If you ask me for my recommendation of a great detective series, I won't hesitate to suggest John Sandford's Virgil Flowers series. Through 12 novels Flowers has used his unconventional methods and charming personality to solve some of the most challenging murder cases. Sandford is probably better known for his prolific Prey series featuring Lucas Davenport. The two characters have come in contact in previous books, but none more so than they did in the last Prey novel Ocean Prey. Sandford has slowed his output in recent years. Rather than deprive readers of either of their favorite heroes, he's elected to pair them up in the yearly Prey novel. Righteous Prey, the 32nd book in the long-running series, was provided to me by Sandford's publisher. It features the team-up of Davenport and Flowers in a chilling mystery that only they can solve.

As the title would suggest, the murderers in the book kill for a 'righteous' cause. The group calls themselves The Five, and they have made it their mission to rid the world of deplorable people. The first victim to be killed is left with a number 1 on their forehead, a chilling label, and a sign that the killer may just be getting started. These fears are confirmed when an anonymous press release is revealed. In it, The Five take credit for the murder and pose quite a moral dilemma. You see, they are offering a large donation in cryptocurrency to a charity that relates to how the victim was perceived as a bad person. When victims number 2 and 3 appear in other parts of the country, each with their own accompanying press release and donation, law enforcement calls in reinforcements. Lucy for us, those reinforcements are Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers.

Lucas has been a US Marshall for years. When he gets the call about The Five, he immediately thinks of his buddy Virgil from Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The pair is hot off of a massive drug bust off the coast of Florida, but they've since gone their separate ways. Virgil has settled down with his wife and newborn twins and has recently submitted a pass at a novel. A new, quieter career could be on the horizon. When Lucas calls and requests his help, Virgil finds it hard to pass up the intrigue of such a complex murder case. With the blessing of his wife, Virgil teams up with Lucas to stop the serial killers before they can enact their cause on the next unsuspecting victim.

Virgil Flowers is my favorite detective for a reason, and Righteous Prey continues to prove why. Sandford writes a complex mystery that shifts the POV between his main characters and the group of killers they are hunting. This gives the reader the benefit of knowing all the details of the crimes before the investigators do. Lucas and Virgil have a witty rapport, bringing comedy and lightness to an otherwise brutal story. Sandford delves into the cryptocurrency boom, imagining the darkest side of that world while never telling the reader what to think about it. In these highly politicized times, it is nice to be able to escape into a thriller that is timely but not taxing. The pace of the book is brisk, making for another unputdownable read from one of my go-to authors. The ending leaves a few questions as to the future of our heroes. I for one, can't wait to see what they do next.

In Righteous Prey, the thirty-second installment in John Sandford's Lucas Davenport series, we are introduced to The Five, a group of billionaire bitcoin investors who decide to kill off some of the worst members of society, those whom they deem need to be murdered. The Five plan and train; after each murder, the group issues a press release and a substantial bitcoin donation to a charity.

The one mistake that The Five made was in selecting a victim who lived in Minnesota. As such, Virgil Flowers, an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), was assigned to the case. In addition, one of the Minnesota senators, Porter Smalls, made sure that Lucas Davenport, a former BCA agent and current U.S. Marshal, was also assigned to the case.

So, once again, Sandford has given us a Prey novel where Davenport and Flowers, the stars of two of his series, are working together. And it is a doozy!

As I have been a longtime fan of both Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, the idea of another novel where these two team up is very exciting. And Righteous Prey does not disappoint. The plot is complex and fast paced, and the crimes seem unsolvable. But, Sandford masterfully moves Davenport and Flowers through the disparate crimes - and all around the country - seemingly seamlessly and with his trademark humor. As with most of his novels, in Righteous Prey, Sandford takes the reader along for the investigation (it sort of feels like the reader is on a ride-along). I always appreciate how Sandford's books do not make leaps of logic or skip steps and do not spring pertinent facts on the reader at the end. Righteous Prey methodically lays out the investigation and shows how Davenport and Flowers crack the case.

Sandford has developed a winning combination with his two topnotch main characters. Righteous Prey is a wonderful, welcome addition to the Prey books!

