stubborn_girl's review against another edition
3.0
What made this book stand out from the rest was the narrative was told from the point of the view of the killer, a serial killer. I don’t think I’ve read a book like that in a while. Pendergast dealt with serial killers but the motivation was different . Lucas Davenport is definitely gritty. He’s grittier then Jack Ryan in some ways, he’s a police lieutenant.
rclz's review against another edition
5.0
I missed this in audio the first time around and decided this is my year for repeats. Not disappointed but then I've heard many of the latter ones with Richard Ferrone doing the audio and he's so point on for these books I knew it would be great. Glad I went back.
kkilburn's review against another edition
3.0
I really struggled over whether to give this 2 or 3 stars. It’s a relatively quick-moving, well written and fairly standard serial killer procedural, which means you know who the criminal is and that you are going to read some graphic violence. I can be ok with that. I was not ok with the terribly mysoginistic language around women (yes, I understand it was included in the interest of verisimilitude, but it really was unnecessary). I was also not enamored of the lead character, whose ethics seemed to be situational at best and nonexistent at worst. And while the book was generally well paced, it got bogged down in unnecessary detail a time or two too many for my taste. Clearly, my view is not the majority one, though, so your mileage may very well vary!
thehorrordude's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fun rollercoster of a ride. I actually couldnt put it down and read it in basically 24 hours its that good.
An intelligent serial killer named "Maddog" by the media who leaves no physical evidence and has a set of "rules" which govern his killings to ensure he does not get captured such as "never have a motive" and "never follow a discernible pattern" is pitted up against Lt Lucas Davenport a morally gray Detective and womaniser. Its a classic cat and mouse game as they try and outwit each other. The ending is something else, edge of your seat suspense.
I loved the side characters as well. I really enjoyed Chief Daniels and Carla Ruiz both were well established and likeable. I hope Chief Daniels stays in the series which has something like 30 odd books now. A classic thriller loved every word in this.
An intelligent serial killer named "Maddog" by the media who leaves no physical evidence and has a set of "rules" which govern his killings to ensure he does not get captured such as "never have a motive" and "never follow a discernible pattern" is pitted up against Lt Lucas Davenport a morally gray Detective and womaniser. Its a classic cat and mouse game as they try and outwit each other. The ending is something else, edge of your seat suspense.
I loved the side characters as well. I really enjoyed Chief Daniels and Carla Ruiz both were well established and likeable. I hope Chief Daniels stays in the series which has something like 30 odd books now. A classic thriller loved every word in this.
martyfried's review against another edition
3.0
I really loved the Virgil Flowers series, so I decided that, having finished that, I should read the Lucas Davenport series. This was, I believe, the second book by John Sandford, and it was pretty good considering that. I enjoyed the book and plan to read more, assuming it will improve.
There were a few things that bothered me about this story. One was the way he allowed a reporter to take advantage of his position simply because he was sleeping with her. She listened in on his private conversation about a case, then reported on it - and he just allowed it. I thought it made him seem weak, and putting sex above catching the killer.
Then there was the attempt to plant evidence. That seems so juvenile in a way.
I also thought there may have been a little too much time devoted to his games that didn't seem to have anything to do with the story.
At the end, he did something totally illegal, and I probably should disapprove, but I find it pretty hard to do so. I guess it's a good moral question to debate, but considering the circumstances, and since there seemed to be no doubt about the facts, I find it hard to disapprove.
I really liked the last three words of the book. It almost made me think the whole story was written so he could use that line, which probably came off better in the audiobook without the spelling: "None the wiser", spoken by a Nun.
There were a few things that bothered me about this story. One was the way he allowed a reporter to take advantage of his position simply because he was sleeping with her. She listened in on his private conversation about a case, then reported on it - and he just allowed it. I thought it made him seem weak, and putting sex above catching the killer.
Then there was the attempt to plant evidence. That seems so juvenile in a way.
I also thought there may have been a little too much time devoted to his games that didn't seem to have anything to do with the story.
At the end, he did something totally illegal, and I probably should disapprove, but I find it pretty hard to do so. I guess it's a good moral question to debate, but considering the circumstances, and since there seemed to be no doubt about the facts, I find it hard to disapprove.
I really liked the last three words of the book. It almost made me think the whole story was written so he could use that line, which probably came off better in the audiobook without the spelling: "None the wiser", spoken by a Nun.
jaxboiler's review against another edition
5.0
Just a fun exciting summer vacation beach read for me. It kept me entertained on the beach for a day or so!
jamikaye1980's review against another edition
4.0
It really took me a while to get into the story, but I eventually started to like the character of Lucas Davenport. I think I will go ahead and give the next book in the series a try.
srchief's review
4.0
Good ole mystery series. What sets this series apart is the main character Lucas Davenport. He is anything but a regular cop. He has no problem working on the fringes of the law to get to his goal. In this first book, Davenport is trying to catch a serial killer that is way ahead of the police. The story shares the perspective of both the killer and Davenport and is a fast paced tale. I really enjoyed the first book and look forward to the series.
jonetta's review against another edition
4.0
There’s a serial killer at large who calls himself maddog. He preys on attractive women with dark hair and eyes and leaves a note attached, outlining his “rules” for eluding capture when killing someone. Lieutenant Lucas Davenport, a seasoned investigator with unorthodox methods, is asked to work with the homicide cops to find maddog and bring him down. Maddog is actually pleased as he sees Davenport as a worthy adversary.
I enjoyed this case and having the killer’s perspective as the investigation proceeded. It was a bit unusual to have maddog’s identity, or at least his name, revealed early on in the story but that still didn't tell you much about him. What you learn comes from his point of view throughout the book. Lucas Davenport is an enigma and somewhat ethically challenged, though he gets the job done. His love life, however, leaves quite a bit to be desired.
I like the storytelling style of Sanford, which is brisk and to the point. I plan to continue the series though, for me, the jury is still out on Davenport.
I enjoyed this case and having the killer’s perspective as the investigation proceeded. It was a bit unusual to have maddog’s identity, or at least his name, revealed early on in the story but that still didn't tell you much about him. What you learn comes from his point of view throughout the book. Lucas Davenport is an enigma and somewhat ethically challenged, though he gets the job done. His love life, however, leaves quite a bit to be desired.
I like the storytelling style of Sanford, which is brisk and to the point. I plan to continue the series though, for me, the jury is still out on Davenport.