning until the smile-inducing wrap-up, which reveals the fates of a number of his quirky, memorable characters' Publishers Weekly on Golden Prey 'It appears there is no limit to John Sandford’s ability to keep new breath and blood flowing into his Lucas Davenport series. This is a series you must be reading if you are not already' Bookreporter.com 'Sandford has always been at the top of any list of great mystery writers. His writing and the appeal of his lead character are as fresh as ever' The Huffington Post 'Sandford is consistently brilliant' Cleveland Plain Dealer
497 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2005
2163 people are currently reading
4668 people want to read
About the author
John Sandford
234 books9,633 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 - 29 of 790 reviews
July 31, 2021
Lucas is back!
This time he is after a real piece of work serial killer. Someone so evil that he doesn't care if what he tortures and kills is a man or a woman.
The first body was of a woman. She was brutalized and displayed. Sloan, a homicide detective, and Lucas's friend is on the case. Unfortunately, as the days passed and no other lead becomes available, the case starts to become a cold one.
Then, three weeks later, a second killing occurs. Some DNA is found and this leads Lucas to a recently released inmate named Charlie Pope. Pope had been incarcerated in a hospital where 3 other inmates could have been advising him on how to perfect his crimes once he was free. The only problem Lucas has is that everyone who knew Pope thought of him as someone rather dumb.
Lucas begins to question if there's a second killer involved?
Broken Prey was quite different from other books in this series as we are kept in the dark about the killer's identity. Things don't go as smoothly as in others novels since Lucas can't seem to catch a break. Also, he's missing his family since Weather and the kids are away in London. Worse, his friend Sloan is thinking of retiring.
Through Broken Prey, the major point in levity comes from the list of songs Lucas is making. Lucas received a gift for iTunes and he's trying to create the best 100 rock song's playlist. The characters keep on advising Lucas on which songs to add or eliminate from his list. At the end of the book, the list is there and I can say, that I approved. Might need to add a few of the songs I don't currently have on my playlist and some Beatles too :)
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
This time he is after a real piece of work serial killer. Someone so evil that he doesn't care if what he tortures and kills is a man or a woman.
The first body was of a woman. She was brutalized and displayed. Sloan, a homicide detective, and Lucas's friend is on the case. Unfortunately, as the days passed and no other lead becomes available, the case starts to become a cold one.
Then, three weeks later, a second killing occurs. Some DNA is found and this leads Lucas to a recently released inmate named Charlie Pope. Pope had been incarcerated in a hospital where 3 other inmates could have been advising him on how to perfect his crimes once he was free. The only problem Lucas has is that everyone who knew Pope thought of him as someone rather dumb.
Lucas begins to question if there's a second killer involved?
Broken Prey was quite different from other books in this series as we are kept in the dark about the killer's identity. Things don't go as smoothly as in others novels since Lucas can't seem to catch a break. Also, he's missing his family since Weather and the kids are away in London. Worse, his friend Sloan is thinking of retiring.
Through Broken Prey, the major point in levity comes from the list of songs Lucas is making. Lucas received a gift for iTunes and he's trying to create the best 100 rock song's playlist. The characters keep on advising Lucas on which songs to add or eliminate from his list. At the end of the book, the list is there and I can say, that I approved. Might need to add a few of the songs I don't currently have on my playlist and some Beatles too :)
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
September 5, 2018
While I found this story a worthwhile read, it's not top notch compared to other stories penned by Sanford. Not even with his (out)dated top 100 song list. 6 of 10 stars
December 12, 2019
Lucas Davenport and Batman have a lot in common. They’re both rich. They’re both great detectives who race around in fancy cars chasing criminals. They both have an extensive rogues gallery filled with homicidal crazy types, and now Lucas finally has a his own version of Arkham Asylum.
Davenport’s old friend Sloan from the Minneapolis police asks him to consult on a particularly vicious murder of a woman, and Lucas later links this case to another brutal killing of a father and son. A recently released sex offender named Charlie Pope looks like a prime suspect, but even though he’s supposed to be dumber than a box of hair the cops can’t find him after an extensive manhunt. As they investigate Pope’s history Lucas and Sloan wind up checking the mental hospital that he was incarcerated in and discover an unsettling connection to a trio of patients known as the Big Three among the staff.
The Big Three are among the craziest and most dangerous inmates at the hospital, and they appear to have details about the crimes that they should have no way of knowing. Lucas fears that they have ‘programmed’ Charlie Pope to go on a killing spree that mimics their preferred methods of torture and murder. Lucas has to figure out how the Big Three are connected to the crimes as he tries to find Pope.
This one starts out seeming like Sandford is going back to using a crazy serial killer as the villain again, but the detour to the mental hospital and the involvement of the Big Three put a new spin on this one. While he makes the three whackos extremely creepy, Sandford thankfully doesn’t try to turn it into a Silence of the Lambs rip-off. It’s also one of the few books in the Prey series that keeps the reader almost entirely in the dark as to what the villain is up to in the interest of providing several good surprises along the way.
Sandford makes Lucas more fallible than usual with him making some critical errors. The series has always been good about not presenting Lucas as omnipotent, but it’s a little startling near the end when he realizes that he overlooked a huge clue and that people died because of it. While some thrillers would have these mistakes become defining moments that haunt the hero Lucas doesn’t dwell on them despite his regrets. When you play at his level any mistakes can come back to bite you hard, and that's just life in the big leagues.
It’s a little quieter on the personal side of things with Davenport’s wife temporarily working in London, and the kids are with her. The biggest surprise is that Sloan is talking retirement because he’s seen a few too many dead people, and the idea that a good cop would willingly quit is shocking to Lucas even though he was making similar noises in the last book.
