Sandford, John

Average customer rating:

perfect, as usual
I went the Audio Book route.........
Good Hero + Good (Bad) Villains = Good Book
"He didn't have a mission. He had an interest."
Art and antiques

Invisible Prey
John Sandford
Manufacturer: Putnam Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0399154213
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Book Description

In the richest neighborhood of Minneapolis, two elderly women lie murdered in their home, killed with a pipe, the rooms tossed, only small items stolen. It is clearly the random work of someone looking for money to buy drugs. But as Davenport looks more closely, he begins to wonder whether the items are actually so small and the victims so random-if there might not be some invisible agenda at work here. Gradually, a pattern begins to emerge, and it leads him to . . . certainly nothing he ever expected. Which is too bad, because the killers-and, yes, there is more than one of them-the killers are expecting him. Brilliantly suspenseful, filled with rich characterization and exciting drama, Invisible Prey is further proof that Sandford is in a class of his own.

Customer Reviews:

perfect, as usual.......2007-06-26

John Sandford knows how to write a book! He can develope characters like no other author. The combination of humor and excitement is fantastic. This book is just another reason he is my favorite author.

I went the Audio Book route................2007-06-21

This was my first John Sanford book. I've been a fan of the murder mysteries for years, with Womens Murder Club series, Harry Bosch, Eve Dallas, Alex Cross and various others but I had hit one of those unavoidable periods where there was nothing new from any of my "regular" authors and I had read everything to date. A friend recommended John Sandford and I picked up Invisible Prey on CD-Rom (I have a 2hr commute to and from work). I very much enjoyed the story and Lucas Davenport was a hoot, and at the same time a smart and strong character. I will definately go back and pick up the earlier books of this series.

My only negative has nothing to do with Mr. Sanford nor this story. I had a real hard time getting by the monotone, scratchy voice of the reader on the CD-Rom edition of this book. Perhaps I'm spoiled by Susan Erikson ("In-death" series from JD Robb), Carolyn McCormick (Womens Murder Club), and Len Cariou (Harry Bosch) but they have a style of reading that not only keeps you interested, but all have the ability to change their voices for every character to the point where you could completely do away with all of the "He said" and "She said" narratives. This reader (Richard Ferrone) attempts to do that, but for some reason it just doesn't work for him. I'm going to try the older books in this series, but if this same guy reads them I'm probably going to drop them.

Good Hero + Good (Bad) Villains = Good Book.......2007-06-19

Two of the consistently best things about the long-running John Sandford "Prey" series are 1) the hero and 2) some great villains.
As a now aging hero, Lucas Davenport is very human - he knows Xanax and Ambien personally, slugs down the Diet Coke and isn't such a know-it-all that he's not willing to find facts in a book about antiques. He is also tough and smart (in fact, using his brains a little more now that he's aging).
As villains go, those in "Invisible Prey" are creepy enough and certainly ruthless - but a far cry from some of the other Sandford weirdos in earlier books (Dr. Michael Bekker and Maddog" Vullion come to mind immediately).
References in this book to Davenport's home life are minimal as time is spent on the crimes and the solving of them. But Weather did come up with a suggestion that didn't occur to Lucas, so when she was in the book it was worthwhile.
I kept waiting for the Burt Kline part of the book to go away so Davenport could focus on the killings, but when Sandford wove the two together, it was an unexpected touch. Well done - the book is a solid new episode in Davenport's career.

"He didn't have a mission. He had an interest.".......2007-06-18

Crime happens. But when two elderly women are bludgeoned to death in the most upscale neighborhood in Minneapolis, the intrepid Lucas Davenport is drawn into a bizarre crime scene that is only one layer of an unfolding plot. While wrapping up a hot case of potential misconduct by a politician running for election, Lucas is temporarily sidetracked by the shocking murders. Soon he is juggling problems in both cases, the evidence against the politician slipping away and the increasingly confusing messages from the crime scene of the murders of the elderly victims.

Davenport is familiar with the details of death. The recent murders do not so much shock as befuddle the detective. The clues don't quite match up to the crime scene, so the police bring in experts to help them sort through an incredible amount of valuable collectibles found in the murdered woman's mansion. Needless to say, Lucas does his best work while focusing on the case at hand, distracted when forced to deal with unexpected problems in the impending indictment of the politician. The indictment is politically sensitive and there is significant pressure to make his case air tight. Lucas' dilemma is diverting his attention from one case to the other, pertinent facts lurking in his subconscious, but not quite accessible, a critical link he can't quite capture.

The novel features an improbable cast of characters: a half-pit bull named Screw; an antiques expert whose expressions are unreadable because of Botox injections ("With Botox you had to fake reactions just to look human."); an elaborate fraud; the unusual and lucrative world of collectors; and a legion of fundraisers who scout for patrons among the rich. Mix in the brutal slaying of the two hapless women and a most unexpected criminal plot and Sanford has once more managed a compelling tale. After years of writing crime thrillers, Sanford returns in fine form in Invisible Prey, proving he hasn't lost his touch for the arcane and obscure. Although years have passed and Davenport has changed with them, a contented married man, he hasn't lost his edge. Clear-eyed and disciplined, Davenport only improves with age, surrounded by a supporting cast of like-minded folk, challenged by the infinite creativity of the criminal mind in search of profit. Luan Gaines/2007.

Art and antiques.......2007-06-17

An interesting story with a complex plot. Lucas Davenport is called in to assist on a case when an elderly woman and her maid are bludgeoned to death in the woman's home. It is a strange case because an odd assortment of items are missing. It does not fit the MO of any particular type of criminal. Complications arise when other people are killed, and the investigation is broadened.

Davenport is handling another case in parallel. A prominant state senator is charged with statutory rape for an affair with a teenage girl. Action is the novel seems to drift back and forth between the two cases.

The author, perhaps, makes the story a little too complex as the two parallel plots are drawn together, and a vast array of crimes occur ranging from murder and burglary to fraud and money laundering. There is even cruelty to animals.

You will learn a lot along the way about the sale of art and antiques, and the difficulties of tracing provinence of the various items. I liked the added touch at the end. Some items of value have no real ownership identity (finders keepers).

The story includes violence, language (some gratuitous), and some sexual content by reference. There is also some political wheeling and dealing, class and racial attitudes, type casting, etc.

