I love the characters in this book, as usual. But I'm not a fan of the medical contamination trope so I didn't enjoy this book as much as I usually do. I do like John Sandford, he's an auto read author for me.

One missing scientist. One really big problem.

Letty Davenport gets a call from her putative boss, a Senator with a lot of pull with DHS for which she technically works, with an urgent request. Lionel Scott, a British doctor with a background in infectious diseases and some really high security clearances, is missing. Given that he was most recently spending time at Camp Detrick in Maryland (home of USAMRIID) and at Los Alamos, NM, looking into infectious diseases with an eye towards gain-of-function enhancements…..well, his disappearance has people in high places more than a little concerned. Letty heads to England and Oxford University, where Scott has extensive ties, trying to get a bead on where he might have gone and why. She is escorted by MI5 agent Alec Hawkins, and what the two start piecing together indicates that there is trouble brewing. Scott is brilliant, has accrued a tremendous amount of knowledge, and has gone off the rails. He is convinced that Earth is in a death spiral, and the only way to save the planet is to eliminate a large chunk of the human population. COVID was bad, but what Scott wants to do is far worse. Letty heads back to the US, where a small group of people (including Letty’s father, US Marshall Lucas Davenport) are assembled to find out where Scott is, who he has working with him, and how far along they are in their plot to let a highly contagious and lethal bio weapon on the the world.
This it the 34th outing for Lucas Davenport, and is another solid and enjoyable adventure. Letty, like her father, is lethal and a maverick, and sometimes a maverick (or in this case, a team of mavericks) is just what you need to solve a problem. Like me, readers have just seen the effects of an unknown pathogen on the world…and in Toxic Prey, the world is confronting something exponentially worse. What should a government do when it is faced with such potential devastation? Is martial law needed? Do those hunting the terrorists-to-be shoot to wound or kill? And what sacrifices need to be made for the greater good? Fast-paced and topical, Toxic Prey is a great read for both established fans of the series as well as those who enjoy authors like David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, and Michael Crichton. Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s & Sons for allowing me access to an early copy.

This book was an interesting topic and I enjoyed the plot line but there were too many characters that I had trouble keeping straight who was who. I also feel the story was a pretty slow burn for 60% of it which made it hard to get through. Not my favorite of this author’s books, unfortunately.

After Covid, Toxic Prey speaks to our deepest fears about biological warfare and people willing to compromise their morality for what they deem the fulfillment of a greater purpose. In Toxic Prey, that purpose is the elimination of 80% of the world’s population to save the planet from the burdens of overpopulation. It involves an edge of the seat pursuit of a virologist and his radicalized cohort to prevent the release of a biological weapon. With the lessons of Covid so recent, one feels the desperation of the hunters keenly. It strips the normal bounds of humanity and the protections of the law away from the military and law enforcement remaking the pursuers into a rabid lynching party sacrificing individual lives for the National and international good. A compelling and riveting novel.

Wow, what a thrill ride! I think this is one of John Sanford’s best books. And he should only write Letty Davenport novels from now on. Dad can make an appearance, and maybe Virgil Flowers, but the STAR of the Sandford character pantheon is definitely Letty.

Letty and a new partner travel from England to the American Southwest to stop a group that wants to eliminate half of the Earth’s population to save the planet. Their method, a mixture of the measles and an Ebola variation. Letty, her dad and a cast of familiar and new characters race to save the world. The ending hinted at Letty’s partner and love interest appearing in another book.

My thanks to Putnam Group, John Sandford and Netgalley.
I love the characters. I've finally developed a soft spot for Letty, and if course Lucas is my main man!
But, I hated the whole entire plot. Everything about it just was very bland. I know it was supposed to be scary, but?
Also, I've always been very firmly in the camp of the idjits who were behind this whole plot! I have no issue with killing off humanity.

As a die-hard John Sandford fan, diving into "Toxic Prey" was an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. Sandford's trademark blend of suspense, action, and razor-sharp wit shines brightly in this gripping tale. From the very first page, I was hooked by the intricate plot and complex characters. Sandford's masterful storytelling kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover each twist and turn. "Toxic Prey" is yet another testament to Sandford's unparalleled talent as a storyteller, and I couldn't recommend it more to fellow fans craving a dose of adrenaline-fueled excitement.

