My first in this series, so I kind of read backwards, but it was such a good read that I'll definitely have to go back and read the first books.
A gripping thriller that had me inhaling the book. Sandford never disappoints me!

I have been reading Sanford’s Davenport books since they first started coming out. They have always been consistently good and this one is no different. Fast-paced, suspenseful and it deals with an antagonist that is more of a global threat than what we normally see. It’s interesting to see the worlds of Lucas and Lettie coming together.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons on April 9, 2024

Readers never know what they’ll get from John Sandford, but they know it will be good. Some of his crime novels are light and a little goofy. Some of his books are dark, although he often lightens the mood with humor. All of his books are quick reads, but some depend on action more than others. I’ve read a lot of Sandford’s novels, enjoyed them all, but I can’t think of one that hit me as hard as Toxic Prey. It might be his best work.

Other people have written thrillers about terrorists weaponizing viruses. They became particularly popular after COVID. Before that, novels like The Andromeda Strain (still the classic in the subgenre of outbreak novels) imagined heroic efforts to contain the natural spread of viral infections (although the virus in that novel had an extraterrestrial origin). Toxic Prey is a variation on the theme.

The virus has been engineered — the Marburg virus is married to a measles virus so that one of the world’s deadliest diseases will become much more infectious — and the person who plans to spread it isn’t a conventional terrorist. Lionel Scott is a British doctor who wants to save the world by killing most of the people who are destroying it — people who drive or use air conditioning. Yeah, I know we’re bad, but killing 80% of us seems a bit extreme.

Scott subscribes to the Gaia hypothesis (some aspects of which have a certain appeal), but his work with Doctors Without Borders has left him depressed and traumatized. Scott has been working with the US military to devise ways to make viruses more deadly. The US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (the place where Oppenheimer worked) both research deadly diseases, supposedly to protect public health. Whether they also try to weaponize viruses is, not surprisingly, a military secret.

Letty Davenport (who sort of works for Homeland Security) is sent to England to interview people who know Scott after Scott goes missing. She liaisons with Alec Hawkins of MI5. Before long they are liaising in bed. What they learn about Scott is concerning, so Letty returns to the US, where she is assigned to find him. When she acquires evidence that Scott has been experimenting with a weaponized virus, she gets Hawkins to join her and enlists the help of her father (Lucas Davenport, who stars in a series of his own), another federal Marshal who works with Lucas, and a sniper who has appeared in recent novels when people need to be killed from a distance.

Most bioterrorism novels (as opposed to natural outbreak novels) aren’t convincing. This one is both plausible and chilling. The story moves quickly from start to finish, building suspense as the good guys work out realistic strategies to find Scott and the handful of people he has recruited to his cause. All the good guys are at risk of dying from exposure to the virus. Sandford creates credible fear that they might need to sacrifice themselves to save the world.

I don’t like to use review clichés like “gripping” or “riveting,” but those are the best words to describe the emotional investment that I made in the story. The “wow” factor is undeniable. Kudos to Sandford for producing such a powerful thriller after writing more than fifty novels. Some successful writers are just coasting late in their careers. Sandford just seems to get better.

RECOMMENDED

TOXIC PREY by John Sandford is, so far, his best! Lucas and Letty with very supportive group of agents from many U.S. government agencies plus foreign assistance from UK, to save humanity from a demented genius' plan to infect the world with a very deadly Ebola-like virus. Sanford treats us with the Davenport wit and wiles as they attempt to find the missing doctor and identify who he has helping to carry his deadly plan in New Mexico! Can they locate the virus BEFORE it's too late and can be spread to first the U.S., the WORLD?
This is the page-turner, nail-biter, up-all-night thriller you've always wanted!!
I highly recommend this outstanding work by the incredible mind of John Sandford!!!

I've been reading the Davenport books for about 2 decades and never get tired of them. I've loved Lucas forever, and have now grown to love following Letty as well.

A big name scientist/environmentalist disappears without a trace and it's up to Letty to find out what happened. Letty eventually calls in the help of her father, which leads to the best team EVER working together again to solve the mystery.

Fantastic book, fantastic characters. 5 star read.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I just loved this newest installment in the Prey Series by John Sandford. The timely subject matter made this thriller relevant. It was great to have Lucas and Letty working together. This was a fun fast-paced read. Having read all of the Prey Series, as well as all of the Virgil Flowers books, the character development is hard to match. I will be looking forward to the next adventure of Lucas and Letty, John Sandford's books are an auto-buy for me in print and audio.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.

April has proven to be a month abundant with new releases from several of my favorite authors. The sheer volume of titles on my April TBR has necessitated some rationing. While I'd typically devour each of these releases as they publish, I'm only just now getting to some of my most anticipated reads. Among these releases, John Sandford stands out as one of my top choices in the crime genre. I've been an avid fan since I discovered his Virgil Flowers series over a decade ago. I subsequently delved into his Prey series featuring Lucas Davenport and, more recently, his latest series featuring Davenport's daughter, Letty.