Thank you to NetGalley for and advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Lucas Davenport has been around for a long time. And he picked up sidekick Virgil Flowers some years back. So When the two of them get together, cases get solved. Not always tidily, not always easily, not always pretty, but these guys are known to get the bad guys.

This time, there are five bad guys. They call themselves The Five and promise to murder "people who need to be murdered". They are a loose alliance of five bitcoin millionaires who are bored enough to be recruited by a woman who wants to change society, but also wants to be REALLY, REALLY rich. She is the only one who knows the identities of the others, although they can make some good guesses. They communicate via burner phones and the internet and constantly change both phones and internet sites to maintain their anonymity.

When they announce their murders publicly, the FBI is instantly alerted, but has no leads. But when they strike in the Twin Cities area, Davenport and Flowers get involved. The guys fly around the country as the murders mount up and interact with the FBI, local law enforcement, and anyone else who is available. Their unique techniques finally lead to the answer, but not without a LOT of bloodshed!

I'm a long time fan of both the Lucas Davenport series and the Virgil Flowers series. Although they occasionally show up in each other's books, those books clearly focused on one of these characters with the other character doing cameos. What makes this book so special is that the two characters share the leading role. This is another fast paced police procedural novel from John Sandford. Sure to please all of his regular fans and hopefully bring a few more to both of these excellent series. This is clearly a stand alone and can be read without reading the entire series (this is the 32nd Prey novel), although you might better appreciate some of the banter if you've been a long time follower of these characters. Highly Recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced reader copy

Another fantastic read by John Sandford. I have always loved reading Virgil’s adventures and then Lucas’ (I know I have it backwards, but I came across Virgil first), so seeing them work together in both Ocean Prey and now Righteous Prey has been amazing.

The Five are a group of rich bitcoin winners with a lot of money, time, wits, and insanity bouncing between the lot of them. Headed by a sixth member, they go around performing their own acts of justice. They have gotten away with these crimes, up until a third member slips up ever slightly, on Minnesota soil, and Virgil and Lucas are called in to investigate.

I could not put this book down. There were some slow moments, ones that will take place in any investigation, but the plot is well done, thrilling and gripping, the characters real, and having followed all of Virgil’s and some of Davenport’s adventures, it’s fantastic to get to read them solving cases together, their different personalities and thoughts tackling the case together to get it rolling in a way the FBI could only hope to do so.

Absolutely loved the read and as always, I can’t wait for more to come!

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for a copy of this book for review!

This was a fun, fast read! I couldn’t put it down and finished in a day! The book brought a fun and fast-paced story to familiar, beloved characters.

In John Sandford’s 32nd Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport adventure, a team of filthy rich Bitcoin billionaires hunting down well renowned assholes. Talk about one hell of a plot line, one where the betterment of the planet is at the forefront of a group of killer’s minds. Sandford brings to life a story of necessity in the eyes of the rich, who feel justice is better served by the powerful, and money equals power.

Sandford dreams up a team of highly intelligent billionaires, who all happen to have Bitcoin ties. In ‘The Five’, an overall team of six people, five are boots on the ground stalking and hunting their prey, while Vivian Zhou is a methodical woman with money on her mind leading the team. Teaming up as the impromptu leader of this rag tag group of deep-pocketed elites, Zhou cleverly delivers headline breaking news updates as the pompous assholes are sequentially murdered and left with nothing but numbers on their foreheads.

As the different members of ‘The Five’ conduct decisive and breath stealing murders, Zhou is helping to ensure that the crew is following protocols to prevent any type of law enforcement tail. While one member finishes his clean up and getaway, he decides he is worthy of a trophy from his victim which will eventually come back to haunt him. Virgil Flowers, Minnesota Law Enforcement Agent, and U.S. Marshal Lucas Davenport are on the case. Flowers has a budding writing career about to take off, he hopes, while Davenport has full pockets due to his luck at a previous software company. The investigation continues and the murders continue to happen across the United States. Flowers and Davenport are keen on stopping the murders while trying to fully understand the motives of the killers.

A very fun and entertaining read by Sandford which was my first in his Flowers and Davenport series. The comradery between the two is great as their actions speak louder than their words. They take chances to break the case, which adds a very daring and dangerous aspect to the monotony of stakeouts and greasy burger joints that law enforcement personnel must deal with in the day-to-day. This is one of those books that flows seamlessly and effortlessly and will leave you easily satisfied. Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport are one dynamic duo on the case for justice in Sandford’s wild ‘Asshole Murder-fest’ by Bitcoin billionaires.

