The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

Bill will be moderating this discussion, so I leave you in his very capable hands! Enjoy.

This is the one I will most likely read.

I think I read it years ago but will try it again.

Welcome to the thread on Rules of Prey by John Sandford. This is a new series for me. I'm not sure who actually recommended it, but I've bought a couple of the series, including this one, which is the first. Honestly, I don't know much about it. So let's start off with this bit of info. John Sandford is an American novelist, nee John Roswell Camp, who was born in Iowa. Looking at his bibliography, he's written at least three other series besides the Prey books and a number of standalones. Don't you just hate underachievers.. ;). Rules of Prey is the first of 25 books in this series. Well, actually only 24, the next is slated to be released in 2015. The Prey books features John Davenport as the protagonist. This book was originally published in 1989. For those who are, like me, starting the series, I look forward to seeing what you think of the story. And for those of you who have read the book(s), all I ask is that maybe you try not to spoiler the rest of us. Having said that, I look forward to seeing what everyone thinks. It will definitely make for a more enjoyable reading. I will be starting this probably tomorrow as I'm just finishing the fifth Game of Thrones book, probably today, and will pick up Rules of Prey next. Have fun and I look forward to discussing the book with you. :0)

Hi Bill; I have been buying like crazy, but my reading time has been somewhat limited by my crazy work schedule. This is one novel I do have, and like you, it is new to me.

Bill wrote: "Welcome to the thread on Rules of Prey by John Sandford. This is a new series for me. I'm not sure who actually recommended it, but I've bought a couple of the series, including this one, which is ..."

The protagonist is Lucas Davenport, not John Davenport. He is still and always has been one of my favorite characters in this genre. I've been reading these books since the early 90s.

Kathy wrote: "Bill wrote: "Welcome to the thread on Rules of Prey by John Sandford. This is a new series for me. I'm not sure who actually recommended it, but I've bought a couple of the series, including this o..."

Thanks for the correction, Kathy, much appreciated.

Mary wrote: "I read this a few years ago and then burned through most of the series. It's a great series."

Definitely an encouraging comment, Mary. What did you like about the series?

Skye wrote: "Hi Bill; I have been buying like crazy, but my reading time has been somewhat limited by my crazy work schedule. This is one novel I do have, and like you, it is new to me."

I hope you find time to read it. Looking forward to your thoughts.

I've been reading the Lucas Davenport books for years, not necessarily in order.

I am looking forward to reading something new since I am a novice to this series.

Kathy wrote: "Bill wrote: "Welcome to the thread on Rules of Prey by John Sandford. This is a new series for me. I'm not sure who actually recommended it, but I've bought a couple of the series, including this o..."

Kathy, I also starting reading the Prey series in the 1990's and I couldn't agree with you more, John Sandford is my favorite author. I love all three of his series!

I read the first paragraph at lunch and it was interesting to say the least.. :)

I have been a fan of this series since the beginning and am still following. It's one of the handful of books/series on my 'auto-buy' list ... automatically buy as each new book is published ... something I do only with the books I feel sure I will want to keep and re-read.

Excellent plotting, Lucas Davenport (especially in the earlier books) is a somewhat edgy, though not always admirable, detective and the characterization is exceptionally vivid.

I've read the first couple of chapters so far, nice flowing, easy read and getting right into the action. Surprising turn of events already...

I haven't begun yet; doing two books this month; finishing two others right now.

Take your time, the thread won't close.. :)

I'm excited that this made the cut. I was planning on reading this book next month but I can move it up. John is a new author to me and I'm looking forward to it.

Jannene, I am with you on this.

Bill wrote: "Take your time, the thread won't close.. :)"

Trying hard to play catch up and I am also doing more than one of our three reads....YIKES

Bill wrote: "Welcome to the thread on Rules of Prey by John Sandford. This is a new series for me. I'm not sure who actually recommended it, but I've bought a couple of the series, including this one, which is ..."

Re-reading "Rules," the first of Sandford's wonderful "Prey" series. For those new to the series, meet Lucas Davenport: Minneapolis police detective with a righteous sense of justice, a quick trigger-finger and a "the end justifies the means" approach to solving the most brutal of crimes. He's educated, athletic, wealthy, both scorned and admired by fellow cops. Loves fast cars and fast women. As you rip through the "Prey" series you'll appreciate how he grows and changes over time: career setbacks and advances, wife and growing family, changing alliances... but one overriding constant: you always want him on your side! Sandford infuses this series with nasty villains, creative plots, lots of inappropriate cop humor, clever dialogue and some (but not a lot) wise introspection on the vagaries of life and love. Enjoy the ride!!

Jon wrote: "Bill wrote: "Welcome to the thread on Rules of Prey by John Sandford. This is a new series for me. I'm not sure who actually recommended it, but I've bought a couple of the series, including this o..."

I'm about half way through now and enjoying very much. I hope it ends as well as it's started.

I have been hearing a lot of great things about the Lucas Davenport series. I have yet to jump on the band wagon. I am going to follow the thread and see what everyone has to say.

Mary wrote: "I liked all of his books except the creepy eyelid one.
"

That's one of the few I don't re-read. I definitely agree that it was a bit too much.

I am excited about this novel.

I finished Rules of Prey last night and enjoyed very much; a strong 3.5 stars if not just a 4. I look forward to your thoughts as you get through it. I don't want to spoiler any of you, just wanted to say that I like Davenport's character; he's not just a one-dimensional hero, definitely has his flaws and his strengths. I liked the 'villain' as well, quite an interesting character, if that's the appropriate word to use for a killer. Anyway, enjoy the book and let us know your thoughts. :0)

Thanks, Bill: I am trailing behind for so many reasons, but I have the book right here and look forward to reading and sharing my thoughts.

