Lucas Davenport has seen many terrible murder scenes. This is one of the worst. In the small Minnesota town of Deephaven, an entire family has been killed - husband, wife, two daughters, dogs.
There’s something about the scene that pokes at Lucas’s cop instincts - it looks an awful lot like the kind of scorched-earth retribution he’s seen in drug killings sometimes. But this is a seriously upscale town, and the husband was an executive vice president at a big bank. It just doesn’t seem to fit.
Until it does. And where it leads Lucas will take him into the darkest nightmare of his life.
©2012 John Sandford (P)2012 Penguin Audiobooks
"Sanford writes another winner!"
I have eagerly awaited this latest book in the Lucas Davenport series and I was not dissappointed. I really would have liked to give in 4 1/2 stars, if it were possible. I very seldom give 5 stars. I save those for extraordinary books (like A Prayer for Owen Meany, Angela's Ashes, and Pride and Prejudice - to name a few).
Lucas and Weather now have three children - Letty (adopted), Sam and a new baby girl. There was no mention of Lucas's daughter by Jenny. I really like the character Letty, and she plays an important role in this book .Most of the reoccuring characters from previous Davenport books appear in Stolen Prey.
A random crime against Lucas begins the book, followed by an especially gruesome murder of a family. Lucas in involved in investigating the crime and the murders. The murders involve a cruel and dangerous gang from Mexico. The action is fast paced. The dialogue is snappy and witty. Lucas is his typical macho self and still has his personal code of ethics/morals. The narrator does a very good job with this book.
I found myself torn about whom was responsible for the murders and violence. Should I blame the relative harmless people who unknowlingly set the viscious gang in motion, or do I blame the viscious gang who performed the attacks - or both?
Great book, and it could stand alone if you don't mind references to events or people from previous books. However I believe it would be even more enjoyable if you have been keeping up with the series from the beginning, as I have. Even though I have read or listened to every book in the Lucas Davenport series, there were some references to prevous events that I don't recall. It makes me want to go revisit previous Davenport books. Most of all, it makes me want Sandford to write the next book in the series.
I think you will be glad you purchased Stolen Prey.
"Sandford Gives A Jaw Dropping Ending!"
I'm already listening to it for a second time, I think there may be a third.
It had me seriously involved within the first five minutes. I'm so impressed with how the depth of the two stories had me wanting to keep reading because I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
Ferrone needs to work on his breathing, it was slightly distracting but his overall performance was very well done ... As usual.
The best of the entire series.
I have been reading Davenport for years, never missed a release. Some have Impressed me and some not so much. This one is by far his best. I was so shocked at the end that I had to listen to it three times.
Retired book buyer/book manager for wholesale distributor in the 5 largest northeast states. Prolific reader who was inundated with ARCs.
"One of the best in the series"
I've listened to or read all the books in the Sandford Prey series. This is certainly one of his finest. Combination thriller and police procedural the plot couldn't be better and the characters more interesting and diverse. That Sandford can bring such quality after all the books in the Davenport stories is a testament to his incredible writing. There is a momentum of tension and suspense that is so compelling that I dare you to listen to this one and then not buy and download Easy Prey. Richard Ferrone is THE perfect choice for the narrator. Very compelling
Avid reader and high school English teacher. Kindle, book, audio - if they could implant books directly into my brain, I'd probably sign up.
"Vintage Sandford"
This reminds of what I really liked about the early Prey novels - a concentration on the plot that is both complex and believable. The story works on every level and the subplot with Virgil Flowers adds a little bit of humor as usual. Well done.
Semi retired magazine editor and part time university adjunct instructor who is often distracted by his 10-year-old daughter.
"Another winner in the Prey series"
I've enjoyed just about all of Sandford's Prey series with Lucas Davenport. I also have become of fan of Vergil Flowers who makes his usual cameo in this story. The one thing this novel lacked was an excellent climax. You knew what was happening and there weren't any twists to getcha. Even the subplot conclusion left something to be desired. With that said, how can you not like these Davenport stories if you're a fan of this genre. And Richard Ferrone as narrator hits his usual home run. Keep 'em coming, Mr. Sandford.
"One of his best."
I have read all of Sandford's novels and -- IMHO -- this is one of his best Lucas Davenport stories.
The writing is fast paced, the plot is credible without being predictable (a big feat these days) and the story flows really well.
I couldn't turn it off, and the ending made that worth it. All of the recurring characters made an appearance, which is always fun.
You could read this as a stand alone novel, but it would probably be more meaningful if you went back half a dozen books in the series.
Narration was excellent, as usual.
Mom, artist, picky reader.
"sanford and ferrone have nailed it again!"
Any book would be improved by Richard Ferrone. But the book stands on its own.
There is a funny little subplot weaves its way thru an intense, gory story. Keeps things moving and lightens the mood.
Start here if you wish, but don't miss Sanford's previous Davenport books! Great plots, character development, etc every single time.
Having worked in courtrooms for 20 years, I love true & fictional crime. In love with Cross & Davenport. Fictional lawyer stories rule.
"Sandford and Ferrone - Winners Once Again"
Is it possible to fall in love with an author/narrator/protagonist combo? Yes, indeed. Sandford, Ferrone and that sometimes naughty Davenport rock the story.
John Sandford used incredibly good judgment choosing Richard Ferrone. Long live authors who "listen" to their own books being read!
"Just average"
It was just average. Not so well spent compared to other titles I have listened recently.
I'll maybe give him one more chance.
I cannot pick a favorite scene from the hole book. It never made me say wow, never really surprised me.
This will not cut it into a good TV series. It would maybe cut it for an episode of CSI though.
I was disappointed. I was expecting a great crime story and found me an average plot. The ending was so predictable! I was misguided by the positive reviews of other listeners. It is the first time that I feel like this with a book that have received top reviews like this one.
"Good Entertainment..."
This was an enjoyable listen. A good, well developed plot. In the end I was left feeling satisfied. Ferrone, while having a a narrow range with regard to voicing, still maintains a steady pace that does not detract from the story in the end having sort of a neutral influence, which if you aren't enhancing is the next best thing. I thoroughly enjoyed the listen and look forward to the next release.