Summary of Certain Prey by John Sandford
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In Certain Prey, the tenth novel in John Sandford’s Prey series, Detective Lucas Davenport faces one of his deadliest adversaries yet. The story revolves around Carmel Loan, a ruthless attorney with connections in the criminal underworld, and Clara Rinker, a highly skilled hitwoman. When Loan enlists Rinker to kill the wife of a man she desires, the assassination triggers a chain of violent events, drawing Davenport into a complex investigation.
As Davenport pursues leads, he realizes the killing is not a typical hit but involves a twisted web of personal motivations and professional loyalties. Rinker, an elusive and calculating killer, becomes both Davenport’s main target and a formidable opponent. The story builds to a gripping confrontation, with Davenport navigating a tense psychological game, as he must anticipate and outsmart two equally cunning women.
Sandford’s novel explores themes of morality, manipulation, and justice, combining intense action with a deep dive into the minds of both the investigator and the criminals.
My Thoughts
Certain Prey was an entertaining and good read. Loan and Rinker are two interesting and very disturbed characters. In some ways Loan is more disturbed than Rinker (who has killed dozens of people). The major difference between the women is that Loan really enjoys being sadistic. Rinker, on the other hand, may not have become a killer had her life not been so bad.
Certain Prey does a better job of staying focused on the murder mystery and Davenport’s skills as an investigator. I was glad this book didn’t go as much into his lovelife as other books in the series have.