Creator of Lucas Davenport — the Minneapolis detective with a gambling habit, a designer wardrobe, and an uncanny ability to understand criminal psychology. The Prey series is one of crime fiction's most satisfying long runs.
About John Sandford
John Sandford is the pen name of John Camp (born 1944), a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who turned to crime fiction in 1989. His debut, Rules of Prey, introduced Lucas Davenport to millions of readers — and launched one of the most consistent long-running series in the genre.
The Prey novels are distinguished by their procedural authenticity, dark humour, and Davenport's complex personal life. Sandford spent years as a journalist covering crime beats in Minneapolis, and it shows in every page.
The Virgil Flowers spin-off series (2007–present) has proved nearly as popular, featuring Davenport's subordinate — a gentler, more philosophical investigator often described as "that f***ing Flowers" by Davenport.
Start Here
Rules of Prey
The novel that launched everything. A serial killer is taunting Minneapolis police — and only Lucas Davenport, a detective who writes thriller games in his spare time, can think like him. Dark, fast, essential.
As of 2025 there are 35 Prey novels, with new entries still being published. The series shows no sign of ending.
Each book works as a standalone thriller, but Davenport's personal life (marriages, children, career) develops significantly across the series. Reading in order is more rewarding.
Most fans point to Rules of Prey, Winter Prey, or Certain Prey as the series highs. Rules of Prey is by far the best starting point.
Yes — Flowers is Davenport's subordinate. You don't need to read the Prey series first, but references to Davenport appear throughout the Flowers books.