Despite reaching the age of 80, Sandford continues to maintain a prolific writing pace, typically releasing at least one new novel each year. Still, he has slowed down his practice of updating each series independently, instead opting to have his main characters collaborate in a single story under the Prey banner. Toxic Prey, his newest release, marks an evolution in this approach, as it sees Lucas teaming up with his daughter Letty for the first time in a gripping and pulse-pounding tale.

The book begins with Letty Davenport embarking on a journey to Oxford to rendezvous with British secret agent Alec Hawkins. Despite an immediate mutual attraction, their focus swiftly shifts to the task at hand: investigating the disappearance of Dr. Lionell Scott. Suspected to be residing somewhere in the United States, fears abound that his research into contagious viruses may have taken a sinister turn. Conversations with his former mentors reveal Scott's deep interest in the Gaia theory, which posits that all living organisms collectively form and sustain a synergistic system. According to Scott, humanity's unchecked proliferation has disrupted this balance, posing a threat to the very fabric of Gaia. His proposed solution eerily echoes that of Marvel's Thanos: a drastic reduction in the human population.

With their suspicions seemingly validated, Letty and Hawkins return to the United States, intent on locating Scott and thwarting his malevolent scheme. Recognizing the formidable challenge of finding an elusive fugitive, Letty calls upon her father, the seasoned investigator Lucas Davenport, for assistance. With Davenport's expertise at their disposal, the team embarks on a perilous mission to prevent the catastrophic spread of a mutated virus that threatens the very existence of life as we know it.

Toxic Prey sets the bar for high stakes in the long-running series, with the threat of a deadly and contagious virus looming over the narrative. Just five years ago, the notion of such a scenario might have seemed like pure science fiction. However, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the storyline takes on a chilling plausibility. Unlike the typical "hunt and arrest" formula of previous installments, this time, the investigation is fraught with the constant fear of an active virus, leading to a shoot-to-kill and containment-at-all-costs approach.

Given the weighty subject matter and the absence of Davenport's usual sparring partner, Virgil Flowers, the trademark witty banter that fans have come to expect from the series is notably toned down in this book. Nevertheless, the intense urgency of the situation and the compelling father-daughter dynamic between the main protagonists ensure that Toxic Prey remains a gripping and fast-paced read. With Sandford already hinting at the return of Flowers in the next installment, anticipation is already building for what promises to be another thrilling addition to the series.

Book #34 in Sanford's Lucas Davenport series. This book finds Lucas working with/for his daughter Letty as they investigate the disappearance of a scientist with knowledge of many top secret facilities and their operational protocols. As always, you can read this as a stand alone and enjoy all the tension and action of an excellent book.

The Earth is dying and someone has to make some choices to save it. Population and pollution have advanced to the point that life will soon be unsustainable. But what are the choices and who gets to make them? Dr Lionel Scott has been a top researcher on this problem for many years yet sees no improvement and believes the solution must be drastic and must happen now. When he disappears, Letty Davenport is contracted to find him. Due to the urgency of the request, she'll ask her father to join her investigation, and the chase is on. Lucas Davenport's many fans will love this book and the theme will cause some headaches as you try and figure out exactly who is the good guy and who is the bad. Read and enjoy!!!!!!

John Sandford remains a titan in the thriller genre, and his latest entry in the Prey series, “Toxic Prey,” does not disappoint. Marking the 34th installment, this book exemplifies why Sandford’s work continues to captivate. The pacing is brisk and immersive, making each page thrilling to turn.

Sandford tackles a terrifyingly plausible theme that mirrors the chaos of contemporary conspiracy theories and post-pandemic fears. This heddy—intensely cerebral—subject matter is woven expertly into a police procedural format, maintaining the novel’s entertainment value while provoking thoughtful consideration.

The plot centers on a renowned expert in tropical and infectious diseases who mysteriously disappears. Letty Davenport, alongside her father, Lucas, dives into a maze of leads to uncover the truth. This father-daughter duo brings a delightful dynamic to the narrative, enriching the story with their deepening relationship and combined wit, which lightens the otherwise tense atmosphere.

“Toxic Prey” offers a mix of excitement, fear, and intrigue. The storyline is tightly wound and compelling, with characters that leap off the page. Lucas and Letty Davenport shine particularly bright, their banter and chemistry providing a counterbalance to the novel’s darker themes.

However, it’s worth noting that the plot’s closeness to real-world issues might not be for everyone. If you’re seeking pure escapism, this might not be the ideal read. But for those who appreciate a thriller that reflects deep-seated societal fears, “Toxic Prey” is a hit.

