John Sandford is a pen name for Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Roswell Camp, a name synonymous with thrilling crime novels, particularly known for the gripping “Prey” series featuring Lucas Davenport. Since his debut novel Rules of Prey in 1989, Sandford has captivated readers with his intricate plots, compelling characters, and sharp, realistic writing style. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, understanding the John Sandford Books In Order can enhance your reading experience. This guide provides a comprehensive list of all John Sandford’s books, organized by series and publication date, ensuring you don’t miss a single heart-stopping thriller.
Publication Order of Prey/Lucas Davenport Books
The “Prey” series is the cornerstone of John Sandford’s bibliography, featuring the charismatic and unconventional Minneapolis investigator, Lucas Davenport. Known for his wealth, Porsche, and keen investigative skills, Davenport navigates a world of cunning criminals and high-stakes suspense. Reading the Prey books in order allows you to witness Davenport’s evolution and the development of recurring characters and themes throughout the series.
| Book Title | Year Published | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|
| Rules of Prey | (1989) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Shadow Prey | (1990) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Eyes of Prey | (1991) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Silent Prey | (1992) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Winter Prey | (1993) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Night Prey | (1994) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Mind Prey | (1995) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Sudden Prey | (1996) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Secret Prey | (1998) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Certain Prey | (1999) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Easy Prey | (2000) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Chosen Prey | (2001) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Mortal Prey | (2002) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Naked Prey | (2003) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Hidden Prey | (2004) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Broken Prey | (2005) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Invisible Prey | (2007) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Phantom Prey | (2008) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Wicked Prey | (2009) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Storm Prey | (2010) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Buried Prey | (2011) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Stolen Prey | (2012) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Silken Prey | (2013) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Field of Prey | (2014) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Gathering Prey | (2015) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Extreme Prey | (2016) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Golden Prey | (2017) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Twisted Prey | (2018) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Neon Prey | (2019) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Masked Prey | (2020) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Ocean Prey | (2021) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Righteous Prey | (2022) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Judgment Prey | (2023) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Toxic Prey | (2024) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Lethal Prey | (2025) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
Publication Order of Lucas Davenport vs. Lincoln Rhyme Short Stories/Novellas
This short story brings together Lucas Davenport and Jeffery Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme, creating a crossover event for fans of both authors.
| Book Title | Year Published | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|
| Rhymes With Prey: Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport (With: Jeffery Deaver) | (2014) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
Publication Order of Letty Davenport Books
Letty Davenport, Lucas Davenport’s adopted daughter, steps into the spotlight in her own series. Following in her father’s footsteps but forging her own path, Letty is an investigator with a sharp mind and a fearless approach, tackling complex cases in the world of national security and political intrigue. This series offers a fresh perspective within the Sandford universe, exploring contemporary issues through Letty’s eyes.
| Book Title | Year Published | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|
| The Investigator | (2022) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Dark Angel | (2023) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Toxic Prey | (2024) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
Publication Order of Kidd & LuEllen Books
Before Lucas Davenport, there was Kidd, a professional thief, and LuEllen, his computer-savvy partner. This series, starting with The Fool’s Run, delves into the world of art theft, high-tech crime, and international intrigue. It showcases Sandford’s versatility and his ability to create compelling protagonists in different shades of morality.
| Book Title | Year Published | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|
| The Fool’s Run | (1989) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| The Empress File | (1991) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| The Devil’s Code | (2000) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| The Hanged Man’s Song | (2003) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
Publication Order of Virgil Flowers Books
Virgil Flowers, an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, is the protagonist of this engaging series. Based in rural Minnesota, Flowers is known for his laid-back demeanor, sharp wit, and unconventional methods of solving crimes. The Virgil Flowers series offers a blend of mystery, humor, and rural charm, making it a favorite among Sandford’s readers.
| Book Title | Year Published | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|
| Dark of the Moon | (2004) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Heat Lightning | (2008) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Rough Country | (2009) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Bad Blood | (2010) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Shock Wave | (2011) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Mad River | (2012) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Storm Front | (2013) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Deadline | (2014) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Escape Clause | (2016) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Deep Freeze | (2017) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Holy Ghost | (2018) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Bloody Genius | (2019) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Ocean Prey | (2021) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Righteous Prey | (2022) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Judgment Prey | (2023) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
Publication Order of Singular Menace Books (with Michele Cook)
Co-authored with Michele Cook, the “Singular Menace” series introduces a younger audience to Sandford’s thrilling storytelling. These books are fast-paced and action-packed, suitable for young adults and readers who enjoy suspenseful adventures.
| Book Title | Year Published | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|
| Uncaged | (2014) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Outrage | (2015) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Rampage | (2016) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Beyond his series, John Sandford has also penned standalone novels, each showcasing his mastery of suspense and storytelling in unique settings and scenarios. These novels are perfect for readers looking for a single, self-contained thriller.
