Lethal Prey by John Sandford is a very highly recommended crime thriller/procedural. Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers work together to track down a ruthless killer who wants to keep the past buried. This can be read as a standalone novel.

A body of a woman brutally stabbed to death was found dumped in the woods along the edge of a park and was identified as Doris Grandfelt, an employee at an accounting firm. The perpetrator was never found. Now, twenty years later the victims twin sister Lara is determined to find Doris's killer. Having been diagnosed with breast cancer, Lara is facing her own mortality and wants justice for Doris.

To accomplish her goal Lara provides the entire investigative file to every true-crime site in the world and offers a $5 million reward for information leading to the killer’s arrest. Dozens of true-crime bloggers show up looking for both new evidence and “clicks.” U.S. Marshal Lucas Davenport and state investigator Virgil Flowers are assigned the case and review anything that might be a new lead.

The novel opens with the murder so readers know exactly what happened, why, and who did it. When the body is found, we see the unproductive investigation that followed and Lara's increasing frustration at that time. Then the narrative jumps ahead twenty years and the investigation reopens when the true-crime bloggers descend upon the crime scene and the city looking for clues, and information to publish for their followers.

What the social media true crime aficionados have is the numbers and enthusiasm to investigate. While they follow Lucas and Virgil, inserting themselves into the investigation, they also find the murder weapon. Conversely, they also publish on social media every step followed in the investigation, which allows the murderer to also follow it.

The characters have a good working relationship and the banter between the two is entertaining. Adding even more entertainment are the various social media true crime publishers interacting with them. The dialogue between characters is realistic. The killer is really a psychopath and readers will be following her actions too.

Lethal Prey is a well-written tension packed procedural/thriller full of twists and action. The pace is fast and the pages fly by. The ending was unsatisfying, but this is still an entertaining read. Thanks to Penguin/Putnam for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

The book just ends. She's talking to the attorney, throws the balls for the dogs and it ends. Was decent book until then
That can't be the end of the book.

Who doesn't love John Sandford? I have been with him since the beginning and have all his books. The stories go from his friend Virgil to his daughter in some books he is by himself in adventures that you can't get enough of. He is the coolest cat and always catches or kills the villain. (do they even say that anymore) well the bad guy. Ha! I am not as crazy about the political jardon sometimes but understand it has to be included a lot of times. The action and suspense makes up for it though. This time he and Virgil are after the dude who kills a woman 20 years ago and it's a case reopened by the murdered twin sister who offers a huge reward. I say dudes to avoid telling you who the murder is, they catch the killer as always. Enjoy the humor between the guys and see how they get help solving the crime.

I've been a huge fan of the Prey series from the beginning. A 20 yr. old murder cold case is given to Davenport and Flowers, who would rather be shooting bad guys or working on his next novel. Little evidence to be had, but that's not stopping them. Great cast of characters, twisty plot line, and your usual banter between Davenport and Flowers(always good humor). They catch the perp, are getting ready for the trial, and then the book ends abruptly, so I'm 60/40 on reading the next book.
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC .

It doesn’t get any better than when John Sandford features Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers in the same thriller. The two characters complete each other with Lusas’s intellect and Virgil’s charisma. Together they can ferret out any psychopath. In Lethal Prey neither character is happy to be given a 20 year old cold case and, thus, they decide to employ social media bloggers and true crime podcasters to help them along. Interesting, huh? The problem is that the psychopath killer knows everything that’s happening along with Lucas and Virgil, and this leads to more deaths. Harry Bosch managed to solve cold cases but can Lucas and Virgil?

The characters are well-drawn, from the bloggers to the psychopath killer, and John Sandford uses his usual plotting skills to bring this thriller to life and keep you turning pages. Looking forward to the next title featuring the dynamic duo!

This reader is a huge fan of the Prey series, and was prepared for a great read.

Lucas and Virgil team up to solve a cold case involving a twenty year old murder. When the victim’s sister offers a massive reward, the true crime community joins the hunt and things get wacky.

The Prey novels deliver plenty of action and violence and Sandford’s trademark cop humor. This thriller is not to be missed. #LethalPrey #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthorSeries

I’ve read every book by Mr. Sandford and enjoy each one, no matter how twisted and gruesome! I love both Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers and it was great to have both active in this book. I enjoy the banter between them and the other detectives.

With a reward to help find the killer in a 20-year-old cold-case murder, the true-crime bloggers were a hoot! There was plenty of bickering among the large number, but they were a big help in finding information, murder weapon and more. Virgil stayed busy corralling all of them!

There was tension for Virgil with a crime happening at his home, which makes him furious and anxious to bring the killer to justice quickly.

It was interesting to see the case and detectives (characters throughout the series) from 20 years ago and in present day.

The book ends a bit abruptly without the usual wrap-up, so I was left wondering what happened with the murderer. I don’t recall any of the other books by Mr. Sandford that ended like this and cliffhangers, if that what this was, isn’t my favorite. I was checking to see if I had missing pages since it was so unusual.

I love the Davenport and Flowers characters and always eagerly waiting for the next books. I highly recommend this book and all by Mr. Sandford.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this new work.

They are back again! My favorite crime fighting duo Lucas and Virgil are back with a new case they need to solve together. I find all the books in both series enjoyable and entertaining and this book is no different. My only concern was how abruptly the book ended, o went back serval times to see if I missed something. Otherwise it was another excellent read!

