Lethal Prey by John Sandford is the ultimate police procedural. Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport have been working together for a long time. They are no longer working for the same agency, although they have been brought together for a special investigation. A cold case. Murder. Twenty-five years earlier. The police records show that there had been a decent investigation, which turned up nothing. The woman’s sister had now decided that she needed to know. She had done well for herself so now was the time. To sweeten the pot, she added a five million dollar reward for information leading to identifying the culprit. It started off slowly but gradually clues started to appear. Random at first, but they began to hang together and revealed a serial killer who didn’t consider herself a criminal. She was just ridding herself of people inconvenient to her. Including her husband, although that was tough to prove. Really all of it was circumstantial. She had been careful.

Virgil was also a novelist, working on his latest book. He lived on a farm with the mother of his young twins: Frankie, and her teenage son. She worked with horses. Lucas lived miles away with his wife and kids. They worked together, and sometimes apart as the case unfolded. The interesting thing was how they used true crime bloggers to do research and run errands, and leak information as it was convenient. They were all looking at the money and the number of followers they had. The killer began to get nervous and drove out to the country to set Virgil’s barn on fire, hopong to draw his attention away from the investigation. Now, he was mad. That was it. Frankie and Sam had minor burns, but they’d been attacked. Fabulous characters. A wonderful example of how opposites attract, both at home and at work. The crime was solved slowly, with precise police work. The plot was beyond good, it was exquisite. The pacing was perfect. Another Davenport and Flowers victory for John Sandford.

I was invited to read Lethal Prey by Penguin Group Putnam. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #PenguinGroupPutnam #JohnSandford #LethalPrey

A funny thing (funny to me anyway) happened when I started reading John Sandford’s newest novel: Lethal Prey. I had the radio on as background noise and Thin Lizzy’s song The Boys Are Back in Town began to play. Somehow that just felt right, given that this is the 35th book in Sanford’s Prey series and indeed Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers were back on the job. This time around the story focuses on a cold case. Twenty years ago Doris Grandfelt was murdered, and now her sister, Lara, who is suffering with cancer wants closure before she dies, and she’s willing to shell out big bucks to have the case finally solved. Needless to say this new found interest in the case doesn’t sit well with the killer. While this wasn’t my favorite in book in the series and Lethal doesn’t deviate much from the series usual formula (and that is by no means a knock against it. Yes, this series like many series does indeed have a formula, which in my opinion is why so many people find them so comforting) it still delivers the goods. Note that while this is indeed a long running series, Lethal Prey can easily be read as a standalone and new readers need not fear that they might be lost or confused. I’d like to thank PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Lethal Prey.

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This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was fascinating, action-packed, suspenseful and drew me in immediately. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed this book and will continue to look for the next book by this authors.

As a Minnesotan how could I not be a fan of John Sandford ? This Prey book was a little different than most starting off with that right away you know who the killer is and why they’re committing the murder. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about that, I was however pleasantly surprised how caught up I was with seeing what the criminal was going to do next to try and throw the police off their sent. Virgil and Lucas were great as always with their easy banter between each other and whoever they come in contact with. Reading about all the different cities and spots in Minnesota, I could literally see them in my head and knew just where John Sandford was talking about. He nails not only locations but the way we act, talk and the things we deal with here in Minnesota. He even mentioned the construction , which all Minnesotans loathe! I would definitely recommend this if you’re looking for an easy to follow, clever crime mystery!
PS can’t wait to purchase a copy for my shelf tomorrow at the book signing.

In John Sandford's Lethal Prey, two of Sandford's longtime protagonists, Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, once again join forces. Davenport, a U.S. Marshall, and Flowers, an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), team up this time to tackle one of Minnesota's most difficult cold cases.

When Doris Grandfelt was brutally murdered, the BCA investigation quickly reached a dead end. It could not be determined where Grandfelt had been murdered, and the BCA had been unable to locate the murder weapon or much evidence. Twenty years later, her twin sister, Lara Grandfelt, wanted answers. She posted copies of the files from the cold case on true-crime sites and offered the true-crime bloggers a 5 million dollar reward.

