John Sandford is a master of the crime thriller genre, and his Prey series, featuring the shrewd and unconventional Lucas Davenport, has captivated readers for over three decades. For those new to this gripping world or seasoned fans looking to ensure they haven’t missed a single installment, understanding the John Sandford Prey Books In Order is essential. This guide will walk you through every thrilling novel in the series, offering insights into the character of Lucas Davenport and the evolution of this acclaimed book series.
The Prey Books in Publication Order: Your Checklist
The Prey series is best enjoyed in publication order to fully appreciate the character development of Lucas Davenport and the unfolding narrative threads that connect some of the novels. Here is the complete list of John Sandford’s Prey books in order, starting with the inaugural novel that introduced us to the world of Lucas Davenport:
| # | Title | Year | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rules of Prey | 1989 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 2 | Shadow Prey | 1990 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 3 | Eyes of Prey | 1991 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 4 | Silent Prey | 1992 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 5 | Winter Prey | 1993 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 6 | Night Prey | 1994 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 7 | Mind Prey | 1995 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 8 | Sudden Prey | 1996 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 9 | Secret Prey | 1998 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 10 | Certain Prey | 1999 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 11 | Easy Prey | 2000 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 12 | Chosen Prey | 2001 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 13 | Mortal Prey | 2002 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 14 | Naked Prey | 2003 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 15 | Hidden Prey | 2004 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 16 | Broken Prey | 2005 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 17 | Invisible Prey | 2007 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 18 | Phantom Prey | 2008 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 19 | Wicked Prey | 2009 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 20 | Storm Prey | 2010 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 21 | Buried Prey | 2011 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 22 | Stolen Prey | 2012 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 23 | Silken Prey | 2013 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 24 | Field of Prey | 2014 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 25 | Gathering Prey | 2015 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 26 | Extreme Prey | 2016 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 27 | Golden Prey | 2017 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 28 | Twisted Prey | 2018 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 29 | Neon Prey | 2019 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 30 | Masked Prey | 2020 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 31 | Ocean Prey | 2021 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 32 | Righteous Prey | 2022 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 33 | Judgment Prey | 2023 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 34 | Toxic Prey | 2024 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
| 35 | Lethal Prey | 2025 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
Lucas Davenport vs. Lincoln Rhyme: A Thrilling Novella
| # | Title | Year | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| – | Rhymes With Prey: Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport | 2014 | Amazon.de | Amazon.com |
This novella offers a unique crossover, pitting Lucas Davenport against Jeffery Deaver’s famed character, Lincoln Rhyme. It’s a must-read for fans of both series, though it is not essential to the main Prey storyline.
Dive into the World of Lucas Davenport: More Than Just a Cop
John Sandford’s Prey series isn’t just about solving crimes; it’s about the compelling character of Lucas Davenport. Initially introduced as a Minneapolis police detective within the Office of Special Intelligence, Davenport is far from your typical law enforcement officer. He’s a complex individual, marked by his unorthodox methods and a willingness to bend the rules to catch his prey.
Unconventional Tactics and a Sharp Mind
Davenport’s approach to crime-solving is anything but conventional. He’s known for his manipulative tactics and a vast network of informants cultivated from the streets. His appearance is often described as distinctive, and he’s not afraid to operate in the gray areas of the law if it serves his purpose of bringing criminals to justice. This sometimes lands him in hot water, but his exceptional success rate speaks for itself. Davenport possesses a keen intellect and a remarkable ability to get inside the minds of criminals, allowing him to anticipate their moves and effectively track them down.
From Detective to Bureau Deputy Chief
Over the course of the series, Lucas Davenport’s career evolves significantly. Starting as a police detective in Minneapolis, he later resigns and briefly assists the NYPD in “Silent Prey.” His expertise leads him to become a Deputy Chief, heading his own investigative unit where he tackles politically sensitive cases. Eventually, Davenport joins the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, taking on even broader responsibilities and complex investigations. This career progression allows Sandford to explore different facets of law enforcement and introduce new challenges for Davenport in each novel.
A Tech-Savvy Detective with a Taste for Firearms
Before dedicating himself to law enforcement, Lucas Davenport was a successful entrepreneur in the video game industry. His early career involved creating and selling role-playing games, and his company later transitioned to developing training simulations for police and emergency services. This background not only made him independently wealthy but also instilled in him a deep understanding of technology, which he frequently utilizes in his detective work. Davenport is also known for his extensive gun collection, reflecting a complex aspect of his personality and his preparedness for the dangerous situations he encounters.
Evolving Personal Life
While his professional life is filled with intense crime-solving, Lucas Davenport’s personal life is also a significant part of the Prey series. Initially portrayed as a womanizer, Davenport’s relationships evolve throughout the books. He fathers a daughter, Sarah, and later marries Weather Karkinnen, a surgeon, with whom he has a son, Sam, and adopts a daughter, Letty. His personal relationships add depth to his character and show a softer side to the often-tough detective.
Prey on Screen: From Book to TV Movie
The popularity of the Prey series has extended beyond the pages of the novels. Two of the books have been adapted into television movies, bringing Lucas Davenport to a wider audience.
In 1999, “Mind Prey” was adapted into a TV movie starring Eriq LaSalle as Lucas Davenport. While it garnered a nomination for its cinematography, it didn’t achieve widespread acclaim. However, in 2011, “Certain Prey,” starring Mark Harmon as Davenport, proved to be much more successful. It became a highly-rated cable movie, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the character and the series.
Why Read the Prey Series?
The John Sandford Prey books offer a thrilling blend of suspense, intricate plots, and a deeply compelling protagonist. Lucas Davenport is a character who stays with you long after you finish reading. His methods might be questionable at times, but his dedication to justice and his sharp wit make him an unforgettable hero. If you are a fan of crime thrillers with complex characters and storylines that keep you guessing until the very end, the Prey series is a must-read. Start with “Rules of Prey” and prepare to be hooked!
