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Lucas Davenport #19
Wicked Prey
Danger stalks Lucas Davenport at work and all too close to home, in the superlative new thriller by the #1 New York Times' bestselling author.
The Republicans are coming to St. Paul for their convention. Throwing a big party is supposed to be fun, but crashing the party are a few hard cases the police would rather stayed away. Chief among them is a crew of professional stickup men who've spotted several lucrative opportunities, ranging from political moneymen with briefcases full of cash to those safe deposit boxes with the weakness in its security system.
All that's headache enough for Lucas Davenport - but what's about to hit him is even worse. A while back, a stray bullet put a pimp and petty thief named Randy Whitcomb in a wheelchair, and, ever since, the man has been nursing his grudge into a full head of psychotic steam. He blames Davenport for the bullet, but it's no fun just shooting him. That wouldn't be painful enough. Not when Davenport has a pretty fourteen-year-old adopted daughter that Whitcomb can target instead. . . .
And then there's the young man with the .50 caliber sniper rifle and the right-wing-crazy background, roaming through a city filled with the most powerful politicians on earth. . .
The Republicans are coming to St. Paul for their convention. Throwing a big party is supposed to be fun, but crashing the party are a few hard cases the police would rather stayed away. Chief among them is a crew of professional stickup men who've spotted several lucrative opportunities, ranging from political moneymen with briefcases full of cash to those safe deposit boxes with the weakness in its security system.
All that's headache enough for Lucas Davenport - but what's about to hit him is even worse. A while back, a stray bullet put a pimp and petty thief named Randy Whitcomb in a wheelchair, and, ever since, the man has been nursing his grudge into a full head of psychotic steam. He blames Davenport for the bullet, but it's no fun just shooting him. That wouldn't be painful enough. Not when Davenport has a pretty fourteen-year-old adopted daughter that Whitcomb can target instead. . . .
And then there's the young man with the .50 caliber sniper rifle and the right-wing-crazy background, roaming through a city filled with the most powerful politicians on earth. . .
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2009
1587 people are currently reading
4731 people want to read
About the author
John Sandford
234 books9,627 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 918 reviews
March 21, 2021
Lucas Davenport, the Minnesota state cop featured in 19 John Sandford novels, has his hands full this time. The Republican National Covention in is in Minneapolis to nominate John McCain for the presidency so the police are stretched thin. Lucas is dealing with reports of a right wing radical test-firing a sniper rifle in the area, a professional robbery crew with a history of killing cops has come to town to steal the illicit slush funds that come with political events, an old enemy has targeted Davenport's family for revenge, and his adopted daughter has decided to deal with that threat herself.
This is another great Sandford thriller, and there isn't much to add past that description without spoiling anything. If you've read him, you know what you're getting, and if you haven't, you should give him a try if you like these types of books.
I'm sometimes puzzled at how much I like Sandford. On the surface, it seems like he's just another mystery hack with a couple of books hitting the NYT bestseller list on schedule every year. But his books, which are so plainly written as to almost be screenplays, have tightly constructed plots and a great page-turning vibe to them. When things get rolling you simply have to see what happens next.
One reason I'm such a fan is the Davenport character himself. Lucas started 20 years ago as what would now be almost a stereotypical modern fictional detective. He was smart, tough and rich due to his development of role playing games (later computer games) and cruised Minneapolis in his Porsche. This could have been like a bad character from an '80s TV show, but Sandford saved it by giving Davenport a dark, ruthless, manipulative side that has the character sometimes using people in dangerous ways to get his man. Plus, he's never been above pulling some kind of illegal act, including murder.
What also makes Davenport interesting is that Sandford has allowed him to age and grow. Lucas started as a playboy bachelor who sometimes flirted with a crushing clinical depression. Over the years, he has taken new law enforcement jobs, gotten married, had children, and gotten more involved in the political side of the job. So unlike other characters from long running series who remain static (Like Robert B. Parker's Spenser did in his later books.) Davenport continues to seem fresh. I'm always glad to pick up a new book, aside from the story, just to check in and see what's going on in Lucas's life.
Next: Lucas tries to protect his wife from a biker gang in Storm Prey.
This is another great Sandford thriller, and there isn't much to add past that description without spoiling anything. If you've read him, you know what you're getting, and if you haven't, you should give him a try if you like these types of books.
I'm sometimes puzzled at how much I like Sandford. On the surface, it seems like he's just another mystery hack with a couple of books hitting the NYT bestseller list on schedule every year. But his books, which are so plainly written as to almost be screenplays, have tightly constructed plots and a great page-turning vibe to them. When things get rolling you simply have to see what happens next.
One reason I'm such a fan is the Davenport character himself. Lucas started 20 years ago as what would now be almost a stereotypical modern fictional detective. He was smart, tough and rich due to his development of role playing games (later computer games) and cruised Minneapolis in his Porsche. This could have been like a bad character from an '80s TV show, but Sandford saved it by giving Davenport a dark, ruthless, manipulative side that has the character sometimes using people in dangerous ways to get his man. Plus, he's never been above pulling some kind of illegal act, including murder.
What also makes Davenport interesting is that Sandford has allowed him to age and grow. Lucas started as a playboy bachelor who sometimes flirted with a crushing clinical depression. Over the years, he has taken new law enforcement jobs, gotten married, had children, and gotten more involved in the political side of the job. So unlike other characters from long running series who remain static (Like Robert B. Parker's Spenser did in his later books.) Davenport continues to seem fresh. I'm always glad to pick up a new book, aside from the story, just to check in and see what's going on in Lucas's life.
Next: Lucas tries to protect his wife from a biker gang in Storm Prey.
November 26, 2021
Another good addition to the series!
Lucas has his hands full with this one. The Republicans are in town for the National Convention and as part of his job, Lucas knows he has to keep everyone safe. As if this was not enough, Lucas gets info about a right-wing sharpshooter who is probably in town. Then, Lilly calls from New York, a squad of dangerous people might be heading his way. They have already killed cops. Finally a person from Lucas's past, Randy Whitcomb, the reason he had to leave the force so many years ago, is back. Randy wants revenge and he believes taking and hurting Letty, Lucas's daughter is the way to make him pay.
There is plenty of action in Wicked Prey. Sanford has made such a great character in Lucas. From me disliking him to loving him and wanting to read all of his books. Lucas has become a good friend. Someone I want to check in on. It is a treat to see how Lucas's life is evolving now that he is married and has kids. I also like his team. I was happy that Dell's life is also moving ahead too.
Can I say that I love Letty?
Did I think she made the wrong decisions? Yep. she did. I didn't agree with the way she handled the situation she was in. It was scary how much she reminded me of Lucas. She has the same darkness. She will do what needs to be done. Already, At her young age, she has lived way too much. She is an old soul.
