Thirty-six books into the Prey series, one might expect John Sandford to be running on fumes. Instead, with Revenge Prey, he proves that Lucas Davenport—and his creator—still have plenty of high-octane fuel in the tank. Released in early April 2026, this latest installment quickly secured its place atop the New York Times Best Seller list, blending the series’ trademark procedural grit with a high-stakes international espionage twist.

The Synopsis

The narrative centers on Leonard Summers, a high-ranking Russian intelligence officer who defected to the United States after exposing a network of deep-cover “sleeper” spies. After a year of being tucked away in a CIA safehouse, the government decides to transition Leonard and his family into the Witness Protection Program (WPP). Their destination? A quiet, wooded suburb in Minneapolis designed to mimic their former life in Russia.

Lucas Davenport and U.S. Marshal Shelly White are tasked with the hand-off, but the “quiet” life is shattered before it even begins. Despite the CIA’s layers of security, a ruthless Russian hit team tracks the family to their new home. When a precision strike leaves the family shattered and the security detail reeling, it becomes clear that there is a leak deep within the American intelligence apparatus. Lucas must navigate a web of bureaucratic red tape and lethal assassins to find the mole before the hit squad finishes the job.

The High Points

Sandford’s greatest strength has always been his dialogue and character dynamics, and Revenge Prey delivers in spades. The rapport between Lucas and Shelly White is electric, providing a “mordant humor” that balances the book’s darker moments. Furthermore, the inclusion of fan-favorites like Virgil Flowers and Letty Davenport—even in brief cameos—creates a rewarding sense of continuity for long-term readers.

The plot itself feels like a return to the series’ roots. By moving the action back to the familiar territory of Minneapolis, Sandford leans into the “hunter vs. hunted” atmosphere that made the early books so iconic. The addition of a “spy vs. spy” element elevates the stakes, making the antagonists feel genuinely formidable rather than the standard “criminal of the week.”

The Drawbacks

However, the book is not without its flaws. The middle-act pacing suffers from a noticeable sag; as Lucas digs into the digital trail of the leak, the narrative tension stalls under the weight of procedural technicalities. Additionally, the “mole in the department” trope feels somewhat well-worn for Sandford. While the execution is professional, seasoned thriller readers might find the ultimate reveal of the traitor a bit predictable.

The Verdict

Despite a slight mid-book slowdown, Revenge Prey is a masterclass in the contemporary thriller genre. It remains a “must-read” for anyone who enjoys smart-ass banter, tactical precision, and a hero who isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of due process. Sandford remains one of the finest storytellers in the game, proving that Lucas Davenport is indeed a hero for these perilous times.

– The Moving Words Review