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# H1: John Sandford's "Golden Prey" Hits Shelves, Marking 27th Thrilling Installment in Lucas Davenport Series
**Minneapolis, MN – April 25, 2017** – Acclaimed author John Sandford today releases "Golden Prey," the highly anticipated 27th novel in his iconic Lucas Davenport series. The new installment finds the former Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) investigator, now a U.S. Marshal, embroiled in a complex web of murder, kidnapping, and financial malfeasance that stretches from the heartland to the shadowy corners of the internet. Fans worldwide can now delve into Davenport's latest high-stakes case, available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats from major retailers and independent bookstores.
H2: The Premise: What Awaits Lucas Davenport in "Golden Prey"?
"Golden Prey" plunges Lucas Davenport into a case unlike many of his previous investigations, shifting his focus from serial killers to the murky world of high-stakes financial crime and political corruption. The story kicks off with a seemingly straightforward, yet brutal, home invasion in a quiet Minneapolis suburb. A family is murdered, and a significant sum of money, along with sensitive financial documents, is stolen. The victims, it quickly becomes clear, were not just ordinary citizens but connected to illicit dealings involving vast sums.
Davenport, operating under his new mandate as a U.S. Marshal, is called in when the case escalates beyond local jurisdiction, hinting at federal implications. He soon discovers that the stolen money and documents are tied to a shadowy organization involved in an elaborate scheme of money laundering and international fraud. The perpetrators are ruthless, cunning, and leave a trail of bodies in their wake, forcing Davenport to navigate a dangerous landscape where trust is a luxury and every move could be his last.
H3: A New Breed of Villain and a Familiar Hero
This installment promises a fresh challenge for Davenport, pitting him against adversaries who operate with sophisticated technology and a global reach. While the "Prey" series is renowned for its memorable psychopaths, "Golden Prey" appears to pivot towards a more cerebral kind of villainy, focusing on the insidious nature of greed and corruption. Readers can expect Sandford's signature blend of sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and relentless pacing as Davenport races against time to unravel the conspiracy and bring the perpetrators to justice. The novel also continues to explore Davenport's evolution, showcasing his adaptability and unwavering moral compass even as his professional roles shift.
H2: Background Information: The Enduring Legacy of the Prey Series
The release of "Golden Prey" is not just another book launch; it's another chapter in one of modern crime fiction's most enduring and beloved sagas. The Lucas Davenport series, penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Sandford (the pen name of John Camp), has captivated millions of readers for nearly three decades.
H3: From "Rules of Prey" to "Golden Prey": A Publishing Phenomenon
The journey began in 1989 with "Rules of Prey," introducing readers to Lucas Davenport, a brilliant but unconventional Minneapolis police detective known for his expensive suits, fast cars, and a willingness to bend the rules to catch his prey. From the outset, Sandford established a unique voice, blending gritty realism with psychological depth, creating antagonists who were terrifyingly human and protagonists who were complex and morally ambiguous.
Over the years, the series has chronicled Davenport's professional and personal life, seeing him rise through the ranks from Minneapolis PD to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and, most recently, to a U.S. Marshal. This evolution has allowed Sandford to explore different facets of law enforcement, from local policing to state-level investigations and now, federal jurisdiction. Each book has consistently delivered intricate plots, compelling characters, and a keen insight into the criminal mind, earning Sandford a dedicated readership and critical acclaim.
**Key Milestones in the Prey Series:**
- **1989:** "Rules of Prey" introduces Lucas Davenport.
- **Early 2000s:** Series consistently tops bestseller lists, solidifying Sandford's status as a master of the genre.
- **2007:** Introduction of Virgil Flowers, a spin-off character who occasionally crosses paths with Davenport.
- **2013:** "Silken Prey" marks the 23rd installment, continuing the series' remarkable longevity.
- **2016:** "Extreme Prey" sees Davenport transition to a U.S. Marshal, opening new narrative possibilities.
- **2017:** "Golden Prey" further explores Davenport's new role and the federal landscape.
