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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some of the highly regarded ones are 'Rules of Prey'. It introduced Lucas Davenport in a really engaging way. The plot was full of twists and turns that kept readers on the edge of their seats.
The main character in the Prey novels is Lucas Davenport. He's a tough and intelligent detective. He has to deal with all kinds of criminals in the series. Alongside him, there are other characters like his friends and family members who are often involved in the plot in some way, and his police partners who help him in his investigations.
One notable feature is the detailed settings. Whether it's the city streets or rural areas, John Sandford describes them vividly. Also, the antagonists in the 'Prey' novels are well - crafted. They have their own motives and backstories that make them more than just simple villains. For instance, in some novels, the bad guys are involved in organized crime, and their operations are intricately detailed. The novels also often touch on contemporary social issues, which adds depth to the stories.
As of July 2023, 'Ocean Prey' is one of the more recent Prey novels by John Sandford. It features his well - known character Lucas Davenport and typically involves a complex mystery and thrilling plot twists that Sandford is known for in this series.