As I said back in 2022 when Letty Davenport, the adopted daughter of U.S. Marshals Service officer Lucas Davenport and his physician wife, Weather, got a starring role for the first time in "The Investigator," I enjoyed the book but kind of hoped it was a one-off. That's because I never really connected with Letty - maybe because I loved her dad (and mom and their friend Virgil Flowers) so much that I saw and resented her as some kind of intruder. Well, after reading the second book, both Letty and I grew up (well, she got older and wiser; as an octogenerian, I was already there physically, at least) and now we're cool.

Anyhow, this story hits a timely - and frightening - topic of biological warfare. Early on, we see Dr. Lionel Scott, a fervent believer in "Gaia" - the theory that all living things on the planet interact with each other to create and maintain a synergetic system. Now, he is certain, the human side of that equation has gone out of control, thus threatening its delicate balance. To that end, he's come up with a deadly solution.

But oops, he's nowhere to be found. Fortunately, Letty is reachable; she's called in to find him even before anyone realizes the consequences of his disappearance and the potential fallout thereof, so to speak. Since Scott is British, Letty is first sent to London, where she meets hunky (well of course!) M-15 agent Alec Hawkins, who will accompany her to Scott's alma mater, Oxford, to learn more about the guy - plus a few hangers-on who have drunk Scott's version of Kool-GaiAid. And what they learn is terrifying; immediately, Letty calls in the big guns including her father, Lucas. From that high-level meeting of the minds comes a plan to contain a deadly virus before it kills millions of unsuspecting and innocent people - even if it means killing more than a few unsuspecting and innocent people in the process.

The rest of the book, really, is Lettie and all the "good" guys and gals trying to figure out how to outwit the "bad" guys and gals before they set loose a viral killer that could wipe out half of the world's population. Pretty heady stuff that sure grabbed my attention. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

"Society as it exists is untenable."

In Toxic Prey, Lucas Davenport partners with his daughter, Letty, to locate a scientist who plans to launch a globally devastating terrorist attack.  Dr. Lionel Scott and his followers believe that thanks to humanity, Earth is dying and the only way to save it is to release a virus that will kill half of Earth's population. It MUST be done if our planet Earth is to be saved.
 
It was an interesting premise but the pacing seemed so slow, drawn out, and repetitious, to me.  This just wasn't one of my favorite John Sandford books.

Many thanks to both #GPPutnamsSons and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of #ToxicPrey.  This book is #34  in the #LucasDavenport series, with an expected publication date of April 16, 2024.

#LettyDavenport

John Sandford has done it again: written a fiendishly clever book whose plot is both plausible and frightening. How does he sleep at night? Continuing to combine characters from his other series with the main character of the "Prey" books, Sandford has created another super crime-fighting duo in Lucas and his daughter, Homeland Security agent Letty Davenport. Together, they set out to save the world—literally.

Dr. Lionel Scott, an expert in infectious diseases, views the world as being on the precipice of death due to overpopulation. With no solution in sight, Scott takes it upon himself to solve the problem by developing a highly contagious virus that, once released, promises to kill off eighty percent of the world's population. Surrounded by a small group of like-minded followers, he disappears into the wilds of northern New Mexico to perfect his virus and plot its release. His disappearance from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, with its research into highly classified projects, does not go unnoticed, however, and soon Homeland Security agent Letty Davenport is charged with finding Scott. The more Letty learns about Scott, the more concerned she becomes. Enlisting the help of her father, U. S. Marshall Lucas Davenport, and an MI5 agent from Scott's home country of Great Britain, the hunt is on.

This is a powerful, fast-paced novel that raises some ethical and moral questions. It is not "preachy," but it does highlight an issue that should be cause for concern. Sandford does such an excellent job of character development that there were times I was sympathetic to Scott and his followers—a horrible thought, I know.

Thank you, NetGalley and G. P. Putnam's Sons, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 9, 2024.

I am one of the author's biggest fans. Over the years, I have read all of his books. And enjoyed them very much. BUT THIS ONE!!! Holy smokes! It scared the bejeesus out of me! The whole idea of the bi0-terrorism is horribly frightening. And Sandford really, really outdoes himself in this one. After the whole Covid pandemic, it just seemed like this plot could actually happen.
Sandford brought in his newest character, Letty Davenport, to work alongside her father (Lucas Davenport, the main subject of most of the Prey novels). Together with a re0ccurring cast of characters, they make the book seem so real. I especially enjoyed how, in this novel, Sandford expanded the regular cast by actually bringing in the military. Which seemed pretty logical, considering the scope of the threat. And I'm enjoying the expansion of his world, as poor old Lucas is deserving of a good break.
All in all, this is another home run for the author.
Highly recommend!

