Rules of Prey 

This is a must-read kickoff for fans of thriller series that follow an engaging protagonist through adventure and actualization. 

In this book by John Sandford, we meet Lucas Davenport, a detective with the Minneapolis Police Department who moonlights as a game designer. When he’s not strategizing in his cutting-edge entertainment gig, he unpuzzles crimes that seem unsolvable. In Rules of Prey, Lucas is tapped to help find a serial killer who tortures his victims and leaves absolutely no trace of evidence behind. The monster is crafty, meticulous, intelligent, and thrives on the hunt. But he’s met his match in Lucas. When the killer discovers a cat-and-mouse game is afoot, he taunts Lucas, his team, and his soon-to-be victims, pushing them to the limits of sanity and survival. 

At first, I thought Lucas was a bit of a womanizer.

Yeah, so is James Bond, and we all love him, but Lucas has more skin in the game (you’ll see what I mean when you read this book). And he hooks up with the one surviving victim of the serial killers. Really, Lucas? Be a better ‘bad boy.’ But I’m not losing faith in this protagonist. The friend who recommended this series shares that he does redeem himself. Hence my use of the word ‘actualization.’

Lothario aside, Lucas is likable.

He’s the original Sonny Crockett with his suave demeanor, clever repartee, and trendy clothes. The supporting cast differs from him, yet is no less important than the protagonist. They hold their own and artfully challenge him. Especially his on-again, off-again girlfriend, TV reporter Jennifer Carey. 

The plot is solid, and the pacing is fast. The POV’s are mainly Lucas versus the predator, avoiding a complicated pattern and giving just enough insight to incite appeal and, in the case of the killer, loathing. I believe this book appeals to anyone who likes dark thrillers or detective series and is looking for their next Mindhunter meets Harry Bosch. 

Image Courtesy of Penguin Random House/Putnam