The best character bit revolves around Lucas making a list after getting a $100 iTunes gift card. He is determined to use it as his ultimate top 100 rock song playlist, and that becomes a running joke through the course of the book with everyone offering their opinions as to what should and shouldn’t be included. The book ends with the list, and I found it extra funny that it doesn’t include the Beatles because Davenport thinks they’re a bunch of wussy pop singers.
Next: Lucas goes antiquing in Invisible Prey.
Davenport’s old friend Sloan from the Minneapolis police asks him to consult on a particularly vicious murder of a woman, and Lucas later links this case to another brutal killing of a father and son. A recently released sex offender named Charlie Pope looks like a prime suspect, but even though he’s supposed to be dumber than a box of hair the cops can’t find him after an extensive manhunt. As they investigate Pope’s history Lucas and Sloan wind up checking the mental hospital that he was incarcerated in and discover an unsettling connection to a trio of patients known as the Big Three among the staff.
The Big Three are among the craziest and most dangerous inmates at the hospital, and they appear to have details about the crimes that they should have no way of knowing. Lucas fears that they have ‘programmed’ Charlie Pope to go on a killing spree that mimics their preferred methods of torture and murder. Lucas has to figure out how the Big Three are connected to the crimes as he tries to find Pope.
This one starts out seeming like Sandford is going back to using a crazy serial killer as the villain again, but the detour to the mental hospital and the involvement of the Big Three put a new spin on this one. While he makes the three whackos extremely creepy, Sandford thankfully doesn’t try to turn it into a Silence of the Lambs rip-off. It’s also one of the few books in the Prey series that keeps the reader almost entirely in the dark as to what the villain is up to in the interest of providing several good surprises along the way.
Sandford makes Lucas more fallible than usual with him making some critical errors. The series has always been good about not presenting Lucas as omnipotent, but it’s a little startling near the end when he realizes that he overlooked a huge clue and that people died because of it. While some thrillers would have these mistakes become defining moments that haunt the hero Lucas doesn’t dwell on them despite his regrets. When you play at his level any mistakes can come back to bite you hard, and that's just life in the big leagues.
It’s a little quieter on the personal side of things with Davenport’s wife temporarily working in London, and the kids are with her. The biggest surprise is that Sloan is talking retirement because he’s seen a few too many dead people, and the idea that a good cop would willingly quit is shocking to Lucas even though he was making similar noises in the last book.
The best character bit revolves around Lucas making a list after getting a $100 iTunes gift card. He is determined to use it as his ultimate top 100 rock song playlist, and that becomes a running joke through the course of the book with everyone offering their opinions as to what should and shouldn’t be included. The book ends with the list, and I found it extra funny that it doesn’t include the Beatles because Davenport thinks they’re a bunch of wussy pop singers.
Next: Lucas goes antiquing in Invisible Prey.
August 31, 2014
This is another very entertaining entry in John Sandford's long-running Prey series, featuring Lucas Davenport. As most crime fiction fans know, Lucas worked his way up through the Minneapolis P.D. chasing a variety of twisted, violent killers. Now he's followed his boss, Rose Marie Roux, into a state job that allows, or requires, him to work high profile cases all over the state.
This one poses a serious challenge and pits Davenport against one of the most clever and ruthless killers he's ever faced. And unlike most of the Prey novels, even the reader doesn't know who the killer is until Davenport learns the truth very near the end of the book.
The case begins when a young woman is found murdered. The victim had been been sadistically whipped with what appears to be a barbed-wire lash before her throat was cut. Her body was then left naked and on display near a river bank. It's clear that a violent maniac is at work and the case is high profile enough to demand Davenport's attention, assisted by his long-time team member, Sloan, who is still working homicide for the Minneapolis PD and who draws the case.
Shortly thereafter, another victim, this time a male, is found raped, scourged and murdered in a similar fashion. In an unbelievable stroke of luck, though, blood found under the fingernails of the second victim provides a DNA match with a sex offender named Charlie Pope who was recently released from a state mental institution. Pope is now in the wind and the chase is on.
What follows is a genuine page-turner with a variety of unexpected twists and turns. The tension rises from the git-go and is broken only by one of Sandford's most entertaining subplots. Davenport's wife, Weather, has given him a new iPod. (The book was first published in 2005, only a few years after the device was introduced.) She's also given him a gift certificate for 100 songs. Lucas is determined to load the iPod with the one hundred best songs of the Rock Era and throughout the book, everyone has suggestions for the list. The discussions are often hilarious and one could debate the final list, which is added as an appendix, into eternity. All in all, it's a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
This one poses a serious challenge and pits Davenport against one of the most clever and ruthless killers he's ever faced. And unlike most of the Prey novels, even the reader doesn't know who the killer is until Davenport learns the truth very near the end of the book.
The case begins when a young woman is found murdered. The victim had been been sadistically whipped with what appears to be a barbed-wire lash before her throat was cut. Her body was then left naked and on display near a river bank. It's clear that a violent maniac is at work and the case is high profile enough to demand Davenport's attention, assisted by his long-time team member, Sloan, who is still working homicide for the Minneapolis PD and who draws the case.
Shortly thereafter, another victim, this time a male, is found raped, scourged and murdered in a similar fashion. In an unbelievable stroke of luck, though, blood found under the fingernails of the second victim provides a DNA match with a sex offender named Charlie Pope who was recently released from a state mental institution. Pope is now in the wind and the chase is on.
