Once again, John Sandford hits it out of the park with his latest addition to his long-running Prey series. Teaming the Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport characters is a winning combination.

Twenty years ago, Doris Grandfeldt was brutally murdered, and her body was left in a St. Paul, Minnesota, area park. Few clues were found, and the case quickly went cold. Now, Doris' twin sister Lara, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, decides to offer a five-million-dollar reward and publishes all of the case materials online in hopes of renewing interest in the case. This attracts the attention of true-crime bloggers and law enforcement. U.S. Marshal Lucas Davenport and state investigator Virgil Flowers are assigned to the case. They must deal with the bloggers and media attention and try to find the elusive killer. Recognizing the power of crowd-sourcing, Lucas and Virgil use the bloggers to their advantage, and when one of the bloggers discovers the murder weapon, the race is one to see who can find the killer. Unfortunately, what works to their advantage is also a detriment. With progress available online, the killer stays one step ahead of the investigation and begins to influence the case. Lucas and Virgil now struggle to handle the information flow while still needing the blogger's resources.

I like that Sandford combines characters from his other series and that readers don't have to have read the previous books to enjoy the current offering. He always gives enough background material so new readers don't feel lost. Once again, Sandford demonstrates that he is the master of snappy dialogue: the Davenport and Flowers exchanges are dynamite, and the twisty plot is the icing on the cake. 4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is March 25, 2025.

Lethal Prey is SO good! I enjoy the way John Sandford sets up his stories. We know from the first page who the killer is and we can see her deviousness develop throughout the book. We also get to watch Lucas and Flowers work their magic - creating theories and solving the mystery. In addition, Lethal Prey has the modern, and at times funny, aspect of the detectives crowd-sourcing the details for a huge reward. The ending is abrupt so hopefully that is setting us up for a great follow-up novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Lethal Prey unfolds itself slowly and like all of Sandford's books is a real pleasure to read. It unwinds skillfully and readers will find it impossible to put down until the very end. Which is wicked abrupt! At first I wondered if there were missing pages. Yes, that abrupt. It makes me wonder if a sequel will be coming. Either way, I certainly look forward to his next book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. Fans will not be disappointed by this latest work!

This book was pretty good. The story was pretty standard, not too unique. I think some of it was predictable, but it was still decently written. I liked it and enjoyed it overall, but it wasnt spectacular

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Where’s the ending? Are there chapters missing in this ARC? It’ll be interesting to see when the actual book comes out if there was a mistake because the end is abrupt and not resolved.

Okay. Besides the fact that this book feels like it's missing the ending, the rest of the book was actually good. I liked the format - very small and quick chapters. It really helped the pacing and made it seem like things were happening rapidly. I don't really remember his books unfolding like this in the past - but it might just be me. It HAS been a while (and many, many books in between) since I've read the last book.

This book starts off by telling us about a murder that occurred 20 years ago. Then we jump to the present and are told that the victim's sister has terminal cancer and wants to find out and punish her sister's killer before she dies. So, she offered a $5 million dollar reward - specifically aimed at a lot of the new "True Crime" podcasters that seemed to have popped up everywhere. And boy oh boy does it create activity. These people truly do pop out of the woodwork.

Unfortunately, the killer is also paying close attention to the investigation and is a crazy psychopath so guess what that means? Yep. More murders.

I really enjoyed this new edition to the series - well, with the exception of the end. Hopefully, this was just an error and will be fixed before publication.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and only my own. This book will be out for publication on Mar 25, 2025.

Lethal Prey is book 35 in this series, featuring US Marshal Lucas Davenport and Minnesota cop Virgil Flowers, who are assigned to investigate a cold case homicide when the victim’s twin sister offers a $5million reward to help jumpstart the case. Our two lawmen decide to enlist the help of internet sleuths to parse all the information and help solicit leads. The reader already knows whodunit, and the pleasure of this book is watching as Davenport and Flowers piece together the clues to identify the culprit. The easy banter between the two is evident, and the dark humor and sarcasm oozes on each page, and that dialogue is what makes this series such a success and fun to read. This edition is a little tamer than past books, as the emphasis is squarely on the uneasy alliance of amateur detectives and the two professionals, and it’s a bit of departure from the normal “rockin’ and rollin’ “ long time readers are used to. But that doesn’t diminish the intensity (or the body count) as we watch the drama unfold. The ending is definitely abrupt with readers left hanging, which we can only assumes sets up a sequel to tie up the loose ends. Nevertheless, this is a five star book in every aspect and highly recommended. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book in the Davenport/Flowers series!! This time they are pulled together by a woman of wealth with political influence to solve the mystery of her sister's death 20 years prior. Through many twists and turns, and a little help from true crime investigators, it's a mad rush to the end to reveal the killer. A definite page turner!!

Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Group Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was super excited to receive an ARC for Book 35 in the Prey Series, Lethal Prey. This brings Lucas and Virgil together once again to solve a murder committed in 2003. The book had me hooked from Chapter 1 when it opens with the killer (Amanda), lurking in wait, spying on two people in her place of employment prior to her murdering Doris in a frenzy. I could not put this one down, as the story builds and builds to see how the dynamic duo would eventually nail Amanda for her crimes (yes, plural!). However, the ending left me hanging. I am not sure with the ARC if the book is meant to continue or if this really is the way the book ends as this is not typical John Sandford style in this series. With the abrupt ending leaving the reader hanging, this is a 4-star read for me. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Publication Date: March 25, 2025

Sandford continues to hit the right balance between criminal procedural and great character development. Unlike protagonists in some other ongoing series, Davenport and Flowers remain fresh and one is eager for their next adventure.

this was another wonderfully done entry in this series, it had that feel that I wanted and enjoyed from the previous entries in this book. The plot was everything that I was looking for and was invested in the concept. John Sandford has a strong writing style and enjoyed the overall feel of this.

Another thrilling chapter in the Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers series.
The sister of a woman brutally murdered 20 years ago, and whose crime was never
solved, wants justice for her sister.
Lucas and Virgil get the call and take on the very cold case with a little help
from some pod casters who specialize in unsolved mysteries. The more they investigate,
the more it begins to look like the suspect, a possible serial killer, could still be at large.
More murder, mayhem and havoc abound, as is usual, when these two guys team up
on any case.
The story unfolds with twists and turns that jump.off the pages.
The ending, however............not very palatable.
Hmmmmmmmm..
."to be continued"???

Thanks to the Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for this eARC.

I have been a rapt reader of the Lucas Davenport series since the beginning, and "Lethal Prey" by John Sandford maintains the same masterclass suspense and high caliber writing we have learned to expect from this talented author.

"Lethal Prey" blends thrilling plot lines with intricate character development. Sandford brings back his renowned protagonist, Lucas Davenport, a man whose sharp intellect and unyielding determination make him one of the most compelling characters in modern crime fiction.

In this installment, Davenport finds himself entangled in a sinister game of cat and mouse, where the prey is just as deadly as the predator. Sandford's narrative technique shines as he weaves a tale that is relentlessly suspenseful and deeply human. The plot twists are not just surprising; they are ingeniously crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

"Lethal Prey" stands out due to Sandford's ability to create an atmosphere of palpable tension. Every scene is meticulously described, painting vivid images of the environments that range from gritty urban landscapes to the haunting isolation of rural settings. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding depth to characters who are flawed, relatable, and immensely engaging.

Lucas Davenport is at the top of his game in "Lethal Prey". His strategic mind and moral complexity are explored in greater depth, making his pursuit of justice a riveting journey. The antagonists are equally well-drawn, their motives and actions shrouded in just enough mystery to keep readers guessing until the final, exhilarating conclusion.

Sandford's writing is crisp and efficient, with a pace that never falters. He balances action-packed sequences with introspective moments, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the psychological underpinnings of the story.

"Lethal Prey" is a testament to John Sandford's prowess as a storyteller. It's a gripping, intelligent thriller that entertains and provokes thought.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Lucas Davenport (if so, don't worry Virgil Flowers returns in this book) or new to the series, this novel is a must-read, offering a blend of excitement and depth that is difficult to find in the genre.

Another great book in the series. I enjoy the character interaction and how they developed through the series. Spoiler alert. The ending just leaves you hanging. I hope story continues in the next book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The latest Prey installment from John Sandford is another entertaining read. While the series has become rather formulaic in its execution, I continue to appreciate the chemistry of the core characters. Any time that Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers get to work a case together, you know that there will be plenty of sarcasm and snarkiness.

