John Sandford Books In Order
Book links take you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.Publication Order of Prey/Lucas Davenport Books
Publication Order of Lucas Davenport vs. Lincoln Rhyme Short Stories/Novellas
| Rhymes With Prey: Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport | (2014) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Letty Davenport Books
| The Investigator | (2022) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Dark Angel | (2023) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Toxic Prey | (2024) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Kidd & LuEllen Books
| The Fool's Run | (1989) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Empress File | (1991) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Devil's Code | (2000) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Hanged Man's Song | (2003) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Virgil Flowers Books
| Dark of the Moon | (2007) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Heat Lightning | (2008) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Rough Country | (2009) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Bad Blood | (2010) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Shock Wave | (2011) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Mad River | (2012) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Storm Front | (2013) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Deadline | (2014) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Escape Clause | (2016) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Deep Freeze | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Holy Ghost | (2018) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Bloody Genius | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Ocean Prey | (2021) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Righteous Prey | (2022) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Judgment Prey | (2023) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Singular Menace Books
| Uncaged | (2014) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Outrage | (2015) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Rampage | (2016) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| The Night Crew | (1997) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Dead Watch | (2006) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Saturn Run | (2015) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of The MatchUp Collection Books
| Honor & ... | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Deserves to Be Dead | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Getaway | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Midnight Flame | (2018) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Short Story | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Past Prologue | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Faking a Murderer | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Dig Here | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Taking the Veil | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Rambo on Their Minds | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Footloose | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
+ Show All Books in this Series | ||||
Publication Order of Prey Universe Books
Publication Order of Anthologies
More About John Sandford:
When you think of the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and bestselling novelist John Roswell Camp, you may end up drawing a blank. But that is the real name of an author I am sure you all have heard of, John Sandford. He created the pseudonym at the request of his publisher in 1989. He had two books coming out that year and they decided to release one, The Fools Rush In, under his real name and a second under a pseudonym, Rules of Prey.
The later took off, becoming increasingly more popular than the first. So from then on John Roswell Camp became John Sandford. Before his first two releases in 1989, John Sandford wrote for the Miami Herald, for seven years during the 1970’s. 1971 – 1978 to be precise. He used his Bachelor’s in American history and Masters in Journalism from the University of Iowa to hone his skills, becoming a top writer at the Miami Herald. In 1978 John Sandford was looking for a new challenge.
He packed up and moved to Minneapolis. There he joined the staff of The Saint Paul Pioneer Press as a features reporter. As usual his work excelled there and John Sandford became a full-time daily columnist by 1980. That year was also his first brush with a Pulitzer as he made it as a finalist thanks to a series of stories he had written on Native American culture. John Sandford’s break out year would come in 1986. That year his writing efforts would be validated even further as he won a Pulitzer for Non-Deadline Feature Writing. His series “Life on the Land: An American Farm Family” were the stories he had written to result in such a prize.
They followed your average Minnesota farm family during the Midwest farm crisis, taking place over the course of a year. These stories seemed to resonate deeply with Minnesota residents and the Pulitzer board as well, resulting in John Sandford’s first big win. It was not until 1989 that John Sandford stopped writing daily for the Pioneer Press and with the success of his novels he quit writing for them completely the very next year.
From that point forward John Sandford became a full time novelist, writing to date, over 30 novels. John Sandford also served in the Army from 1966-68, he has a passion for archaeology, even becoming the principal financial backer for a dig in the Jordan valley of Israel. He also has a passion for art and photography and a love for hunting and fishing.
The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native, born February 23, 1944, shows no signs of slowing down, as he continues to release books in his Prey Series, Virgil Flowers Series, Kidd Series and the odd one off book. John Sandford has become a bestselling author many times over and for good reason, his books are a joy to his readers and bring the same high quality writing one would expect from a John Sandford book every time.
John Sandford – Books and Characters
John Sandford’s first major hit, Rules of Prey, released in 1989, has since spawned over 20 sequels. The very first book sucked readers into a murder/mystery in a thrilling way and set the bar for the books to come. In Rules of Prey we are introduced to a killer named Louis Vullion.
He is your average bottom of the barrel young attorney, who uses his day job to scout out his next female victim. He uses tactics that would be admired by an chess master and creates one heck of a fear storm for the residents of Minnesota. Finally, the hero of all the books, Lucas Davenport is called in to end this young attorney’s reign of terror. Davenport is not like your regular lieutenant, he invents computer games, drives a Porsche to work and attracts plenty of beautiful women along the way.
