Summary of Mortal Prey by John Sandford
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Mortal Prey is the 13th novel in John Sandford’s Prey series, featuring Lucas Davenport, a skilled and resourceful investigator. In this installment, Davenport is called back into action when Clara Rinker, a deadly and elusive assassin from a previous book (Certain Prey), resurfaces.
Clara Rinker, a former hitwoman turned fugitive, has been living quietly in Mexico. However, her life is shattered when a failed attempt on her life results in the death of her boyfriend and unborn child. Seeking revenge, Rinker returns to the United States, targeting the powerful mobsters who betrayed her. Her killing spree attracts the attention of both law enforcement and the criminal underworld.
Davenport is recruited by the FBI to help track her down, as he is one of the few people who understands her cunning and ruthlessness. The pursuit becomes a tense game of cat-and-mouse as Rinker proves to be an adversary as intelligent and resourceful as Davenport himself.
The story delves into Rinker’s motivations, showcasing her as a complex and sympathetic antagonist despite her violent actions. Davenport, in turn, must navigate political pressures, criminal alliances, and his own ethical boundaries to stop her.
The novel culminates in a high-stakes confrontation that tests both Davenport’s skills and Rinker’s ingenuity. The resolution is both thrilling and bittersweet, leaving a lasting impression on the characters and readers alike.
Themes and Style
Sandford explores themes of vengeance, morality, and the blurred lines between justice and crime. The novel is fast-paced, with sharp dialogue, well-drawn characters, and a gripping narrative that balances action with psychological depth.
My Thoughts
Mortal Prey is my favorite of the Lucas Davenport series. Sandford did a great job developing Clara Rinker as a character. While I have a lot of compassion for the abusive childhood she had, I, unlike Davenport, couldn’t have any respect for someone who is a brutal killer. There is never a justification for that.
Still, I appreciate, from a technical perspective, Rinker’s intelligence and planning. One of the things that made the book so good is the way she kept Davenport and the FBI guessing so often.
I also like the fact that Davenport seems to finally be slowing down. It was nice reading a book where he wasn’t sleeping with a witness or a coworker.
The thing that made Mortal Prey the best of the series so far is the ending. I absolutely didn’t see it coming. I really appreciate it when a book keeps me guessing until the end.