Another Lucas Davenport book that doesn't disappoint! Or is it a Letty book, because they are both in it. I love both Davenport series and this was a great crossover. The hunt and search for bio terrorists was fast paced and engrossing, I loved following along and couldn't put it down. Can't wait for more father/daughter adventures!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

Thank you NetGalley & John Sandford for the eARC of Toxic Prey. The Lucas Davenport "Prey series" has been a long time favorite, must read. I was excited to see that Lucas was teaming up with Letty in the latest installment. The novel was told quickly and it had me engaged from the very first chapter. I also loved the addition of Hawkin's character, hope to see more of that in the next book.

Lucas Davenport returns for another adventure in John Sandford’s latest book, Toxic Prey. This is the 34th book in the Prey series and it’s as good as all the others. This time Lucas and his daughter, Letty, join forces to track down a scientist who is involved in dangerous and potentially lethal research.

The Prey series is so enjoyable and it’s always difficult to read just a few pages at a time. The returning characters are unique and they seem to become more developed with each book. Their interactions are fun to witness and the dialogue and humor are excellent. The plots are often timely, always interesting, and very well written. The addition of Letty, Lucas’s adopted daughter gives this series a new dimension and she’s a welcome addition to the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed Toxic Prey. I don’t know how Mr Sandford continues to come up with such fresh story ideas and then proceeds to write such entertaining books, but I hope he doesn’t stop! NetGalley provided an advance copy.

This wasn’t my fav in the series, but with 34 books you’re bound to connect with some more than others. This is the first book featuring Lucas and Letty together as the MCs, though to me it felt more Letty focused. I thought the crime aspect was really well done, it’s a realistically terrifying scenario and added a lot of tension. There were aspects of the plot that stretched credibility and while I was happy to see Barbara again, she felt underutilized as did the extra Marshalls they called in that we barely met. There is a romance subplot that was unnecessary and I wish it hadn’t been included. The juxtaposition between stopping a virus that could potentially end humanity to a horny MI5 agent talking about sex non stop was off putting. Speaking of the MI5 agent, there are two British characters in this book that don’t sound overly British (ex - using college instead of university, gas instead of petrol, etc). I just wish they all had a more distinct personality.

It’s still a series I really enjoy and will keep reading and looking forward to new releases. I’m not sure if Letty will be the focus going forward but it felt like perhaps Flowers is being phased out sadly. Thanks Putnam and Netgalley for the DRC!

Letty and Lucas Davenport team up to defeat a villainous group out to reduce the world population, so that Gaia( a belief system that the earth is a living organism ) can once again flourish. Lionel Scott, a British doctor now in the USA has developed a sure fire deadly virus, far more dangerous to human life than Covid, By rounding up sympathizers to his cause, Scott is ready to contaminate the busiest world airports in an attempt to spread the virus rapidly. Letty, in her role as an agent of Homeland Security, together with an MI5 operative and love interest, Alec Hawkins, join forces with Letty’s adoptive dad, Lucas, a US Marshal. Mayhem and murder reign, as the good guys try to beat the clock to end this unthinkable atrocity.

Underlying this fast paced plot is concern for our home on planet Earth. Overcrowding and continual reduction of the Earth’s resources is a topic that needs addressing and Sandford steps up to the job. Short of killing off a huge segment of humanity, what can we do to avoid the ultimate destruction of our home? So much to think about.

I liked that Letty is brought down a notch or two and is less super hero and more humanized. Still, at age twenty five she is a force to be reckoned with and part of an A team effort to stop the treacherous plot. Lucas is Lucas; always engaging , charming and heroic. Virgil Flowers, my fave, alas is not in this tale, although we do get a brief update on his status.

Although Toxic Prey is listed as book 34 in the Lucas Davenport series, it seemed to me that is was more Letty’s story than her dad’s. It is a stand alone and can be read by beginners to this series but is oh so much more enjoyable for reader who is familiar with all of their past exploits and can put them into context.

