Review of John Sandford’s Lethal Prey: A Meeting of Old Friends
As an avid reader of John Sandford’s “Prey” series, I was eager to dive into Lethal Prey, the latest installment featuring the dynamic duo, Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers. Over the years, Sandford has captured my attention and appreciation with his intricate plots and layered characters. However, with each new release, I find myself wondering—will this one reignite that spark, or will it continue the trend of uneven storytelling that has plagued his recent works?
In Lethal Prey, we find Lucas and Virgil enlisted to solve a cold case that has haunted the family of Lara Grandfelt for over two decades. Lara, diagnosed with breast cancer, has taken matters into her own hands, offering a hefty $5 million reward for information about her sister Doris’s brutal murder. The premise is enticing, and Sandford’s choice to leverage today’s true crime fascination by involving bloggers creates an interesting contemporary angle. As the detectives sift through evidence and navigate the tangled web of public opinion, the weight of the investigation feels palpable, yet curiously distant.
One of the standout elements of this novel is the chemistry between Luke and Virgil. Their banter had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I relished their hilarious exchanges about writing—a highlight being Lucas’s offhand remark about how easy it is to write a book. It’s classic Sandford, capturing the duo’s camaraderie and underlying tension as they approach a case that feels different from anything they’ve tackled before. Though Letty is notably absent this time around, the back-and-forth between Lucas and Virgil still brought a delightful mix of humor and warmth, reminiscent of their past adventures.
However, while I appreciated the moments of levity, I was left feeling a bit hollow by the overall execution of the plot. The pacing dragged at times, with much of the narrative focused on interviews and investigative procedures rather than the high-stakes thrills I have come to expect from Sandford. Instead of heart-pounding chases, the action often felt muted, leading me to describe parts of the book as reminiscent of a Sunday newspaper article rather than a gripping thriller. I found myself yearning for that heightened sense of danger, for the chase scenes and nail-biting confrontations that have become Sandford’s signature.
As for the ending? Without giving too much away, I was profoundly disappointed. Instead of a satisfying resolution, the story seems abruptly cut off, leaving me wondering if a crucial chapter got lost along the way. This lack of closure felt like a disservice not only to the intricate storytelling Sandford is capable of, but also to devoted readers who have invested their time and emotions in these characters.
In conclusion, while Lethal Prey provides amusing moments and fantastic character interactions, it ultimately falls short due to its pacing and lack of a fulfilling climax. I’d recommend this book to longtime fans who enjoy the wit and charm of Lucas and Virgil, as well as those curious about the evolving landscape of crime-solving in the digital age. However, if you’re craving the breathless excitement typical of a Sandford thriller, you might find yourself just as underwhelmed as I was. For now, it’s a three-star read for me—a blend of familiar warmth and modern frustration. Here’s hoping the next installment can revive that electric thrill I’ve come to love!
Discover more about Lethal Prey (Lucas Davenport #35; Virgil Flowers #16) on GoodReads >>