This book deals with a serial killer of sorts who has managed to get away with a murder for twenty years until the victim's twin sister puts up an $5 million reward and all of the true crime enthusiasts come out of the woodwork to solve the case. Davenport and Flowers are put in charge of weeding through the findings of the group and follow up on solid leads. In the typical cat and mouse fashion that happens, they are able to deduce who the killer is. I will say that I wonder whether the end in the ARC is really the end as it wasn't really an ending. It was abrupt and left things a bit unsure as to what happens which isn't the usual closure for these books. I'll be curious to check when the book is released as to whether it was intentionally ended the way that it was.

Overall, this was a solid book in the series, and I'd recommend it.

I love the Lucas Davenport series and blazed through the entire series (as well as the spin off series with Lettie and that f*ckin Flowers) a couple of years ago, so I knew I had to pick this one up. I liked the idea of bringing in "helpers" from the true crime buffs in the community to help solve a cold case. Loved seeing old characters back again because they are super compelling, which is why I'll read every book in this series and associated series. That said, I was annoyed by the ending because it didn't have the expected payoff that I wanted. It's too bad because I enjoyed the rest of it very much.

John Sanford’s Prey series is one of the best in the thriller genre. The plots are tight with lots of action. The characters are likable and believable, and despite 35 books in the series, few have disappointed me. In Lethal Prey (G.P. Putnam's Sons 2025), U.S. Marshall Lucas Davenport is pulled into a cold case by a woman willing to pay five million dollars to find the killer of her sister. There isn’t a lot of fresh evidence so Lucas calls on his oft-partner, Virgil Flowers, from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, to help him think outside the box. They turn to crime bloggers for investigative work and a fresh outlook on twenty-year old clues and get far more than they expected. Thanks to these inveterate individuals, the cold case grows legs which I can't reveal for fear of giving too much away. I will say crowd sourcing a case--that's something I haven't seen in any other novel. Sandford doesn't just touch on it. He digs into it with a gusto for the reader so I become as absorbed by how the online crime busters work as how normal channels solve old crimes. It produces lots of surprises including one huge one at the end. And it’s not what you think.

Everything is excellent which is why I have it 5/5. My problem is Virgil. Virgil used to be a great crime solving character with a clever brain that connected dots like no one else. He hooked up with a pretty cool woman who didn’t much like law enforcers but the relationship seemed to work. Recently I wonder. He's taken an anti-gun, anti-law enforcement tone in the last few books. This is odd for a crime thriller. I'm not giving anything away if I say Virgil continues to consider leaving his job and becoming a full time crime fiction writer on the coattails of his successful early books. That occupies his mind more in this book than finding justice for the little guy. This could be a simple character growth curve where Virgil evolves out of one job into another. What I don't get is changing his core values. Not sure that's what happening, but when I look back through my last reviews of Virgil's books, it seems to be. I will say, in this book there was less than earlier books.

Reading a novel about Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers is like visiting with old friends —- it is a very comfortable experience. Their repartee is always fascinating and this book is very different from others in the series. We know who the guilty party is right from the start and are both curious and amazed by the investigative techniques employed to apprehend the culprit. Once started, it is impossible to put this book down. I highly recommend this novel and thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

A great addition to the Flowers and Davenport series. A fast paced story that allows you to see the investigation as well as the perpetrators process to conceal their identity.

Read it if you like dual pov, police procedurals, and smart dialog.


Thank you NetGalley for my early e-arc of this book.

Sanford reunites Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers into one of his best works in the last decade! A wonderful mix of old and new characters weaved into, not a who done it, but how do they catch the bad guy??? Don’t miss this web of intrigue, violence, humor, and gum-shoe detective work by loyal crime-solving mystery fans. This one definitely leaves an ending begging for a sequel! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

John Sandford knocks it out of the park again with Lethal Prey, the 35th installment in the gripping Prey series. Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers teaming up is always a treat, and this time, they are called in to tackle a 20-year-old cold case. The plot weaves expertly through twists and turns, keeping the pages turning and the suspense high. Sandford’s signature style—sharp dialogue, rich characters, and detailed storytelling—is on full display here.

I loved the flashbacks, which added depth to the story, and it was a pleasant surprise to see a couple of familiar faces from earlier novels reappear. It felt like reconnecting with old friends. The ending left us hanging a bit, but that just means there’s more to look forward to in future books. If you’re a fan of the series, this one won’t disappoint, and if you’re new, it’s a thrilling introduction to Sandford’s world.