Certain Prey

I've been an avid fan of John Sandford's books for a decade now and was sorry to see that Lucas Davenport seemed to have lost his edge. I was wary when I picked up the book: I didn't want to get disappointed but Sandford surprised the hell out of me.His latest in the Prey series is his best yet. The story has frightening insights: Sandford was able to draw the profile of a memorable serial killer perfectly. His portrayal ranks amongst the very best ones I've ever read. But not only the story is superb. Something happened to Sandford. His prose whas never been extremely vivid or pewrful but in Certain Prey he not only exceeded himself but most of the genre. His style breathes it's so fresh. Not one bad sentence in his dialogues. His conversations with his bride-to-be Weather, his interactions with his peers are so vividly written that I felt for the first time: Lucas Davenport is a living, almost larger than life cop, not just an interesting character who seeks the advice of a nun, who drives a Porsche and who designs softwares.If you haven't read Sandford and want to know him, this is the best book to start with.

I loved this book. The main protagonists the female hitman-excuse me-hitwoman and Lucas Davenport characters were thorougly sketched and described making you love them and care about them equally even though they were on different sides of the fence. This novel is so different so fresh, so original; full of excellent prose, engaging dialogue, and exciting plot lines you will simply be unable to put this book down. I like many on Mr. Sanford's novel, but this is his best to date. Enjoy!

I am a huge Sandford fan and I love the character, Lucas Davenport. Lucas has always reminded me of Dirty Harry and i like that. In Certain Prey, Davenport must face a smart killer. She has little remorse at times and does what she needs to get the job done. I loved watchign the relationship betweeen the killer and Lucas develop. It was as if they had some respect for the other. Unlike his previous Prey novels, this one seems to focus more on the two female killers and Lucas seems to be more of a supporting character. I really enjoyed this edition to the Prey series. This is classic Sandford and one that I'm sure you will trully enjoy. Do not pass this one up! You can read this and not have read any of the others. I do recommend going back and starting though with Rules of Prey and see how Lucas has evolved as a detective. This one is a real gem!

Not much to say other than you will have hard time putting this one down. Some of Lucas' depth of character present in the earlier books is missing but it still has enough spunk to keep the reader enthralled throughout the story. A definite improvement since Sandford's last book, "Secret Prey" . I would recommend it!

I have enjoyed all of the Sanford "Prey" novels, being caught right off the bat with the first one many years ago and this is my favorite.As opposed to many of the books out this summer this is not about a serial killer, but a contract killer and the character of Clara Rinker is wonderful - smart, a killer with a conscience. And to come at it from both sides, know the plot and the killer up front, but see how the police and FBI figure it out. You wonder in real life how much of crime solving is luck. Probably more than any of us would like to realize. I was also happy that Lucas seemed not to be in a depressed state. What a pleasant change. I realize that he doesn't have a woman in his life - but neither is he depressed or suicidal because he doesn't. Thank you - sometimes it is possible to be happy and productive alone. I do miss the character in this book of his friend the nun - but hopefully she will turn up in future books, she's wonderful.Sanford is very good at giving the minutae of an investigation but keeping the pace taut and the characters smart. Excellent reading as always.