| Book Title | Year Published | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|
| The Night Crew | (1997) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Dead Watch | (2006) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Saturn Run | (2015) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
Publication Order of The MatchUp Collection Books
These collaborative short stories are part of the “MatchUp” and “FaceOff” collections, pairing John Sandford’s characters with those of other renowned thriller authors. It’s a unique opportunity to see Lucas Davenport in intriguing crossovers.
| Book Title | Year Published | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|
| Honor & … (By: C.J. Box,Sandra Brown) | (2017) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Deserves to Be Dead (With: Lisa Jackson) | (2017) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Getaway (By: Lisa Scottoline,Nelson DeMille) | (2017) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Midnight Flame (By: Christopher Rice,Lara Adrian) | (2018) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Short Story (By: Karin Slaughter,Michael Koryta) | (2019) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Past Prologue (By: Diana Gabaldon,Steve Berry) | (2019) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Faking a Murderer (By: Lee Child,Kathy Reichs) | (2019) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Dig Here (By: Charlaine Harris,Andrew Gross) | (2019) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Taking the Veil (By: J.A. Jance,Eric Van Lustbader) | (2019) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Rambo on Their Minds (By: Gayle Lynds,David Morrell) | (2019) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| Footloose (By: Val McDermid,Peter James) | (2019) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
Publication Order of Anthologies
John Sandford’s work appears in these anthologies, offering readers a taste of his shorter fiction and placing him alongside other masters of the mystery and thriller genres.
| Book Title | Year Published | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|
| FaceOff | (2014) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| MatchUp | (2017) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| The Best American Mystery Stories 2017 | (2017) | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
More About John Sandford: From Pulitzer Prize to Bestselling Author
John Sandford’s journey to becoming a renowned thriller writer is as compelling as his novels. Born John Roswell Camp in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1944, Sandford initially carved a successful career in journalism. His dedication to impactful storytelling earned him a Pulitzer Prize in 1986 for Non-Deadline Feature Writing while working at the Saint Paul Pioneer Press. His award-winning series, “Life on the Land: An American Farm Family,” poignantly depicted the struggles of a Minnesota farm family during the Midwest farm crisis, showcasing his ability to connect with readers on a deeply human level.
Prior to his move to Minnesota, Sandford honed his journalistic skills at The Miami Herald throughout the 1970s, utilizing his degrees in American History and Journalism from the University of Iowa. His transition from hard-hitting journalism to fiction in 1989 marked the beginning of his prolific career as John Sandford. His publisher suggested the pseudonym to differentiate his thriller novels from his non-fiction work, launching The Fool’s Run under his real name and Rules of Prey under the Sandford pen name in the same year. The overwhelming success of Rules of Prey solidified John Sandford as his primary author identity.
Beyond writing, Sandford’s life is rich with diverse interests. He served in the Army from 1966 to 1968 and harbors passions for archaeology, art, photography, hunting, and fishing. His commitment to archaeology extends to financially supporting digs in the Jordan Valley of Israel, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and adventurous spirit. This breadth of experience undoubtedly enriches his writing, adding depth and authenticity to his characters and narratives. Even with over 30 novels to his name, John Sandford continues to write, consistently delivering the high-quality, suspenseful thrillers his readers have come to expect.
John Sandford in Movies and TV: Bringing Prey to the Screen
The cinematic potential of John Sandford’s thrilling novels has long been recognized, leading to several adaptations for television. The most notable adaptation is Certain Prey, a USA Network TV movie starring Mark Harmon, known for his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS, as Lucas Davenport. Premiering in 2011, Certain Prey was a ratings success, drawing over 5 million viewers and becoming one of the highest-rated cable movies of the year. Harmon’s portrayal of Davenport resonated with many fans, bringing the character’s charisma and intensity to life on screen.
Earlier, in 1998, Mind Prey was also adapted into a TV movie, starring Eriq LaSalle of ER fame as Lucas Davenport. However, this adaptation did not achieve the same level of success as Certain Prey, receiving lukewarm reception from audiences and fans alike. Despite varying levels of critical acclaim, these adaptations demonstrate the enduring appeal of Sandford’s stories and their ability to translate to visual mediums, further expanding his readership and fan base. As Sandford continues to publish new novels, the prospect of future adaptations remains an exciting possibility for his fans.
The Future is Bright for John Sandford Readers
For fans of heart-pounding suspense and expertly crafted crime novels, the future of John Sandford’s writing career is promising. With consistent releases across his popular series and the occasional standalone novel, Sandford shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re drawn to the cunning investigations of Lucas Davenport, the folksy charm of Virgil Flowers, or the high-stakes world of Kidd and LuEllen, there’s always a new John Sandford adventure on the horizon. Exploring John Sandford books in order is a rewarding journey for any thriller enthusiast, offering countless hours of reading pleasure and suspenseful entertainment. Dive into the world of John Sandford and experience the thrill for yourself!
