Rules of Prey

A Lucas Davenport Novel

By: John Sandford

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

The "maddog" murderer who is terrorizing the Twin Cities is two things: insane and extremely intelligent. He kills for the pleasure of it and thoroughly enjoys placing elaborate obstacles to keep police befuddled. Each clever move he makes is another point of pride. But when the brilliant Lieutenant Lucas Davenport, a dedicated cop and a serial killer's worst nightmare, is brought in to take up the investigation, the maddog suddenly has an adversary worthy of his genius.

©1989 John Sandford (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A police procedural as effective as it is brutal." (Publishers Weekly)
"Sleek and nasty...a big, scary suspenseful read." (Stephen King)

Excellent book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept me captivated from start to finish. I loved the way the author repeatedly called out the idiocracy of the journalism profession. These ruthless people are like vultures, they don’t care if the story is truth or fiction. They will run the “story” into the ground regardless of who or what they hurt in the process.

Character depiction by narrator is horrible

After 27 years In law enforcement, I retired. Over the years, before and after retirement, I have read every one of John Sanford’s books. A couple of months ago I signed up for Audible so I could listen to his books while I pursue several of my hobbies. Big mistake! Reading his books over the past several years I have made friends with every one of Sanford’s repeated characters in all of his stories. I imagined what they looked like, the sound of their voices, how they told their stories - everything about them. I know cops. I know how they talk. I know their warped sense of humor. I know how they sometimes treat the bad guys a bit rougher than they should. I also know how vulnerable they are, how dangerous their job is, and how much they care about the victims of horrendous crimes. I know they are human and make mistakes. I know that a large part of our current society would turn their back on a cop in danger or one who needs help. I know cops I’m are unconditionally willing to risk their life for the public they work for. I also know they will do everything in their power to have the back of their brother officers. Law enforcement is an elite brotherhood. When I listen to the readers of Sanford’s books on Audible, I become furious with how the characters are depicted. The readers use voices for the characters that make them all sound like effeminate, whining, melodramatic misfits, and it is insulting to all police officers. We do not talk like that. Lucas Davenport does not sound like a whinny little sissy with a deviated septum. Virgil Flowers does not sound like Goofy or Mickey Mouse. Weather and Letty do not sound like ninety five year old spinsters. Help!! Find someone that KNOWS how cops talk. Please!!

As always, a great listen.

I love the Davenport series and really enjoy the voice of Richard Farrone. I've enjoyed all the books this far.

Too Long

This is the author’s first novel in a series. The main character is developed and the level of violence is established for readers who have not read other books in this series. The main character was well developed.

Thrilling, Masterful Crime Fiction

A complex and suspenseful narrative that keeps one on the edge of the seat. The pacing is pitch-perfect, with a relentless momentum that propels the story forward. Keeps you guessing with unexpected twists and turns, building tension and suspense with every chapter.

Awesome story

John Sanford is such an amazing author. I love his Lucas Davenport series. I am always intrigued by the twists and turns in the plot.

Great book

This is the second time i have read this book. I read it myself years ago and now listening to it in audible. Lucas Davenport is such a great character and John’s writing is brilliant. His books grab you and keep you wanting more.

Loved reading this - now loved listening to it yrs later

Superb from beginning to end. Story, narration excellent….love me some Davenport .
Will get the rest

Loved It

The story line is compelling and thrilling. There are no slow moments and Lucas Davenport is an awesome yet an unorthodox cop. Great narration.

What a Ride

He’s so busy with everything. His interests are unending. He’s different from any other police officer. He cannot stop being interested in other women. He knows how to lie.