Quick Take

Have you met Carmel Loan?She's beautiful, intelligent, ambitious - and used to getting what she wants. When she becomes infatuated with fellow barrister Hale Allen, she isn't going to let a little thing like his being married get in the way. So, through the contacts of an ex-client, she hires professional killer Clara Rinker to get rid of his wife. Smart and attractive, Rinker is the best hitwoman in the business - but things go wrong; by an amazing coincidence there's a witness. It's the shooting of the witness, a cop, that brings Deputy Chief Lucas Davenport into the case.Loan and Rinker must work together to clean up the loose ends - which includes getting Davenport off their backs by whatever means necessary.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Certain Prey (Lucas Davenport, #10)

Introduction

Certain Prey, written by John Sandford, is the tenth book in the Lucas Davenport series. In this thrilling novel, Davenport, a Minneapolis police detective, finds himself in a dangerous situation when he becomes involved in a case involving a professional hitwoman named Clara Rinker. Along with Rinker, Davenport must navigate through a web of deceit and violence to uncover the truth behind a series of murders.

About John Sandford

John Sandford, the author of Certain Prey, was born on February 23, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa and worked as a reporter before turning to writing novels. Sandford is known for his ability to create engaging and complex characters, as well as his intricate plotting and suspenseful storytelling. With over thirty books published in the Prey series alone, he has established himself as a master of the thriller genre.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Villains: Readers praise Sandford's ability to create memorable villains. Clara Rinker, the professional hitwoman in Certain Prey, is particularly well-received for her intelligence, charm, and deadly skills. Her character adds an element of unpredictability to the story and keeps readers on edge.
Page-Turning Pace: Many readers appreciate the fast-paced nature of the book. Sandford's writing style keeps the story moving at a breakneck speed, making it difficult to put down. The plot twists and turns keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Humor and Relatable Characters: Sandford's writing is known for its humor and relatable characters. Davenport, the protagonist, is often praised for his wit and sarcastic comments, which add a lighthearted touch to the otherwise dark and intense story. The secondary characters, including Lucas's colleagues and friends, are also well-developed and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the book.
Suspension of Disbelief: While some readers find the plot of Certain Prey to be believable and well-executed, others feel that certain elements of the story stretch their suspension of disbelief. The coincidences and twists in the plot may be seen as contrived or unrealistic by some readers. However, overall, most readers are able to overlook these minor criticisms and enjoy the book for its entertainment value.
Strong Female Characters: Sandford's portrayal of strong female characters is also a point of praise for many readers. Carmel Loan, the criminal attorney who hires Clara Rinker, is a smart and ambitious woman who is not afraid to take risks. Her character adds depth and complexity to the story and contrasts with Lucas Davenport's more traditional law enforcement role.

Reasons for Recommendation

Compelling Plot: The plot of Certain Prey is engaging and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With its twists and turns, it is difficult to predict what will happen next, making it a page-turner that is hard to put down.
Well-Developed Characters: Sandford's characters are well-crafted and add depth to the story. Clara Rinker's character is particularly memorable due to her intelligence and charisma. The secondary characters, including Lucas Davenport and Carmel Loan, are also well-developed and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the book.
Humor and Relatability: Sandford's writing style is known for its humor and relatability. The sarcastic comments from Lucas Davenport add a lighthearted touch to the otherwise dark and intense storyline. The relatable characters make it easy for readers to connect with the story on an emotional level.
Suspension of Disbelief: While some readers may find certain elements of the plot unbelievable, most are able to suspend their disbelief and enjoy the book for its entertainment value. The fast-paced nature of the story and Sandford's ability to keep readers engaged make it easy to overlook minor criticisms.

Conclusion

Certain Prey by John Sandford is a thrilling novel that delves into the world of professional hitmen and law enforcement. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, humor, and suspenseful pacing, it is no wonder that it has garnered such positive reviews from readers. While some may find certain elements unbelievable or contrived, overall, Certain Prey offers an entertaining read that keeps readers hooked until the very end. If you are a fan of thrillers or are looking for a fast-paced story with memorable villains and relatable characters, Certain Prey is definitely worth checking out.