H3: The Author Behind the Legend: John Sandford (John Camp)
John Sandford is the pen name of John Camp, a journalist who won a Pulitzer Prize in 1986 for his feature writing at the *St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch*. This journalistic background is evident in his fiction, which is renowned for its meticulous research, authentic police procedural details, and sharp, economical prose. Sandford's ability to craft believable characters and scenarios, coupled with his knack for suspense, has made him a perennial fixture on bestseller lists.
Beyond the "Prey" series, Sandford has also penned the successful Virgil Flowers series, featuring a Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent, and the Kidd series, an earlier set of thrillers about a computer hacker and artist. His consistent output and unwavering quality have cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable and entertaining voices in contemporary crime fiction.
H2: Why "Prey" Continues to Captivate Readers
The enduring popularity of the "Prey" series, now spanning 27 novels, is a testament to Sandford's masterful storytelling and the magnetic appeal of his protagonist.
H3: The Psychology of a Bestseller
- **Lucas Davenport's Anti-Hero Appeal:** Davenport is not a traditional hero. He's wealthy, often arrogant, and possesses a dark streak, but his unwavering commitment to justice, his sharp intellect, and his surprising moments of empathy make him incredibly compelling. Readers are drawn to his moral ambiguity and his willingness to operate outside conventional boundaries.
- **Realistic Procedural Elements:** Sandford's journalistic eye ensures that the police work depicted is grounded in reality. From forensics to interrogation techniques, the details ring true, adding a layer of authenticity that elevates the series beyond simple thrillers.
- **Pacing and Suspense:** Each "Prey" novel is a masterclass in pacing. Sandford expertly builds tension, delivering twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats, often finishing a book in a single sitting.
- **Memorable Supporting Cast:** The series is populated with a rich cast of recurring characters, from Davenport's formidable wife, Weather, to his various colleagues like Del Capslock and Sloan. These characters add depth, humor, and emotional resonance to the narrative, making the "Prey" world feel vibrant and lived-in.
- **Exploration of Contemporary Issues:** While rooted in crime, Sandford often weaves in relevant social and political themes, giving his novels a timely edge without sacrificing the core suspense. "Golden Prey," with its focus on financial fraud, is a prime example of this.
H2: Critical Reception and Fan Anticipation
While official reviews for "Golden Prey" are just beginning to surface, pre-release buzz and early reader reactions indicate another resounding success for Sandford. Critics and fans alike have consistently praised the author's ability to maintain freshness and intensity across such a long-running series. The transition of Lucas Davenport to a U.S. Marshal was a bold move that has invigorated the narrative, allowing for new types of cases and expanded geographical scope, which "Golden Prey" is poised to capitalize on.
Anticipation for this book has been exceptionally high, driven by the cliffhanger elements and new dynamics introduced in recent installments. Readers are eager to see how Davenport navigates the complexities of federal law enforcement and confronts the sophisticated criminals he's now tasked with pursuing. Sandford's reputation for delivering tightly plotted, character-driven thrillers ensures that "Golden Prey" will be a must-read for crime fiction aficionados.
H2: Current Status and Where to Buy
"Golden Prey (A Prey Novel Book 27)" by John Sandford is officially available as of today, April 25, 2017.
- **Hardcover:** Available at all major bookstores (Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, independent booksellers) and online retailers.
- **eBook:** Instantly downloadable from platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Kobo.
- **Audiobook:** Available through Audible, Libro.fm, and other audiobook providers, often narrated by the series' long-standing voice actor, Richard Ferrone, adding another layer of immersion for fans.
Readers are encouraged to check their local bookstores or preferred online vendors to secure their copy of the latest Lucas Davenport adventure.
Conclusion: Another Golden Chapter for Lucas Davenport
The release of "Golden Prey" marks a significant moment for fans of crime fiction and a testament to John Sandford's remarkable storytelling prowess. As the 27th book in the Lucas Davenport series, it not only continues the thrilling journey of one of literature's most compelling anti-heroes but also showcases Sandford's ability to evolve his narrative and explore new facets of crime and justice. With its timely themes, intricate plot, and the ever-reliable presence of Lucas Davenport, "Golden Prey" promises to be another gripping read that will undoubtedly satisfy long-time devotees and attract new readers to the world of "Prey." The hunt is on, and Lucas Davenport is ready.
