Ive now read most or all of John Sandfords Davenport series, of which there are quite a few. Review #3 Audiobook Shadow Prey (Lucas Davenport #2) by John Sandford It’s, without question, another fine work by John Sanford. The Lucas development has captured my attention. I have every intention of reading the rest of the series in order.

In these earlier books he’s actually no-nonsense to the point he’s not a very likeable character at all. Sanford has developed his main character and how well he’s done it. One, his regular shaky relationship, the other a married NYPD woman detective on loan to his department an interesting relationship as well.Īfter having read quite a number of Lucas Davenport series books out of order, I decided to begin reading them in order. Interspersed are two women Lucas is involved with. The story, in relation to the murders, builds to a very good climax the book’s ending is satisfying in more than one aspect. It becomes more clear as the reader continues on. It entails several murders committed by a clan of Native American Indians, basically in retribution for, and correcting wrongs done by selected shady white men.Īt times the names, number of characters, and their relations to each other becomes confusing. The premise behind the story and the writing is good. I always get the feeling that these guys who write about the lady killer detectives have some issues to resolve. Sandford could have channeled a bit more of Tony Hillerman and left about 80% of the sexual details out and I would have liked the book better. I would have preferred that the focus remain on the Indians – their culture and value system. I thought she was obnoxious as a NY abrasive stereotype – she just rubbed me the wrong way. I guess that would be okay if you like to read about other peoples’ sexual affairs in detail but I didn’t like Lily. It’s not the crime action that heats up but Lily and Lucas. A female police officer, Lily Rothenburg, is sent from New York City to help the investigation and the book really heats up from there. Obviously on the side of the law, Lucas Davenport comes at them with all his brains and bravery and brawn. But that philosophical issue aside, they have a son who is functionally mentally ill – most likely a severe personality disorder and he steps into the picture and starts muddying the message that the Crow brothers are trying to convey. In my opinion they have a righteous case, although I’m not sure that condones murdering the offenders. In their sixties, they want to avenge some heinous crimes against their people that they have witnessed over the years. This one is about two American Indian men who approach life from a spiritual perspective. I haven’t read all the Lucas Davenport books but I have read a lot of them.

Shadow Prey by John Sandford