A group of Bitcoin billionaires-turned vigilantes has declared war on the jerks among us, The Five take turns murdering people they believe "deserve it," and post press releases celebrating their kills. Since none of them have connections to their victims, police departments are helpless to solve the crimes.

Enter our dynamic duo! When one of the victims turns up in Minnesota, Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport are tasked with tracking down the killers. Mayhem and hilarity ensue.

Fans of John Sandford, like this reader, will be thrilled with this latest offering, and having Flowers and Davenport together and back in action. The prose flows, as does the action and the cop humor. High recommended. #Righteous Prey #Net Galley #SaltMarshAuthors

As a reader of all of John Sandford’s “prey” novels, I was looking forward to reading his latest entitled Righteous Prey and it certainly did not disappoint. The story centers, once again, on the exploits of Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, and many others in local and Federal law enforcement, seeking the killers. The prey referenced in the title are five “assholes” who are located in various areas of the country and are killed or to be killed simply because they are not meaningful members of society. The search is not only for the killers but also for the mastermind who is behind the killings.
The book is a great page turner and is outstanding in the depiction of the manner in which law enforcement derives clues from all sorts of information and of descriptions of weather in below zero temperatures. This novel also has touches of humor throughout.
I thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House and, of course, John Sandford for the opportunity to read and review this future best seller.

Coordinating A Group of Murderers Isn’t Easy

The novel opens with three murders. The first was in San Francisco. A week later, the second was in Houston. Another week later, the third was in a suburb near Minneapolis. A different perpetrator narrates each murder. Later the same night as the murder, a woman, Vivian Zhao, believed to be in Southern California issues a press release announcing the murders even before the bodies are discovered. She tells why they were killed, how this murder is a public service, and how they enjoy the thrill of being hunted by the police, FBI or whomever. They call themselves The Five. They also give five bitcoins to a charity in the city of the murder. As the last murder was in the jurisdiction of Virgil Flowers, an agent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, his boss tells him to get to the scene of the crime and the Feds also are on their way. When Virgil arrives, U.S. Marshall Lucas Davenport, with whom Virgil has worked quite often before, is there also. One of the Minnesota’s senators had called Lucas to get involved. Both senators have much political pull in the FBI so the local agent in charge is directed to include them in the investigation. The novel races from this start.

The novel has two main storyline threads. The first is narrated mainly by Virgil and Lucas and covers the investigative side of the story. Even with the senatorial pull, Virgil and Lucas are treated as fifth wheels by the FBI. The duo using what they call, walk and talk, seem to discover more important leads that significantly advance the investigations than the FBI. The second threads are narrated by the Vivian Zhao or one or more of The Five. The reader switching of perspective was not confusing at all and kept me current with what is happening and insight into the thoughts, motives and future actions of The Five. I was able to see both the cat and mouse sides as the story unfolds. This insight into the antagonist’s side kept the suspense and tension at a high-level throughout the novel. My interest was quickly captured and maintained all the way to the end.

This novel is the 32nd novel in the Prey series, and the first one that I have read. The usual B-storyline for me was a little thin. Most of the communications between them and their thoughts provide the most B-storyline information. The devotees of this series probably will not need much more. As a first-time reader, the B-storyline threads add a flavor as a spice does to enrich my reading enjoyment. For me, this did not detract too much, and the pace of the novel hide this some.

For the areas that can cause concern for some readers, there are not any intimate scenes. As for vulgar and rude language, there is a strong presence. Violence is described in the more edgy as it occurs. For both of these areas, let the reader beware. The last area of concern are references to what occurred in previous novels. While this occurred, I did not feel that they were without adequate explanation. It should not hinder to someone who reads this as the first novel in the series as I did.

