I enjoy John Sandford’s Prey novels so much more when Virgil Flowers is an essential character. Judgment Prey is called “A Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers Novel”. I hope Flowers’ fans are as happy as I am with this book.

Lucas and Virgil were both shot in the line of duty. Nine months later, Davenport is still on leave, dealing with PTSD, depression and his dreams. But, the U.S. Marshal for the Minnesota District calls him to take a look at a crime scene. Judge Alex Sand and his two sons were shot dead in their house. As a federal judge, a number of his cases could have led to this. But, it’s obvious to Lucas that the killer wasn’t a professional. He assesses the scene, but steps aside. It’s a case for the FBI and St. Paul, Minnesota police.

When the investigators seem to be spinning their wheels, people with clout send in Davenport and Virgil Flowers from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. When they talk with Sand’s wife, Elizabeth Cooper, and a friend of hers, Ann Melton, Lucas and Virgil catch on to a relationship between the two women. They also see that Cooper is hiding something from them. It doesn’t take long to realize the women seem to have access to BCA files. They appear to be tracking the case, and the two men suspect Cooper may have an unhealthy fascination with it. Is she a suspect, or is she a woman out for revenge?

Before Judge Sand was murdered, he was planning to invest in a local charity. Now that he’s dead, the head of the charity isn’t sure Cooper’s interests align with her husband’s. Lucas and Virgil add a few people from the charitable organization to their watchlist. But, their leads seem scattered all over the place. It doesn’t help that they know that Cooper is either lying to them, or hiding things.

Judgment Prey is such a satisfying, intricate crime novel. It’s a tangled mess from start to finish. Lucas and Virgil always seem one step behind the killer and various suspects. But, it’s fun to watch the two men work the case together. They share a bizarre sense of humor, a deep friendship, and trust. Those who enjoy a complex case featuring strong characters should find Judgment Prey fits the bill.

Judgment Prey by John Sandford. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2023. ISBN 9780593542811 (hardcover), 400p.


FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley to review for a journal.