Average customer rating:

Marcus' review
So grateful
Opening Your Eyes to Healing the Inside
The True Essence Of Transformation
New Hope in a Dark World

The Transformation of the Inner Man
John Loren Sandford , and Paula Sandford
Manufacturer: Victory House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0932081134

Customer Reviews:

Marcus' review.......2006-11-28

Somehow I recall reading this book in my late teens. It was a positive experience, guidance towards attaining fulfillment through realization of Truth/Essence.

So grateful.......2004-04-18

I borrowed this book from a library about 15 years ago - maybe less. I was 40 or more years old and had read self-help books for 20 years. This was the last self-help book I read, because it was thoroughly therapeutic. The authors helped me recognize the pattern of anti-social thinking/behavior in one area of my life, the reasons for it being there, and the recognition of my anger. It was helpful to know that I could die to that old way of thinking because Christ went to the cross and paid for it before I was born. It took about 3 days to grieve the loss of the old way of thinking and on about the 4th day, to enter the new, unfamiliar freedom of right thoughts and feelings. It's been wonderful. I am so grateful.

Opening Your Eyes to Healing the Inside.......2001-08-07

This book is incredible. It should be read slowly and carefully, taking the time to pray and digest all the material within. I think I will read and re-read it many times. I have already bought 4 copies for other people. It is for the Christian who wants the true answers to why we continually do the stupid things we do - even though we 'know better'. It deals with relationships - all of our relationships and focuses on the most important relationship - that of a believer to his Lord. Jesus Christ's death is the answer through which all our hurts can be healed, and this book is deliberate and thorough on why that is the case. If you want to hear what God says better, find out why you eat too much or drink or have been too promiscuous, this is the book for you. If your problems are workaholism or just not getting along with your spouse, this is the book for you. If you're not quite sure why you feel that uncomfortable sensation when things are not going well and you can't explain why - this is the book for you. Too much to describe here. This is no magic formula or cult book - it is all about the laws of the world and how God set us up to work- and how to align ourselves with that.

The True Essence Of Transformation.......2000-05-17

Having enjoyed a number of seminars presented by the Sanfords, and seen the fruit of their labors in lives healed and sanctified, it was refreshing to read The Transformation Of The Inner Man. This transformation begins with accepting Christ's sacrificial atonement and is worked out in the process of maturation in the Christian walk. Accountability, maturity and responsibility are all appropriately emphasized in the context of grace and compassion for the hurting and the lost. As a mature student in a Counseling Psychology M.A. program, who has also taken courses at Vancouver, British Columbia's Regent College, I have studied the biblical application of their philosophical/psychologial reasoning and found it to be sound in every respect. The lasting change of which they speak, in contrast to humanistic approaches, is demonstrated to be truly effected only through the agency of the Holy Spirit, as God unites His will with that of the individual who is seeking true scriptural transformation. It seems tragic that, being wary of demonic imitations of The Real Thing (one example might be a 'theosophistic' approach to healing), there are those who shun the Truth of what God has given us and 'Slewfoot' has so poorly imitated. How ironic that the enemy can leave us attacking other Christians, especially those who have been so efficacious is the realm of 'cleansing and purifying one's innermost being' (I specifically mean the Sanfords in this case), when what we are called to do in this hour is build up the body of Christ. 'By their fruits you shall know them'. The fruit of the Sanford's work is holiness, purity, repentance and love as is described in the 13th chapter of the book of Corinithians. I would caution any reader to weigh each deposit by overzealous reviewers who have not personally witnessed the ministry of the Sanfords, and the fruits of their labors, close at hand. What can we do to facilitate the divine work that the Lord has been doing through the Sanfords? Refraining from quenching the Spirit is a start.

New Hope in a Dark World.......2000-03-27

John and Paula Sandford are to be applauded for their dedication to God and His principals. They have shown great wisdom in their approach to the many issues we face in the busy days of modern living. Having put many of their suggestions to the test, I can state that John and Paula are not only Biblically sound; they are practical as well. Their teaching is setting people free throughout the world.

Average customer rating:

Broken Prey = Good Prey
Alright, but that's about it
Davenport Treat
R Rating
John Sanford is the murder mystery master

Broken Prey (Lucas Davenport Mysteries)
John Sandford
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0425204308

Book Description

Lucas Davenport faces a living nightmare, in one of the scariest Prey novels yet from the number-one bestselling author.

Abridged CD - 5 CDs, 6 hours

Download Description

"Lucas Davenport confronts a living nightmare, in one of the scariest Prey novels yet from the number-one bestselling author. The ""Big Three"" are a trio of inmates locked up in the Minnesota Security Hospital over the years, each a particularly vicious serial killer, each with his own distinct style and propensities. Everybody feels much safer knowing that they're behind bars. Except . . . there's a new killer on the loose. And his handiwork bears a disturbing resemblance to some of the finer points practiced by the Big Three, details that never even made the papers. Davenport and his team quickly home in on a possible suspect, a man named Charlie Pope, who was released from the same hospital prison a few weeks earlier, and who now seems to have cut himself free from his court-imposed ankle bracelet and disappeared. But is he really the one? And why do the Big Three look so agitated? Brilliantly suspenseful, consistently surprising-once again, Sandford has outdone himself."

Customer Reviews:

Broken Prey = Good Prey.......2007-05-15

If you are a fan of the series, you won't be dissapointed. Sadly the author has to take a cheap shot at the President. Bush hating is the sport of juveniles.

Alright, but that's about it.......2007-05-14

Two notes: This was my first Sandford novel, and I read it right on the heels of "The Quiet Game" by Greg Iles. Stopping myself from comparing the two was impossible. Though "Broken Prey" was entertaining in places, I found myself unable to really enjoy the book. There were certainly several things right - fast pace, plenty of action, some mystery, humor, etc, but somehow they all never came together.

Davenport Treat.......2007-04-03

Sometimes, Sandford gets a little graphic in his "Prey" books. I liked this one a little better than the rest because of the theme of the "100 Best Rock Songs Of All Times" It adds a light-hearted touch to this murder mystery. The mystery as usual is exciting,fast paced, and completely surprising at the climax. If you liked his other "Prey" books, you will definitely like this one.

R Rating.......2007-03-27

This read opens with a lot of profanity but once you get past that the plot is interesting, even captivating.

John Sanford is the murder mystery master.......2007-02-23

Sanford consistantly writes interesting and fresh murder mysteries.

