Summary
Wicked Prey (2009) is the 19th installment in John Sandford’s long-running Pre series, featuring Lucas Davenport, an investigator with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. This novel continues Sandford’s trademark mix of brisk plotting, sharp dialogue, and grounded procedural storytelling, while adding a deeply personal subplot that raises the emotional stakes.
Set during the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, the novel follows two key plotlines:
- The Main Investigation – A team of violent, mobile criminals is robbing political operatives and lobbyists in town for the convention. Davenport must identify and stop them before things escalate further.
- The Revenge Subplot – Randy Whitcomb, a teenage boy whose life was derailed by a past encounter with Davenport, plots revenge—targeting Davenport’s adopted daughter Letty.
Strengths
- Complex Character Work: Davenport is portrayed with moral nuance and realism, particularly in his role as a father.
- Tight, Parallel Plotting: The interplay between the criminal plot and the revenge subplot maintains narrative tension throughout.
- Authentic Police Procedure: Sandford’s investigative scenes feel lived-in and believable.
- Letty’s Development: Letty stands out as an intelligent, brave teen, setting the stage for her future in the series.
Weaknesses
- Predictability: The primary plot about the heist lacks major surprises for seasoned thriller readers.
- Pacing Lulls: Some slower sections occur, especially during plot transitions.
- Villain Depth: The criminals are competent but less memorable than previous antagonists in the series.
Conclusion
Wicked Prey is a strong procedural thriller that adds emotional depth through its exploration of family and vengeance. While the main mystery is conventional, the character development—especially Letty’s role—makes this entry compelling. It’s a must-read for fans of the series and a pivotal step in Letty’s evolution as a future lead.
Recommended for: Fans of the Prey series, readers who enjoy realistic crime fiction, and those interested in thrillers that explore personal and family dynamics.
My Thoughts
While I enjoyed the book, I disagree with ChatGPT about Letty. I found the development of her character to be unrealistic. The idea that a 14-year-old is actually getting stories broadcast on a major television station seemed hard to believe. I also don’t like stories that have the characters living lives that are all about privilege. Sure, Letty came from a difficult background, but the idea that a teenager would be reporting on a television newscast is too unrealistic for me.
I did enjoy the two subplots in this story. For me, they kept the story going. I liked thinking of two different tracts.
This was not the best book in the Lucas Davenport series, but it was a solid read.
ChatGPT
The summary was generated by ChatGPT.