Lucas Disappoints

Would you try another book from John Sandford and/or Richard Ferrone?

I have been an avid follower of John Sandford, originally consuming the first 14 one after another in winter of 2003. But gosh what happened? I thought this was boring. It missed the energy and life. I may have missed the books immediately before this one... now I'm curious if there was a slow decline or what happened. Could it be me?

I LOVE Richard Ferrone! No problem there. It was the plot and the fun personal details that always livened up the book. This one plodded along.

Would you ever listen to anything by John Sandford again?

I am listening to Stolen Prey right now. It is also missing the verve! But at least the plot is more colorful than Buried's boring revisit to the past. I might try the 2013 Silken before I give up. Not sure. Depends on how good some other mysteries are to lure me further away from the Prey series.

What about Richard Ferrone’s performance did you like?

The voice!

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment.

5 people found this helpful

Always a pleasure

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I've been a fan of Lucas Davenport for over a decade, so it was a pleasure to listen while on a road trip. But, it was a bit predictable, the plot, the formula.... very familiar.
Still, John Sanford keeps me intriqued and interested all around.

Could you see Buried Prey being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Please convert the series into a TV show, that would be awesome.

4 people found this helpful

Good mystery...sloppy for Sandford

As mysteries go, this one is fair. The puzzle is gently compelling.

But if you have as high an opinion of John Sandford's work as I do, you'll recognize he's still doing the same stuff he's already done. Nothing new. An inspired plodder. Easy to listen to...but don't expect anything remarkable...because there isn't anything remarkable.

4 people found this helpful

First half, three stars, second half, five stars

The splitting of this story into two time periods wasn't necessarily a bad idea, but the part that happened 20 years ago when Lucas was but a puppy seemed to drag a bit. Better a slow start and a strong finish than the reverse. The villain in this novel was really an evil guy but we didn't learn much about him until the second half of the story. There was a twist with one of the main recurring characters that really added to the intrigue of this story. It got me more emotionally involved than I usually get with the Davenport series. Narrator Ferrone performed as well as I've come to expect. He's really nailed down the perfect tone for reflecting a sense of frustrated acceptance for what life or fate has brought to many of the characters. I look forward to the next Sandford effort involving Davenport or Virgil Flowers (who appeared briefly in this one).

8 people found this helpful

Fantastic!!

Loved every second of this book!! Lucas Davenport is one of my all time favorite characters and Richard Ferrone narrates him perfectly!!

I truly loved how this book was written and loved getting to know some more about Lucas when he was younger. This series never disappoints! I will definitely be listening to this one again!!

21 people found this helpful

good story

This is my 4th or 5th Sandford now, I think only my second Lucas Davenport, the others being Virgil Flowers. It was a good story, interesting how he went back 25 yers or so and tied a younger Lucas to a current crime. I suppose Minnesotans appreciate the twin cities geographic references, personally I don't know the city or state well enough to know all the places. But the story and narrator kept my attention, I was entertained and that's what I want out of a book.

7 people found this helpful

Good, but....

John Sandford is one of my favorite authors, but it feels like the Prey series is getting a little tired. I felt like this book was missing the surprises and that the story was too simple. Usually there are some twists, but with this book the case was solved a little too easy. I suggest checking out Sandford's Flowers series instead.

10 people found this helpful

Well worth the wait.

John Sandford is at the absolute top of his game in the much awaited (by me, anyway) return of Lucas Davenport, and Richard Ferrone does another superb job as the narrator.
Flashing back to Davenport's earliest days as a beat cop on the Minneapolis police force, we get to meet and get a good feel for the various characters that populate later novels, as well as get a handle on Davenport's less-than-exemplary motivations and very believable character flaws. It's a great device that allows the listener to enjoy the earlier, more devious Davenport before he became so happily married to the wonderful Weather.
But then we flash forward to the present to find him consumed with personal hatred towards a horrible and truly creepy killer, without really causing too much trouble at home.
In all, it's a great listen that is difficult to interrupt. But like a favorite meal you haven't had in a long time, it's best if you make yourself slow down and enjoy every bite of it.

13 people found this helpful

Davenport Never Lets Go...a 3.5 if I could

I truly enjoyed this classic Davenport novel. Our flawed hero and his gang finally get to right a wrong from long ago. This case dogged Lucas and Dell, knowing for sure the wrong guy got pinned for the crime. They were left to wonder just how many more girls would become victims of this unidentified pedophile.
This story presents the villain as a big greasy loser, a child's true nightmare. Lucas and troop peruse this bad guy, inviting us along for the ride.
The plot takes the usual twits and turns, and although not a deep read this book delivers just what one expects, a good mystery.
And as always the reader is perfect for this character and this series; an enjoyable listen for sure!.

20 people found this helpful

This is my "Prayer Review"

This may appear again now and then.
Dear God: Please let this man write another book soon and please let me be here to listen to it. I can't say something like 'even his worst book is good' because I can't think of anything he's done that is worse than anything else.
Before I post this list I have to say that Sandford, Parker and MacDonald are EXTRA special. And Richard Ferrone as John Sandford's voice is an amazing match. Like George Guidall with Craig Johnson and pretty much anything George reads.
Robert B. Parker lived in this space for me as did John D. MacDonald, Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, John Hart, Craig Johnson, John Lescroart, William Kent Krueger, Ridley Pearson ,and Jonathan Kellerman. Some others are really good but these guys have something special. If you are into mystery-thrillers I just gave you a back catalog I wish I could have...but I HAVE had it and it is an incredible treasure. I stopped going to libraries and swap places just so I can encourage these guys by sending them money. Please enjoy.

36 people found this helpful