Gathering Prey

Prey, Book 25

By: John Sandford

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

A terrifying Lucas Davenport thriller from number one New York Times best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize–winner John Sandford. They call them Travelers. They move from city to city, panhandling, committing no crimes - they just like to stay on the move. And now somebody is killing them.

Lucas Davenport’s adopted daughter, Letty, is home from college when she gets a phone call from a woman Traveler she’d befriended in San Francisco. The woman thinks somebody’s killing her friends, she’s afraid she knows who it is, and now her male companion has gone missing. She’s hiding out in North Dakota, and she doesn’t know what to do.

Letty tells Lucas she’s going to get her, and, though he suspects Letty’s getting played, he volunteers to go with her. When he hears the woman’s story, though, he begins to think there’s something in it. Little does he know. In the days to come, he will embark upon an odyssey through a subculture unlike any he has ever seen, a trip that will not only put the two of them in danger - but just may change the course of his life.

©2015 John Sandford (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"Sandford has always been at the top of any list of great mystery writers, and this book shows why. His writing and the appeal of his lead character are as fresh as ever." ( The Huffington Post)

"There is no limit to John Sandford's ability to keep new breath and blood flowing into his Lucas Davenport novels. This is a series you must be reading if you are not already." (Bookreporter.com)

I feel as if I've traveled this road before.

Where to start? Well, Richard Ferrone has become Lucas Davenport in my mind and he does a great job in narrating this novel.
I'm not going to restate the plot, the promotional blurb does that quite well.
I enjoyed "Gathering Prey" I liked the way that Lucas'and Letty's relationship has matured, the way it's transitioning from Adult/Child relationship to an Adult/Young Adult relationship. Lucas still has "Dad" moments, but he is far from being a "helicopter parent".

So yes I enjoyed this novel, and after it was over I realized why I enjoyed it. It's because I've read it before. From direct callbacks to "Winter Prey" to reworked scenes lifted from past adventures, I couldn't help but feel that Skye is just a slightly reworked Juliet (from Wicked Prey)with another name.

In the end this is a familiar story, told well and read with skill.

Very good!

Any weakness Sanford has shown in last few volumes in this series has been blown away by this latest addition. Tight action and dialogues. Excellent!

Excellent

I've read/listened to every one of the Prey series at least twice. Read a lot of them in paper, too. For me, this was one of the best; I really don't understand the negative reviews.I agree with the positive ones (of course). It was nice to see Lettie's character and relationship with Lucas developed further. It was nice seeing less of Weather in the story. I thought the characters were interesting and developed as much as they needed to be.The UP sheriff was a gem. I'm sure I'll read it again. I recommend it highly.
Looking forward to and hoping to see Lucas again soon.

Terrific as usual!

I hope by the way it ended, though, that this is not the last of Lucas and friends! I've come to love them. I especially love hoe Lucas' relationship with Lettie has been fleshed out. I guess we'll have to wait (impatiently) until next year this time. The story really kept going, no slow pacing at all. Richard Ferrone, as always, was a great narrator. He translates Lucas well, where I can almost visualize him. I highly recommend this and all the other Prey novels. If I could give it ten stars I would!

Just awesome

Another great Lucas Davenport book. A great listen and awsome job by Richard. Would most definitely recommen.

Wow, great story

All I can say is read the series in order and for the followers, this is one you've been waiting for

Meh

Kind of disappointing for a John Sanford...was expecting more mystery and suspense. This was not scary, nor tense. Just kind of half|assed working a not even assigned case.

One of the only Prey novels I didn't like

I was looking forward to listening to this book as I've been a Prey fan for years. However, this one was a disappointment. Character development in this particular novel is poor. I found I didn't care one way or the other about any of them. Even the bad guy is trite.

Sandford never disappoints!

Would you listen to Gathering Prey again? Why?

The progression of the main character and his family and friends

Who was your favorite character and why?

I have read all John Sandford books and will continue as long as writes them. I know I will get a great story.

Which character – as performed by Richard Ferrone – was your favorite?

Lucas

Tiresome Prey

Would you try another book from John Sandford and/or Richard Ferrone?

Probably, but only because I have been a Sanford, and particularly a "Prey" fan since the series began, though admittedly, the last few have been decidedly inferior to the earlier works.

What was most disappointing about John Sandford’s story?

After a very promising beginning, the story just stalled and became a nine hour gun fight.

What about Richard Ferrone’s performance did you like?

I like the fact that Ferrone has been the reader in all of the "Prey" books I've listened to and I appreciate consistency in this area.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment sums it up pretty accurately.

Any additional comments?

On the positive side, I like the way Sanford has developed the character of Letty. In fact, her role was probably the highlight of this book. Finally, as much as I love the character of Lucas Davenport, I think it's time for Sanford to retire this series. Although my opinion here seems to be in a distinct minority based upon the rave reviews I've read, this series has been on a down-hill trajectory for quite some time. Hopefully his next one will be a comeback and prove me wrong.