I recently read John Sandford’s newest novel, “Lethal Prey,” while taking my turn in the passenger seat on a long drive. I’m a bit conflicted with Sandford, because on the one hand over the series he’s had armed citizens save life multiple times, including his adopted crime victim daughter Letty when she was a young kid. Over the course of various novels, that same Letty has evolved as a tough, smart character in her own right, now a Federal investigator, and by now she’s killed more bad guys than capital punishment nationwide it seems. My friend Glenn Meyer, a retired psychology professor, has diagnosed the character as a sociopath.
She could also be diagnosed as a hypocrite, because in the past Sandford has had her say that non-cops have no business with guns like AR15s. WTF?
I’d like to interview John Sandford sometime. 2A issues aside, though, that novelist is excellent with plot structure and character development, and that’s why he’s one of the few novelists I continue to read.
“Lethal Prey” focuses on two of his main characters, Lucas Davenport (now a US Marshal) and Virgil Flowers, an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Their target is a particularly clever serial killer.
This is perhaps the first Davenport novel where no shots are fired: the villain in question commits murder by other means. It’s also the rare Sandford novel that ends in a cliff hanger.
Like it or not, a well-constructed read.
Long time Sanford fan, he does write well. I’ve noticed a dichotomy on his view of firearms. He sometimes presents positive instances where citizens defensively use firearms. One book even has a elementary age boy chasing off cartel baddies using high capacity magazines. But, it’s only a .22. That said, hypocrisy on the subject of firearms isn’t unusual when there’s money to be made. He could drum up a few more left wing villains too.
The Davenport character would also appear to be a high functioning sociopath. The author also seems to make the case over decades that there’s a lot of such folks, if not so violent.
Recalling a few other cliff hangers, I’m curious to see if Ms Fisk returns down the road like some others did. Now that I think of it, aren’t those all women?
Think you meant “than” rather than “that” referring to capital punishment.
You’re right sir, thanks for the catch.
Yep. Great writer, but two faced for sure.
I read probably 2/3s of his novels and loved them until he began, especially at the end of them, to become political and amti-2nd. I stopped then, and shant read another. But then again, the base of his series is Minneapolis so we should not be surprised.
One of my favorite authors, but have also noticed a definite anti-2A thread. Can’t decide whether to keep reading or give my money to someone else
I won’t give my money to anti 2A authors, just like I won’t help enrich authors and movie makers like Steven King in my home state of Maine who are rapidly anti Trump or anti 2A.
Living in Minnesota, I have met many who are seemingly “anti 2A” who would not give up owning guns and who have carry permits. Very challenging to understand, but its Minnesota. I believe I have read every Sanford novel at least once. Will be reading Lethal Prey shortly.