The major reason that I enjoyed this novel was how well the author weaved in all of the moving parts of this novel into a coherent and fast reading whole. For the protagonists, there are Virgil and Lucas, five FBI offices, two senators and an Assistant Director of the FBI. On the antagonist’s side, there are the five killers scattered across the continental United States and a woman who coordinates them. I did have another issue with the two main characters; they were very snarky with the FBI and their investigative abilities compared to theirs. I usually am not bothered by snarkiness when it is light-hearted and in a give-and-take atmosphere. That wasn’t the case with this novel. It elevated to the level that Virgil and Lucas did not share with the FBI important information that they discovered. This aspect did not increase my reading enjoyment. Overall, the book is well written and quickly captured my interest. This is the 32nd novel in a very popular series. If my issues don’t bother you, this novel is probably five stars. For me, it was a four-star novel. I do recommend reading it even with my issues, I still enjoyed reading it.

I received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Penguin Group Putnam. My review is based only by my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

Righteous Prey is aptly named. The Mikado had his “little list”. Here, a group of Bitcoin investors take it upon themselves to do away with a group of folks that had no redeeming qualities. And they’re not shy about it, they publish their own press releases confirming the murders. After the third, Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport are brought in to investigate.
The plot is extremely fast moving and there’s always something going on. Sandford uses a multiple POV approach, including the good and bad guys, all from a third person perspective. The dialog is humorous, although those that are offended by bad language should steer clear. If you took out the F word, the book would be noticeably shorter.
I adore Lucas and Virgil. They’re both wholesome characters in their own weird ways (despite the language). Politics always figure into Sandford’s plots, but he’s not far too either side. In an interesting twist, Virgil is now a novelist and Sandford uses that for a few laughs.
The ending was a big surprise and totally caught me off guard. I’m not sure what it means for the series.
The book is the 32nd in the Prey series, but could work as a stand-alone.
My thanks to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam for an advance copy of this book.

I have read all of the "Prey" books and this was one of my favorites. I love the chemistry and banter between Davenport and Flowers. It lends a little light humor to story with a lot of bloodshed. I also really enjoyed the plot of this book and learned a little about bitcoin. I do hope more of the "Prey" books will have Lucas and Virgil working together again.

I love Virgil Flowers. I love Lucas Davenport less, but only a titch. Put 'em together and my heart is all a-flutter; tie the action to the timely topic of cybercurrency and well, you've hooked me from the git-go.

It's about, you see, a group of uber-wealthy Bitcoin investors dubbed the "Five" who have concluded that it's their responsibility to rid the world of deplorables. The first one to go down gets a "1" on his forehead, a hint that there may be more to come. An anonymously issued press release makes that a certainty by announcing the group's intentions as well as their huge Bitcoin donation to a charitable organization (should they choose to accept it) that's related to how the victim earned his deplorable status.

Law enforcement powers-that-be are flummoxed until there's a No. 2 and a No. 3, pretty much cementing the notion that this pattern will continue unless someone puts a stop to it. Enter Lucas, a U.S. Marshal living in frigid Minnesota with his surgeon wife Weather, and Virgil, an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, who leaves partner Frankie and their twins at home). For the most part, they and the rest of the investigative team are pretty much flying blind; the killers leave no trace, so connecting any of them to a potential killer seems impossible.

That's frustrating for the characters in the story, of course, but less so for readers, who get the benefit of seeing what's happening through the eyes of the Five (and their choreographer) plus the always entertaining repartee between Virgil and Lucas. Revealing details would spoil is for everyone except me, so I'll say only that the whole adventure is fast-paced right up to the end, making for a book you won't want to put down. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for giving me the pleasure of reading a pre-release copy. Loved it!

How fortunate to receive an ARC of one of my favorite authors. Thank you. Reading this was like visiting with an old friend. Lucas Davenport is one of my favorite characters, not just for John Sandford but for all author's characters. I have a handful of what I call my top tier favorite authors and John Sandford is one of those. Mr. Sandford develops characters well, so well that they stay in my memory and I'm getting old (okay older) and I read a ton of books. The premise of this book was brilliant. The killings of 'bad' people who need to be killed surely put Lucas and Virgil Flowers on their toes. This is book 32, where has the time gone...if you haven't read any of the Prey series, I suggest you binge read them. You will enjoy this series if you like a good mystery, well developed characters. Anyway read and enjoy Righteous Prey. Well done Mr. Sandford!

