Dark of the Moon - John Sandford

I have been hoping that John Sandford would write another Kidd novel. When I saw that the title did not include the word "Prey" I thought my hopes were realized. While Lucas Davenport was not the central character in this work, neither was Kidd. Instead Sandford has started another series. This one featuring a supporting character in many of the Prey novels.

Virgil Flowers is a cop. He is a good cop but, he moves to the beat of his own drum. Working for Lucas Davenport, he gets the freedom live his life and work the job on his terms. All Lucas cares about is results.

When Virgil finds himself in the boonies investigating the death of a rich, elderly and not well liked member of a small community he feels the pressure on his shoulders. Not enough pressure to prevent him taking time to romance the communities most eligible bachelorette. Still, Virgil manages to push the right buttons and draws out the killer.

Virgil is a distinctly unique character from Lucas Davenport. This is truly a testament to the skill of John Sandford. Far to often, the spin off character is a cookie cutter of the original. I don't know if I like Virgil yet. I will have to give him one or two more novels before I can decide.

Phantom Prey - John Sandford

Lucas Davenport gets thrust into the middle of series of murders he would rather have nothing to do with. At the same time he is on the team trying to get the Twin Cities ready for the republican convention. Preparing for security of the participants and crowd control with a limited police staff is quite a daunting task in and of itself.

The daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur goes missing and presumed dead. Shortly afterward, her friends begin to show up murdered. After Weather runs into the mother at their gym, she convinces Lucas to get involved in the investigation.

Sandford uses this story to explore the world of Goth. Lucas meets and talks with a number of different people within this subculture and we get some insight into who they are and how they think. And just like most groups, they have their factions and clicks and competing philosophies. Sandford is taking his art to a new level. He is no longer just telling a suspenseful tale. He exploring the sociological aspects of society. In the decades to come, Sandford may well be required reading in many universities and high schools.

Invisible Prey - John Sandford

Lucas Davenport has to balance the political whims of his superiors against the rights of children. And that is just the subplot.

In the 17th installment of the Prey series, Lucas has 2 major cases on his plate. One the suspected statutory rape of a 16 year old by a State Senator. The second, the brutal murder of 2 elderly women in one of the richest neighborhoods in St. Paul.

John Sandford has done a masterful job of weaving together a complex storyline with a familiar cast of characters. Sandford has always said Kidd is one of his favorite characters to write and with Kidd making a cameo appearance, one has to wonder if another Kidd novel isn't in the back of his mind. I, for one, would welcome it with open arms.

Sandford injects his sense of humor into the story which makes this all the more engaging a read. His transitions have taken on a flair not seen in his previous installments and it is quite refreshing.

Despite being a very well read and respected author, he continues to refine and develop his skills as an artist. Truly a master of his craft. I highly recommend Invisible Prey to anyone who enjoys contemporary crime fiction.