Helpful Score: 2
If you're a fan of the Prey series you cannot miss this one. I can't say it was my favorite but it fits and fans will still love it.
Clara Rinker is back and better than before. If you've met her already then you already have a soft spot for her if only for her abilities. She's a great match for Lucas Davenport.
Definitely read this if you're following the series.
Clara Rinker is back and better than before. If you've met her already then you already have a soft spot for her if only for her abilities. She's a great match for Lucas Davenport.
Definitely read this if you're following the series.
Helpful Score: 1
Good summer read. Plot moved along and there were characters that I found interesting. This book was up to Sandford's best writing.
Helpful Score: 1
Another fantastic Lucas Davenport story, I cannot believe that after all these books and all these years his mysteries are still tight, compelling and intense. The plots are complex and well thought out, and I always enjoy books where the character's history is just as interesting and important as the story line, and in some cases where his past opponents return to wreak havoc.
Helpful Score: 1
So far I have read all the "preys" by Sanford and J. Sanford's character, Lucas Davenport never fails to electrify. A very good read.
all his "Prey" books are good
Love John Sanford and his Prey books!!
It's the little things about Lucas Davenport that make him such a kick to follow his ruminations about why a public bus smells like urine, his fear that a cell phone won't work in the bathroom "with all the tile." Davenport is, of course, a marvelous if unorthodox cop from Minneapolis, starring here in his 13th Prey offering, which finds creator Sandford operating at top efficiency and in high style. Clara Rinker, the hit woman extraordinaire who slipped out of Davenport's grasp in 1999's Certain Prey, is now back on the prowl, looking for revenge against old enemies from Kansas City who killed her fiance and shot her in the gut. The bullet spared her life, but not that of her baby. The FBI, knowing she's headed to Missouri, assembles a huge team of shirt-and-tie, laptop-carrying agents, but also taps Davenport to make the trip. Sure enough, Rinker starts knocking off old business partners in creative ways, making the tech-minded FBI look foolish. It's only Davenport and his feet-on-the-street savvy that finally rope Rinker into a furious pursuit and showdown. Sandford's eye for the tell-all character quirk remains finely tuned, as does his deadpan humor, rivaled by few in the crime-drama ranks. Longtime fans should take note that changes are ahead for Davenport. He's marrying his sweetie, Dr. Weather Karkinnen, and they're having a kid. He's also about to leave the city police force, following his boss, Rose Marie Roux, to a job with the state police.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
This is Book 13 of the Prey series. Mortal Prey is the reintroduction of the sniper Clara Rinker. It is a great book that you come to expect from Sandford.
(A) top choice summer thriller...
Years ago, Lucas Davenport almost died at the hands of Clara Rinker, a soft-spoken Southern beauty, and one of the FBI's most wanted killers. Now, they're crossing paths again - on an interstate revenge spree triggered by a sniper's bullet that robbed Clara of her lover and her unborn baby. With nothing left to lose, she can only be stopped by Davenport - or count him among her victims.
Loyal Lucas Davenport fans will remember Clara Rinker, the stone killer from 'Certain Prey.' After making her escape, she fled to Cancún, where she established a new identity, found a lover and became pregnant. Clara, now Cassie McLain, was on her way to a normal existence for the first time in her life. Then a hired gun from the States makes an attempt on her life killing her boyfriend and wounding her enough to lose her child. Clara recovers with one thing one her mind - cold, cold revenge. Clara's going home, with some very evil plans.
When the FBI realize that McLain was Rinker and has returned to the States, they call in Davenport, who is, after all, the only cop to ever even come close to catching her. Lucas, who is spending his time annoying builders and supervising his fiancée Weather's pregnancy, reluctantly agrees. Actually, the truth is that Weather tells him to go away and stop bothering her. What follows is a classical chase thriller where Rinker manages to keep killing one step ahead of her pursuers. In several cases, she even manages to rub Lucas's face in it.
If you are a sucker for tricks and wild plot devices, you are going to love 'Mortal Prey.' Rinker is smart and crazy. Each killing is detailed and jarring, full of the kind of twists that keep this from being yet another long chase. And while Clara is certainly over the top, Sandford manages to make her a sympathetic character all on her own. I found myself cheering for her time after time. She is after the Mafia men who put out the hit on her and she intends to get each and every one. That she is also capable of killing anyone in her way seems to become a matter of indifference.
Lucas and the FBI agents as well, repeatedly get left holding the bag. Malone and Mallard return, along with a host of camp followers. Davenport, true to his nature, runs his own investigation with the help of some St. Louis retired officers, and manages to keep finding almost enough clues. Of course, it wouldn't be any fun if they caught her too early, and the little glitches and tricks that keep her out of reach are novel enough to keep the action moving without any sign of tedium.
Oddly enough, Sandford does such a good job of making Rinker likeable that he winds up making Davenport look a bit of a jerk. One is tempted to think he is suffering from a bad case of premarital jitters, and that may very well be the case. I can't consider it a major defect, because the book itself is extremely well written. Certainly, it is a welcome return to Sandford's best form.