He works on his own and prefers it. Davenport seems to have an instant understanding of the killer and so begins a thrilling cat and mouse game between the two from start to finish of Rules of Prey. In another of John Sandford’s series, Virgil Flowers, he once again creates a world around murder and intrigue. In Dark of the Moon, first in the series which has since spawned 6 sequels, we are introduced to the main hero on the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Virgil Flowers.
Like most good heroes he comes with plenty of back story and baggage, making him complex and leaving the reader wanting to delve further into his world. Flowers tackles his toughest case to date in Dark of the Moon. A small town is rocked by a series of murders and when he goes to investigate he finds the motives seem to be deeply personal. Before long he also suspects himself of being a target, leading to a race against time to discover the killer before he himself becomes another murder victim.
Each and every John Sandford book follows the same formula of the above two, creating wonderful characters, rich worlds and exciting suspense from start to finish. Even his nonfiction books, such as his book on Plastic Surgery remain an engrossing read. You cannot seem to go wrong curling up with any of John Sandford’s books and inviting his wonderful characters into your living room.
John Sandford – in The Movies
With John Sandford’s works on top of the New York’s bestseller list time and time again, it was only a matter of time before his works were brought to life on your television screen. Over time, a few of his works have done just that. One of his works to recently be turned into a TV movie was Certain Prey, having none other than star of the hit CBS show, NCIS, Mark Harmon portray Lucas Davenport on USA network.
It premiered to a massive viewing of over 5 million viewers, topping all in ratings that day besides The Walking Dead and Football. It was also the 2nd highest ranked cable movie of the year in ratings. Another of his works, once again in the Prey series, Mind Prey, was made into a television movie back in 1998, finding little success compared to his most recent television outing. It starred Eriq LaSalle, or ER fame, as Lucas Davenport and was met with low ratings and generally distaste from fans of the series.
John Sandford – The Future
The future looks bright for John Sanford fans, as he continues to release novels of their favorite characters and I am sure it will only be a matter of time before more of his works show up on a television screen near you.
Book Series In Order » Authors »
Any issues with the book list you are seeing? Or is there an author or series we don’t have? Let me know!
Books in order has the publication order of the Prey universe. It would be nice to see if it matches the chronological order .
We only list the chronological order when it differs
I started reading John Sanford books when I picked up my first book from a Local authors table at Barnes and Noble as an unknown author. I am a fan and I now follow the The audiobooks because my vision has become worse over the years. Please add more Virgil Flowers books in the future. I enjoy them all.
I drove a lot during my career as a claims adjuster and discovered audio books around 1998. It was much more satisfying getting into an audio book than listening to music. I stumbled onto John Sanford shortly after that and was hooked. Over 25 years, I listened to pretty much everything John Sanford has written. I feel almost like Lucas Davenport and I have worked our way through our careers together as acquaintances. I’ve become friends with Virgil, and in the last couple of years with Letty. I’ve retired now and Lucas appears to be nearing his retirement. I hope to hear more from Letty and will continue to follow her career. I hope Virgil pops back up a few more times as well.
I accidentally read Masked Prey as my first book in Lucas Davenport’s Prey Series as I purchased it at a local box store and thought it sounded interesting. I ended up going to the local library and starting at the beginning with Rules of Prey and haven’t stopped. I’m on Ocean Prey and my oh my! It’s not a letdown. I sometimes stop the Prey Series and pick up a Virgil Flowers book (in order) just for a break. But I am hooked. Not sure what I will do once I have read them all. Mr. Sandford, you a one “hell of a writer”. Thanks.
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Simple…Do what I do: Read’em again. I’ve read Naked Prey and Winter Prey probably a dozen times and others multiple times and enjoyed them each as if it was the first time. The same with the Virgil Flowers books. I’ve lost count of the times read Dark of the Moon and Deadline. I promise, the Sandford books are as enjoyable every time as they were the first time.
Mr. Sandford,
I have to be honest your prey books got me through one of the hardest times of my life. Im from Minnesota and a few years back I was doing time in a Minnesota Correctional Facility and a fellow inmate turned me unto your work and from that point i just lost myself in your books. I just kept reading and those sad , depressing nights we bearable and i got home to my kids. I have continued reading your work and have my kids reading it as well.So thank you for helping me get home to my kids. Forever in your debt.
Sincerely Cory C.