"Lethal Prey" by John Sandford - Out March 25th 2025 - 5 Stars

John Sandford delivers another gripping crime thriller, bringing together Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers to tackle a decades-old cold case. With a hefty reward on the table, their search for answers quickly entangles them with true crime bloggers, a mix of colorful suspects, and an unlikely killer. As expected from Sandford, the investigation is packed with unexpected turns, bursts of violence, and a steady momentum that keeps crime fiction fans hooked.

The novel masterfully blends procedural detective work with sharp dialogue and engaging character dynamics. Sandford’s signature style ensures that every piece of evidence—no matter how old—matters, making the chase for justice both methodical and thrilling.

With its intricate plotting and relentless pacing, this is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, especially those who enjoy a case where nothing is as straightforward as it seems.

I love john sandford and his characters and the banter between them, This one was very absorbing, I really enjoyed it.

Lucas Davenport wants to retire. Virgil Flowers wants to quit his job and write novels. But then the pair get involved in trying to solve a twenty-year-old cold murder that draws the attention of a multitude of on-line influencers who show up to assist. Chaos and humor ensue. Lucas and Virgil are realistic along with being entertaining. The sense of place is vivid. The ending is a little messy and confusing, but Sanford might be leaving the door open for a sequel.

This was a mixed thoughts read for me. I always enjoy the friendship between Lucas and Virgil, though I did miss some of the side characters we used to have in their individual books. He does a great job of mixing in new technology and real world variables, such as the true crime community, while still matching the series overall vibe.

This was focused on a cold case, so there was a lot of backstory which made for a slow build up. There also seemed to be a lot of filler about food, character descriptions (including overly detailed body descriptions for all female characters) and locations. Flowers whines a lot about not want to do his job anymore and talks nonstop about writing his book. In other words it was familiar but watered down compared to earlier books in the series. There were some strange phrases that stood out as well. Everyone rang off or clicked off a phone call instead of hanging up or ending it. Also everyone from the police, to politicians, to the true crime community talked about making movies instead of videos or content creation.

Once things get moving finally in the actual mystery part of the plot, I did enjoy watching it all come together. It’s a fun balance of old characters with new locations, and the true crime community and cold case aspect made for a fun mix. Unfortunately, it had a super abrupt cliffhanger style ending with no real resolution which was very unsatisfying. I’m not sure if this is something he intends to pick up in the next book or if it’s just done as-is, but I was extremely frustrated with the way it ends.

While this wasn’t my fav by the author, I still enjoyed it and finished it quickly. My parents are both also long time readers of the series and they both enjoyed it more than I did but also did not like how it ended. I’d rate this 3.5⭐️ rounded up

Thanks Putnam and NetGalley for the DRC!

If you are a fan of John Sandford, and his Prey Series, you know what you are getting, and you will definitely get it here! Lucas and Virgil are great together, and the book is an enjoyable mystery with a cliffhanger ending. Bring on the next book!

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

I really enjoyed the lack of politics in tbis book. Very refreshing. It was nice to see irgol a d Lucss back together on an investigation. Love those characters. I hsve read all of the prey books. This was a hood one until the ending. That was disappointing. What the heck? Is the story continuing in the next book? Anyway, i did enjoy reading this one. Great stor
y..5

Immediately in the first chapter is the hook. I love when a book grabs you in the first few pages. It was a slow burn until about halfway through the book but it's about working a cold case. It walks you through the entire case while flipping back to the killers perspective as well. You get to hear how a cold case is worked and solved. Excellent details throughout.

Very well written mystery!

John Sandford is a favorite author of mine, I will always pick up one of his books to read. This one has Virgil and Lucas working together to solve one murder, leading to many more. The writing is excellent, no fear of using what I describe as higher grade level words. The story is complex and the relationship between Virgil and Lucas is great.

The only thing I didn’t love was the ending. I don’t write spoilers so I can’t explain what I mean. I can only assume the next book in the series will start where this book leaves off. Otherwise, great read.

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

John Sandford's Lucas Davenport is back and teaming up with Virgil Flowers again. Doris Grandfelt is viciously murdered and her body dumped in the woods by a park with the case never being solved. Approximately 20 years later, her sister comes forth wanting the investigation reopened and is offering a $5 million reward to help solve the case and bring the murderer to justice. This brings out numerous true crime site creators to the site of where the body was found. Lucas and Virgil approach the case in a different manor than most investigators and rely on a few true crime creators to help with the case with the intent of them getting a part of the reward. As they look into the case they come to learn that they may be dealing with a serial killer that has been around for several years.

John Sandford does what he does best. A great story that flows at a fast pace with witty humor and a great buildup. Highly recommend for fans of John Sandford and similar authors!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #LethalPrey

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

This was the first time I read this author. I thought the story took a little too long to develop, and there was a lot of unnecessary detail.

There were also terms I wasn’t familiar with, such as “rang up” instead of “hang up” and “making movies” instead of “taking a video” maybe those are common terms for the region the story is set in, but I don’t think so.

The ending was a little disappointing but overall once the story got moving it was enjoyable to read it all come together but I don’t think I would go out of my way to read this author again..

Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers are together again, assigned to a 20-year-old murder cold case. The victim’s twin sister has offered a $5 million dollar reward to entice renewed interest in the case in hopes of finally solving it. A group of true-crime bloggers end up assisting with the case and uncover a lot of clues that would have taken Lucas and Virgil a lot longer to find. The killer is still around and is out to destroy anyone that might get a little too close.

I loved the story, the bantering between Lucas and Virgil, and Virgil’s references to using words or events in his future novels.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Loved it! The ending was abrupt so I hope it continues! So good and love reading about Davenport and Flowers!