Lucas and Virgil began reconsidering the cold case from the small amount of evidence originally collected by the BCA. With help from some of the bloggers, Lucas and Virgil slowly pieced together what had happened to Doris - and a great deal more. The explosion of information that they uncovered also brought an increased threat from a dangerous, cold, and calculating killer.

I am a huge and longtime fan of Sandford's work. And by joining Lucas and Virgil together on this cold case, Sandford does not disappoint. This book seems different from earlier Lucas and Virgil books - there aren't as many bullets flying around, and the ending is "unusual" (for Sandford). Nonetheless, by focusing on a cold case, incorporating true-crime sites and bloggers, and adopting a new, "unusual" ending, it feels like Sandford is growing as a writer. And I, for one, am excited to follow Sandford on this journey.

Lethal Prey is another Sandford blockbuster. Highly Recommended.

Admittedly, when I see that a new John Sandford book is available I jump at the opportunity to enjoy what I know will unfold between the covers. US Marshal, Lucas Davenport, along with Virgil Flowers are always a guaranteed chuckle amidst a complicated but so easy to read and fast moving suspenseful plot.

In Lethal Prey, we are introduced to the brilliant mind of a killer whose carefully planned murder of young and beautiful Doris Grandfelt is revealed at the onset. The crime is so meticulously planned and executed that it has remained a cold case for twenty years. Doris’ very wealthy twin sister is facing a life threatening diagnosis and decides to offer a five million dollar reward for information leading to the identity of Doris’ killer. When a plethora of true crime bloggers take to the case, finding clues but potentially opening a circus of untamed clowns, Davenport and Flowers are called into action. So interesting to be put into the world of crime bloggers which I knew zip zero and nothing about prior to this read.

What ensues is a gripping fast paced psychological drama in a race to capture what starts to appears as a spate of related murders. A wild read for me! No-one can write dialog like Sandford does. Pure magic on the page. Until the at the very end, much to my disappointment, the author drops the story without any prior warning. It might have spoiled the book for some people and I won’t say that I wouldn’t have liked to know at the onset that this is part one of a series. Yet for me I will just look forward to the continuation of this riveting plot in Sandford’s next book- which I hope is available very soon.

Five shimmering stars for an exciting read that had me captured from the start. It becomes available in just a few days, March 25,2025 and is a must read for Sanford fans and perfect for those who haven’t read this series in the past. My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin/ Putnam for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for my own unbiased review.

I almost took away a star for the ending but I didn’t. Why? Because an author’s job is to elicit a heartfelt response to his book and Mr. Sandford did that. Hopefully, he doesn’t mind the names I called him. I’m hoping the next book will give the answers this one didn’t.
This book has more characters than usual but many come and go. Even though they greatly impacted the story, they were on the edges. So there was a lot to keep track of. It was interesting getting the story from the perspective of Flowers, Davenport and the killer. I liked watching Davenport and Flowers put all the pieces together. Those two make an incredible crime fighting team. The book also starts in the past to give background info.
There was even a bit of romance, Flowers style.
I did receive this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Probably one of my least favorite of the Prey novels. Nothing bad perse, just nothing to really dig into.

The book was really great, and I've read all the Prey books, and this was an interesting book.....until the end. It didn't end, so one assumes it will be picked up in the next book! a female serial killer, interesting. Not a spoiler as it tells you that right away. otherwise, it was a good book with Lucas and Virgil. Lots of action, kept you reading for sure. Unsatisfying ending.