When the FBI realize that McLain was Rinker and has returned to the States, they call in Davenport, who is, after all, the only cop to ever even come close to catching her. Lucas, who is spending his time annoying builders and supervising his fiancée Weather's pregnancy, reluctantly agrees. Actually, the truth is that Weather tells him to go away and stop bothering her. What follows is a classical chase thriller where Rinker manages to keep killing one step ahead of her pursuers. In several cases, she even manages to rub Lucas's face in it.
If you are a sucker for tricks and wild plot devices, you are going to love 'Mortal Prey.' Rinker is smart and crazy. Each killing is detailed and jarring, full of the kind of twists that keep this from being yet another long chase. And while Clara is certainly over the top, Sandford manages to make her a sympathetic character all on her own. I found myself cheering for her time after time. She is after the Mafia men who put out the hit on her and she intends to get each and every one. That she is also capable of killing anyone in her way seems to become a matter of indifference.
Lucas and the FBI agents as well, repeatedly get left holding the bag. Malone and Mallard return, along with a host of camp followers. Davenport, true to his nature, runs his own investigation with the help of some St. Louis retired officers, and manages to keep finding almost enough clues. Of course, it wouldn't be any fun if they caught her too early, and the little glitches and tricks that keep her out of reach are novel enough to keep the action moving without any sign of tedium.
Oddly enough, Sandford does such a good job of making Rinker likeable that he winds up making Davenport look a bit of a jerk. One is tempted to think he is suffering from a bad case of premarital jitters, and that may very well be the case. I can't consider it a major defect, because the book itself is extremely well written. Certainly, it is a welcome return to Sandford's best form.
It's a can't put down thriller
The suspense is breath-taking. Very hard to put down.
Years ago, Lucas Davenport almost died at the hand of Clara Rinker, a soft-spoken Southern beauty, and one of the FBI's most wanted killers. Now, they're crossing paths again---on an intersate revenge spree triggered by a sniper's bullet that robbed Clara of her lover and her unborn baby. With nothing left to lose, she can only be stopped by Davenport---or count him among her victims...
Years ago, Lucas Davnport almost died at the hands of Clara Rinker, one of the FBI's most wanted killers. Now they're crossing paths again.
Lucas Davenport is again faced with wanted killer Clara Rinker. Clara's lover and unborn baby is killed by a sniper. With nothing to lose, she can only be stopped by Davenport--or count him among her victims
A Lucas Davenport thriller
Another great book by John Sanford - a real fast paced book - another great "Prey" series book.
Years ago,Lucas Davenport almost died at the hands of Clara Rinker,a soft-spoken beauty,and one of the FBI's mostwanted killers.Now,they're crossing paths again-on an interstate revenge spree triggered by a sniper's bullet that robbed Clara of her lover and her unborn child.
Years ago, Lucas Davenport almost died at the hands of Clare Rinker, a soft-spoken Southern beauty, and one of the FBI's most wanted killers. now they're crossing paths again! a suspenseful tale!
John Sandford is a good author and this book is part of the Prey series that is very good.
entertaining as usual
Another exciting, complicated police drama with the great Lucas Davenport character. Always a good read!
Year before, Lucas Davenport almost died at the hands of a soft-spoken Southern beauty and one of the FBI's most wanted killers. Now, they're paths cross again during an interstate revenge spree. This Southern beauty has nothing to loose and only Lucas can identify her and stop her.
I have read most of John Sanford. This book I will add to my favorite list. It is very much standard "prey" material.
Great read. Lots of suspense and action.
Heather M. (celticscrapper27) reviewed Mortal Prey (Lucas Davenport, Bk 13) on + 54 more book reviews
One of my personal favorites. I love Clara and her relationship with Lucas. This one doesn't disappoint!
Female murderer leads cops on a thrilling chase
John Sandfords books are hard to put down. 'Mortal prey' is no exception. Clara Rinker has returned and she is still lethal ! It is up to Lucas Davenport to find her before she finds him.
John Sandfords descriptions of how Clara Rinker is able to stay one step ahead of the entire police force are breathtaking. His eye for details and surprising plots are hard to match. This is the story of someone who wants to change her destructive life (Clara Rinker), but because of horibble events, is forced to do what she has done all her life: killing. Sandford is able to let you sympathize for the villain, which is not that easy to do.
A great story about revenge and setting matters straight. Must-read !
John Sandfords descriptions of how Clara Rinker is able to stay one step ahead of the entire police force are breathtaking. His eye for details and surprising plots are hard to match. This is the story of someone who wants to change her destructive life (Clara Rinker), but because of horibble events, is forced to do what she has done all her life: killing. Sandford is able to let you sympathize for the villain, which is not that easy to do.
A great story about revenge and setting matters straight. Must-read !
