A Personal Dive into Lethal Prey: The Intrigue and the Letdown
As a long-time fan of John Sandford’s Prey series, the release of Lethal Prey had me buzzing with anticipation. I’ve been on the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with exploring the multifaceted world of Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, navigating from chilling thrillers to, admittedly, some lackluster outings over the years. But with this new installment—the 35th featuring Davenport and the 16th for Flowers—I was eager to see if Sandford could recapture the taut, breathless energy that first drew me in.
At its heart, Lethal Prey revolves around a murder cold case that has simmered in the background for over two decades. Lara Grandfelt, the twin sister of the sadly departed Doris, becomes a whirlwind force after a cancer diagnosis prompts her to take action and deliver a $5 million reward for anyone who could finally unearth the truth of her sister’s brutal murder. This financial incentive leads our duo, Davenport and Flowers, into the labyrinth of true crime bloggers and desperate leads. But what unfolds is more like an investigative piece than the electrifying pulse-pounding thriller I had hoped for.
Reading this book, I found delight in the dynamic banter shared between Lucas and Virgil. Their sarcastic repartee had me chuckling out loud, bringing a warmth I adore in Sandford’s writing. There were moments when Virgil, unable to resist witty remarks about the true crime blogs they were dissecting, showcased why the camaraderie between these two characters remains a highlight of the series. Sadly, the absence of Letty, Virgil’s wonderfully snarky partner-in-crime, felt like a lost opportunity for even more delightful exchanges.
However, the plot execution left much to be desired. Much of the investigation unfolds through endless interviews and discussions, turning it into what felt more like a drawn-out news article instead of the fast-paced thrilling narrative I was craving. Gone were the heart-racing chases and confrontations that typically wrap the Prey novels in tension-filled excitement. Instead, as Lucas and Virgil conducted their investigation, I found myself longing for action and suspense, which were notably absent until the very end.
This brings me to my most significant disappointment: the conclusion—or lack thereof. It’s hard to discuss without delving into spoilers, but to say I was taken aback by the abruptness of the ending would be an understatement. I was left with a sense that something crucial was missing, akin to a cliffhanger but without any promise of resolution. It was akin to finishing a meal only to realize the dessert never arrived. For a series that once thrived on solid climactic payoffs, this felt like an egregious misstep.
In a more personal vein, I eagerly awaited the significant milestone of Virgil and Frankie’s wedding—which, regrettably, occurred off-screen. After years of investment in these characters’ arcs, to have that pivotal moment merely hinted at felt jarring and unsatisfactory.
Lethal Prey delivers some classic humor and character moments, but it ultimately falters in plot execution and resolution. I’d suggest this book might still appeal to die-hard fans who treasure every interaction of Davenport and Flowers, and those intrigued by Old Minnesota’s political undercurrents. However, for those seeking the pulse-gripping intensity of the past, like me, it may feel more like a safe meal shared with an old friend—comforting but lacking that thrilling edge we once craved.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (and I feel that’s more than generous). Whatever your opinion, I hope you find more joy in this latest adventure than I did!
Discover more about Lethal Prey (Lucas Davenport #35; Virgil Flowers #16) on GoodReads >>