Shadow Prey

by John Sandford

Part of Lucas Davenport, book 2

First published 2006

Lucas Davenport faces a killer unlike any he has encountered before. Bodies pile up across multiple cities: a slumlord and welfare supervisor murdered in Minneapolis, a political rising star executed in Manhattan, an influential judge killed in Oklahoma City. Each victim dies the same brutal way, throat cut with an Indian ceremonial knife. The investigation leads Davenport through Minnesota's Native American community to a dangerous figure called Shadow Love, whose bloodlust grows beyond anyone's control. Davenport partners with Lieutenant Lily Rothenburg, a New York policewoman assigned to help solve the murders. Their professional partnership turns personal despite Davenport's long-standing rule about avoiding romantic entanglements with fellow cops. As their relationship intensifies, so does the violence surrounding them. Shadow Love sets his sights on Davenport and the woman he loves. The hunt moves through the city's most dangerous neighborhoods as Davenport and Rothenburg pursue a killer driven by forces that threaten to consume everyone in their path.

Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, action

Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful

Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, investigation

Setting: Manhattan, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, New York

449 pages · Paperback · Berkley

Content warnings: violence

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