I just finished Toxic Prey, I have read all of John Sandford’s books in order and always anxiously wait for the next one. One thing that I really appreciate in his books is the shout-out he gives to other authors. And so, now thanks to Letty, I am reading J.D. Robb. Just love your website!!! (and have referred it to friends and family).
Dear Mr. Sandford,
Your newest book, Toxic Prey is
without doubt another worthy tale
that keeps me anxiously awaiting more!
Thank you for getting my heart pounding with the thrill, relevancy and whew! conclusion! May all be as a calm sea for you and yours.
Like your other readers, I’m immensely grateful to you for your books. Much is unique about them, of course. But what lingers with me always is that every time I read one of your books I find myself laughing out loud several times. You have a unique ability to insert humor into what can be hugely violent drama. Mosly it comes in dialogue between the characters, but not always. It’s wonderfully refreshing. Thank you 40 times over and, hopefully, many times more.
Dear Mr. Sanford,
Whatever you write, I will read. It’s that simple. I cannot thank you enough for the hours of enjoyment while reading or listening to your books and stories.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ali Fehl
John Sandford is the best author I have ever read books from! Every prey novel is thrilling and keeps you on your toes!
I have read almost all of your books. I really enjoy those with Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport. I have them all in my home library. Can’t wait for the new Prey book. Just ordered the stand alone books. Wishing you good health and continued writing success.
You go Mr.Sandford. I can never get enough of Lucas Davenport or Virgil Flowers! I just picked up books I missed,I don’t know how I missed them. Luv your books.
THANKS TO THE PREY SERIES, AND, THAT FUKEN FLOWERS, ALONG WITH MY FAILING MEMORY. (I’M 66) I GET TO REREAD AGAIN AND AGAIN MR SANFORDS WONDERFUL BOOKS. I RARELY REMEMMBER WHO DID WHAT SO IT’S FREASH EVERY TIME.
THANK-YOU MR SANFORD
JOHN O’CALLAGHAN
FOND DU LAC WI
I really wish the Davenport and Flowers’ series could remain separate. I’m a long-haul trucker, who listens to audiobooks, and I love how all the Davenport books have been read by Richard Ferrone, and all the Flowers’ books have been read by Eric Conger. For us audio guys, with Ferrone doing all the reading, Virgil Flowers doesn’t exist anymore. It’s sad, because his series was still so young.
Not a truck driver and only 50% loyal to audiobooks. However, I started reading the prey series but listening to the Flowers series. I 100% agree that without Eric Conger, it does feel like Virgil is lost to me.
Nothing against Richard Ferrone or his performance. However, I also like the clear and distinct perspective that occurs when they are separate books. Virgil is not a subordinate when in his own book, and it is from his primary perspective that the chase occurs.
When combined, Lucas is carrying the story regardless of intent, and Virgil remains secondary, if that.
Last, the fact that they work for two separate bureaus while combining their stories makes each story feel diluted, to me. Part of John Sandford’s gift lies in his attention to descriptive detail. I now feel that the adventures of both Lucas and Virgil are shortchanged as of this combined storytelling.
I’m sure the brilliant John Sanford needs time to create, especially now that Letty has HER own adventures, and that combining stories of the MInnesota BCA and Virgil with those of the Federal Marshal services and Lucas allows more time to create all of the new stories.
I’d rather wait an extra year for a Virgil stand alon, especially if Eric Conger gets to reprise his role as narrator.
At the very least, maybe there could be a joint narration with Conger as Flowers and all of his peripheral characters while Ferrone remains as Lucas and all of those characters not specific to Virgil.
Kudos to all the stories and storytelling, though. Can’t wait to see how the Pandemic wreaks havoc on all of our crime fighter/hunters and the criminals in the future in Minnesota and beyond.
ALL THE ABOVE!!!! Just finished “The Investigator” — Hope there are many more “Letty” stories. Tks for all the great hours spent involved in your unique characters lives. Please don’t stop.
Tks, Dan
I got on my library’s waiting list as soon as I saw The Investigator had been ordered. Took 2 months, but was WELL WORTH THE WAIT!! It was Great… I hadn’t read many John Sanford before, some of the Prey novels. I have a lot to catch up on.
John Sandford books are a joy to read. I reread them frequently and can always find a new laugh. The repartee between characters is a source of great enjoyment.
Of late, I have spent a lot of time trying to decide who would be a good actor to play he part of Virgil Flowers. He has become a welcomed member of Sandford’s heroes.