What follows is a genuine page-turner with a variety of unexpected twists and turns. The tension rises from the git-go and is broken only by one of Sandford's most entertaining subplots. Davenport's wife, Weather, has given him a new iPod. (The book was first published in 2005, only a few years after the device was introduced.) She's also given him a gift certificate for 100 songs. Lucas is determined to load the iPod with the one hundred best songs of the Rock Era and throughout the book, everyone has suggestions for the list. The discussions are often hilarious and one could debate the final list, which is added as an appendix, into eternity. All in all, it's a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
October 13, 2017
My game with John Sanford has come to an end. Of course it was always a one-sided game as the author has no reason to know of my existence. But with each successive novel I’ve tried to: A) identify what makes this particular work unique, as Sandford has stated that he tries to do something different with each effort while staying within the framework of a thriller; and B) figure out what the title is referencing. A couple of weeks ago I discovered I was actually playing only one game with the author. With the few exceptions where the title is so obvious that there could be no debate (Winter Prey, for example) the publisher titles the book. Regardless, I could not find the basis for Broken Prey. It certainly can’t be referencing the villain. This is far from Sandford’s first serial killer (“There something broken inside him.”) Nor could it refer to the writing style, the use of quick cuts instead of scene building; an (intentionally) broken narrative, if you will. But Sandford has been trending toward expeditiousness and pace for some time and scene breaks within ongoing scenes are no longer uncommon. That leaves one other remote possibility but I can’t examine in detail for the same reason I can’t speak of what element separates Broken Prey from the novels that came before: it’s more than a part of the finale, it is the finale--and hence a spoiler. They (whoever it is I’ve been playing against) win.
Or rather, I lose. It leaves nothing to discuss. Except maybe to mention an amusing and interesting subplot involving Lucas Davenport’s attempt to list the 100 “Best Songs of the Rock Era.” Oh, I could also mention that Sandford keeps the identity of the puppet master a secret for the majority of the book, which is not the norm but hardly without precedent. Or that there are some very clever misleads that are completely fair, more reminiscent of his early work. But after that I’m forced to repeat myself: Sandford is a master of the craft. Davenport is fascinating, multi-faceted character. The supporting cast are like old friends. The novel keeps you riveted until the end.
Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
And this is #16 of just the Lucas Davenport novels. As of this writing there are twenty-seven. A little better than half way there and I’m running out things to say.
Truth be told, it’s a problem I don’t mind having.
Or rather, I lose. It leaves nothing to discuss. Except maybe to mention an amusing and interesting subplot involving Lucas Davenport’s attempt to list the 100 “Best Songs of the Rock Era.” Oh, I could also mention that Sandford keeps the identity of the puppet master a secret for the majority of the book, which is not the norm but hardly without precedent. Or that there are some very clever misleads that are completely fair, more reminiscent of his early work. But after that I’m forced to repeat myself: Sandford is a master of the craft. Davenport is fascinating, multi-faceted character. The supporting cast are like old friends. The novel keeps you riveted until the end.
Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
And this is #16 of just the Lucas Davenport novels. As of this writing there are twenty-seven. A little better than half way there and I’m running out things to say.
Truth be told, it’s a problem I don’t mind having.
September 6, 2016
Beach reads are considered breezy summer books that are lighter in literary content, presumably so you (the reader) do not get so heavily involved you miss your snorkeling lessons, or the all you can eat sushi buffet at 6PM.
On my latest vacation to the beach at Lake Winnipesaukee I took John Sanford’s Broken Prey (the 16 book in the Lucas Davenport series). What a rookie mistake on my part! If you want a book to pass the down times, but one that will not suck you in like a flock of geese into a jet plane engine, then stay as far away from this book as humanly possible. Broken Prey might be the best Davenport book yet --the story is riveting and exciting --and I would have had an easier time putting down a book super-glued to my fingers.
So enraptured was I in the tale, I completely missed most of the events of my vacation. I sat in my lounge chair, my skin turning pink, then ruby, until finally settling on an angry lobster red. I completely missed my 6 year-old son sharing a meal with an unruly crowd of French-fry eating seagulls, nor did I see them converge as a flock to grip him in their little bird feet and fly him to their nesting area in Canada (only later did I get a call from a puzzled Mountie alerting me to his whereabouts and instructing me to come pick him up). So caught up in the escapades of Minneapolis detective Davenport, I was unaware of the driftwood “art” my dear wife purchased from a bearded fellow on the boardwalk—a huge hulking item that is supposed to be a manatee or perhaps a frolicking dolphin, or maybe some mutant German sausage that we had to rent a U-Haul to get home and will now grace our living room for perpetuity.
Yes, Broken Prey is good. Lucas and his team are on the hunt for a savage killer, a psychopath who not only murders, but tortures���rapes cuts and whips their victims. This killer is using the same modus operandi as three current inmates currently housed at St. John’s Security Hospital. These three are some of the most ferocious and mentally unhinged criminals in the hospital, but they are securely locked up. What is their connection to the killer? It’s up to Davenport and his detectives in the BCA to figure this out before the bodies start stacking up. And during his down times, Davenport must also work tirelessly to assemble a list of the 100 greatest songs of the rock era. Should the Beatles be included?
This is a fun and entertaining read. The plotting is sharp and fast paced, the dialogue is funny and real, the characters engaging—I feel it is the best of the series I have read to date and a fantastic novel. Just don’t take it on your next vacation.
On my latest vacation to the beach at Lake Winnipesaukee I took John Sanford’s Broken Prey (the 16 book in the Lucas Davenport series). What a rookie mistake on my part! If you want a book to pass the down times, but one that will not suck you in like a flock of geese into a jet plane engine, then stay as far away from this book as humanly possible. Broken Prey might be the best Davenport book yet --the story is riveting and exciting --and I would have had an easier time putting down a book super-glued to my fingers.
So enraptured was I in the tale, I completely missed most of the events of my vacation. I sat in my lounge chair, my skin turning pink, then ruby, until finally settling on an angry lobster red. I completely missed my 6 year-old son sharing a meal with an unruly crowd of French-fry eating seagulls, nor did I see them converge as a flock to grip him in their little bird feet and fly him to their nesting area in Canada (only later did I get a call from a puzzled Mountie alerting me to his whereabouts and instructing me to come pick him up). So caught up in the escapades of Minneapolis detective Davenport, I was unaware of the driftwood “art” my dear wife purchased from a bearded fellow on the boardwalk—a huge hulking item that is supposed to be a manatee or perhaps a frolicking dolphin, or maybe some mutant German sausage that we had to rent a U-Haul to get home and will now grace our living room for perpetuity.