Next for me is Storm Prey.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Lucas has his hands full with this one. The Republicans are in town for the National Convention and as part of his job, Lucas knows he has to keep everyone safe. As if this was not enough, Lucas gets info about a right-wing sharpshooter who is probably in town. Then, Lilly calls from New York, a squad of dangerous people might be heading his way. They have already killed cops. Finally a person from Lucas's past, Randy Whitcomb, the reason he had to leave the force so many years ago, is back. Randy wants revenge and he believes taking and hurting Letty, Lucas's daughter is the way to make him pay.
There is plenty of action in Wicked Prey. Sanford has made such a great character in Lucas. From me disliking him to loving him and wanting to read all of his books. Lucas has become a good friend. Someone I want to check in on. It is a treat to see how Lucas's life is evolving now that he is married and has kids. I also like his team. I was happy that Dell's life is also moving ahead too.
Can I say that I love Letty?
Did I think she made the wrong decisions? Yep. she did. I didn't agree with the way she handled the situation she was in. It was scary how much she reminded me of Lucas. She has the same darkness. She will do what needs to be done. Already, At her young age, she has lived way too much. She is an old soul.
Next for me is Storm Prey.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
March 12, 2015
It's the summer of 2008, and the Republicans have selected Minneapolis as the host city of the convention where they will nominate John McCain for the presidency. Inevitably, the convention will bring to the Twin Cities, in addition to all the politicians, a gaggle of protestors, potential assassins and terrorists, street people, con artists, grifters and other assorted crooks. The cops will have their hands full, as will Lucas Davenport's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Slipping into town amidst the lesser criminal talents is a high-powered gang of robbers headed by Rosie Cruz and Brutus Cohn. They have several targets mapped out, including a number of political operatives who will be sitting in their luxury hotel rooms with suitcases full of cash--in each case, over a million bucks. This is dirty money that will be passed out in blocks of untraceable cash to be used for paying street expenses during the campaign. The men with the money are sitting ducks and the best part is that, once the crew has ripped them off, they can't even report the crime because what they're doing is illegal.
Davenport, though, is alerted to the presence of the crew in town and begins the process of trying to track them down. But it won't be easy, especially in the general chaos that surrounds the convention, and when bodies start falling unexpectedly, the task becomes all that more urgent.
And, as if Davenport weren't busy enough, an old nemesis and Davenport's young ward, Letty, combine to cause even more trouble. Some years earlier, a small-time pimp named Randy Whitcomb, disfigured one of Davenport's snitches, who was a hooker in Whitcomb's stable. In retaliation, Davenport beat Whitcomb within an inch of his life and for that Davenport was forced to leave the Minneapolis PD, at least temporarily. Later, Whitcomb was shot and paralyzed by another police officer, but Davenport was on the scene for that development as well, and Whitcomb has been seething with rage ever since.
Now confined to a wheelchair and attended to by his one remaining hooker and a drug-addled sidekick, Whitcomb decides to take his revenge on Davenport by attacking Letty. Letty, who is now fourteen going on thirty-seven, trips to the plan. She's afraid that if she tells her father, Lucas will go ape-shit and kill Whitcomb, something that she thinks would not be good either for Lucas or for herself. She thus decides to handle the Whitcomb problem on her own.
All of this makes for a hugely entertaining book that's at times both terrifying and hilarious. Sandford is the master of mixing these elements, and as usual, the characters and dialog are great; the plot rolls along at a rapid clip, and you can't put the damned thing down. Another great entry in an outstanding series.
Slipping into town amidst the lesser criminal talents is a high-powered gang of robbers headed by Rosie Cruz and Brutus Cohn. They have several targets mapped out, including a number of political operatives who will be sitting in their luxury hotel rooms with suitcases full of cash--in each case, over a million bucks. This is dirty money that will be passed out in blocks of untraceable cash to be used for paying street expenses during the campaign. The men with the money are sitting ducks and the best part is that, once the crew has ripped them off, they can't even report the crime because what they're doing is illegal.
Davenport, though, is alerted to the presence of the crew in town and begins the process of trying to track them down. But it won't be easy, especially in the general chaos that surrounds the convention, and when bodies start falling unexpectedly, the task becomes all that more urgent.
And, as if Davenport weren't busy enough, an old nemesis and Davenport's young ward, Letty, combine to cause even more trouble. Some years earlier, a small-time pimp named Randy Whitcomb, disfigured one of Davenport's snitches, who was a hooker in Whitcomb's stable. In retaliation, Davenport beat Whitcomb within an inch of his life and for that Davenport was forced to leave the Minneapolis PD, at least temporarily. Later, Whitcomb was shot and paralyzed by another police officer, but Davenport was on the scene for that development as well, and Whitcomb has been seething with rage ever since.
Now confined to a wheelchair and attended to by his one remaining hooker and a drug-addled sidekick, Whitcomb decides to take his revenge on Davenport by attacking Letty. Letty, who is now fourteen going on thirty-seven, trips to the plan. She's afraid that if she tells her father, Lucas will go ape-shit and kill Whitcomb, something that she thinks would not be good either for Lucas or for herself. She thus decides to handle the Whitcomb problem on her own.
All of this makes for a hugely entertaining book that's at times both terrifying and hilarious. Sandford is the master of mixing these elements, and as usual, the characters and dialog are great; the plot rolls along at a rapid clip, and you can't put the damned thing down. Another great entry in an outstanding series.
August 5, 2018
I’ve been reading this series out of order, so I’m going back to catch up on the few I missed. This audio book was superb. Great narrator, great story. It keeps you engaged from beginning to end. There are three different storylines here, each equally engaging. He’s got a dry wit, on top of some very creative ideas.
I felt sorry for Lucas. Letty is fourteen and in typical fashion, thinks she knows so much more than the adults. Yes, she’s a very mature 14, but she still has a lot to learn. And at times during this book, she was not very likeable.
I’m only sorry I only have one more book left and I’ll be all caught up.
I felt sorry for Lucas. Letty is fourteen and in typical fashion, thinks she knows so much more than the adults. Yes, she’s a very mature 14, but she still has a lot to learn. And at times during this book, she was not very likeable.
I’m only sorry I only have one more book left and I’ll be all caught up.
August 14, 2020
- 3.5 stars - Nice to be reading older books in the series when Lucas was still with Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. In Wicked Prey there is a robbery at a Republican convention.
March 28, 2019
I don't even know what to say. You have Lucas's ward (Letty) trying to justifying killing someone because if she does it that means Lucas won't be involved with it. It makes zero sense and it turned me off the character. She also has a couple of disgusting comments about using people that made me dance the whole way towards she's a psychopath. Between that story-line and the other one Sandford was too all over the place in this one. I didn't care about the criminals trying to shake people down for money. I also don't want to read about the Republican National Convention across two books again. I hope this mess is wrapped up in the 20th book.