Four stars for a wild ride into the world of viruses, villains , and various law enforcement agents. Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam publishers for providing an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Toxic Prey is not easy to read. A small group of people believe the only way to save the world is to lessen, or possibly eliminate, the population that is destroying it. What better way than to spread a deadly, painful, and highly infectious disease. Are you wincing yet? Yes, the Sandford touch is still there. We love and welcome the characters back into our lives. We enjoy the pace, the bizarre humor in the face of this horror still comes through. There's even a new guy introduced, (romantic interest for Letty), and I'm betting he'll return. This is John Sandford after all, and he is fabulous. He truly is. (I'm such a groupie). BUT, normally I have to finish a Sandford reading nonstop. With Toxic Prey, I found myself taking breaks from it. I actually put it down and picked up something easier. Something soothing. I have never done that before. It reminded me of when we all were watching the loop of the man whispering to George Bush at an elementary school on September 11th. My friend turned to me and said what we're not seeing is when the president whispers back "bring me my brown pants." I gasped. She looked at me and queried, "too soon?" (if by any crazy chance that punch line doesn't compute - just google bring me my brown pants and the 100 year old joke will no doubt appear). So yeah, Toxic Prey is pretty hard to read but it's Sandford and you still have to finish it.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Letty Davenport just got called in to the Senator’s office again – that’s never good. A British doctor has gone missing on American soil. On it’s own, that’s not too worrisome. However, Doctor Scott is an expert in infectious diseases and some of his research has negative implications in a world where simple diseases could be transformed into weapons of mass destruction. After the events in Texas and California over the past year, Letty’s gotten a reputation for solving dangerous situations like this, but opts to bring in her dad Lucas Davenport and his partner from the Marshall’s Service. This is one of the first times Letty and Lucas will get to work together and it will definitely be memorable!

Toxic Prey makes the 34th book in the Lucas Davenport series from John Sandford and the third in the Letty Davenport series. Sandford delivers the snarky conversations and law enforcement procedurals readers have come to love from his writing. This book delivers some of our biggest public fears in the pages – highly contagious diseases, weaponized and mutated for maximum damage, and criminals, skilled in the medical field, with no qualms about wreaking havoc on the innocent public. This is a book about the power of observation and how easy it might be for a repeat of COVID if the right players had the right tools.

I give Toxic Prey 5 out of 5 stars. I have been a fan of John Sandford’s since I read the first Letty Davenport novel. The only holdback I have is around the death of children late in the novel. Not to give away too much, but I typically don’t do well when children are harmed in a story. However, Sandford handles this aspect of the story in a way that wasn’t as traumatizing as I’ve seen in other books – readers don’t build a connection with the children ahead of the incident. I enjoyed getting to know Lucas Davenport’s character through the frame of his daughter in this novel. I do wish I knew more about his back story, but can fix that soon as I read through the earlier novels in the series.

If you are a fan of Sandford’s work, you will not be disappointed with this latest release! With inclusion of sex, death, and violence, I would recommend this book be directed to more mature audiences over 16. And while this is a book later in a series, it can be read as a standalone novel with minimal knowledge loss to the reader. Also, if you like works by writers like Marc Cameron or Michael Connelly, you will love this series, too!

This is another book I requested to review based on the previous books in the series – I loved the first two Letty Davenport novels so much, I had to read the third! I was not disappointed! And because I loved the three in this series so much, I am working on acquiring the entire Lucas Davenport series, too!

In John Sandford's Toxic Prey (G.P. Putman's Sons 2024), Lucas Davenport and his adopted daughter Letty work together on a case that involves a group of ecoterrorists intent on saving the planet--Gaia--from its death at the hands of human beings. They have devised a virus that will kill half the world's population which in their estimation leaves the planet survivable for the remaining half. Though amateurs in the world-destroying field, they are committed and command a large enough group to accomplish their goal if all goes well. When the first parts of the plan do work, Lucas and Letty team up with a British MI 6 agent and together try to get far enough ahead of the ecoterrorists to stop them from killing the planet or any portion of it.

It’s a good story with the typical fast moving plot and witty Sandford voice. He throws in all the buzz words so ecowarriors will know they're in the right place--Covid gain of function, climate change, Gaia, and a bunch of planet-saving goals ecowarriors and SJWs would agree with if not the methods. It took a bit of willing suspension of disbelief to get past a few unbelievable parts, but if I put those aside, I enjoyed the story. Not the best Sanford has delivered but good.

Toxic Prey
by John Sandford
Pub Date: April 9, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Lucas Davenport and his daughter, Letty, team up to track down a dangerous scientist whose latest project could endanger the entire world, in this latest thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author John Sandford.
FANTASTIC book! I couldn't put it down. The author has long been a master at his craft, but has outdone himself with this novel - a crime/medical thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages just as quickly as possible.
5 stars