Reading book #32 before reading 1-31 isn't ideal, but when it's Righteous Prey, you can't go wrong. The crime set up, the suspense, the full-steam action ahead and for me, the excitement of discovering an author with a catalog of books related to U.S. Marshalls Lucas and Virgil. I am in HEAVEN!

My attention was captured instaneously from the author's blurb: “We’re going to murder people who need to be murdered.” So begins a press release from a mysterious group known only as “The Five,” shortly after a vicious predator is murdered in San Francisco. The Five is believed to be made up of vigilante killers who are very bored…and very rich. They target the worst of society—rapists, murderers, and thieves—and then use their unlimited resources to offset the damage done by those who they’ve killed, donating untraceable bitcoin to charities and victims via the dark net. The Five soon become the most popular figures on social media, a modern-day Batman…though their motives may not be entirely pure.

Sandford's story takes pieces from today's headlines and seamlessly puts them together in a fresh exciting thriller. You will find new money, the dark web, untraceable bitcoin, political motives, 3D printed guns and converted weapons. He isn't slow to introduce action. Opening pages thrust the reader directly into the first murder. This is how Sandford masterfully sucked me in and left me wanting to know who are the Five, who are their targets and will the good guys win?

Sandford story is told throughout from the point of view of both the chasers and the chased. The result is that it feels like we, the reader, are often a step ahead of the law enforcement agencies as the action plays out. We want to know about the Five and their targets. And Lucas and Virgil? Well, their interactions are sarcastically witty at times. They look out for each other and put themselves in precarious positions to get the bad guys. They work well together and really like each other, something you would expect from law enforcement officers with a history of solving crimes.

The story was enjoyable and relatable. The ending was satisfying. Sandford has hooked me. There's not a single doubt in my mind that I will be reading books 1-31.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam and John Sandford for the gift of strong characters and entertaining reading. I am in HEAVEN!

Five millionaires meet at a Bitcoin conference and decide it might be fun to personally remove a few people who do not deserve to live. Each murder is meticulously planned and celebrated with a press release and social media posts explaining why this particular person was removed for the good of society. Without the publicity, they could have gone on murdering for years. But the press releases caught the eyes of the media and the politicians. And the politicians sent in never fail detectives Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers. After 32 mysteries, Lucas and Virgil are getting a little older, maybe a little slower. They almost don't make it through this one. That's not a spoiler. It's part of what makes John Sanford so addictive.

John Sandford strikes again with #32 book Righteous Prey. It allows Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers to be teamed up together again. This time the story revolves around "The Five" which is a self appointed group of Bitcoin millionaires/vigilantes. They have decided upon themselves to rid the world of "assholes". They are going after the truly awful characters such as ghost gun manufacturers, etc. Lucas and Virgil get assigned to the case after one of The Five kill off a woman from Minnesota. They get to follow the case all over the country and try to track down and stop The Five. Lucas and Virgil always either bring the action or manage to stumble into it. This book doesn't disappoint.
Thank you to @J_Sandford @penguingroupputnam and @netgalley for a free arc for an honest review.

Sandford takes on political vigilantes in his latest Davenport and Flowers novel. He has the two investigators jaunting around the country to uncover this unlikely and deadly conspiracy as individual actors kill people they deem worthy for their political or business stance. A solid procedural.

John Sandford is one of my auto-buy authors. I have read or listened to all of his books and highly recommend them. The writing; grit, subtle humor, character development, and spicey detective work are second to none. Righteous Prey is my new favorite, at least until his next book comes out.

“We’re going to murder people who deserve to be murdered.”

I always love settling in with a good Davenport & F'n Flowers book.

Five millionaires meet at a Bitcoin conference and decide it might be a fun challenge to personally get rid of a few people who they think do not deserve to live for various reasons. What could go wrong?

Each murder is perfectly planned and executed, then they post a press release along with a social media post explaining why this person was murdered. The action never stops as the slow burn builds to an expected climax. Sandford is so skilled at writing thrillers that you tends to overlook his ability to create great dialogue. Lucas and Virgil are getting a little older now, and maybe a little slower but that is OK. They almost don't make it through this one. Yikes! After 32 books I guess it is to be expected. This is another great book in a long running series with enough character background given so that it can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this series starting from the beginning and enjoy the ride. Here's hoping Sandford has a #33 to come along soon.