In "Wicked Prey" we have a couple of story-lines going on. We have Lucas dealing with a potential sharp shooter looking to take someone out at the Republican National Convention, a group of criminals that his old lover Lily is looking for, and Randy Whitcomb back again looking to get payback against Lucas. Lucas only knows about the first two issues, and is in the dark on the last one. For reasons only known to him, Sandford decides to follow the Letty as we get to see her realizing that Whitcomb is following her and going through an elaborate charade in order to see him taken down. She's worried that if Lucas finds out that Whitcomb was going to hurt or rape her, that Lucas would murder him. I maybe just shook my head at this line of thought. Only teenagers would jump from point A to point Z in an alternate universe this fast.
There is very little Lucas and what we get isn't a lot. I was happy about Del expecting his new baby since it will be nice to see if his character changes or what.
We have some of the other characters we have known for a long time like Weather, Rose Marie, Jennifer (the woman he had his first child with), etc.
But this book focuses mostly on Letty. Her justifications were crap and because of her someone was hurt and I just felt nothing but disgust for her. Due to her actions someone is beaten and raped. I felt my whole body shrink away in disgust. I hope we don't see anymore of this character in the series. Or if she is in it, she's just mentioned vaguely.
The writing was typical Sandford, but the flow was wrong. Mostly because Sandford tried to juggle three stories and told none of them well. He should have decided what he wanted to focus on. And there are plot holes galore in this one.
Yeah cause cops everywhere are totally justified for killing someone. This is talking about Lucas grabbing Whitcomb and murdering him outright. I just...sigh.
Irony?
The ending was a hard shrug. Definitely not one of the best Davenport stories.
In "Wicked Prey" we have a couple of story-lines going on. We have Lucas dealing with a potential sharp shooter looking to take someone out at the Republican National Convention, a group of criminals that his old lover Lily is looking for, and Randy Whitcomb back again looking to get payback against Lucas. Lucas only knows about the first two issues, and is in the dark on the last one. For reasons only known to him, Sandford decides to follow the Letty as we get to see her realizing that Whitcomb is following her and going through an elaborate charade in order to see him taken down. She's worried that if Lucas finds out that Whitcomb was going to hurt or rape her, that Lucas would murder him. I maybe just shook my head at this line of thought. Only teenagers would jump from point A to point Z in an alternate universe this fast.
There is very little Lucas and what we get isn't a lot. I was happy about Del expecting his new baby since it will be nice to see if his character changes or what.
We have some of the other characters we have known for a long time like Weather, Rose Marie, Jennifer (the woman he had his first child with), etc.
But this book focuses mostly on Letty. Her justifications were crap and because of her someone was hurt and I just felt nothing but disgust for her. Due to her actions someone is beaten and raped. I felt my whole body shrink away in disgust. I hope we don't see anymore of this character in the series. Or if she is in it, she's just mentioned vaguely.
The writing was typical Sandford, but the flow was wrong. Mostly because Sandford tried to juggle three stories and told none of them well. He should have decided what he wanted to focus on. And there are plot holes galore in this one.
"Jennifer Carey was no longer to be trusted. I don’t think cops should kill people. Bullshit, Letty thought"
Yeah cause cops everywhere are totally justified for killing someone. This is talking about Lucas grabbing Whitcomb and murdering him outright. I just...sigh.
"Letty had been right about that. If he’d known Whitcomb was stalking her, or anyone else in the family, Whitcomb would have died, one way or another. The problem with a psychotic was, there is no way to deflect them, once they’ve fixed on a course. You can’t talk to them, because they’re nuts."
Irony?
The ending was a hard shrug. Definitely not one of the best Davenport stories.
June 16, 2023
Beginning to end had my whole attention. A great read and highly recommended. Had two different story plots in one which was really nice to read. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did
September 22, 2023
I will not be made to suffer! DNF @ 30%.
I am bored to death with this dull, dull, dull plot involving a group of heistists - I'm making it a word - prepping to pull one last, big job while the Republican National Convention is in Minneapolis. As if.
My usual sources (library, Hoopla, Scribd) didn't have any books after #8 Sudden Prey until this one, #19. I'm disappointed that Dr. Weather Whatever has not only stuck around, she's now I guess it's silly to hold out hope Darn.
I am bored to death with this dull, dull, dull plot involving a group of heistists - I'm making it a word - prepping to pull one last, big job while the Republican National Convention is in Minneapolis. As if.
My usual sources (library, Hoopla, Scribd) didn't have any books after #8 Sudden Prey until this one, #19. I'm disappointed that Dr. Weather Whatever has not only stuck around, she's now I guess it's silly to hold out hope Darn.
May 20, 2009
3.5 stars
I've been enjoying the Prey series for about six or seven years now. Always fun for light reading. Lucas Davenport is sort of like Encyclopedia Brown---he never gets skunked.
I think my favorites in the series are the ones with Clara Rinker, girl assassin, but all of them are good.
This one has some laugh-out-loud guy banter, but Rosie Cruz gets the best line of all:
"Ahhh, God. Men and their penises. If they didn't have them, we'd have to sew one on, just to give them something to talk about."
I've been enjoying the Prey series for about six or seven years now. Always fun for light reading. Lucas Davenport is sort of like Encyclopedia Brown---he never gets skunked.
I think my favorites in the series are the ones with Clara Rinker, girl assassin, but all of them are good.
This one has some laugh-out-loud guy banter, but Rosie Cruz gets the best line of all:
"Ahhh, God. Men and their penises. If they didn't have them, we'd have to sew one on, just to give them something to talk about."
November 29, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this 19th book in John Sandford's "Lucas Davenport" series!
August 19, 2009
The latest (19th?) Lucas Davenport novel is complicated. It starts off messy. It ends messy. And you're never quite sure that you believe what happened. But, as always, the indomitable Davenport holds it together.
This book intertwines four story lines: A paraplegic pimp Randy out for revenge on Davenport, decides to plot the kidnapping of his ward Letty. In thread 2, Letty, about to be adopted as a daughter by the Davenports, figures out the plot after a clumsy "introduction" by Randy at a fast food joint. She befriends Randy's girlfriend tries to talk her out of the street.
Meanwhile, a well funded and highly organized robbery gang has the Republican National Convention in its sights. It has targetted the cash rich lobbyists as targets. They are perfect victims because they are carrying huge amounts of cash that they can't report stolen. There is little security and the cash is already in small bills.
Finally, the secret service is looking out for a lone gunman called Justice. They believe that he is in Minneapolis to assassinate someone---possibly McCain.
All the story lines intertwined “Crash” style as the novel progresses. Some of the encounters appear a little forced, such as when the gang leader Brutus throws Randy under a bus.
Even though the story is set in the middle of a party convention, Sandford does his best to touch upon but not dwell upon politics and politicians. The governor’s fixer Neil Mitford only puts in a guest appearance and we hardly see anything of his boss Rosemary.
But the pace of the story moves smartly and about the 30th page, you won’t want to put the book down. Sandford’s story is best when he focuses on the chess game between Davenport’s thinking process and the criminal’s planning. The chase through the empty apartments is brilliant and truly believable. It must be fun being Sandford and working the puzzle from both ends. His writing is more contrived when he forces the confrontation---the gunfight at the end was totally staged. And, this time, there are happy endings all around.
This is a good book for Davenport fans. Not one of his best. And not sure if I would recommend it to first time readers. Sandford seems to have started placing “big picture” crimes in his Davenport brand. The small crime lone detective mystery is increasingly placed in his Virgil Flowers brand. While I miss Davenport the serial killer hunter, I suppose this is a good way to avoid Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan as President problem (that is, what do you with a character after you’ve put him at the top of the world?).
Buy it for the airplane ride.
This book intertwines four story lines: A paraplegic pimp Randy out for revenge on Davenport, decides to plot the kidnapping of his ward Letty. In thread 2, Letty, about to be adopted as a daughter by the Davenports, figures out the plot after a clumsy "introduction" by Randy at a fast food joint. She befriends Randy's girlfriend tries to talk her out of the street.
Meanwhile, a well funded and highly organized robbery gang has the Republican National Convention in its sights. It has targetted the cash rich lobbyists as targets. They are perfect victims because they are carrying huge amounts of cash that they can't report stolen. There is little security and the cash is already in small bills.
Finally, the secret service is looking out for a lone gunman called Justice. They believe that he is in Minneapolis to assassinate someone---possibly McCain.
All the story lines intertwined “Crash” style as the novel progresses. Some of the encounters appear a little forced, such as when the gang leader Brutus throws Randy under a bus.
Even though the story is set in the middle of a party convention, Sandford does his best to touch upon but not dwell upon politics and politicians. The governor’s fixer Neil Mitford only puts in a guest appearance and we hardly see anything of his boss Rosemary.
But the pace of the story moves smartly and about the 30th page, you won’t want to put the book down. Sandford’s story is best when he focuses on the chess game between Davenport’s thinking process and the criminal’s planning. The chase through the empty apartments is brilliant and truly believable. It must be fun being Sandford and working the puzzle from both ends. His writing is more contrived when he forces the confrontation---the gunfight at the end was totally staged. And, this time, there are happy endings all around.
This is a good book for Davenport fans. Not one of his best. And not sure if I would recommend it to first time readers. Sandford seems to have started placing “big picture” crimes in his Davenport brand. The small crime lone detective mystery is increasingly placed in his Virgil Flowers brand. While I miss Davenport the serial killer hunter, I suppose this is a good way to avoid Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan as President problem (that is, what do you with a character after you’ve put him at the top of the world?).
Buy it for the airplane ride.
May 23, 2009
Ah Lucas.
Davenport doesn't seem to be his usual sharp self in this novel. In fact, the bad guy is so bad, not so much sick and evil, but so absolutely relentless, that he outshines just about everyone in this latest adventure. Davenport is actually overwhelmed not only by the criminals but by his new adopted daughter who is something of a feral Hermione Granger of the streets. This story is loose limbed and gets all over the place rather than the more claustrophobic sorts of environments Sandford has given us before. It's definitely a new twist and context for Davenport. I'm not sure I like it. I didn't feel Davenport's soul in this one.
Davenport doesn't seem to be his usual sharp self in this novel. In fact, the bad guy is so bad, not so much sick and evil, but so absolutely relentless, that he outshines just about everyone in this latest adventure. Davenport is actually overwhelmed not only by the criminals but by his new adopted daughter who is something of a feral Hermione Granger of the streets. This story is loose limbed and gets all over the place rather than the more claustrophobic sorts of environments Sandford has given us before. It's definitely a new twist and context for Davenport. I'm not sure I like it. I didn't feel Davenport's soul in this one.
September 4, 2018
A great set of bad guys this time & a wonderful setting - McCain's Republican convention. There's plenty of room for all sorts of trouble during the ensuing circus & Sandford made the most of it. Best of all, Letty is back in action. She's 14 & full of herself which she deserves to be.
I regret I didn't get to read the 2d Virgil Flowers book first, but it's still on hold. There were a few references to him & his case, but hopefully they weren't spoilers. Considering some of the reviews & how much the book blurbs tell, probably not as much.
Anyway, another good adventure. Not really a 4 star since it isn't one of the best, but 3.5+, so it gets 4 stars. On to the next!
I regret I didn't get to read the 2d Virgil Flowers book first, but it's still on hold. There were a few references to him & his case, but hopefully they weren't spoilers. Considering some of the reviews & how much the book blurbs tell, probably not as much.
Anyway, another good adventure. Not really a 4 star since it isn't one of the best, but 3.5+, so it gets 4 stars. On to the next!
January 14, 2024
Barely 4 ⭐️’s. This story was a little bit all over the place for me. I just wasn’t too interested in the plot (and subplots) frankly. Since about book 12 in the Prey series, it’s been hit or miss for me. I actually enjoyed Phantom Prey (considered one of his weakest books in the series according to many) more than Wicked Prey.
July 1, 2020
As usual we get two separate stories in Wicked Prey. Lucas is on the hunt for a group of bandits who are taking advantage of all the money being thrown around by the Republican party. While behind his back Letty is trying to deal with a ghost from Davenports past.
This book was not to usual Sandford standard. The mystery was not all that thrilling and Letty's behaviour was despicable to say the least. She is becoming to much like Davenport. That being said I love her relationship with Davenport and I hope we get to see more of it going forward. On to book 20.
This book was not to usual Sandford standard. The mystery was not all that thrilling and Letty's behaviour was despicable to say the least. She is becoming to much like Davenport. That being said I love her relationship with Davenport and I hope we get to see more of it going forward. On to book 20.
February 3, 2017
As the character Davenport has aged, he has become more involved in political work, and less in stand alone criminal cases. As such, he is the point man for the Republican convention in St. Paul. His almost-adopted teen age daughter Lettie gets involved with some unsavory people who want to hurt her, and she shows her cunning by trying to thwart them. Lettie is a true chip off the old block, and although not all her decisions are sound, she is a force to be reckoned with. She and her Dad are quite a pair.
December 5, 2019
I had tried this book few years ago and couldn’t get into it. This time, I went further, regretted that choice after I went over 50% and finished it. It was just ok. This was a series that I had mostly enjoyed so I thought I should give it another try. But this one just isn’t the one to pull me back in. I didn’t care for either the main plot or the side plot. The best I can say is that it was readable, was a fast read and I didn’t hate it.
August 24, 2018
Not sure if I'm going to like Letty as grows into a know it all teen aspiring to be a self-centered reporter.
Why did Sandford choose to bring the Republic Convention to Minneapolis, the most Democratic city in a state that had not voted for a Republican since Nixon? What was he up to with mental manipulation?
Why did Sandford choose to bring the Republic Convention to Minneapolis, the most Democratic city in a state that had not voted for a Republican since Nixon? What was he up to with mental manipulation?
February 9, 2013
A fairly typical Sanford "Prey" novel that I found a bit more disjointed than most. The most exciting portion of this story that centers around the Republican convention is the ending and even thats left incomplete. I’m sure there will be more about it in a forthcoming "Prey." 6 of 10 stars
June 9, 2016
Lucas and his crew keep busy when the Republican National Convention comes to town. An enjoyable audio though the secondary plotline featuring Letty was a bit overdone. The narration by Richard Ferrone was excellent as usual.
July 23, 2015
Nineteenth in the Lucas Davenport mystery detective series set in Minneapolis and revolving around a get-things-done detective. It's set during the Republican National Convention when John McCain was nominated along with Sarah Palin.
My Take
It's a very clever twist on robbery. And I can't think of a better, ahem, class of people to be robbed. Meanwhile, Lucas has been making himself really "popular" by poking holes in convention security in every way possible, *lots of laughter*. Gotta hand it to Lucas, he is consistent.
I'm wondering about Sandford's wife with the way he keeps "picking on" Weather. Not that she doesn't deserve it, lol. All it took was two paragraphs of some lovely show, and we know so much about Weather AND Lucas' characters…*more laughter*.
Ohhh, I love it. Lucas and Weather are looking to formally adopt Letty (Sandford includes a brief back history on Letty)! It'll be fraught with some careful and careless thinking on Letty's part as well as some almost terrifying insight into how Letty does think, her stalking actions. She could make a great general with that focus on the end game.
Del cracks me up. He's so perfect for his undercover role; Sandford doesn't need a lot of words to draw a great picture of him. Love that comment from Del, lol.
Uh-huh, I think Lucas is straddling a fine line here with that political component issue of his, although I can see his point about the difference between what happened in Naked Prey , 14, owing some cops a favor, and what's happening now in Wicked Prey.
The Story
It's one last job, a doozy that should set Cohn up for a comfortable retirement. It's a crime that can't come into the open; they'll do everything they can to keep it quiet.
Randy blames all his bad luck on Lucas and plans his revenge by stalking Letty. Good thing she's a smart, observant girl. Too bad she's a teenager.
The Characters
Lucas Davenport is a clothes- and poetry-loving troubleshooter for the governor. Dr. Weather Karkinnen is his wife and a plastic surgeon at Hennepin General. Sam is their two-year-old son, and Letty is their almost fifteen-year-old ward ( Naked Prey ). Ellen is their housekeeper.
The Department of Public Safety is…
…a pet project of the governor's with Rose Marie Roux as its state public safety commissioner. Lucas works for her with Del Capslock (he's married to the pregnant Cheryl, a nurse). Lucas' other agents include Virgil Flowers, Dan Jackson is their photographer who really gets into outfitting Lucas, Jenkins and Shrake (he's dating Shirley Knox who Jenkins claims is in the Mafia) are a double act, Carol is Lucas' secretary, Jim Benson, Dave Tompkins, and Nancy.
Neil Mitford is Governor Elmer Henderson's executive assistant and chief weasel. Dan Coates is with the Special Assignments Bureau, Lucas' opposite number in Wisconsin. The local FBI Agent-in-Charge is Wilbur Rivers. George Dickens is the Secret Service agent mentioned.
Minneapolis PD
Officer Rick Jones caught the High Hat robberies. Danny Lake is the head of Robbery-Homicide. Officers Doug Swanson and Dan Long are standing by. Able Peterson is SWAT as is Dick McGuire.
St. Paul PD
Lieutenant Don Parker caught Weimer's case. Dick Clay. Detective John Elleson catches Benson. Harrington is the chief of police. Sergeant Larkin gets in on the St. Andrew affair.
Hudson PD in Wisconsin
Officer Charles Dee won't be on the force long. Joshua Martin and Kyle Wayne were on the hotel desk when Dee came in.
NYPD
Captain Lily Rothenburg is with the NYPD, and we met her in Shadow Prey , 2, and Silent Prey , 4.
Washington D.C. District PD
Detective Sams investigated Raphael's death.
LAPD
Detectives Lance Barr and Harvey Cason are investigating a suspicious fire.
Elena Diaz lives in the Lu house in Venice with Martha Knofler (or Laura or Lauren or…). Louise Janowitz has insurance with State Farm. Dick and Carly are their neighbors. David Harelson does all sorts of photography.
The Republican National Convention
Dan Jacobs runs the convention-security coordination committee for the Convention. Sondra is his secretary. The people who assign the hotel rooms include Helen Fumaro, Cheryl Ann, and Lucy. Raphael Sabartes had been with them before he died.
The lobbyists include…
…John Wilson, a little guy with a temper, and Lori Johnson is his, um, assistant; Bart Spellman is thinking ahead to the future; Ray Landy; Dick McCollum; Shelly Weimer; Buddy Snider and Sally Craig; Whitehead; Schott; and, the lucky Chuck Prince are more lobbyists.
Rob Benedict is a consultant in Washington D.C. who'll be an example. Ann and Karen are usually on the front desk at night.
Channel Three is…
…the TV station where Letty's been working as an unpaid intern for the past two years. Jennifer Carey, the mother of Lucas' daughter, is Letty's mentor. Frank (he's got a nasty, well-known secret that comes in handy) and Lois Cline are part of the camera crew. Lorenzo who is a lawyer for Channel Three, Nelly Cassesford, Larry Johnston, and Andy Cramer who happily drives the van all work for the station.
Brutus Cohn, a.k.a., John Lamb, is a brutal and efficient thief. (Billy Joe Wakefield is another possibility.) Rosie Cruz, who blends so easily, has worked with him before, and she has multiple agendas. The rest of the gang includes Jesse Lane who owns a farm in Alabama and turns out fast cars for moonshiners, Tate McCall has been clean for eight years and has a part ownership in a diner in Malibu, and Jack Spitzer is from Austin and mostly unemployed. Lindy is a long-time girlfriend of Brutus'.
Randy Whitcomb (we first met him in Eyes of Prey , 3, and again in Chosen Prey , 12) is a major sleaze bag who should have been drowned at birth; now, he's a paraplegic with a major hate on for Lucas and delights in switches. Juliet Briar is a teen runaway who thinks Randy loves her. Yeah, as long as she keeps hooking for him. Ranch is Randy's male go-fer and an insane idiot. George is a teetotalling resaler. Don Johnson is the perverted mailman dating Juliet's mother.
Dubuque and Moline Pollish are twins working as sexual entertainment managers, ahem. They're ticked that Randy is runnin' Jasmine on their street. Jorgenson is another pimp.
Justice Shafer is a guerrilla, skinhead nutcake and a good sniper. An eighty-eight is a Nazi skinhead. Terry, the Jenkins brothers, and Bob Harper each run a gunshop. Jane works at the Wayfarer Motel. Bill Hefner is the "boyfriend" "tracking" the anarchists.
John and Jeff are a couple of Letty's friends from school — Lucas has a problem with them. They're too much like he was, lol. Oh, the agony…*more laughing* Emily Grissom is a nasty little schoolmate.
Achmed Mansoor owns a sandwich shop. Lucy's husband is one of the marchers. Marv is the leader of a skate gang. Jean is part of the gang, and she has a great face. Dan Eller is an association president of a block of condos; another building is run by Ken Jacobsen. Carl Bishop manages another block. The Hassans are Ethiopian janitors. Max Gomez is a welder. Dr. Grigor Papirian works at Regions Hospital.
The Cover and Title
The cover is the deep, dark green of night as we look down a forlorn alley, the neon green bright lights in the distance highlighting doorways and puddles on the pavement. The author's name is red and large and in charge of the creamy Wicked Prey, the men Lucas and his team are after.
My Take
It's a very clever twist on robbery. And I can't think of a better, ahem, class of people to be robbed. Meanwhile, Lucas has been making himself really "popular" by poking holes in convention security in every way possible, *lots of laughter*. Gotta hand it to Lucas, he is consistent.
I'm wondering about Sandford's wife with the way he keeps "picking on" Weather. Not that she doesn't deserve it, lol. All it took was two paragraphs of some lovely show, and we know so much about Weather AND Lucas' characters…*more laughter*.
"The women in Lucas' life reduced him to a chattering-chipmunk state about once a month."Sorry guys, but it does crack me up the power women can wield. Here's Lucas, one scary MF who goes weak in the knees… And Sandford keeps it real with the proud papa, lol, as Lucas revels in how brilliant and gifted his son is. Remembering how much time I spend laughing when I read a John Sandford MYSTERY that is about serious topics and vicious criminals…it's what I love about Sandford's Lucas Davenport series (yeah, yeah, I'll get to more books Sandford has written as soon as I finish this series!) is how funny his writing is even as the bad guys run amuck.
Lucas keeps it real, and Weather's come round to it:"…as regarded cops and robbers: it was all chaos, accident, stupidity, insanity, and coincidence."Although, it is amazing how Lucas pulls it together. The ideas he comes up with to figure out what's happening, how it happened, what is likely to happen. Little clues, unexpected comments, coincidences that set him to thinking.
Ohhh, I love it. Lucas and Weather are looking to formally adopt Letty (Sandford includes a brief back history on Letty)! It'll be fraught with some careful and careless thinking on Letty's part as well as some almost terrifying insight into how Letty does think, her stalking actions. She could make a great general with that focus on the end game.
Del cracks me up. He's so perfect for his undercover role; Sandford doesn't need a lot of words to draw a great picture of him. Love that comment from Del, lol.
"'You'd have to tone it down,' Del said. 'Like borrow clothes from me.'Lucas shuddered: 'Maybe not.'"Sandford is always too funny as he keeps the story real:
"'Yeah? He's a marcher?' Lucas asked.'Anarchist,' she said. 'Or anti-Christ. One of the two. I can't keep them straight.'"Hmmm, there are some good riot rules Lucy lays out. It makes for an interesting contrast when you read Brutus' and Lindy's thoughts after their "catch-up" session at the motel. Two users gettin' along, hidin' their thoughts, lyin' to each other. Nor are they the only ones using in this group. Randy's back history gets laid out as well — I do like how Sandford writes his info dumps. No, well, okay, yeah, they're info dumps, technically, but Sandford does such a nice job of integrating them in. Writers should take note of this.
Uh-huh, I think Lucas is straddling a fine line here with that political component issue of his, although I can see his point about the difference between what happened in Naked Prey , 14, owing some cops a favor, and what's happening now in Wicked Prey.
The Story
It's one last job, a doozy that should set Cohn up for a comfortable retirement. It's a crime that can't come into the open; they'll do everything they can to keep it quiet.
Randy blames all his bad luck on Lucas and plans his revenge by stalking Letty. Good thing she's a smart, observant girl. Too bad she's a teenager.
The Characters
Lucas Davenport is a clothes- and poetry-loving troubleshooter for the governor. Dr. Weather Karkinnen is his wife and a plastic surgeon at Hennepin General. Sam is their two-year-old son, and Letty is their almost fifteen-year-old ward ( Naked Prey ). Ellen is their housekeeper.
The Department of Public Safety is…
…a pet project of the governor's with Rose Marie Roux as its state public safety commissioner. Lucas works for her with Del Capslock (he's married to the pregnant Cheryl, a nurse). Lucas' other agents include Virgil Flowers, Dan Jackson is their photographer who really gets into outfitting Lucas, Jenkins and Shrake (he's dating Shirley Knox who Jenkins claims is in the Mafia) are a double act, Carol is Lucas' secretary, Jim Benson, Dave Tompkins, and Nancy.
Neil Mitford is Governor Elmer Henderson's executive assistant and chief weasel. Dan Coates is with the Special Assignments Bureau, Lucas' opposite number in Wisconsin. The local FBI Agent-in-Charge is Wilbur Rivers. George Dickens is the Secret Service agent mentioned.
Minneapolis PD
Officer Rick Jones caught the High Hat robberies. Danny Lake is the head of Robbery-Homicide. Officers Doug Swanson and Dan Long are standing by. Able Peterson is SWAT as is Dick McGuire.
St. Paul PD
Lieutenant Don Parker caught Weimer's case. Dick Clay. Detective John Elleson catches Benson. Harrington is the chief of police. Sergeant Larkin gets in on the St. Andrew affair.
Hudson PD in Wisconsin
Officer Charles Dee won't be on the force long. Joshua Martin and Kyle Wayne were on the hotel desk when Dee came in.
NYPD
Captain Lily Rothenburg is with the NYPD, and we met her in Shadow Prey , 2, and Silent Prey , 4.
Washington D.C. District PD
Detective Sams investigated Raphael's death.
LAPD
Detectives Lance Barr and Harvey Cason are investigating a suspicious fire.
Elena Diaz lives in the Lu house in Venice with Martha Knofler (or Laura or Lauren or…). Louise Janowitz has insurance with State Farm. Dick and Carly are their neighbors. David Harelson does all sorts of photography.
The Republican National Convention
Dan Jacobs runs the convention-security coordination committee for the Convention. Sondra is his secretary. The people who assign the hotel rooms include Helen Fumaro, Cheryl Ann, and Lucy. Raphael Sabartes had been with them before he died.
The lobbyists include…
…John Wilson, a little guy with a temper, and Lori Johnson is his, um, assistant; Bart Spellman is thinking ahead to the future; Ray Landy; Dick McCollum; Shelly Weimer; Buddy Snider and Sally Craig; Whitehead; Schott; and, the lucky Chuck Prince are more lobbyists.
Seems the lobbyists aren't worried about who'll be the next president, they're "covered both ways".The St. Andrews hotel
Rob Benedict is a consultant in Washington D.C. who'll be an example. Ann and Karen are usually on the front desk at night.
Channel Three is…
…the TV station where Letty's been working as an unpaid intern for the past two years. Jennifer Carey, the mother of Lucas' daughter, is Letty's mentor. Frank (he's got a nasty, well-known secret that comes in handy) and Lois Cline are part of the camera crew. Lorenzo who is a lawyer for Channel Three, Nelly Cassesford, Larry Johnston, and Andy Cramer who happily drives the van all work for the station.
Brutus Cohn, a.k.a., John Lamb, is a brutal and efficient thief. (Billy Joe Wakefield is another possibility.) Rosie Cruz, who blends so easily, has worked with him before, and she has multiple agendas. The rest of the gang includes Jesse Lane who owns a farm in Alabama and turns out fast cars for moonshiners, Tate McCall has been clean for eight years and has a part ownership in a diner in Malibu, and Jack Spitzer is from Austin and mostly unemployed. Lindy is a long-time girlfriend of Brutus'.
Randy Whitcomb (we first met him in Eyes of Prey , 3, and again in Chosen Prey , 12) is a major sleaze bag who should have been drowned at birth; now, he's a paraplegic with a major hate on for Lucas and delights in switches. Juliet Briar is a teen runaway who thinks Randy loves her. Yeah, as long as she keeps hooking for him. Ranch is Randy's male go-fer and an insane idiot. George is a teetotalling resaler. Don Johnson is the perverted mailman dating Juliet's mother.
Dubuque and Moline Pollish are twins working as sexual entertainment managers, ahem. They're ticked that Randy is runnin' Jasmine on their street. Jorgenson is another pimp.
Justice Shafer is a guerrilla, skinhead nutcake and a good sniper. An eighty-eight is a Nazi skinhead. Terry, the Jenkins brothers, and Bob Harper each run a gunshop. Jane works at the Wayfarer Motel. Bill Hefner is the "boyfriend" "tracking" the anarchists.
John and Jeff are a couple of Letty's friends from school — Lucas has a problem with them. They're too much like he was, lol. Oh, the agony…*more laughing* Emily Grissom is a nasty little schoolmate.
Achmed Mansoor owns a sandwich shop. Lucy's husband is one of the marchers. Marv is the leader of a skate gang. Jean is part of the gang, and she has a great face. Dan Eller is an association president of a block of condos; another building is run by Ken Jacobsen. Carl Bishop manages another block. The Hassans are Ethiopian janitors. Max Gomez is a welder. Dr. Grigor Papirian works at Regions Hospital.
The Cover and Title
The cover is the deep, dark green of night as we look down a forlorn alley, the neon green bright lights in the distance highlighting doorways and puddles on the pavement. The author's name is red and large and in charge of the creamy Wicked Prey, the men Lucas and his team are after.
January 21, 2025
Another great Lucas Davenport book with an extra added attraction, his soon-be-adopted ward, Lettie. I read some of the books featuring the grown Lettie, and enjoyed them. In this one, she's 14, going on 30. She's involved in her own personal fight against a crazy, paralyzed crook/pimp who controls a young minor girl by beating with a stick whenever he feels like she isn't subservient enough. He's in the lower level of the lowlife, and is so evil it's almost comical. He blames Davenport for his paralysis, so when he got out of prison, he decided to punish him via Letty, who was fortunately out of his league. She handled him herself because she knew Davenport would kill him if he found out, and she didn't want him to get in trouble because of her.
The main plot has some smarter lowlifes. They're after some big money to retire, and they don't care who they have to kill to get it. They're smart in some ways, so it's kind of funny to see them failing over and over while thinking they are so clever.
This was the second in a row of this series, and I had to force myself to read something else before I got addicted and in danger of future withdrawals when I reach the end.
The main plot has some smarter lowlifes. They're after some big money to retire, and they don't care who they have to kill to get it. They're smart in some ways, so it's kind of funny to see them failing over and over while thinking they are so clever.
This was the second in a row of this series, and I had to force myself to read something else before I got addicted and in danger of future withdrawals when I reach the end.
June 14, 2012
Just when I've decided Sandford's "Prey" books get better as they go along, everything suddenly turned Wicked; this one is good, but definitely not one of my favorites. Most likely, that's because the plot involves the political scene - and frankly, reading about rock formations would be more interesting to me. Here, dastardly thieves and murderers are targeting folks who are passing out millions of dollars under the table on behalf of the political parties as the national convention comes to Minnesota. Detective and main character Lucas Davenport, of course, is charged with catching them.
Sandford's books generally have a secondary plot, and this one didn't grab me much either. It centers on Davenport's 14-year-old ward Letty, whom he and his wife, Weather, are in the process of adopting. The street-smart girl, who's learning the ropes as an intern in the TV news business, discovers that a former nemesis of her soon-to-be-dad is on the loose and looking to get even - and takes it upon herself to handle things her way despite admonishings from Davenport.
No doubt there are some really intelligent kids out there who have survived truly awful backgrounds, but Letty's abilities and thought processes go way beyond what I consider to be plausible. And when Davenport gets angry and tries discipline, she openly and belligerantly ignores him, nearly getting another teenager killed. Remorse? Fuhgettaboutit. The only time I saw anything close was near the end of the book when she expressed concern that after all she'd done (especially against their wishes), Lucas and Weather might not want to adopt her after all. Of course, they did - and I wouldn't have wanted it otherwise - but what I don't like is that when it comes to her actions, Davenport caves. Sure, he reckons, she shouldn't have done what she did, but we're family and "take care of our own."
Sure, he's done similar things in his own career, which I suppose is why he understands where Letty is coming from. But she's 14 with a good home and the potential for a bright future, for gosh sakes - it's high time she learns that actions have consequences.
On to No. 20!
Sandford's books generally have a secondary plot, and this one didn't grab me much either. It centers on Davenport's 14-year-old ward Letty, whom he and his wife, Weather, are in the process of adopting. The street-smart girl, who's learning the ropes as an intern in the TV news business, discovers that a former nemesis of her soon-to-be-dad is on the loose and looking to get even - and takes it upon herself to handle things her way despite admonishings from Davenport.
No doubt there are some really intelligent kids out there who have survived truly awful backgrounds, but Letty's abilities and thought processes go way beyond what I consider to be plausible. And when Davenport gets angry and tries discipline, she openly and belligerantly ignores him, nearly getting another teenager killed. Remorse? Fuhgettaboutit. The only time I saw anything close was near the end of the book when she expressed concern that after all she'd done (especially against their wishes), Lucas and Weather might not want to adopt her after all. Of course, they did - and I wouldn't have wanted it otherwise - but what I don't like is that when it comes to her actions, Davenport caves. Sure, he reckons, she shouldn't have done what she did, but we're family and "take care of our own."
Sure, he's done similar things in his own career, which I suppose is why he understands where Letty is coming from. But she's 14 with a good home and the potential for a bright future, for gosh sakes - it's high time she learns that actions have consequences.
On to No. 20!
March 2, 2015
Another good one by Sandford. Not his best in the series, but, I'd still read one by him when he's not at his best than the best of several other authors.