Mark Harmon’s shot at Davenport was wrong because Harmon will never be anyone else but type-casted Gibbs and considering the popularity of Flowers’ and the frequency of his appearance in Sandford books, a new and promising actor would be best considered with the understanding that he would return for future shows. An interesting problem.
Thank you for creating two of the best characters and series I have encountered.
Blessings, Steve Cone
Eric Christian Olsen would be a great Virgil Flowers!
Uh…..NO! Eric Christian Olson is NOT Virgil Flowers!
Country singer Alan Jackson would be the perfect Virgil Flowers!!!
Thank you Mr. Sandford for the hours and hours of great reading!!! I have read all of your books and can’t wait for the next one.
Just finished reading MAD RIVER and was blown away when I read on page 363 and 364 the location of
Alma, Wisconsin. I was born on a farm about 10 miles south of Alma by Cochrane, Wis. Moved to Buffalo City, Wis. when 5 yrs old. I have read most of the PREY novels from the LaCrosse Public Library where I go every 2-3 weeks and get 4 to 5 of your books. I read at least 2 or 3 of them in a week.
Can’t seem to put them down. Looking forward to your next book THE INVESTIGATOR featuring Letty Davenport due out on 4-12-2022. Please keep writing !!
Hi,
I was born/raised in Winona MN.
VERY familiar with MN/WI areas near the river. Fountain City north and south. Is it still called the Coulee Region?
Wayne
I first became aware of John Sandford thru his Saturn Run sci-fi novel which I thought was very well done, with some very out there ideas on space technology and an engrossing story. I bought a used copy of Dark of the Moon and real enjoyed it, tho crime fiction is not a genre I read very much. But that may change; I think I’ll start with the stand-alone novels and then perhaps get into the Virgil Flowers series. Stay tuned!
I began reading the Prey series in 8th grade and my Dad was as obsessed with the release of each installment as I was, I just seen something and a short story with Lucas Davenport vs Lincoln Rhyme called “Rhymes with Prey” is that part of the series or did I accidentally find a fanfiction type of thing?
Hi Amber – that story is part of the anthology FaceOff listed above.
The latest book in the Prey Series on your list is Ocean Prey. The latest book in the Virgil Flowers Series is listed as the same, Ocean Prey. Is this an error? He wouldn’t title two books the same, correct? I do a frequent check on both series to find out if something new came out and was happy to find this title. I love both series and characters.
Hi Maureen – Ocean Prey features both characters teaming up and so belongs in both series.
Big fan of the Prey series, but also love Virgil Flowers because he lives in my home town, Mankato, and his assignments usually take him to places I know (okay, so I can’t find some of the towns in my atlas). Likewise the Prey books as I lived and worked in both Minneapolis and St Paul back in my youth. So love following the action in both areas. Just finished Gathering Prey, lived in Michigan almost thirty years, so am sort of familiar with the UP and northern part of lower MI. Always anxious for the next books, so have a few to catch up on.
Just wondering if your writing style in your Lucas Davenport series going forward will reflect the ever evolving changes in police conduct…Lord knows Lucas pushes the limits of police policies…
Just finished reading OCEAN PREY….couldn’t put it down for too long before picking it up again….Was little worried about Virgil flowers not getting caught….Great book…hardly wait until next Lucas Davenport or Virgil Flowers book comes out…
I have read all the books and just finished Ocean Prey can’t wait to see the next book. I have enjoyed all of them. Thank you for writing them. Have a great day.
John, I’ve read all your books and I thought this latest one was a home run! I bought it the day it came out and try as I might, couldn’t get it to last more than 4 nights. It was one of your very best. Not one mistake either. So you won’t have to come over here. Keep up the great work. Thanks.
Jim Lavin / Knoxville,Tennessee.
Re: Ocean Prey
John, I’ve read all your books and I thought this latest one was a home run! I bought it the day it came out and try as I might, couldn’t get it to last more than 4 nights. It was one of your very best. Not one mistake either. So you won’t have to come over here. Keep up the great work. Thanks.
Jim Lavin / Knoxville,Tennessee.
I have all the Prey series books also all of Virgil Flowers books. Love. John Sandford style of writing once you start to read a book you can not put it down.
Have been an ardent fan of the Prey series from the beginning and collect every title. Just started the f’n Virgil Flowers series; have also read The Night Crew and The Empress File. My favorite is still the Prey series. Looking forward to new ones.