Juana V. (alaskabookswapper) reviewed Mortal Prey (Lucas Davenport, Bk 13) on + 36 more book reviews
years ago, lucas davenport almost died at the hands of Clara Rinker, a soft spoken southern beauty, and one of the FBI's most wanted killers,now they are crossing paths again, on an interstate revenge spree that robbed clara of her lover and unborn baby. with nothing left to loose, she can only be stopped by davenport, or...count him amoung her victims.
A WONDERFULLY CHILLING NOVEL WITH ANOTHER OF LUCAS DAVENPORTS ADVENTURES
This is a Lucas Davenport novel. Sandford's Prey books are some of the best.
John Sandford's "Prey" novels are excellent!!!
My favorite author
In this spellbinder, the 13th installment in John Sandford's Prey series, likable hit woman Clara Rinker becomes an assassination target herself. When the plot fails, Rinker slips underground to track down her would-be killers. To quiet things down, the feds call out Minneapolis deputy police chief (and series hero) Lucas Davenport. Lucas has his own steer-sized beef with the soft-spoken Rinker: A few years back, in Certain Prey, she nearly killed him. In this exciting thriller, everyone is caught in the crossfire.
This book was one of my favorites. John Sanford writes some of the best stories. Seriously recommend this book
Lucas Davenport is one tough cop, and this one has a villain you almost want to pull for.......
Clara on the run - a blast from Lucas's past
I was reading along until I realized that I did not care about any of the characters. It simply did not hold my interest.
all his books are excellent
Great read!
Great book in the Prey series. Lucas Davenport is pitted against an extremely clever hit woman.
If you haven't started Sandford's Prey series yet, this is an excellent place to start. First of the PREY series I read and loved every minute of the suspense
In this spellbinder, the 13th installment in John Sandford's Prey series, likable hit woman Clara Rinker becomes an assassination target herself. When the plot fails, Rinker slips underground to track down her would-be killers. To quiet things down, the feds call out Minneapolis deputy police chief (and series hero) Lucas Davenport. Lucas has his own steer-sized beef with the soft-spoken Rinker: A few years back, in Certain Prey, she nearly killed him. In this exciting thriller, everyone is caught in the crossfire.
Excellent adventure with Lucas, as usual! This is a great series. This one revisits and old adversary, Clara Rinker.
In this thirteenth Prey novel, Lucas Davenport joins forces with a hit woman who comes perilously close to doing him in. He takes on cops and killers with a full-throttle road trip!
"Masterfully paced, absorbing".....-People (beach Book of the week)
Years ago Davenport almost died at the hands of FBI's most wanted Clara
Rinker. Now, they're crossing paths again. Who will win this battle, and at what cost?
Rinker. Now, they're crossing paths again. Who will win this battle, and at what cost?
If you haven't sampled the prey series, this is an excellent place to start.
Part of Sandford's "Prey" series. Lucas Davenport main character.
A hold-your-breath thriller that keeps you at it until the finish.
For this book, you'll want to have first read Certain Prey which introduces Clara Rinker; it's not crucial but will give Mortal Prey a bit more depth. Clara returns in a plot that reminded me irresistibly of Thomas Perry's The Butcher's Boy. Clara is living in Cancun and pregnant when a sniper murders her boyfriend, hits her as well and she loses her baby. She decides on revenge and heads back to the States to take out the Mafia guys that ordered it. I don't think it was explained real well just why they decided she had to go, and why her boyfriend's VIP dad helped her later when she needed it. (But this is a Sandford book...you read it fast, like eating potato chips, and maybe some bits are forgettable, just like when you can't believe you just ate the whole bag) It's another very consistent book from Sandford, with the usual amount of excellent action scenes, lots of bodies, and Davenport setting up scenarios for the bad guy to get killed. Unlike most Sandford novels you can actually feel some sympathy for the killer Clara, while most but not all of the victims get what they deserve.
One of his best.............
Lucas Davenport's boss is about to lose her job as chief of police, his fiancée is distracted with wedding plans, and his house-remodeling project is at a standstill. So when the FBI and DEA draft the Minneapolis cop to head off hit woman Clara Rinker's bloody murder spree, he's glad to oblige. The lady killer and the killer lady have tangled before in Sandford's Prey series, and their personal history seasons this fast-paced story of mayhem, murder, and revenge. After Rinker barely survives an assassination attempt that destroys her unborn baby and kills her lover, the son of a Mexican drug lord, she sets out to destroy the mobsters who ordered the hit, a journey that brings her into Davenport's sights again and also puts him back in action alongside a woman agent with whom he was once involved. But it's the grudging respect and even affection Sandford hints at between Rinker and Lucas that takes this crisp, confident thriller beyond the limitations of the genre and makes the characters flesh-and-blood human beings. A standout in a terrific series!
Clara Rinker, the hit-woman from "Certain Prey", returns for vengance against those who killed her lover and unborn child. Davenport assists the feds in tracking her down. Death and mayhem ensue.
As usual, I loved it
This is a BOMC edition of the original hardcover. Same text, just smaller in size.