Yes, Broken Prey is good. Lucas and his team are on the hunt for a savage killer, a psychopath who not only murders, but tortures���rapes cuts and whips their victims. This killer is using the same modus operandi as three current inmates currently housed at St. John’s Security Hospital. These three are some of the most ferocious and mentally unhinged criminals in the hospital, but they are securely locked up. What is their connection to the killer? It’s up to Davenport and his detectives in the BCA to figure this out before the bodies start stacking up. And during his down times, Davenport must also work tirelessly to assemble a list of the 100 greatest songs of the rock era. Should the Beatles be included?
This is a fun and entertaining read. The plotting is sharp and fast paced, the dialogue is funny and real, the characters engaging—I feel it is the best of the series I have read to date and a fantastic novel. Just don’t take it on your next vacation.
June 29, 2023
A good read, but far from his best in the Prey series. The last couple of books, including this one, have sort of been duds for me (especially Hidden Prey). To date, my favorite Prey books have been in the first 10 he penned.
September 29, 2015
This book is a fast paced thriller about a serial killer. Lucas Davenport is criminal investigator with the Minnesota BCA(Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) on the trail of a cunning, vicious, mentally deranged serial killer. This is book 16 in the series and the first that I have read by Sandford. It read ok as a stand alone. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
A relative lent me this book.
A relative lent me this book.
December 27, 2024
4 Stars. Not my top-ranked Davenport thriller, but it's finger-snapping good. There are so many false leads and misdirections for you to look forward to and enjoy. Sandford knows how to crank-up his readers and he had me as the book raced to a roaring finish. I usually listen to the series in the car but did it again - arriving home with 20 minutes left. I had to rush downstairs to grab my print copy for the remainder. We find Lucas on his own because Weather, Letty and Sam are in the UK where W has a medical fellowship. The body of a young woman, Angela Larson, is found on a riverbank hacked to pieces. Another officer observes, "She was scourged." Vicious and frenzied. Davenport and Shrake, Jenkins et al have investigated brutal murders in the past and put-away some crazies, but this is over-the-top. The first body is followed by another and another. It eventually leads to St. John's Security Hospital south of Minneapolis where Minnesota confines some of its worst offenders, those deemed too serious to ever see the light of day again. One of my favourite characters, he's obnoxious but a good reporter, Ruffe Ignace, has a starring role in this one. (Au2023/De2024)
May 23, 2012
There seems to be a new rule in American crime fiction that all perps have to be really evil, nothing subtle or conflicting. It’s not enough to murder someone, they have to murder in multiples, and if that weren’t enough, they must mutilate the body too, and to top it off, brag about it to the cops. It’s as if we can’t root for the cops if the perp is your ordinary killer. These are the antithesis of Simenon, Mankell, and many other very good writers who display their talent through an examination of the subtleties of crime.
In Broken Prey, another in the Lucas Davenport series, the cop who has millions from designing a computer game but just loves to go after bad guys in his Porsche, there is another portrayal of crime in its most excruciating detail. Is it really necessary that we must participate in the sordid details of the butchery of victims? Frankly, it turns me off and makes me wonder about Mr. Sandford and perhaps those who enjoy reading that stuff. What ever happened to the imagination which can be gory enough.
OK, now that I have that off my chest, the Prey series still remains pretty decent in its investigatory plots if wildly unrealistic. Talk to any cop and see if any of them recognize themselves in these stories. Never happen. Tearing around town in a luxury car and truck and rarely doing any paperwork. The Lone Wolf as superhero while pretending to be sensitive in his girlfriend relationships, one of whom is a nun-psychologist for God’s sake. Hmm, slipped back on my chest, didn’t I.
I’m almost embarrassed to admit I enjoy listening to these books especially when read by Richard Ferrone. They do make satisfying listening while mowing or driving (as long as my wife or anyone under 21 isn’t around.)
In Broken Prey, another in the Lucas Davenport series, the cop who has millions from designing a computer game but just loves to go after bad guys in his Porsche, there is another portrayal of crime in its most excruciating detail. Is it really necessary that we must participate in the sordid details of the butchery of victims? Frankly, it turns me off and makes me wonder about Mr. Sandford and perhaps those who enjoy reading that stuff. What ever happened to the imagination which can be gory enough.
OK, now that I have that off my chest, the Prey series still remains pretty decent in its investigatory plots if wildly unrealistic. Talk to any cop and see if any of them recognize themselves in these stories. Never happen. Tearing around town in a luxury car and truck and rarely doing any paperwork. The Lone Wolf as superhero while pretending to be sensitive in his girlfriend relationships, one of whom is a nun-psychologist for God’s sake. Hmm, slipped back on my chest, didn’t I.
I’m almost embarrassed to admit I enjoy listening to these books especially when read by Richard Ferrone. They do make satisfying listening while mowing or driving (as long as my wife or anyone under 21 isn’t around.)
September 1, 2018
I started this with a sigh; another psycho. However this psycho is really, really good & provides a very twisty mystery that ends with a bang. Super!
As usual, there is a mundane element threading its way through the story. Lucas is given an iPod & a gift card for 100 songs by Weather. He turns this into a challenge to find just his Top 100 Rock Songs. It's a pretty good list & you can find it here:
http://www.johnsandford.org/prey16x1....
Of course everyone has songs to add & issues with it which made for some great patter throughout. The same song twice by different artists? Nope. Multiple songs by the same artist? Probably not.
And there are the songs themselves. Is "Waltz 2 / Jazz Suite" by Dimitri Shostakovich even rock? Of course not. If you could pick one song by Queen, "Bohemian Rhapsody" should come before "We Will Rock You" & "Johnny B. Goode" should be the Chuck Berry pick over "Roll Over Beethoven". ELO's version is better, but these aren't argued at all. A lot of material here. I'm not sure if I'm glad that Sandford didn't use it all or not. What he did use was great.
So, another great addition & I'm on to the next.
As usual, there is a mundane element threading its way through the story. Lucas is given an iPod & a gift card for 100 songs by Weather. He turns this into a challenge to find just his Top 100 Rock Songs. It's a pretty good list & you can find it here:
http://www.johnsandford.org/prey16x1....
Of course everyone has songs to add & issues with it which made for some great patter throughout. The same song twice by different artists? Nope. Multiple songs by the same artist? Probably not.
And there are the songs themselves. Is "Waltz 2 / Jazz Suite" by Dimitri Shostakovich even rock? Of course not. If you could pick one song by Queen, "Bohemian Rhapsody" should come before "We Will Rock You" & "Johnny B. Goode" should be the Chuck Berry pick over "Roll Over Beethoven". ELO's version is better, but these aren't argued at all. A lot of material here. I'm not sure if I'm glad that Sandford didn't use it all or not. What he did use was great.
So, another great addition & I'm on to the next.
June 23, 2020
Well that was a book. Lucas receives a call From Sloan asking for assistance when a young woman is viciously murdered. In typical Lucas fashion things are never what they seem and find ourselves on the hunt for a serial killer. The murders in this book a grisly and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the end, or maybe that was the red herrings.
On the lighter side Lucas has received a Ipod as a gift along with a gift card. It is his mission to construct the best 100 songs of all time which of course everybody has an opion on. If you want to know the list, read till the very end of the book. By the way watch out for Lucas trying for social distancing with a sick Sloan.
Another cracker read from Sandford
On the lighter side Lucas has received a Ipod as a gift along with a gift card. It is his mission to construct the best 100 songs of all time which of course everybody has an opion on. If you want to know the list, read till the very end of the book. By the way watch out for Lucas trying for social distancing with a sick Sloan.
Another cracker read from Sandford
September 6, 2018
Sometimes it pays to be lucky rather than smart. Well, actually I'm not sure what smart would have to do with it but. . .
I had finished the last but one of books on my nightstand and I started that one but just couldn't get into it. So I went to my bookshelves and looked over several assuming that I had read them all. I kept coming back to Sandford and finally reached up and randomly selected Broken Prey. It turns out that I hadn't read it! Therein is the luck.
I don't remember when I first began reading the Prey series or what book I started with, I know it wasn't the original, Rules of Prey. (Interesting fact; Dennis Rader, the BTK killer of Wichita, Kansas used Rules of Prey as a guide when he began killing.) I do know that I became an instant fan and nothing has changed in my fandom since.
Broken Prey is one of the best of the Prey series and I hesitate to say that for fear that it denigrates others in the series. Perish the thought! Sandford writes with an attention to detail and a bam, bam style that continues through his novels. You never get a chance to catch your breath until you put the book down. Nor do you want to. Each paragraph leads you into wanting more, and so you don't put the book down until you fall asleep and it falls onto your face. (Why yes, I do read in bed, how did you know?)
Lucas Davenport, the protagonist of the Prey series, starts out as a Minneapolis cop, leaves the force for a bit and then rejoins it on a consultant basis, leaves it again and joins the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the law enforcement are of Minnesota. There he is a big wig, a supervisor with a team of detectives and a couple who are more adept at enforcement than detecting.
In this novel Lucas is faced with a serial killer; one who tortures his victims before cutting their throats and Lucas knows he has to find and stop him before he kills again and again.
One of the things that I appreciate about Sandford's writing is his attention to details large and small. He uses small details the way a cook will add a spice to enhance a dish; his details may have nothing to do with the story but they do enhance. One example from this book is when he pulls into a trailer park and a cat comes out from under one of the trailers and pauses with one paw raised (a very cat like pose if my cat is an example). It has absolutely nothing to do with the story and once it's mentioned the cat disappears from any further involvement. But it has added that touch of spice, that flavor, a distant bird painted in a landscape, a making it whole and especially making it real. That's John Sandford and one reason why I am a fan.
If you are squeamish, don't read Sandford because his crime scenes are not for the faint of heart. If you prefer dull, stories in gray instead of vivid colors, pass him by. If the mundane is to your taste. . . well, leave him to those of use who enjoy a tale filled with wit, reality, action, familiar characters, because that's what Sandford writes. And he's damn good at it.
I had finished the last but one of books on my nightstand and I started that one but just couldn't get into it. So I went to my bookshelves and looked over several assuming that I had read them all. I kept coming back to Sandford and finally reached up and randomly selected Broken Prey. It turns out that I hadn't read it! Therein is the luck.
I don't remember when I first began reading the Prey series or what book I started with, I know it wasn't the original, Rules of Prey. (Interesting fact; Dennis Rader, the BTK killer of Wichita, Kansas used Rules of Prey as a guide when he began killing.) I do know that I became an instant fan and nothing has changed in my fandom since.
Broken Prey is one of the best of the Prey series and I hesitate to say that for fear that it denigrates others in the series. Perish the thought! Sandford writes with an attention to detail and a bam, bam style that continues through his novels. You never get a chance to catch your breath until you put the book down. Nor do you want to. Each paragraph leads you into wanting more, and so you don't put the book down until you fall asleep and it falls onto your face. (Why yes, I do read in bed, how did you know?)
Lucas Davenport, the protagonist of the Prey series, starts out as a Minneapolis cop, leaves the force for a bit and then rejoins it on a consultant basis, leaves it again and joins the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the law enforcement are of Minnesota. There he is a big wig, a supervisor with a team of detectives and a couple who are more adept at enforcement than detecting.
In this novel Lucas is faced with a serial killer; one who tortures his victims before cutting their throats and Lucas knows he has to find and stop him before he kills again and again.
One of the things that I appreciate about Sandford's writing is his attention to details large and small. He uses small details the way a cook will add a spice to enhance a dish; his details may have nothing to do with the story but they do enhance. One example from this book is when he pulls into a trailer park and a cat comes out from under one of the trailers and pauses with one paw raised (a very cat like pose if my cat is an example). It has absolutely nothing to do with the story and once it's mentioned the cat disappears from any further involvement. But it has added that touch of spice, that flavor, a distant bird painted in a landscape, a making it whole and especially making it real. That's John Sandford and one reason why I am a fan.
If you are squeamish, don't read Sandford because his crime scenes are not for the faint of heart. If you prefer dull, stories in gray instead of vivid colors, pass him by. If the mundane is to your taste. . . well, leave him to those of use who enjoy a tale filled with wit, reality, action, familiar characters, because that's what Sandford writes. And he's damn good at it.
June 25, 2020
The case in this one starts off with a dead woman--raped, murdered, and bloody from having been whipped with barbed wire. Soon, the killer repeats the process with a man, and kills the man's young son when it seems like the boy might interrupt his fun. And that's just the beginning of one of the bloodiest Prey novels yet. You can see why this is the case that has Sloan talking about hanging up his spurs for good.
Between the grisly murders and the extraordinarily high body count, this is a dark and often grim novel, but Sandford leavens all that with terrific pacing, a twisty and satisfying plot, and, best of all, an ongoing bit about Lucas struggling to compile a list of the hundred best songs of the rock era. (Weather has given him an iPod and a $100 gift card, which Lucas has taken as a personal challenge to buy and load up only the best, and everybody's got an opinion on what he should include. This eventually leads to a terrific and unexpected payoff that feels like something Donald Westlake could have written. And the included playlist reminded me to add a lot of stuff to Spotify.)
While Sandford usually gives the reader the killer's POV--and identity--early on, here he delays that, keeping the confirmation in the shadows for most of the novel, and it works. Lucas and his team are given a strong suspect in Charlie Pope, whose DNA is found at one of the crime scenes. Pope was once convicted of rape and assault, and that was just the tip of the iceberg. He's out on parole, miserable and itchy and maybe coming apart a little at the seams ... and maybe spun up by "the Big Three," three particularly sadistic and grandiose inmates at the psychiatric hospital where Pope served out his sentence. (One of them likes to fling his own semen at people, and I'm going to take this as a nod to Silence of the Lambs's Miggs.) The Big Three, who might be the real string-pullers behind all the killings, make for a terrifically creepy and unsettling villain presence even as their pawn out in the world remains hidden. Even Lucas is shaken by them, and he's not a man who's easily disturbed.
There are some particularly good twists in this plot--and one of the best reveals of the series, via an ordinary phone call--and also some great political maneuvering as Lucas tries frantically to conceal and then spin an investigative fuck-up. Lucas's adeptness at using the media was a big part of the novels early on, and it's nice to see that return here as he establishes a relationship and testy rapport with Ruffe Ignace, an ambitious local reporter. Basically, while this could be just another novel of an unusually over-the-top serial killer, Sandford constructs the story so well that it overcomes the cliches to be a very good, very gripping installment in the series, and one with a really bravura, cinematic action sequence of an ending that's going to stick in my memory. Propulsive fun, as always.
Between the grisly murders and the extraordinarily high body count, this is a dark and often grim novel, but Sandford leavens all that with terrific pacing, a twisty and satisfying plot, and, best of all, an ongoing bit about Lucas struggling to compile a list of the hundred best songs of the rock era. (Weather has given him an iPod and a $100 gift card, which Lucas has taken as a personal challenge to buy and load up only the best, and everybody's got an opinion on what he should include. This eventually leads to a terrific and unexpected payoff that feels like something Donald Westlake could have written. And the included playlist reminded me to add a lot of stuff to Spotify.)
While Sandford usually gives the reader the killer's POV--and identity--early on, here he delays that, keeping the confirmation in the shadows for most of the novel, and it works. Lucas and his team are given a strong suspect in Charlie Pope, whose DNA is found at one of the crime scenes. Pope was once convicted of rape and assault, and that was just the tip of the iceberg. He's out on parole, miserable and itchy and maybe coming apart a little at the seams ... and maybe spun up by "the Big Three," three particularly sadistic and grandiose inmates at the psychiatric hospital where Pope served out his sentence. (One of them likes to fling his own semen at people, and I'm going to take this as a nod to Silence of the Lambs's Miggs.) The Big Three, who might be the real string-pullers behind all the killings, make for a terrifically creepy and unsettling villain presence even as their pawn out in the world remains hidden. Even Lucas is shaken by them, and he's not a man who's easily disturbed.
There are some particularly good twists in this plot--and one of the best reveals of the series, via an ordinary phone call--and also some great political maneuvering as Lucas tries frantically to conceal and then spin an investigative fuck-up. Lucas's adeptness at using the media was a big part of the novels early on, and it's nice to see that return here as he establishes a relationship and testy rapport with Ruffe Ignace, an ambitious local reporter. Basically, while this could be just another novel of an unusually over-the-top serial killer, Sandford constructs the story so well that it overcomes the cliches to be a very good, very gripping installment in the series, and one with a really bravura, cinematic action sequence of an ending that's going to stick in my memory. Propulsive fun, as always.
September 7, 2023
I loved this 16th book in John Sandford's "Lucas Davenport" series!
October 30, 2024
This was a really crazy story, and I mean that literally. The pool of suspects went from inmates at an insane asylum to the doctors at the asylum, and there seemed to be more than just one or two involved. Lots of red herrings and false trails, and the perp was always a step or two ahead.
I'm enjoying this series more with every new book I read; I've been reading them in order, and I think I may have only skipped one or two at the beginning (which I'll probably go back and read).
One of the funniest parts of this story involved Davenport after he had been shot, beaten up, and had a broken arm. He had a fairly extensive operation in the hospital and was recovering when his wife called from Europe where she had been for a few months for work. She had heard about the shootout, and was of course worried about him. Davenport didn't want her to worry, so he convinced her he was fine, and only admitted being involved. She was mollified, but called another cop's wife to see how he was doing, and the wife let it slip that they had been to the hospital after Davenport's operation. Well, she called him back, and he knew immediately that he had been discovered. Nobody can accuse him of being a complainer.
Once again, I was happy to have Richard Ferrone as narrator. To me, he is the voice of Lucas Davenport, and he's perfect for it.
I'm enjoying this series more with every new book I read; I've been reading them in order, and I think I may have only skipped one or two at the beginning (which I'll probably go back and read).
One of the funniest parts of this story involved Davenport after he had been shot, beaten up, and had a broken arm. He had a fairly extensive operation in the hospital and was recovering when his wife called from Europe where she had been for a few months for work. She had heard about the shootout, and was of course worried about him. Davenport didn't want her to worry, so he convinced her he was fine, and only admitted being involved. She was mollified, but called another cop's wife to see how he was doing, and the wife let it slip that they had been to the hospital after Davenport's operation. Well, she called him back, and he knew immediately that he had been discovered. Nobody can accuse him of being a complainer.
Once again, I was happy to have Richard Ferrone as narrator. To me, he is the voice of Lucas Davenport, and he's perfect for it.
March 4, 2019
Wow. This book rocked it from beginning to end. Great character development for some of the characters I have been reading about for 16 books. I also really loved the idea of Lucas being home alone while dealing with Weather, the kids, and the housekeeper being in London for the summer. It definitely shows us a changed Lucas. I was worried here and there we would see some terrible backsliding with regards to Lucas being happily married, but Sandford doesn't go there. I was also really happy with the overall story being about Lucas and company realizing they are dealing with a serial killer. The why behind the killings is astounding though and the final reveals blew me away, I didn't see any of the events coming. I also loved that Sandford did a bait and switch in this one too.
"Broken Prey" has Lucas still assisting Sloan with a particularly gruesome murder. A young woman is found hung and disemboweled. When another murder is found with a father and son, all clues point to one man being behind this. Lucas, Sloan, and the rest of the police forces are racing to find the killer before they strike again. Through a roundabout way we have Lucas and Sloan starting to poke into the ins and outs of a mental institution as well. Lucas's long-time friend Elle assists on this one as a profiler, and I found her insights very good.
We have Lucas dealing with the family being gone and him realizing he was reveling in being messy, before he got tired of it. Weather also got him an IPOD as a gift along with money towards him buying songs (Oh IPODs...) and is trying to carve out a list of top 100 songs. The ins and outs of Lucas going through artists and why they suck along with the other cops and Sloane was hilarious. There is a weird callback to this list at the end of the story and Sandford even lists his top 100 songs too.
We also have Lucas touching upon the depression that came on before that he had in prior books. Am glad that Sandford touches upon depression and via a character even says that taking drugs to help you through it, isn't a bad thing. We have hints that Sloan is going through a depression because he can't take seeing any more dead bodies and tracking down the men and women who do this to other people.
I loved the development of Sloan in this one. He really is a brilliant investigator, and his dreams of opening a bar seemed like a pipe dream at times.
We per usual get into a POV of the bad guy...and that's all I am going to say about it. Sandford delivers a wonderful surprise I didn't see coming and I hope the next book matches this with just letting things unravel for both us and Lucas at the same time.
The writing was top-notch and at times quite poetic. Sandford provides more context and history with different locations around Minneapolis. The flow was really good too and I was just in shock and horror at the end of the book because you don't know how things are going to turn out. I read as fast as I could and felt like the words needed to be even faster.
The ending was really good and I have to say also sad in a way. We are left with some questions about things and some very good CYA maneuvers in the end.
"Broken Prey" has Lucas still assisting Sloan with a particularly gruesome murder. A young woman is found hung and disemboweled. When another murder is found with a father and son, all clues point to one man being behind this. Lucas, Sloan, and the rest of the police forces are racing to find the killer before they strike again. Through a roundabout way we have Lucas and Sloan starting to poke into the ins and outs of a mental institution as well. Lucas's long-time friend Elle assists on this one as a profiler, and I found her insights very good.
We have Lucas dealing with the family being gone and him realizing he was reveling in being messy, before he got tired of it. Weather also got him an IPOD as a gift along with money towards him buying songs (Oh IPODs...) and is trying to carve out a list of top 100 songs. The ins and outs of Lucas going through artists and why they suck along with the other cops and Sloane was hilarious. There is a weird callback to this list at the end of the story and Sandford even lists his top 100 songs too.
We also have Lucas touching upon the depression that came on before that he had in prior books. Am glad that Sandford touches upon depression and via a character even says that taking drugs to help you through it, isn't a bad thing. We have hints that Sloan is going through a depression because he can't take seeing any more dead bodies and tracking down the men and women who do this to other people.
I loved the development of Sloan in this one. He really is a brilliant investigator, and his dreams of opening a bar seemed like a pipe dream at times.
We per usual get into a POV of the bad guy...and that's all I am going to say about it. Sandford delivers a wonderful surprise I didn't see coming and I hope the next book matches this with just letting things unravel for both us and Lucas at the same time.
The writing was top-notch and at times quite poetic. Sandford provides more context and history with different locations around Minneapolis. The flow was really good too and I was just in shock and horror at the end of the book because you don't know how things are going to turn out. I read as fast as I could and felt like the words needed to be even faster.
The ending was really good and I have to say also sad in a way. We are left with some questions about things and some very good CYA maneuvers in the end.
May 8, 2015
Everyone who meets Charlie Pope thinks he looks like a maniac. More essentially, he IS a maniac. He was given a hospital term for a rape and aggravated assault, and he is suspected in three more assaults and two murders. In fact, he IS guilty of those cases as well, but he isn’t volunteering any information about them. Eight years in a psychiatric hospital was a bore, although he met interesting and like-minded maniacs who taught him how to abuse and kill with more efficiency. He isn’t having much fun since he was released, though. He is a garbageman, and he is sick of the stink which no shower will dissipate. Worse, there are so many pretty girls walking around just flaunting themselves. So many pretty girls…
Lucas Davenport, head of Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), is on his own. His children and wife Weather are in England. She had gotten a fellowship in maxilla-facial surgery and they had decided to bring the whole family except Lucas to London. When he was a bachelor, he never noticed how quiet a silent house could be. Now, he is feeling uncomfortable with the loneliness. But he isn’t allowed to linger over his morning coffee long. The phone is ringing.
Her body is discovered on a bank stripped naked. Her skin appears to be striped with bloody lines - whipped with wires?- and her throat has been deeply cut.
A maniac appears to be on the loose….
This is #16 in the Lucas Davenport series. It can be read without having read the earlier books in the series.
Lucas Davenport, head of Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), is on his own. His children and wife Weather are in England. She had gotten a fellowship in maxilla-facial surgery and they had decided to bring the whole family except Lucas to London. When he was a bachelor, he never noticed how quiet a silent house could be. Now, he is feeling uncomfortable with the loneliness. But he isn’t allowed to linger over his morning coffee long. The phone is ringing.
Her body is discovered on a bank stripped naked. Her skin appears to be striped with bloody lines - whipped with wires?- and her throat has been deeply cut.
A maniac appears to be on the loose….
This is #16 in the Lucas Davenport series. It can be read without having read the earlier books in the series.
November 21, 2025
2nd reading - 4 stars - Lucas's friend, Sloan, invites Davenport to look at a spooky killing in the Minneapolis area. A young woman has been murdered by whipping with a sharp wire, and then had her throat slashed. Extreme, over the top torture. Soon, another body appears miles away, only this time it's a man and his young son, and the similarity is obvious.
The clues lead to a state criminal/mental clinic where the worst monsters are incarcerated. The Big Three are the worst of the worst, and our heroes believe they have programmed a just released inmate to copy their earlier deeds.
My review has climbed another star this reading, as I was able to follow the trails designed to thwart the investigators and the reader.
1st reading - 3 stars - The first half of this book was pretty good, then there were too many switch backs and red herrings, and the last 50 pages picked up the pace.
The clues lead to a state criminal/mental clinic where the worst monsters are incarcerated. The Big Three are the worst of the worst, and our heroes believe they have programmed a just released inmate to copy their earlier deeds.
My review has climbed another star this reading, as I was able to follow the trails designed to thwart the investigators and the reader.
1st reading - 3 stars - The first half of this book was pretty good, then there were too many switch backs and red herrings, and the last 50 pages picked up the pace.
September 1, 2011
The writing in this one was just fine - but the crime really got to me for some reason. Sandford's scenarios are usually pretty brutal, but this one was just over-the-top. It was tough to get through. But, that's just me.
December 28, 2023
John Sandford never disappoints!
May 23, 2019
4.5! Another nice detective novel! This one showing how even the best detectives can make mistakes too! I really enjoyed this one! Davenport's case was very well written, though I was hoping one of the "gods" had escaped...Just to read about Davenport catching them. BUT still so very good!
August 14, 2018
Seemed a bit flat or maybe I'm just getting tired of Sandford's immature political comments inserted without relevance to the story. i.e. He takes a shot a Bush not being intelligent. So Sandford, how many hours do you have flying a jet fighter? And your job in the army was so special that you don't mention it?
I'll keep reading the series. Having listened to two bonus interviews I'll paraphrase his own words 'I'm a reporter/journalist and write the novels just for the money'.
Damn I miss Vince Flynn!
I'll keep reading the series. Having listened to two bonus interviews I'll paraphrase his own words 'I'm a reporter/journalist and write the novels just for the money'.
Damn I miss Vince Flynn!
July 22, 2021
Sandford is consistently good!! Broken Prey is the sixteenth book in the series, featuring Lucas Davenport. The supporting cast is stellar, the bad guys are really bad, and the pacing is sublime. He's truly a master of the crime genre, and one of my favorites. Now I need to read the other fifteen Prey novels to get current. Who needs to sleep anyhow!!??
September 29, 2019
Seemed a little plodding through most of the story, but what a bang-up ending! Strongly recommended.
May 8, 2020
4 solid stars and 1 added cause this is such a great series!
January 12, 2017
Often times we are introduced to the killer(s) early in Prey novels, but in this book we do not know for awhile who is doing the killing. After several dead bodies are found, clues point Davenport towards a trio of killers who are serving time in a mental asylum, but as they are locked up who is killing people with MO's similar to the way they killed in the past? This gory book, is tempered by Davenport's new maturity and the lighthearted touch of a running commentary of the best 100 songs to go on his iPod. I agree that there is no room for the Beatles ;)
October 2, 2020
Thrilling
John Sanford, how I love your Prey Series! Never disappointing, ever. Some horrific murders, a serial killer, and The big Three. The intertwining of all the characters is done masterfully leading to the true killer.
John Sanford, how I love your Prey Series! Never disappointing, ever. Some horrific murders, a serial killer, and The big Three. The intertwining of all the characters is done masterfully leading to the true killer.
January 14, 2009
My first and last book by John Sandford....just a little too gory for me!
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