A Personal Dive into Lethal Prey: Sandford’s Latest Venture with Davenport and Flowers
As a longtime fan of John Sandford’s Prey series, the anticipation for Lethal Prey—the 35th installment featuring Lucas Davenport and the 16th with Virgil Flowers—had me both excited and a tad apprehensive. Over the years, Sandford has delivered both gripping narratives and occasionally meandering plots, making my love for his characters complex. So, when I picked up Lethal Prey, I didn’t just want a good read; I craved a return to that charged urgency that once defined the series.
The premise of this novel is undeniably compelling: a two-decade-old murder cold case reignited by Lara Grandfelt, a woman determined to uncover the truth about her twin sister’s brutal death before she succumbs to cancer. Offering a stunning $5 million reward and employing the talents of our beloved detectives Lucas and Virgil, Lara aims to dig deep where no one else has. However, what follows is a mix of classic Sandford wit and a plot that feels more like an investigative report than a nail-biting thriller.
What truly propelled my engagement were the characters. Lucas and Virgil’s dynamic is a joy to witness, especially when they exchange banter that had me laughing out loud. Their interaction is filled with sarcasm and cleverness, reminiscent of the classic duo we’ve always loved. For instance, Lucas’s quip about writing a book being as simple as just starting to type made me chuckle—something I’ve missed in some recent novels. Although I missed Letty’s lively presence, the playful chemistry between Lucas and Virgil filled that void admirably.
Despite these moments of brilliance, Lethal Prey faltered for me in the narrative’s pacing and execution. The investigation felt drawn out and absent of the punchy confrontations or adrenaline-fueled pursuits that I’ve come to expect from Sandford. Instead, it offered a series of dialogues and interviews that, while interesting, lacked the excitement of visceral action. I found myself longing for those thrilling chase scenes that would leave my heart racing, but this felt more like watching a lengthy true-crime documentary filmed in real-time—with some fascinating insights but not much urgency.
And then, there’s the ending. Without delving into spoilers, I must admit it felt abrupt and almost unfinished. The lack of a satisfying climax left me feeling more puzzled than fulfilled. I felt a bit robbed of the resolution that usually leaves me both satisfied and contemplative. How could such an important moment, like Virgil’s marriage to Frankie, happen offscreen? It felt like an oversight from both the author and his editing team.
In conclusion, while Lethal Prey carried the hallmark wit and camaraderie that Sandford fans adore, it ultimately fell flat in terms of plot execution and closure. I’d recommend it mainly to die-hard fans who enjoy the conversations and interactions between the characters rather than those looking for a thrilling, action-packed read. For me, it didn’t quite deliver the riveting experience I’d hoped for, but it did remind me of why I fell in love with these characters in the first place. I’m giving this one a three-star rating; a nod to the highs, but an acknowledgment of the lows. Here’s hoping the next installment will bring back the heart-pounding thrills we cherish!
Discover more about Lethal Prey (Lucas Davenport #35; Virgil Flowers #16) on GoodReads >>