As Mary says, Skye, there is no time limit to read it; in fact the thread will stay open even when we start on the Dec/ Jan reads... :)

How kind you are Bill and Mary: I have been working seven days a week since September: I am reading a finishing a novel, reading a Castillo novel with a book buddy for another group, and, chuckle, going to start reading Double Indemnity as well for our wonderful group----!!
I have Rules of Prey ready to read and don't tell anyone, I actually bought a hard back of Michael Connelly's new novel, too.

Yes, if I could only stay awake when I read.

I have that problem too, Skye.. lol Good luck.

I'm glad you understand, Bill; that's why I love goodreads; so many great people/friends/buddies.

Mary, there are so many nice and sincere people on this site!

Agree!!!

It's mostly due to the people who've joined up and like contributing. Thanks to you all. :)

I'm new to the group and am happy to see that you are reading Rules of Prey. I finished the book a few years ago and just re-read the review I posted about it. In the review, I mentioned that crime fiction was "not my ususal read". Well, at that time it wasn't. But Lucas Davenport and the Prey series started me on a path that saw me leave a lot of other genres (at least temporarily) behind in my attempt to catch up on the psychological thriller/crime fiction/noir books I had been missing out on over the years. Now it's my favorite genre. And while Lucas is not my first choice in fictional detectives, he's certainly near the top, and I thank John Sanford for starting me on a rewarding journey that has led me to discover many new authors who have given me countless hours of pleasurable reading. I also mentioned in that old review that I didn't read series books. Hah! How things change! I can't tell you how many different series I am currently reading simultaneously. There are quite a few, and I'm perfectly able to keep them all sorted and travel back and forth between authors and books--something I would have thought impossible had I not tried it. If Lucas Davenport could launch an entirely new reading style for me, I think it's safe to say that this was not only a good book (although not my favorite in the Prey series), but a very important one as well. At least for me.

Wow! I was shocked to see this as a group read since I figured I was behind the eight ball on this series. I'm currently reading #19 (wicked prey) and can't seem to put them down. My goal is to complete the series within a year (I started Feb. 1st) before moving on to another author. I hope you all like the series as much as I do. Enjoy!

Barbara wrote: "I'm new to the group and am happy to see that you are reading Rules of Prey. I finished the book a few years ago and just re-read the review I posted about it. In the review, I mentioned that cri..."

Congratulations, Barbara, on embracing new and varied reading habits.

I'm over 1/2 way through this book and oddly, I do not like Lucas. The author said he wanted to create a character that everyone loves and I just do lnot like the flaws he has as a person. Is the story clever, yes. Are most of the characters interesting, yes. It is just Lucas that I don't like. I hope he wows me as I continue on.

I was never wowed. I found it a boring and dreadful book. The storyline was believable but the cop/detective Lucas was too flawed for me. I'm not sure if I will try again in this series or give up.

I love John Sandford and The Prey series but honestly this was not my favorite book in this series. I'll never give up on John Sandford or any of his series though.

I started reading the Prey books about the same time as the last of the Travis McGee books were written (another series I loved) and I connected with Lucas Davenport in somewhat the same way. I found a rather vague tough-guy attitude (can we also say a bit sexist?) with the somewhat over the top methods and attitude towards women, but like many women my age, while I don't actually like it, I did grow up with it.

I also do have to admit I was just starting to find the series getting just a bit stale ... how many different kinds of serial killers can you have and how many women can he 'love and leave' ... when Sandford found another gear to the series. Basically, Lucas matured ... and did it well.

I've actually liked some of the later books in the series better than I did many of the first books ... married, a family life, a new job. I would have to say that my personal favorites in the series come from these later books.

Sharon, I totally agree with everything you said! Everything I was thinking you put into words. Thank you.

Sandford always manages to add new, interesting characters, it seems. I've been fascinated by Letty since she first appeared and I would not be surprised to see her featured more as she gets older and is perhaps herself involved in law enforcement.

Sharon wrote: "I started reading the Prey books about the same time as the last of the Travis McGee books were written (another series I loved) and I connected with Lucas Davenport in somewhat the same way. I fou..."

You just persuaded me to read the next book. I have the same problem with the Jack Reacher series because of the love them and leave them attitude. I have Chosen Prey, do you have to read the series in order?

There are some ongoing storylines and sometimes references to what happened in previous cases, but most of the books can be read in any order, they do have a complete plot/storyline. I like reading them in order from just before he meets the woman he eventually marries ... and there are a few books in the later books that should be read in order but can't remember the titles right off the top of my head.

Basically, like people in the real world, he does grow up ... it just takes time.

I'm enjoying reading your comments very much. I will say I found the first book flawed, if that's the correct terminology. It was like a new TV series where the filming is gritty and rough but that still draws you in until it finds it's path and develops the characters. I enjoyed the first book and it has made me want to read more of the series. Based on the comments above, I'm looking forward moving along with Davenport to see where his life leads him.

WOW I really like this book it was very good I didnt think at first i woul like it but i was so wrong. Going have to check out the whole series

Like any long-term series, some books are better than others. I know the last couple of books where Lucas was still single and a city detective, I was getting a bit jaded with the serial killer/temporary love interest storyline. It was about then the to-be-wife entered the picture and the gradual change to family life/new job started the ongoing books along the line of what I personally term "grown up Davenport". For me, some of the best books in the series are in this later group.

I've noticed that too, Sharon/ Mary. Sometimes it seems as though authors start thinking that they need to have as many words as possible in their later books rather than just sticking to a successful format. I guess they can't always be perfect books.