Well - developed characters play a huge part. Take Lucas Davenport in the 'Prey' series. He has his own flaws, strengths, and a backstory that makes him feel real. His character development over the course of the series adds to the overall appeal of the novels. Also, Sanford's ability to create a vivid and believable setting, whether it's the city streets or the more rural areas in his stories, helps to draw the reader in and make the story more immersive.
The pacing is crucial. John Sanford novels often have a great rhythm. They start with an interesting hook that grabs your attention, and then the story builds steadily, with action and revelations coming at just the right intervals. There's also his talent for writing dialogue that feels natural and helps to move the story forward while also revealing more about the characters.
In my opinion, 'Rules of Prey' stands out as the best John Sanford novel. It was the first in the 'Prey' series. It introduced us to Lucas Davenport and his world in a really captivating way. The mystery element is top - notch, with a great balance of character development and a thrilling plot that grips you from the start.
The Virgil Flowers series also has many excellent novels. For example, 'Dark of the Moon' is really good. It has a great plot with interesting twists and turns, and Virgil Flowers is a very likable protagonist who gets into all sorts of adventures while solving crimes. The way Sanford writes about the Minnesota setting adds a lot to the atmosphere of the stories.
One of his best is 'Broken Prey'. It has a complex plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. Sanford is great at creating tension in his stories, and this one is no exception. He also does a wonderful job of developing the relationships between the characters, which makes the story even more engaging.
Again, without knowing the details of the novel, it's hard to say. But it could be special because of its unique narrative voice.
The Prey series by John Sanford frequently features the theme of survival. The protagonist finds himself in dangerous situations while hunting down criminals. There's also the theme of morality. As he encounters different types of criminals, he has to make decisions that test his own moral boundaries. And the novels also touch on the theme of the urban environment and how it can breed crime and danger.
A great John Barth novel often has his distinct narrative style. His use of complex language and structure, like in 'The Sot - Weed Factor', makes it stand out. It's also about how he weaves together different themes, such as history, identity, and the nature of storytelling itself.
A great John Hawkes novel often has his unique writing style. His use of language is very creative. For example, in many of his novels, he can create a very strange and alluring atmosphere just by the choice of words. This makes the reading experience different from many other writers.
The setting can make a John Sandford novel stand out. In many of his books, like 'The Hanged Man's Song', the Minnesota setting becomes almost like another character. The cold, the cityscapes, and the small - town feel all add to the atmosphere. And of course, the mystery itself has to be complex and multi - layered. If it's too easy to solve, it's not as satisfying.
The main character is Lucas Davenport. He is a smart and tough detective who is often at the center of solving the crimes in the series.
In my view, what makes a John Gardner Bond novel the best is how well it stays true to the Bond legacy while also adding something new. The Bond series has certain expectations - a charming hero, beautiful women, and a world - saving mission. In 'Icebreaker', Gardner meets these expectations but also delves deeper into Bond's character, showing his vulnerabilities and how he overcomes them. He also introduces new political and environmental themes that are relevant to the time, which gives the story more depth and makes it stand out among other Bond novels.