©1989 John Sandford; (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC
"A police procedural as effective as it is brutal." (Publishers Weekly)
"Sleek and nasty...a big, scary suspenseful read." (Stephen King)
I read, I write; I listen
"I love this series"
John Sandford Prey series is awesome but If your like me I have read/listened to a few out of order; it's really no big deal but here is the list in order just in case anyone wants to know:
. 1. Rules of Prey (1989)
2. Shadow Prey (1990)
3. Eyes of Prey (1991)
4. Silent Prey (1992)
5. Winter Prey (1993)
6. Night Prey (1994)
7. Mind Prey (1995)
8. Sudden Prey (1996)
9. Secret Prey (1998)
10. Certain Prey (1999)
11. Easy Prey (2000)
12. Chosen Prey (2001)
13. Mortal Prey (2002)
14. Naked Prey (2003)
15. Hidden Prey (2004)
16. Broken Prey (2005)
17. Invisible Prey (2007)
18. Phantom Prey (2008)
19. Wicked Prey (2009)
20. Storm Prey (2010)
21. Buried Prey (forthcoming, early 2011)
"Clipped Recording"
I enjoyed the book but, like Ron (Oct 14, 2009), was taken aback when, at the end of each chapter, the last word/words of the chapter were cut short by an over zealous editor, who, instead of completing the current chapter, chose to introduce the next chapter early. This may not be a issue for some, but I savor every word of the books to which I listen.
Good customer service suggests that this book be pulled from circulation, remastered without the clipping at the end of chapters and provided to those who paid their cash or utilized their credits for the faulty recording. After all, we specifically chose an UNABRIDGED recording, not one abridged by an editor's anxious hand. Ron's review is dated 2009. Shame on you, Audible, for not pulling the faulty recording before now, fall 2011. I am not suggesting that we "get something for nothing". I just propose that we "get what we paid for".
"The first and the best"
This first novel in his "Prey" series in still the best. You get a look into the life and mind of the serial killer and an introduction to Lucas Davenport. Narration is well done, and the story moves very fast. Sandford's knowledge of police and detective procedures is incredible. And it gives his "Prey" books more plausibility than other books of the genre.
"More, please!"
Good, economical, life-like writing, very well narrated. The only annoying aspect was a number of pop-culture references which I thought were "so 80s". Only later I learned the book actually was written in 1988. So, what's happening? Why is it the only one available of the obviously marvellous series? Please give more soon!
"Excellent story, bad execution"
The end of each chapter is clipped off by the announcement of the next chapter number. Very annoying!
"Best of the best"
John Sandford is just about the best crime/thriller writer I've read. And Richard Ferrone, as a narrator, brings the 'Prey' series of books to life like no other narrator can.
A great audiobook experience. Better than reading the book. Better than watching a movie.
Now lets have more of the series made available on Audible!
"Rules of Prey"
If you like John Sandford's character, Lucas Davenport, you'll like this book. It's not his best, but it's good. The narrator does an adequate job (although he's not so good doing women) so it's the story itself that gets the stars in this book(and I confess to being something of a Davenport fan for many years. This is the first one I have listened to, however, rather than read.)
The "Mad Dog" character is not just a convenient bad guy; he is drawn with depth and is believably gruesome, intelligent and seriously scary. He is also an excellent foil for Davenport, who is an unconventional cop in several ways. I won't give anything away, but I will say that he has been drawn with both interesting "baggage" and believable but intriguing "advantages" and this story puts them to excellent use.
I love books!
"the first prey"
Like some other series I've come across, I discovered John Sandford and his Lucas Davenport series many books into the series. I think I came across an Audible sale where I got this first book in the series on the cheap and thought why not go back to the beginning? It was entertaining and I'm glad I did. I don't really think of Minnesota the land of serial killers but it is an interesting setting. I'm sure I'll pick up a few more in the series before it's all said and done.
"Home run all the way"
Constant action either physical or mental
Being in the heads of both the "good" guys, and the "bad guy".
Loved em all
Not really, just enjoyed it over a week of yard work, but I can easily see where it would be very hard to put down.
Next please Mr, Sandford
Love having someone read me a story. Fires in the hearth, rain on the roof, sunny days and surf. Good friends, good food and J S Bach.
"A First of Many Prey"
These 'Prey' stories are a little addictive. Over the top Lucus starts his jouney here. That is why I downloaded this audiobook.
He does not need the money. He loves dressing well and women. And he is a detective of sorts. Serial killer yarns, with graphic detail, are not light listening. The stories do get better as John Sandford finds his stride in the later stories.
Apart from from following the development of Sandford's writing. there is not a lot to recommend in 'Rules of Prey'.
Some of his stories are better than others. Ferrone reads well. For your credit I suggest starting later in the series of Prey. They are stand alone stories. And Lucus Davenport is a curious character.