Average customer rating:

Lucas Davenport chases a killer in the frozen wilderness
My Favorite Prey Novel
Winter Prey
Edge Of Your Seat Thrills and Chills
Great series - and probably the best of the lot

Winter Prey
John Sandford
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425141233
Release Date: 2004-01-06

Book Description

A "chilling" (Publishers Weekly) thriller featuring Lucas Davenport. A family-killer known as the Iceman is freezing the blood of every mother, father, and child in rural Wisconsin.<br/><br/>Lucas Davenport searches the icy woods of rural Wisconsin for a brutal killer known only as the Iceman.

Customer Reviews:

Lucas Davenport chases a killer in the frozen wilderness.......2007-05-30

Arguably the best entry among the first five books in this series (though I still have a soft spot for the extreme creepiness and dramatic revelations of "Eyes of Prey"), Mr. Sandford's "Winter Prey" is nevertheless a bracing, knock-out read and inarguably at least the second best among the first five books. Though series protagonist Lucas Davenport is here in all his glory, this one is less concerned with what is going on in Lucas' often troubled life and just wants to give us a moody, bang-up thriller plot. And there's also a slight change in this installment's flavor and tone, which makes for some welcome variety: instead of urban tension, here we get snowstorms, icy temperatures, snowmobiles, and coyotes. But don't worry, you still get one of those nicely written Lucas Davenport romantic sublots, this time involving a tough yet fetching surgeon. And yes, you also get a memorable killer. Laced with intelligent details yet extremely fast paced, "Winter Prey" will not disappoint.

My Favorite Prey Novel.......2007-05-14

WINTER PREY, the fifth entry in the Lucas Davenport series, is the best of the seven Prey novels that I have read so far.

The plot is straightforward. Lucas Davenport is lured out of retirement to assist in a homicide investigation in a small Wisconsin town. A serial killer is a work, and Davenport has to find him before he strikes again. In the meantime, he develops a serious romantic relationship with a local doctor.

WINTER PREY is suspenseful and exciting. Unlike many of the Prey novels, the identity of the killer is concealed from the reader. So this novel is not just a thriller, but a whodunit (which increases the suspense). All the supporting characters are interesting and likable. I also enjoyed the romantic relationship in this book, which is very well developed.

This book is relatively graphic, and contains a high level of sex and violence. If you're easily disturbed by such content, you should skip this novel. Otherwise, I think you're in for a treat; WINTER PREY is a really entertaining book and I heartily recommend it.

Winter Prey.......2007-03-09

This is the first "Prey" book I read. It's a great read during the heat of summer as most of the story takes place during a blizzard in northern Wisconsin. I became hooked on Sandford with this book and would not miss reading any of his books. They are real thrillers!

Edge Of Your Seat Thrills and Chills.......2007-02-23

"Winter Prey" was a great edge of your seat mystery/thriller and the tone very much reminded me of those good old film noirs with Humphrey Bogart. Of course this is a much more modern tale. There was delicious suspense, heart pumping action with wild chases on snowmobiles,shoot outs, good guys to root for, and a villain(who from the beginning and most of the book we only know as "The Ice Man"), as bad and evil as they come. Author Sandford kept me involved and guessing every step of the way, and throws in some great surprises.

It is a blistery cold winter in a small woodsy town in Wisconsin. Everyone knows everyone, and are shocked and frightened to learn of a brutally horrible murder. The cops are questioning and gathering evidence, and it all points to one man. But no one will believe the suspect is guilty. Enter an out-of-town Detective to help with the case. Lucas Davenport knows his stuff. He is fearless and rugged and a reputation for getting his man..one way or another. Time is crucial, the killings have just begun, and all seem to revolve around a photograph that is the only solid clue. A woman Doctor could be the next victim and as Lucas tries his best to protect her while closing in, we also see another side to this tough guy, and the two grow closer, adding a layer of romance to this multi-faceted story as well.

The story would probably be considered R rated. It deals with some very sensitive subject matter(I don't want to give away too much), has quite a bit of violence and language as well. So may not be everyone's cup of tea.

There is a superb Unabridged audio edition with a chilling read by Richard Ferrone. Enter the ISBN of :0788702556 into search if interested.

I know there are other Lucas Davenport Mysteries, but this was my first, and now I am hooked and adding others to my cart.

Highly Recommended for those who love a great suspenseful tale....Enjoy....Laurie

Great series - and probably the best of the lot.......2006-10-10

I really like Sandford's writing, especially the Prey series. This may be the best of the bunch. Honestly, this is quite probably the best book that I have ever read. I realize that some people would disagree, but I like what I like. And I like this a lot.

I won't give away the plot, just read it. If you would like to start at the beginning, read Rules of Prey. If you would like to read the best in the series, and get hooked on them - read Winter Prey. Then you will read the rest of them. They are all good, but this is the best. I think so anyway.

Average customer rating:

I think this could be the best book Sandford has yet written
Just OK
Unsatisfying
The beginning of a new series?
Sanford is Born for the Political Thriller

Dead Watch
John Sandford
Manufacturer: Putnam Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Invisible Prey

ASIN: 0399153543

Book Description

Through twenty-one novels featuring Lucas Davenport, Kidd, or the razor-edge world of the Night Crew, John Sandford has been writing brilliantly suspenseful, consistently surprising thrillers filled with rich characters and exceptional drama.

But Dead Watch sets a whole new level.

Early morning, Virginia, and a woman is on the run. Her husband, a former U.S. Senator, has been missing for days. Kidnapped? Murdered? She doesn't know, but she thinks she knows who's involved, and why. And that she's next.

Hours later in Washington, D.C., a cell phone rings. The White House chief of staff needs Jacob Winter now. His chief investigator and an Army Intelligence veteran, Winter knows how to move quickly and decisively, but he's never faced a problem like this. The disappearances are bad, but when the blackened body shows up barbed-wired to a tree, Winter knows there is much worse to come. And soon enough, there is. Large forces are at work, determined to do whatever it takes to achieve their ends. Winter will have to use all his resources not only to prevail but also to survive. And so will the nation. . . .

Customer Reviews:

I think this could be the best book Sandford has yet written.......2007-06-26

I have read pretty much every Sanford book and was fairly impressed by this new one 'Dead Watch'. Lincoln Bowe dissapears in the opening pages here. Some remorseful person puts a bullet in his head and from that point on the reverberations of this action slam from page to page. I was overly impressed in Sanfords somewhat original slant on the political thriller. Obviously you will note devices from his 'Prey' series... especially in the character development area. But the plot that Sanford gives us is one that I have not whole-heartedly come across before. It was exciting to watch Sanford give the reader countless avenues to follow as to who did what. Not until the last few pages will every thing become apparant.

Madison, is a nice foil here, a smart attractive widow. Goodman is a somewhat overblown political figure. And Jake Winter takes over the proto-typical 'Prey' protagonist. A lot of twists and turns can be found here. I would happily recommend this book to anyone.

Just OK.......2007-06-22

This is a departure for Sandford, who's done a number of novels with Lucas Davenport as the main character (the Prey novels) and several other books. This one introduces a new character, a political fixer who knows how to maneuver the bureaucratic maze in Washington, and who has a rather tough ability to troubleshoot, apparently sometimes via really shooting the troublemaker. Jake Winter, a limping Afghanistan vet with a nose for trouble, is on the case, and the first thing he takes on is a convoluted case involving a Republican ex-Senator who's been murdered in a particularly bizarre fashion, a maverick Democrat governor with a group of neo-Nazi thug followers, and a secret gay Republican underground with a hidden agenda of their own that isn't precisely kosher, to say the least.

The problem with all of this is that it's not well enough developed to be an interesting plot with well-rounded characters. Instead, you meet the FBI agent investigating the murder, and you think that he's going to be an interesting character. Instead, after his first appearance, he just makes cameo appearances, popping up periodically in conversation as a threat that Winter uses to intimidate someone. Other characters who could have been interesting are instead just cardboard cut-outs, and the plot is, after a point about halfway through the book, pretty well set, because you know who did what to whom (unbelievable though it is) and all that follows is resolution of the plot.

This isn't a terrible novel. It's on the level, to my mind, of something David Baldacci or John Grisham would write. I don't like either of those authors, much, though, so hopefully Sandford can regain his earlier form.

Unsatisfying.......2007-06-13

I'm a long-time John Sandford fan. I have read each of his Prey and Kidd books (and "The Night Crew"). I was pretty eager to read something new from Sandford. The first half of the book was very intriguing. By then you know what's going on and it's just a matter of bringing everything together to some sort of conclusion. Some might like this book, but I have to say it's on my "bottom 5" list of Sandford novels (but still better than a few Prey installments).

The beginning of a new series?.......2007-06-03

Dead Watch is a very good book; well written, interesting plot, good characters. It is different from the Prey books, but still has the Sandford quality. I hope that this is the beginning of a new series.

Sanford is Born for the Political Thriller.......2007-05-11

Three-fourths of the way through "Dead Watch," I thought I was reading the best book John Sanford had ever written. By the end, I was still well into "thumbs up" territory, but, like a number of Sandford's other books, the ending was a little disappointing. The best part about the book is Sanford's intricate and fast-past "whodunnit." Once the mystery gets resolved, and the book becomes about character developement and killing the bad guys, things tend to peter out.

There is a rule in political thriller writing that authors must take their characters from cereal boxes. "Dead watch" is no exception, so when I say that the heroes and villains are far better-written than is usual in this genre, I am not saying much. As is usually the case, most of the villains are more interesting than the heroes. The protagonist, Jake Winter, has real potential; but so far is a bit underdeveloped. His "shady fixer" side could use a lot more exploration -- in most of the book, he simply plays the role of a private investigator or a special-projects cop. He does it well -- this is a real page turner, and even though the plot is not very "twisty," it is both complex and about as credible as plots get in political thrillers.

Perhaps the most disturbing part of the book is the main characters' decision to entrap and in effect murder two of the second-tier villains. This decision is both gratuitous and counter-productive. It is pointless, because the bad guys would surely have been convicted of their murders with the DNA evidence they left behind and were not "evil" enough to justify removing them at any cost. It is counter-productive because if these thugs had lived to face trial, the testimony would surely have done a lot more damage to the first-tier crooks than their elimination did. Moreover, the killing of these guys seems out of character for Jake Winter, who does not come across as the sort of "Rambo" who would have to take the law into his own hands. Much less is it in character for his love interest.

That said, Sandford certainly knows how to hook and keep the reader. I could not put it down. It's just that after I finished it, I was a lot less enthusiastic about it than while I was reading it.

Average customer rating:

Just Okay
Not the greatest, but nothing really to complain about
enjoyable read
Bekker will make your skin crawl. I loved this book!
Lucas Davenport in New York?

Silent Prey
John Sandford
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Winter Prey
Eyes of Prey
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ASIN: 0425137562
Release Date: 2000-06-12

Book Description

Michael Bekker, the psychopath Lucas Davenport captured in Eyes of Prey, escapes.

Customer Reviews:

Just Okay.......2007-05-07

SILENT PREY is the fourth book in the "Lucas Davenport" series, and I thought it was a worthwhile read. This novel is an unofficial sequel to EYES OF PREY, and features the same serial killer villain, who breaks out of prison to terrorize New York. So my first piece of advice is to read EYES OF PREY before reading this novel.

This book is well written, but I thought there was too much plot. Not only is Davenport on the trail of a serial killer, but he's also after a group of police vigilantes known as the "Robin Hoods." The vigilante plot is convoluted and complex, and I had some problems keeping all the names and plotlines straight. The serial killer stuff is essentially a retread of what you read in EYES OF PREY -- the killer pretty much thinks and acts the same way as he did in the prior book. So there's nothing new or original here.

Sandford's a fine writer, but I thought this effort was a relative disappointment compared to some of his other Prey books. This novel is a decent entertainment, but I think there are much better crime novels out there.

Not the greatest, but nothing really to complain about.......2006-11-13

"Silent Prey" was a solid if unspectacular read. I guess I was a little disappointed that the complexity and richness promised by the set up, where two major plotlines are set in motion, didn't actually come about. Rather, you get a pretty good serial killer plotline (Lucas Davenport's rematch with the psychotic physician Michael Bekker) and a sketchy, not-often-mentioned secondary plot involving police vigilantes. This second plot was also a little gimmicky, relying on 11th hour "aha!" moments in Davenport's head as he pieces together the little details he's accumulated over the course of the story. Not bad stuff, mind you, but I guess I prefer more operatic, sweeping Davenport moments rather than the Sherlock Holmes-style deduction scenes on hand here.

Another quibble: The previous novel, "Eyes of Prey", had a terrific final-page revelation about one of the series major supporting players, so I quickly picked up this next installment to see how Lucas would deal with this person in light of the information he now had about the character. But "Silent Prey" deals only briefly with the issue, and not in the meaty fashion I was waiting for. Oh well, there's always the next book.

To conclude with some of the story's strengths, I once again enjoyed the cop banter (though Lucas is technically only a consultant to the cops this time out), the action scenes, the clever surprises (especially in the Bekker storyline) and the big confrontations. And Lucas' passionate yet troubled interaction with the fairer sex remains compelling.

Perhaps I'll give Lucas Davenport and John Sandford a bit of a break before moving on in this series, as maybe it's a little unfair of me to dive right into each installment with big expectations. So I think I'll first let another thriller writer or two entertain me before heading back to this series to check out "Winter Prey". But I will be back.

enjoyable read.......2006-07-28

I discovered John Sandford's novels years ago and I am a huge fan. The Prey novels are a fast paced, enjoyable read. I love to read them while laying by the pool. For those of you looking for a thought provoking book, this isn't the way to go. If you are looking for a fun read, I highly recommend this series. A warning to those of you offended by profanity, Sandford uses a lot of it.

Bekker will make your skin crawl. I loved this book!.......2005-11-28

If you like creepy and scary you will love this! This and Eyes of Prey have been my favorite so far!

Lucas Davenport in New York?.......2005-07-30

In this installment of the Prey series, Lucas Davenport finds himself in New York City chasing his old foe Michael Bekker. Having had his fill of Minnesotans, Bekker is now killing New Yorkers, and Davenport has been enlisted by his friend Lily Rothenburg to help find the monster.

Of course that is not the only story unfolding within this book. Plot twists and subplots abound, as is Sandford's way.

How can Bekker remain at large for so long with everyone looking for him? The answer to that question sends the reader spiraling toward an ending that resolves everything beautifully.

Average customer rating:

Nobody does it better
Short book, fast pace, good writing
A fast, slightly flawed read.
Prey - REPEATED
Lucas Lucas....

Chosen Prey
John Sandford , and John Camp
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Easy Prey
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Naked Prey

ASIN: 0425182878
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Amazon.com

When a spring thaw disinters the body of a young woman who's been missing for over a year, Minneapolis detective Lucas Davenport doesn't have much to go on except the victim's rumored connection with an unnamed man, who may be an artist and also, perhaps, a priest. But then the deserted property where her body was discovered turns out to be a killing field full of other young blondes last seen in the company of a man with a nasty habit of superimposing their faces on pornographic drawings. Davenport begins to close in on a serial killer whose perverted hobby provides the clues Davenport needs to stop him in his bloody tracks. James Qatar isn't a priest, and he's not really an artist, but he's definitely a monster, one who's met his match in Davenport.

Davenport is a smart, thoughtful cop whose girlfriend is pressuring him to make a commitment to parenthood and whose boss is about to lose her job in a political turnover. While the search for the killer is handled in author John Sandford's usual, crisp, procedural style, it almost seems to be a pretext for exploring the evolution of Davenport's relationship with Dr. Weather Karkinnen. This 12th adventure in the author's popular Prey series will undoubtedly rocket to the top of the bestseller list, though it's not a standout. The novel displays the solid craftsmanship and narrative drive Sandford's known for, but his hero seems a little dispirited and out of sorts. Perhaps fatherhood will give Davenport a new lease on life. In the meantime, check out Sandford's backlist featuring his other hero, Kidd (The Fool's Run, The Empress File, The Devil's Code), who has a nice little walk-on here in which he begins a romance with Davenport's partner Marcy Sherrill. --Jane Adams

Book Description

A killer has some serious cleaning up to do to keep from getting caught--and Davenport's detection skills make him number one on his hit list.

Customer Reviews:

Nobody does it better.......2006-03-30

Sandford is our generation's master of the crime novel. Read one of the Prey novels, you'll want to read them all. Lucas Davenport is a beautifully flawed good guy with a streak of badness about him. Sandford weaves his stories flawlessly and hauls you along like a fish on a line until the very last page.
-- Mark LaFlamme, author of "The Pink Room."

Short book, fast pace, good writing.......2006-02-24

I've always liked John Sandford's books because they are always to the point. Nothing comes closer to this description of his writing than Chosen Prey.

The short length of the book allows you to finish it in a matter of hours. The pace is relentless and the writing so absolutely witty. Sandford has a good ear for dialogue; the characters just speak as if you were hearing them up close and personal.

Sandford manages to write about people with which the reader can sympathize, or at the very least, empathize.

The story is about a full-time college art professor and part-time serial killer who photographs women and superimposes them on pornographic images taken from the net. It also tells of the cops who try to figure out his transgressions.

There is nothing difficult to read in this book. The plot itself is current and manages to hold your interest. While it is by no means unique, the reader can appreciate that Sandford's twists in the standard plotline (affable serial killer) is enough to make the reader appreciate it as making it Sandford's own.

There is never a dull moment in this book and if you're stuck in an airport somewhere waiting for a delayed flight, I suggest you look this book up. You'll be satisfied that you did.

A fast, slightly flawed read........2005-08-17

One thing that holds true about many of the PREY novels is this: if people like the villain truly exist...be afraid. This time Lucas is matched up with a sex-addicted serial killer/artist who literally gets off on the kill. James Qatar is brutal and calculating, and seemingly uncatchable for the longest time.

This is a fast read, both due to the fast pace and the relatively short length. The glaring problem to me is the same problem that has appeared in every PREY novel. Profanity is necessary. I understand that, but the constant use of "GD" is over the top. It's excessive and really takes away from the reading experience after a while.

Otherwise, a great read.

Prey - REPEATED.......2005-08-05

I'm a fan of Sandford's PREY books. However Chosen Prey was definately one of the weaker novels in the series. On the plus side it's a fast read, the character of Lucas Davenport is enjoyable to spend time with, and the workings of police-vs.-criminal element are quite unique.

Where Chosen Prey falters though is two key elements. First the antagonist James Qatar is one of the weakest killers to step foot in a Prey novel. It's clear from the early chapters that he's not really going to be a force to be reckoned with. Second, and most importantly, the ending of this book is not only telegraphed (I saw it coming well over 100 pages from the climax) but it is darn close to a repeat of the closing of NIGHT PREY (also one of Sandford's weaker Prey books). The setting may change but the characters involved and their motivations rang so solid that I made the comparison in endings before the climax was reached.

If you're a fan of the series read Chosen Prey. If you're new to the series I'd recommend reading them in order (Rules of Prey, Shadow Prey...) or just checking out the best offerings (Mind Prey, Winter Prey).

Lucas Lucas...........2005-06-16

This book was hard to put down. The storytelling is right on track with the blend of mystery and suspense. 5 out of 5!

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable, but Familiar
Erotic overbites aside, this series just keeps getting better
Prey for more
Night Prey
A solid thriller in the series

Night Prey
John Sandford
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Winter Prey
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ASIN: 0425146413
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Book Description

A master thief becomes obsessed with a beautiful woman--then carves her initials into his victims.

Download Description

"Lucas Davenport tracks a murderous master thief. "

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable, but Familiar.......2007-05-31

NIGHT PREY is the sixth book in the "Lucas Davenport" series by John Sandford. The book is entertaining, but is not the best entry in the series.

The plot of NIGHT PREY isn't much different from prior Davenport books. A serial killer (named "Koop") is on the loose, and the reader knows his identity from the beginning. Lucas is on the hunt for him, this time accompanied by a female investigator that's dying of cancer. As always, Lucas has to race against time before the killer strikes again.

If you've read other books in this series, you probably won't be disappointed in NIGHT PREY. You get the same tight plotting, witty dialogue, and smooth writing that Sandford is famous for. This is all good fun, but I felt the plotline was mostly a rehash of scenes from the prior books. If you're looking for something original, you won't get it here. Sandford pretty much sticks to his tried and true formula, for better or for worse.

If you've never read a Prey book before, my advice is to start with the very first one, RULES OF PREY, and then move on to EYES OF PREY and WINTER PREY. Those are probably the best three entries in the series.

Erotic overbites aside, this series just keeps getting better.......2007-03-25

I'm working my way through John Sandford's Lucas Davenport series, strictly in the order they were published. This is book number 6 and I have to say Sandford is definitely getting better and better.

Following 'Winter Prey', the porsche driving, game writing, definitely hard-boiled Davenport continues to evolve as a believable and somtimes not too likeable character. His romantic interest, Weather Karkinnen, has becomes a fixture in Davenport's home. Weather played a major role in the last book, actually saving Davenport's life when a gunshot wound to the throat stopped his breathing. Prior to Weather, Davenport has produced a daughter from a previous relationship with a journo, Jennifer. The reader is left to wonder how Weather came to move to the city, given Sandford had oulined the duty she felt to the small town that had paid her college tuition (in Winter Prey). Weather has now been installed as a surgeon in the big city, we just have to wonder about her lifespan and safety as Davenport's lover.

Aside from that, there is also an undercurrent of erotic tension between Davenport and a female reporter in this book. Maybe it's cos I'm a woman, but this aspect of Davenport's nature really irritates me! You want the man to be faithful and here he is spieling about how women with overbites are deliberately hired as news anchors because this facial anomaly reminds men of oral sex! Interesting fact? It got me thinking, which I like in a crime book, but you have to wonder what's going on in Sandford's mind! I guess this is a realistic insight into the secret lives of men as channelled by Lucas Davenport. Us girls can like it or lump it.

In 'Night Prey' we have Davenport unwillingly teamed up with a State investigator who has terminal cancer. Connell is obsessed with this case, tracking down a serial rapist and murderer, before she succumbs to her illness. Sandford gives us a dual narrative, interspersing Davenport and his teams' point of view with that of their quarry "Koop". Stanford has really nailed the creep factor with this guy. He is smart, strong, perverted and frightening. The initial scene has him in the bedroom of the woman he is to become obsessed with, during a cat burglary. Something about Sara Jenson triggers Koop to escalate his deviant behavior and to begin literally killing in her name (or initials). He creeps her apartment, stalks and watches her. Stanford has created a nightmare perp in "Night Prey"; Koop is also incredibly savvy about important things like evidence and is determined not to make any errors that will lead Davenport and his team in his direction. This of course makes for great reading and a lot of frustration for Davenport, Connell and the cops that have featured before in the series, Del and Sloan.

Stanford has created great characters that move with the times. Lucas' extremely profitable game writing hobby is morphing more towards creating simulations for law enforcement officers. This book was written in 1994, so its interesting to keep track of how Davenport's side-interest in computers remains contemporary. How long will he be using WordPerfect I wonder?

So, erotic overbites aside, Sandford also introduces subjects like cat burglary (and why there is apparently always a sexual aspect to this form of robbery), a little bit about the culture of deaf people and the daily life of a surgeon (via Weather), all interesting stuff that complements the action and makes reading these books seem just that bit more educative.

Sandford has another Davenport book coming out soon (2007). In the meantime, this reader must resist temptation until the entire series to date has been read. The Davenport series is on my permanent pre-order list now, along with, for example, Connelly's Bosch and James Lee Burke's Robicheaux. If you want well-written, complexly plotted yet tenable hard boiled fare, then put Davenport on the menu, the books are hard to put down and haven't disappointed yet.

Prey for more.......2006-03-30

Night Prey.......2006-03-15

So far I have loved every book in the series.

I haven't really decided about the hero, Lucas Davenport. Sometimes he's just not likeable. Sandford has a real gift for creating people we want to get to know. His new detective, Meagan Connell, is totally driven. The play between her and Lucas works well. From the very beginnig of this series the others that work around Lucas have helped us understand how our hero does not stand alone. He needs them to make him whole. However, once again Sanford has created a real heartless killer. He certainly seems devoid of anything like human feelings. An animal in people's clothing. After reading this book you will be watching things around you a whole lot closer.

Once again the crime grabs you, the characters draw you in and the climax hits you.

One of the things I like about Sandford's writing is that he does do a little wrap up at the end. I just hate it when a book just ends.

A solid thriller in the series.......2005-08-05

Night Prey is the sixth in the Prey series, and to me is similar to the first one Rules of Prey. We are introduced to the killer, Koop, at the opening. Koop is your standard killer who had a horrible childhood and is now taking it out on women. Koop has a few unique characteristics such as picking out victims at used book stores because they are usually timid and shy.

