A review by trash_reader_
Broken Prey by John Sandford

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

"Riveting . . . Will surprise even the most jaded reader of thrillers." -- Richmond Times-Dispatch

I didn't take that review seriously, despite it being front and center on the cover. I should have. This book was insane from the beginning. If you're the type of crime thriller reader who tries to figure out the case alongside the characters, you're going to be in for a trip with this one.

This book is filled with misdirection and action from the very first page. The crimes' gruesome nature gave the entire book a running-out-of-time feeling that kept you on the edge throughout it all.

I really enjoy, as I have said in almost every review for this series before this, the everyday-life that creeps into the pages to ease some of the tension of the case. It adds depth to the characters and gives the reader a little break from the tension, even if it is just a bad joke on someone's behalf. But in this book? We have Sloan talking about his retirement and his plans after it's finalized, and we also have a good-natured argument going on throughout the book about music. It's a refreshing break from all the tension and fear and guessing, and it's part of the reason I enjoy this series so much. It doesn't just focus on the crimes being committed - it also lets you know that these characters are more than just their jobs.

This was another great installment in the Lucas Davenport series and I'm excited to see what the rest of the series brings us.