In John Sandford's Lethal Prey, Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers team up once again to tackle a chilling cold case: the brutal murder of accounting firm employee Doris Grandfelt twenty years prior. When Doris's terminally ill twin sister Lara takes matters into her own hands by posting the original investigative files online and offering a substantial reward, a swarm of true-crime bloggers descends, stirring up old leads and attracting unwanted attention. As Lucas and Virgil sift through the noise, a determined blogger unearths the murder weapon, providing crucial new details about the killer's identity. However, the detectives soon realize that the murderer is not only still out there but is also closely monitoring the revived investigation, turning the pursuit of justice into a lethal game of cat and mouse where digging into the past could have deadly consequences for everyone involved.

Lethal Prey is a gripping and fast-paced thriller, typical of Sandford's style, with the intriguing addition of true-crime bloggers influencing the investigation. The dynamic between Davenport and Flowers is praiseworthy, and the plot is suspenseful with compelling characters, particularly the antagonist. However, some readers of advanced copies have expressed surprise and slight A strong new addition to the "Prey" series, likely to satisfy longtime fans with its intricate mystery and the continued evolution of its beloved protagonists. Easily a 5 star read and highly recommended!

Okay, first a confession: I finally must admit it - Virgil Flowers is my literary crush. And Virgil, thank you very much, is very much a part of this one!

The book is a blast. I loved our mystery, very much wanted everything to end up okay, and actually loved the true crime blogger thing - and this is a plot device I often hate!

Expect a fast moving read, complex without being overly complicated, and just pure, plain fun.

Ready for the next one!

There are a few reliable authors whose books barely hit my Kindle before I dive into them. (Elizabeth George, Scott Turow, Robert Crais, Jane Harper, and Michael Robotham come to mind). For years, John Sandford's books were on that list, but there have been a few recent hiccups along the way. Despite that, I was happy to be able to learn there was a new Sandford book coming out, especially when I read it was in the "Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers" series.

In Lethal Prey, Senator Elmer Henderson wants Virgil and Lucas to help one of his mega-donors, Lara Grandfelt, solve the mystery surrounding the murder of Lara's twin sister Doris some twenty or more years ago. Lara offers a five million dollar reward (Tod you it was a mega-donor!) and wants Lucas and Virgil to oversee and leads that come as a result of the announcement of the reward.

Lara's idea is to essentially crowdsource the investigation by working with several amateur sleuths in the true crme arena, with the focus on podcasts. Despite some misgivings, they agree and the search is on. I wasn't fond of many of the characters, and I'm growing weary of Flowers threatening that each case is his last as he wants to focus full time on his writing. I'm happy to say this one caused me to think (I'm sure glad Sandford, Virgil, and Lucas are back!" Yes, I'm a fan of true crime, including podcasts, and love the way people with a common goal can work together in the pursuit of justice. With thanks to Penguin Group/Putnam and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review, and the admission that I tend to be an easy grader for my favorites, this one is five stars.

I didn't want Lethal Prey by John Sanford to end. This mystery features a very wicked antagonist who still couldn't outwit Lucas and Virgil. They make a great crime solving team.

I am an avid fan of John Sanford. I typically read one of his books in a day--3 at the very most. It took me a week to read his newest Lucas Davenport/Virgil Flowers release Lethal Prey, the 35th in this typically great series. Perhaps I was disappointed because neither wanted to take the case of a 20 year old unresolved murder, however agreed after Senator Elmer Henderson intervened. One of his largest contributors, Lara Grandfelt, was offering a five million dollar reward for information leading to her twin sister Doris's brutal murderer. Henderson wanted Lucas and Virgil overseeing any potential leads garnered after the reward was announced. They reluctantly ended up working with a variety of ameture crime sleuths/ podcasters, following up on information they uncovered. The first two-thirds of the book were slow and I frequently stopped reading. The last third was better, and certainly moved faster for me. The ending felt unfinished, will there be a sequel? Perhaps. I wasn't fond of many of the characters, and I'm growing weary of Flowers threatening that each case is his last as he wants to focus full time on his writing. I will never give up on John Sanford, however Lethal Prey wasn't a winner for me. Thanks to NetGalley, Penquin Random House, GP Putnam's Sons and John Sanford for the opportunity to read an ARC; this review reflects my honest opinion. 3 stars.