Sanford builds the suspense by following Koops every move so even if the cops don't know what Koop is doing. Sandford also does another excellent think by picking out a woman that Koop is stalking, and following her story as well. So now the reader is rooting for Koop to get caught and for the potential victim to be saved.

Lucas is back as well, still recovering from and injury he received in the last book and now shacking up with Weather, also from Winter Prey. Lucas has accepted a political position as a detective that will take on the toughest cases. This case gets a lot of publicity when Koop starts killing in order to get close to Sara Jensen, the potential victim mentioned above. The detective work is the usual, except Koop does something early on that told me exactly how the cops would find out who the killer is.

This is a good book, but not the best in the series. Even after six books, we still don't know much about what makes Lucas Davenport tick. At least in this book he is faithful to Weather.

Average customer rating:

Another Solid Prey Book by Sanford
Another great book in the Prey series!
Family Revenge
Davenport at his finest
In my opinion, the best "Prey" since "Eyes of Prey"

Sudden Prey
John Sandford
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425157539

Amazon.com

Revenge is the engine which powers Sanford's seventh "Prey" thriller starring superslick Minnesota cop Lucas Davenport. When a dangerous female bank robber is killed in a shootout, her even more dangerous husband escapes from prison and begins a campaign of retribution against the families of Davenport and his team. As always with Sandford, excellent writing is the icing on an enjoyable cake. (Other Sandford "Prey" books: Eyes of Prey, Mind Prey, Night Prey, Rules of Prey, Silent Prey, Winter Prey.)

Book Description

When Lucas Davenport and his team gun down two bank robbers in the middle of a heist, Davenport falls prey to the purest and simplest criminal motivation: revenge.

Download Description

"Davenport falls prey to the purest, simplest criminal motivation: revenge... "

Customer Reviews:

Another Solid Prey Book by Sanford.......2007-06-25

SUDDEN PREY is the eighth book in the "Lucas Davenport" series by John Sandford. The book is enjoyable, but is not the best entry in the series.

The plot of SUDDEN PREY is a little different from the other Prey books. Normally in these novels, Lucas is on the hunt after the killer. But in this book, the killers are after Lucas, out of revenge for a prior killing that Lucas was involved in. As always, the plot is lightning fast, and Lucas has to race against time and capture the killers before they attack him and members of his family.

If you've read other books in this series, you probably won't be disappointed in SUDDEN PREY. You get the same tight plotting, witty dialogue, and smooth writing that Sandford is famous for. In my opinion, this novel isn't one of the best ones, largely due to the stupidity of the villains -- they were ultimately more pathetic than threatening. I also found the whole "crooked cop" subplot to be a rehash of stuff I've seen in earlier books by Sanford.

If you've never read a Prey book before, my advice is to start with the very first one, RULES OF PREY, and then move on to EYES OF PREY, WINTER PREY, and MIND PREY. Those are probably the best four entries in the series.

Another great book in the Prey series!.......2007-02-14

Lucas Davenport is back in Sudden Prey, another thriller by John Sandford. This is the 8th book in the series and it stands out as a great book in a great series. When Georgie LaChaise is gunned down in a failed bank robbery, inmate Dick LaChaise thinks it was nothing but a planned murder. With the help of crazy friends Ansel Butters and Bill Martin, LaChaise escapes from prison. LaChaise decides to get revenge by going after the loved ones of the cops who killed his sister, Georgie.

LaChaise is able to blackmail a cop to get information on family of the police, and the three men attack violently, killing the spouses of two officers and wounding one. Now, the entire Twin Cities police force is trying to find these crazed killers. Lucas is afraid the cops will target his daughter Sarah, Sarah's mom Jennifer, or his fiance Weather. The book is full of twists and turns as the LaChaise gang always stays one step ahead of the cops with the aid an inside helper.

The thing that sets every Davenport novel apart from others in the genre is the way Stanford writes about the bad guys. In Sudden Prey, you follow every move Dick LaChaise makes and you know where their going. You also see the clues that Davenport and his gang should be able to put together and pray they can put the clues together in time before the LaChaise gang kill more cops.

If you are a fan of the series, this is more of what you enjoy. Not much characterization, Stanford jumps right into the action. The back story is minimal, the plot is the king. There's the usual humor, the abundance of swearing, and the twists and turns. If you haven't read John Sandford, you can read any novel in the series and enjoy it, but don't be afraid to start at the beginning with Rules of Prey. This series excels from the beginning.

Family Revenge.......2006-07-12

Story moves , but not as much as his other prey books

Davenport at his finest.......2006-01-30

Somehow Sandford slipped by me for years and I have only recently begun reading through his book list. So far, I have not been disappointed.

In Sudden Prey, the hunters become the hunted as the death of two female bank robbers inspires a vengence quest on the part of their husband/brother and his militia buddies.

As always, Sandford/Camp masters pacing and realism (if you can believe so much happens in freezing cold MN). Nothing more to say other than: If you like any of his books, read this one.

In my opinion, the best "Prey" since "Eyes of Prey".......2005-10-04

As the title of this review says, this is the best "Prey" book since "Eyes of Prey," in my opinion. This book is completely original, out of the ordinary, and moves in a direction that I feel will become more prominent in some of the future "Prey" books. That direction is taking the action to the friends and family closest to Davenport.

This book is about revenge. Revenge is a reason for the killings in this book. The three killers are angry that Lucas and his squad killed their sister and another close to them. I suppose there was an element of revenge in "Shadow Prey," and an element of revenge in "Mind Prey," but this is revenge that is directly related to Davenport, not because of a relationship with the victims.

The characters are interesting. They are backwoods people that love guns and hunting and killing animals. Towards the beginning of the book I had a hard time connecting which characters were who and whom they were related to. But as the book goes on the connections become clear. I truely had an emotional attachment to one of the women in the book. She was more-or-less held against her will and drug along with the killers. It really pained me watching the story progress from her point-of-view.

There is also another crooked-cop in this book. I enjoyed reading this story more than the crooked-cops in "Silent Prey." Of course in this book we get to hear the reasoning and thought processes of the cop in this book as compared to "Silent Prey," where we just found out who the crooked cop was.

All in all, this was a great book. One of my favorite Sandford books to date. It is really intense and once I made it a few pages in I had a hard time putting it down. It's strange because you always read that on the cover of books and in the "praises" section of books but in this case, it was definately true. I don't think it is because of the intensity throughout the book, but more the curiosity of what was going to happen mixed with the intensity.