Somewhat different than the early Prey stories, in that this one did not center around a serial killer. Although, the story's biggest villain, Brute Cohn, has killed, and will kill, several times. The Republican National Convention is in town, in Minneapolis. This attracts a lot of criminals as a lot of people coming for the convention have a lot of wealth. Or, at least, that's the central story. Also, Davenport's daughter, is being watched, maybe stalked, by a lower criminal that is a paraplegic and blames Davenport for his ills. A blame only partly correct, but, in his simple mind, perfectly reasonable. He intends to get to Davenport through Lucas' daughter, Letty, a young teenager age 14. Letty is currently doing work with a TV station and fancies herself a budding reporter. The 2 stories, while never really converging themselves, never the less propel Davenport in separate ways. Some of the conflict arises from this dichotomy.
All in all, a good read. I definitely enjoyed it. But, not really up to Sandford's personal par. Still, under par for him is more than enough reason for giving it a read. An average Sandford far supercedes the best of several authors that I've read.
Somewhat different than the early Prey stories, in that this one did not center around a serial killer. Although, the story's biggest villain, Brute Cohn, has killed, and will kill, several times. The Republican National Convention is in town, in Minneapolis. This attracts a lot of criminals as a lot of people coming for the convention have a lot of wealth. Or, at least, that's the central story. Also, Davenport's daughter, is being watched, maybe stalked, by a lower criminal that is a paraplegic and blames Davenport for his ills. A blame only partly correct, but, in his simple mind, perfectly reasonable. He intends to get to Davenport through Lucas' daughter, Letty, a young teenager age 14. Letty is currently doing work with a TV station and fancies herself a budding reporter. The 2 stories, while never really converging themselves, never the less propel Davenport in separate ways. Some of the conflict arises from this dichotomy.
All in all, a good read. I definitely enjoyed it. But, not really up to Sandford's personal par. Still, under par for him is more than enough reason for giving it a read. An average Sandford far supercedes the best of several authors that I've read.
January 19, 2020
I keep gorging on Prey novels. My problem now, the author continues to mention Virgil Flowers, leaving me NO choice, but to read that series too!!
April 24, 2020
Wicked Prey is number 19 in the Prey series, and takes place during the Republican convention in Minneapolis during the summer of 2008. The city is filled with politicians, protestors, terrorists, and assassins. It is going to be a busy season for Davenport.
Among all the other criminals who have slid into town is a robbery ring headed by Rosie Cruz and Brutus Cohn. They have several targets, including several operatives who are each holding more than $1M cash. Dirty money that is bing used to pay campaign expenses. he lesser criminal talents is a high-powered gang of robbers headed by Rosie Cruz and Brutus Cohn. It is the perfect crime because once the money is taken the crime cannot be reported.
Of course Davenport is on the job and quickly on their tail. This one has a lot more action than some of the other volumes in this series.
My favorite aspect of this book is that Davenport's foster child, Letty, plays a big role. She is now 14, and working for the news station where the mother of his oldest child works. Letty thinks of herself as an adult and a full-fledged journalist which gets her into hot water.
My favorite book since the Clara Rinker stories.
Among all the other criminals who have slid into town is a robbery ring headed by Rosie Cruz and Brutus Cohn. They have several targets, including several operatives who are each holding more than $1M cash. Dirty money that is bing used to pay campaign expenses. he lesser criminal talents is a high-powered gang of robbers headed by Rosie Cruz and Brutus Cohn. It is the perfect crime because once the money is taken the crime cannot be reported.
Of course Davenport is on the job and quickly on their tail. This one has a lot more action than some of the other volumes in this series.
My favorite aspect of this book is that Davenport's foster child, Letty, plays a big role. She is now 14, and working for the news station where the mother of his oldest child works. Letty thinks of herself as an adult and a full-fledged journalist which gets her into hot water.
My favorite book since the Clara Rinker stories.
December 12, 2023
PLOT: A gang of thieves have staked out the Republican National Convention in St Paul and they plan on taking cash and valuables from hotel safe deposit boxes. Lucas is on the trail.
In the meantime, Whitcomb is a crippled criminal who blames Lucas for his paralysis and decides to go after his daughter, Lettie. So, you think Lettie is going to be abducted or hurt. But, No! Lettie finds out about Whitcomb’s plan and turns the table on him. She befriends his girlfriend and sets Whitcomb up for doom. This was the part I really enjoyed. Lettie is smart and strong and has a good relationship with Lucas.
Lucas freaks out at first but when Letty is totally honest and tells Lucas everything that happens, Lucas actually realizes if he was in her position, he would have done the same thing.
The action/suspense of this book is average. Probably nothing I’m really going to remember. But the storyline of Lucas and his family is what really kept my interest. Well done!
Looking forward to the next in the series.
In the meantime, Whitcomb is a crippled criminal who blames Lucas for his paralysis and decides to go after his daughter, Lettie. So, you think Lettie is going to be abducted or hurt. But, No! Lettie finds out about Whitcomb’s plan and turns the table on him. She befriends his girlfriend and sets Whitcomb up for doom. This was the part I really enjoyed. Lettie is smart and strong and has a good relationship with Lucas.
Lucas freaks out at first but when Letty is totally honest and tells Lucas everything that happens, Lucas actually realizes if he was in her position, he would have done the same thing.
The action/suspense of this book is average. Probably nothing I’m really going to remember. But the storyline of Lucas and his family is what really kept my interest. Well done!
Looking forward to the next in the series.
December 13, 2018
Excellent. I love this type of Prey book, the type where Lucas is up against multiple smart bad guys that are trying to pull of a big heist and aren't afraid to kill to do it. This one is one of my favorite Prey books so far,...a really fun & entertaining book. Highly recommend!
April 8, 2025
It was good, but i feel it had too much going on then had a rushed ending. Solid 4 star until the last 100 pages
July 1, 2023
Wicked Prey, the 19th in the Lucas Davenport series by John Sandford is one slam bang thriller. A team of highly disciplined robbers has their sights set on robbing the Republicans at their convention in the twin cities, Lucas' home town. First they hit the moneymen, guys who distribute lots of cash to field operatives to get out the vote. Those guys have suitcases full of cash and there are a number of them. And then there's the big score.
As exciting and edge of you seat reading as this is, the best part is the writing. Sandford is such a master, creating characters you want to know more about and root for. The dialog is superb and the occasional humor is perfect. Also in this one, Letty Davenport, Lucas and Weather's ward, gets a significant role and she's terrific.
I can't praise these books enough and this is one of the best of the series, at least up to #19, I have 13 more to go and if anything they're getting better as I go through them.
As exciting and edge of you seat reading as this is, the best part is the writing. Sandford is such a master, creating characters you want to know more about and root for. The dialog is superb and the occasional humor is perfect. Also in this one, Letty Davenport, Lucas and Weather's ward, gets a significant role and she's terrific.
I can't praise these books enough and this is one of the best of the series, at least up to #19, I have 13 more to go and if anything they're getting better as I go through them.
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