Lucas Davenport had reason to be relieved when he was called off a morals case -- involving a Minnesota state senator accused of having sex with a minor -- and assigned to a double murder. For one thing, the killing of affluent widow Constance Bucher and her maid isn't politically sensitive; for another, it seems like a prosecutorial slam-dunk. The messy crime scene looks like the calling card of drug-addled thieves who, like many others before them, blundered into a situation they couldn't control. Looking closer, though, Davenport detects the scent of more sophisticated plunderers. And then the other murders begin….
Publishers Weekly
Bestseller Sandford opts for a contemplative procedural rather than a high-octane nail-biter for his 17th novel to feature Minneapolis detective Lucas Davenport (after 2005's Broken Prey). The brave and intelligent Davenport, one of contemporary crime fiction's more congenial sleuths, is working a politically sensitive case—state senator Burt Kline is on the edge of being arrested for having sex with a minor—when he's called in to investigate the beating death of wealthy widow Constance Bucher and her maid. Bucher lived in a mansion stuffed with antiques, though it's unclear if robbery was the motive for the murders. Several run-of-the-mill suspects are dealt with before the reader learns the identity of the two killers, who continue to murder a string of folks all variously connected to the Bucher slaying. Eventually, the Bucher and Kline cases come together in an unexpected way. Interesting and unusual supporting characters, good and bad guys alike, enhance an intriguing puzzle. (May)
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Library Journal
The 17th installment in Sandford's Prey series, this novel finds Lucas Davenport promoted to special agent for Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. He investigates two cases-the brutal murders of an elderly heiress and her maid in an elegant St. Paul neighborhood and the sordid affair between Minnesota state senator Burt Kline and a minor. Lucas's home life with his wife, Weather, and their young son and his relationships with his boss, Marie, and police officers Jenkins and Shrake provide an ongoing backdrop to the investigations. The world of antiques and art is also detailed as the tale's body count increases, but Lucas looks for clues and steadily makes his way toward resolution. There is quite a bit of offensive language here, which may cause discomfort for some listeners. Richard Ferrone's intense, clear voice and breathless pacing create a powerful atmosphere. This thriller is well crafted, with a touch of humor, well-developed characters, and plenty of plot twists. Recommended.
—Denise A. Garofalo