Of course, it would be best to read the "Prey" series in order to fully appreciate this story.

Average customer rating:

One of the Best in the Series
Victims as victors...
Mind your keyboard and it's a great read too
Never a dull moment
A solid thriller in the series

Mind Prey
John Sandford
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Winter Prey
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ASIN: 0425152898
Release Date: 2004-03-02

Amazon.com

John Sandford's acclaimed Prey novels featuring the brilliant Lucas Davenport have plunged millions of readers into the darkest recesses of the criminal mind. Now Lucas has met his match. His newest nemesis is more intelligent, more deadly, than any he has tracked before: a kidnapper, a violator, and a cruel, wanton killer who knows more about mind games than Lucas himself.

Book Description

Ingenious detective Lucas Davenport knows he's met his match--a wanton killer who knows more about mind games than Lucas himself.<br/><br/>Lucas Davenport risks his sanity in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best in the Series.......2007-06-24

MIND PREY is the seventh book in the "Lucas Davenport" series by John Sandford. It is also one of the best ones.

There isn't a dull moment in this book. The plot is a straightforward kidnapping story, but it still has a lot of exciting twists and turns. MIND PREY is also a whodunit, because the kidnapper is being assisted by someone whose identity isn't revealed until late in the story. There are also some interesting developments in Davenport's personal life in this novel also.

John Sandford is one of the biggest thriller writers out there, and this book demonstrates why he's so popular. MIND PREY is fast paced, fun, and exciting. It's a real pleasure to read. I rank this book up there with Sanford's best, which includes efforts such as RULES OF PREY, EYES OF PREY, and WINTER PREY. My advice is to read the series in order for maximum enjoyment, however.

Victims as victors..........2007-05-15

I'll second the other rave reviews of the seventh book in Sandford's Prey series! It IS the best so far (although I have a soft spot for Winter Prey where Lucas meets Weather). Sandford creates ironic suspense as Lucas encounters the game-playing villain but fails to recognize him. The kidnapped psychologist Andi Manette and her daughters Genevieve and Grace are as real as Lucas and John Mail - they're imaginative, resourceful and doggedly enduring in planning to get themselves out of this. No sitting and waiting to be rescued for them! One can't help but remember Kate's gutsy escape from Casanova's den in Patterson's Kiss the Girls, but Sandford's solution is realistic, grindingly slow, and you're not sure they will succeed - much better! Some consider these books too gory and graphic. Maybe so, but the gore is never gratuitous, and there are real heroes/heroines as well as more ordinary pitiable villains.

Mind your keyboard and it's a great read too.......2007-04-25

It's not necessary to read John Sandford's "Prey" series in order, but the books are so damn good and so well written it seems a pity NOT to give the author his due and admire the development of his many characters. The foremost of course is Deputy Chief Lucas Davenport, Porsche driving, game writing homicide detective. In Mind Prey, number 7 in the series, Davenport is up against a deeply twisted adversary: born a psychopath and created a sociopath, as Sandford points out. John Mail is also a fan of Davenport's games and after kidnapping a psychiatrist who used to treat him, along with her 2 children, he taunts Davenport with clues. The clues precipitate the involvement of one of Sandford's finer creations, Davenport's childhood friend Elle Kruger, a Catholic nun. Its good to see Elle again as she was only mentioned in the previous book. It was also refreshing to find Weather Karkinnen still alive and kicking and in Lucas's sights as wife material throughout this book.

"Mind Prey" is what i have come to expect from Sandford and the reason he is on my permanent order list. It is fast paced, well-plotted and quirky. All the Prey books to date have been definite 'unputdownable pageturners'. One of Sandford's quirks I particularly admire is his fascination, as given expression through Davenport, for technology. Lucas Davenport has made millions developing first role-playing games, then police simulations on computer, and now also has a company producing computer games. We also have a character called "Del Capslock", who was admittedly undercover for a long time. Cute hey! "Mind Prey" comes as highly recommended as all of Sandford's Prey series to date. I'm really enjoying slowly working through the series and the years. Definitely 5 stars all the way for the series so far.

Never a dull moment.......2006-06-13

This installment of the Lucas Davenport series is top-notch. The main character, Lucas Davenport, a Minneapolis detective is in search of a madman who kidnaps a psychiatrist and her two children. As always, Sandford writes a tight, engrossing tale, with witty dialogue and believable characters.

Davenport himself is the antithesis of your usual hero: hard-nosed, street smart (but not amazingly smart), and somewhat of a boor, but does have his sensitive side. In other words, he is not perfect and seemingly isn't a person you can idolize, but certainly can identify with.

Most thrillers don't even deserve to be called thrillers, but this one is a rollicking ride and the scenes leading to the climax really builds the suspense.

The villain is realistic. And, as with most of the Prey series books, he is introduced right off the bat. The suspense is in how Davenport and his team find out who he is.

Mind Prey is one of the more exciting Prey novels I've read. It's not laborious at all and absolutely worth your while.

A solid thriller in the series.......2005-10-19

Mind Prey is one of the better thrillers in the Prey Series. The plot is very simple. An obsessed pshycho kidnpaps his former therapist Andi Mannette and her two daughters and enslaves them and sexually abuses the mom. The abuse grows worse and worse and the three are sure to die unless Lucas Davenport can find them.

John Mail had ruthless parents that turned him into a pshycopath, although only a few paragraphs are spent on why Mail is who he is. Instead, we learn of his evil from the treatment of Andi Mannette. He is physically and sexually abusive yet Andi and her daughters manage to cope and struggle to find hope in their bleak situation.

In the Prey series, nothing comes easy for Lucas and his cops, and they spend hours and hours doing the routine police work that will hopefully turn up answers. Sandford as usual leaves no loose ends. Davenport noticed something irregular in a girl's apartment early in the novel and it doesn't come into play until the very end. While Mail is the kidnapper, Davenport investiages her father, husband and business partner as well. Could someone else be involved in the kidnapping? Lucas uses a brutal but effective method to find out.

Mind Prey is a fun book. Sandford borders on foolishness by giving the killers a personal tie to Davenport in some of his novels. In this one, Mail is a computer gamer who likes to match wits with Davenport. And I'm still not sure why Mail was giving clues to the police. Still, Sandford is nowhere near James Patterson when it comes to making the villian's motives a personal vendetta against the main character.

Another solid thriller in the series that is probably the best series out there.

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