I've been a devoted fan of John Sandford's crime novels ever since I first discovered his Virgil Flowers series in college. Sandford’s signature blend of sharp humor and breakneck plotting instantly hooked me, making Flowers one of my favorite protagonists in the genre. Back then, he was releasing a Virgil Flowers novel annually, alongside a new installment in his more famous, and arguably more popular, Prey series, featuring Lucas Davenport.
In recent years, as Sandford continues writing into his 80s, he’s shifted to a single yearly release that brings both heroes together in the same book. After taking a break from this approach last year, Lethal Prey marks the return of Davenport and Flowers as a duo, so I was eager to get my hands on it. Fortunately, Sandford’s publisher sent me a copy, meaning I didn’t have to wait long to dive in.
In an age obsessed with internet sleuthing and true crime, Lara Grandfelt is wagering $5 million that someone can finally solve her twin sister Doris’s decades-old murder. Brutally stabbed over 20 years ago, Doris’s body was found in a dense thicket at the edge of an urban park, but her killer was never caught. Now, facing her own mortality after a cancer diagnosis, Lara is determined to uncover the truth, offering a fortune to anyone who can bring the murderer to justice.
Lara knows the flood of online sleuths chasing her $5 million reward will need oversight. Enter Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, reluctantly called in to verify leads as a favor to a politician Lara generously supports. Skeptical of crowdsourced crime-solving, they dismiss the frenzy as internet noise. That is until a blogger uncovers the murder weapon. As real clues emerge, so does a chilling truth: the killer is watching, adapting, and staying one step ahead. With every new revelation broadcast online, Lucas and Virgil must race to solve the case before the killer claims more victims—including themselves.
I've come to take great comfort in the familiarity of John Sandford's writing, and Lethal Prey, the 35th installment in his longest-running series, delivers plenty of what I love. Once again, Sandford pairs his best characters to solve a decades-old case, using his signature approach—giving readers insight into the killer’s perspective while letting his heroes race to uncover the truth. It’s a formula he’s mastered and one I always enjoy.
That said, this installment didn’t hit quite as hard as previous ones. The sharp, witty banter between Davenport and Flowers felt sparser, and the investigation's momentum stalled in places. But what really lessened the impact for me was the abrupt ending. The story simply stopped, leaving a major cliffhanger rather than a satisfying resolution. Even so, I’ll be first in line for the next book. Sandford has a proven track record in crime fiction, and a few missteps won’t keep me from diving into whatever he writes next.
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(2025, 26)
Glad you still enjoyed this one despite the abrupt ending. The premise is a fun one.
ReplyDeleteHis books are a reliable read for me, so I always look forward to the next one.
DeleteI don't like cliffhangers but I'm glad you still enjoyed this even if it wasn't as good as some of the other books.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit of a bummer to end that way, but I’m still pumped to see what happens next!
DeleteMaybe being in his 80s has something to do with the slower pace, and even with the decision to end this installment on a cliffhanger. That way, he doesn't have to come up with a completely new story next time. The older an author gets, the harder is to remain creative (and relevant!), so I'm still giving him kudos for keeping at it (and writing modern thrillers!).
ReplyDeleteHe hasn't really seemed to miss a beat until this book, so I hope he's able to at least finish out this story strong.
DeleteI am so impressed with how many authors you have been reading for so long. It's great to see the author's new work keeps making a good impression on you.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could keep up with more!
DeleteSorry that this didn't hit like the others, but I love that you've enjoyed both characters. I still want to try these.
ReplyDeleteHe's been more hit than miss, so I'll give him a pass for this one.
DeleteAbrupt ending, yeah not so sure about that. I mean I can take a cliffie, but hate them, but it still has to be an ending
ReplyDeleteI may end up with a better opinion of it after reading the next book, but that remains to be seen.
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