In summary, “Toxic Prey” is a stellar continuation of Sandford’s beloved series. The dialogue snaps, the plot races, and the father-daughter collaboration at the heart of this novel is both heartwarming and exciting. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to Sandford’s work, this book promises to be a memorable addition to your reading list.

I always look forward to reading Lucas Davenport Prey series.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last!

Warning: A very tense story based on an infectious disease more devastating than COVID. This one had me thinking about it for days after finishing it.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Toxic Prey by John Sandford is a frightening journey down the road to what-could-be. Let’s start with the fact I like Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers books much better. This was a fabulous story, however. A small group of fanatics led by a genius doctor have decided that the only way to save the earth is to get rid of the majority of people living on it. They intended to spread another pandemic, much worse than the previous one and nearly did it. The stage was set. There was a vaccine and Lionel Scott had it, the virus, and the plan. The only problem was that he hadn’t shown up where he was expected and people were worried. They sent someone to find him and basically tripped over this whole thing. Then they started discovering bodies. Not the virus, yet, just victims.

Imagine the world is going to end, and you are tasked with trying to stop it. SO IS YOUR DAUGHTER. There is a fine line between believing in her competency and adulthood, and the fact she is your child. Lucas kept it together pretty well as a task force chased down the people involved before they could release the toxin. As was commented upon in the book, I was totally amazed that the federal government and its agencies were able to come together and accomplish this so quickly. Not sure that is a real life scenario. Too little, too late, would have been disastrous. As it was it took an amazing group of people, Letty and Lucas included, to stop this from happening. It was a thriller in the most pure sense. Readers are on the edge of their seats for most of the novel, knowing that this could happen. Frightening. Thanks, John Sandford, for a fabulous novel.

I was invited to read Toxic Prey by Penguin Group Putnam. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #PenguinGroupPutnam #JohnSandford #ToxicPrey

I have been reading John Sandford (and Camp) for years and I never get tired of his stories or his characters. This book was very suspenseful and I really could not put it down. I even got stressed a little reading it. The premise of the book is Letty and her dad Lucas and a cast of many stumble onto a plot by Gaia fanatics ( or I would call them lunatics) who have merged a deadly virus with the measles and this virus would kill 80% of those infected. Letty and the other must try to find them all before their plans go into effect.

I think one of the reasons why I was practically holding my breath while reading it, is that these type of lunatics are out there right now and their ultimate plan is to rid the earth of billions of people.

I won't give away any spoilers. This book however was scary because it could turn out to be true one of these days, especially with our open borders. Excellent book!

I would like to that Putnam Books and NetGalley for the early read. It was great!!

**Please note that the review on Amazon is different from this one. Amazon censored it and felt I violated community standards. Not sure how, but I rewrote it without referencing Gaia as that seems to be the issue.

If John Sandford is capable of writing a bad book, I haven’t found it! Toxic Prey is a scarily realistic look at the biological warfare.
When a brilliant doctor/scientist decides that the only way to save Gaia is by eliminating most of the people in the world, He uses his knowledge of diseases to engineer the most horrific one and sets off with a group of like minded individuals to put his plan into action.
Enter Letty Davenport who is tasked with finding them. She pulls together a group that includes her father, U S Marshal Lucas Davenport and his partner Rae, to hunt this group down before they can implement their plan. Letty also gets paired with Alec Hawkins from MI 5 along with her assortment of sniper, bureaucrats, and general bad ass people she’s met during her short but amazing career so far. This hunt has world ending consequences if they fail.
I will be at a complete loss if Mr. Sandford ever decides to stop writing.
**Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of this novel.**

"Gaia is dying"

Sanford has written another fast paced thriller that will keep you turning pages until the very end. I couldn't put this book down. After this many books, a series often goes downhill. There have been a few misses along the way, but Sanford still spins a great yarn and this is a fantastic story.

The world is dying. Environmentalist ecoterrorists feal that all the damage caused by overpopulation is killing the world. The only way to save her is to remedy the overpopulation. When a virologist goes missing, government officials fear the worst. Letty and Lucas Davenport end up on the hunt to stop the madman and his cohorts before they can release a killer virus that could wipe out half the earth's population. There may be a few plot points that the reader may question, but in this post Covid world, the plot does not seem as far fetched as it might have a few years ago. This book is the latest in the Prey series and Lucas and his partner Rae have a considerable piece of the action. But over half the book centers on his daughter Letty. Although she is a major character in this book, she is toned down considerably from the superwoman type of character portrayed in the two books so far that make up her new adult series. Sanford plays up the previously mentioned similarities between Letty and Lucas and she is a much better balanced character in this novel. Basically she is a younger Lucas and I now look forward to more Letty Davenport books. The MI5 agent that she teams up with is also very well written as are some of the minor characters. The fast paced action is compelling and believable. Sanford is on my must-read list which is why I was thrilled to get this book from the publisher for review. I can honestly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read thrillers.

Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House Publishing for an early copy of Toxic Prey by John Sandford

U. S. Marshall Lucas Davenport and his daughter, Letty Davenport of the Department of Homeland Security will unite to pursue a small group determined to save the planet (Gaia) by wiping out the majority of the world's population. Their investigation takes them to the rugged and somewhat isolated areas of northern New Mexico.

Dr. Lionel Scott, a caring and compassionate healer, actually possesses vials of a combination Marburg virus (potency) mixed with the speed of measles. His plans to strategically release the vials in a heavily-traveled area such as an airport will result in the successful deaths of untold numbers of humans and "save the Earth" from its impending doom.

The Davenports, along with an astonishing array of support teams and including an MI5 agent will begin operations that are relentless in their goal to stop the virus from release and to capture and kill the perpetrators. The action is non-stop as there is not a moment to lose when dealing with such a catastrophic situation.

Author John Sandford develops the strengths of the Davenports as a father/daughter team united in their mission and perhaps laying the groundwork for future collaborations between the two.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the advanced reader copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

Without a doubt, John Sandford is and has been my favorite author since the very first Lucas Davenport book, which I read a long, long time ago. He maintains that status because he keeps the stories fresh and original, albeit while writing about the same group of people. This book took off very slowly for me and I wasn't sure where it was going action-wise. Initially the plot seemed very unlike any Lucas book in that it had more of a mad scientist vibe to it, but I soon began to recognize that madness is a trait of most of the villains in his books. Having just lived thru COVID, the subject matter seemed less science fiction and more "let's hope this never happens." Love Lucas and Letty working together...almost as much as Lucas and Virgil!! Narrative is always breakneck speed and creative.

Highly recommend.

British doctor and scientist, Lionel Scott, worked in a number of Third World countries before moving to the United States and working for some of the governments most secretive and important infectious disease facilities. He has come to believe in the Gaia hypothesis - a proposition that living organisms and inorganic surroundings work together to maintain and perpetuate the conditions for life on earth. And he has come to believe that Gaia is at risk and needs to be protected to sustain life of earth. Now, he has disapperared, and the powers that be are concerned. Letty Davenport, Lucas Davenport’s daughter, now works for the Department of Homeland Security, is sent to Oxford in England to investigate Scott’s background. There she teams up with Alec Hawkins, and MI5 agent, and together they determine that Scott is indeed a threat. Since Scott had been working at government installations in New Mexico before disappearing, Letty and Alec head there to be joined by U.S. Marshalls Lucas and Rae Givens with a mission of finding Scott and his associates before any catastrophe occurs. As the danger expands, they are joined by several other characters that have appeared in earlier books as they race against time trying to piece together what is the threat and where are these “terrorists.”

This is the 34th (that’s right, 34th!) book in Sandford’s Prey series - and the quality is still there and going strong. While Sandford will never win any of the prestigious literary awards, he is at the top of his game in his genre. This plot is certainly within the realm of possibility (with the world having gone through COVID), his characters are both likable and well defined, and the action is nonstop as the tension builds throughout the book. Add in Sandford’s usual humor to break the tension before it heats up again.

My thanks to G. P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC of this book.

have been reading John Sandford novels for the last ten years or so. My late mother was a huge fan, and I would read these books with her. That said, I genuinely enjoy each book, and am very happy he started writing from Letty’s point of view. This book was no different.

Toxic Prey was captivating, deceptively witty, and fast paced. This time around, Letty and Lucas are trying to stop a mad doctor from unleashing a deadly virus. This one hits home more than it would have five years ago in this new post Covid world. I think that was one of the most fascinating parts for me; learning about how the diseases work. If anyone is looking for a smart thriller, you should pick this one up.

This is the 34th book in the Lucas Davenport series. It can be read as a standalone but I did see a review that mentioned there were a lot of characters to keep track of. Several were regulars that appear in the series and I did not have any difficulty keeping track.
This novel deals with a plan to infect the world with a very nasty virus in order to cleanse the world. Real mad scientist stuff. So of course, Lucas, Letty and the gang have to save the day, and the world.
It was nice seeing Letty and Lucas together, especially since Letty has her own series now. I love the writing of these novels. They’re fast paced and full of action. Lucas Davenport is one of my all time favorite characters. He does not mess around.
I highly recommend this book and the series, as well as Letty’s series. Both series are on my buy, no questions asked list. The only downside is I stay up way too late to finish them.
I was lucky enough to receive this book as a free ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a very well-written, entertaining book. It was very interesting, fast-paced and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and this author is a must-read for me.