Sticking to his well known, popular formula, it just works, every time! Hot case, cold case they are on. Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Lethal Pret.

I wanted to start by saying I am huge John Sandford fan. I believe I have read all of his books at least once, if not multiple times. They are extremely well written and entertaining enough to read again even know the murder, plot, etc. However, it feels like there has been something off recently. There doesn't seem to be as much suspense and possibility.

In Judgement Prey, I still am unsure the why of the killing. It was hinted at but never really said. The plot didn't really feel completed.

In Toxic Prey, the stakes were too high. I felt like I knew what was going to happen during every confrontation because the stakes were too big to leave options.

In Lethal Prey, the villain fell a bit flat. Maybe that is because they were a psychopath, but no stress causes a lack of suspense.

Definitely love Lucas Davenport and will continue to read this series and anything else John Sandford writes just bring me more excitement and edge.

This series is among one of my absolute favorites. And now that Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers teamed up in the last couple of books, I hope they never go back to working separately again! This team is a dynamic duo – both with their complementary investigative skills and their humorous banter. Lethal Prey is a procedural investigation novel, and Sandford takes us through the process one step at a time. There’s no twist, you’ll know who did it from early on but will Davenport and Flowers ever figure it out? And the ending on this one was eyebrow raising and not what I was expecting.
Doris Grandfelt, a young pretty vibrant woman, was murdered twenty years ago. And her murder was never solved. Her twin sister, Lara, after a life changing event is determined to know what happened and releases the case files to every true crime site with promises of a $5 million reward. Immediately, the cold case crime site is bombarded with amateur sleuths. And because Lara has friends in high places, Davenport and Flowers are assigned the job of looking into any leads that shake out.
Although I have read every book in this series, in order, I do think this one could be fully enjoyed as a standalone. Pure writing brilliance, entertaining side characters and I can’t wait for the next installment!

There were six Mega Man games on the Nintendo Entertainment System, and they were all virtually the same. Six is a lot, but after the formula was perfected in Mega Man 2, the developers decided they would give the audience what they wanted again and again. That reminds me of the Prey series a bit.

Prey is much more than six books in--it's a glorious thirty-five. And Sandford has a formula. And frankly, I love it. These books have a familiar rhythm if you've read at least a few, and while Sandford always changes the story to find interesting new situations, they have a wonderfully same feel to them.

They're not twist thrillers. You know, most always, who the baddie is. It's about the cat-and-mouse back-and-forth of Lucas and the many people he's teamed with to catch the criminals. The world feels alive and real and full of some of the best dialogue I've read in my generation of reading. The books move and they build and they deliver.

What I'm saying is, Lethal Prey, like many others before it, follows the formula. To great results.

Lethal might take a bit longer to get going and it might not satisfy at the end as much as some others (Sandford did change the formula there a bit...I'll stop short of spoilers). But the rest is as good as fans of the series remember. (Although I do wonder if someone jumping in here or even lately in the series would feel the same zip with Lethal as a long-time reader. I can only see it from the long-time reader side.)

Regardless, the quality--thirty-five books in--is still there. It's such a comfortable good read and that's never a small feat. No matter how many times you've done it in the past.

Recommended for all Sandford fans and readers who love great dialogue and mystery reads with high craft.

Excellent book. A true page-turner. It’s always good when Virgil and Lucas are together. Characters were well-developed and the plot line was interesting. I just wish the trial has concluded.

A Davenport and Flowers story trying to solve the 20 year old mystery of Doris Grandfelt's murder. Lots of twists and turns, and a bunch of crime solving bloggers. I love Sandford's series and this doesn't disappoint, with Virgil's writing and Lucas' family intertwined. A bit of an abrupt ending that I wasn't sure of, but quite enjoyed this latest book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC