MASKED PREY by John Sandford
If you need a cause for celebration in this age of Coronavirus let it be this. John Sandford is alive and well and is still producing new novels. His latest is MASKED PREY and it is a Lucas Davenport story. I point out it is a Lucas Davenport story to distinguish it from the other series he writes which contains stories about Virgil Flowers. I still prefer the Davenport books but Flowers is pulling up fast.
Davenport is now a U S Marshall and in this book is called to Washington, DC by a politician he knows. It seems a website has been found which features some right wing articles along with unposed photos of the children of some of the political leaders in Washington. Davenport has been summoned because they want to keep it hush hush but they also want it investigated.
As there are pictures of politicians’ children on the site there is fear one or more of the children might be targeted for kidnapping or possibly death. This makes Davenport’s investigation even more imperative. To go as quickly as possible Davenport brings in two of his best investigators, Bob and Rae. These two have appeared in other Lucas Davenport books and are always a welcome addition because of their hearty repartee with each other and when possible with Lucas.
The first half of the book is a little slow, but that is somewhat necessary because it is the setting up of the pursuit of the criminal involved. Still it is perhaps too detailed in its description of Davenport and his investigative techniques. Once Bob and Rae appear on the scene things perk up a little.
Where it all gets Sandford style enjoyable is in the denouement. When you read the book you will understand my use of that word. Anyway at the end there is a good resolving of all the issues and a tense describing of a murderous event.
What I like best about Lucas Davenport books is the fact Davenport is such a unique individual. He is independently wealthy and loves to spend his money on cars, clothes and anything else that catches his eye. He has a strong sense of humor and his witty observations are classic.
Not all Sandford books are great and that is the case with this one. But MASKED PREY is good and Sandford’s good is other authors great. So read it and enjoy it.
MASKED PREY is published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons. It contains 4316 pages and sells for $29.00.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
