Summary
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Chosen Prey by John Sandford is the twelfth novel in the Lucas Davenport series, blending psychological suspense and police procedural elements.
Book Summary
Art history professor James Qatar appears to be a respectable academic, but he leads a double life as a manipulative and cold-blooded serial killer. He photographs his victims, using the photos as part of a secret art project. Qatar selects his victims carefully, targeting women who fit his specific fantasies, and he keeps a meticulous record of his crimes.
The case comes to Lucas Davenport when a body is discovered, and the investigation quickly points to a highly organized and intelligent suspect. Davenport and his team begin connecting the dots between several seemingly unrelated disappearances, gradually piecing together Qatar’s methods and motives. As the investigation intensifies, Qatar becomes more erratic and reckless, leading to a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse between him and Davenport.
The novel culminates in a tense confrontation, testing Davenport’s skills and instincts against a cunning adversary who is willing to do anything to avoid capture.
Key Themes
- Deception and Dual Lives: Qatar’s respectable facade contrasts sharply with his hidden predatory nature.
- Art and Obsession: The novel explores how obsession can distort reality, with Qatar’s "art" symbolizing his need to control and objectify his victims.
- Psychological Manipulation: Both the killer’s manipulation of his victims and Davenport’s strategic mind games to catch him play a central role.
Chosen Prey showcases Sandford’s signature style of fast-paced action, dark humor, and detailed police work, making it a compelling entry in the series.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed Chosen Prey. Qatar is a seriously disturbed person. That makes him an excellent villain. Still, this book was more predictable than the earlier books in the series. Very early on I had an idea how the book would end and which character would play a huge role in the ending. As I read, I kept hoping I was rong. But I wasn’t.
I am glad that in this book Davenport is seemingly settling down with one woman. We will see if it lasts.
Chosen Prey was worth rreading. But it wasn’t as good as other books in the Lucas Davenport series.