John Sandford Books In Order – Complete List of Novels

Last Updated on March 9, 2023 The John Sandford books in order include his most popular bestselling Lucas Davenport (Prey) series, with to date over 30 crime mystery novels. I have read most of the author’s books in the series, starting with Rules of Prey, which was first published in 1989. I think I have read the book soon after its publication and got hooked on the series right away.

While Prey is John Sandford’s main series, he has also written additional books in the Virgil Flowers series, the Kidd series, The Singular Menace books, and his latest series featuring Letty Davenport, the adopted daughter of Davenport. All series are well-worth reading.

Here are all the John Sandford books in order for all the books he has written in the various series and his other books.

New John Sandford Books

Lucas Davenport / Prey Books In Publication Order

The publication order of Prey books by John Sandford is the same as the reading order.

1. Rules of Prey (#1), 1989
2. Shadow Prey (#2), 1990
3. Eyes of Prey (#3), 1991
4. Silent Prey (#4), 1992
5. Winter Prey (#5), 1993
6. Night Prey (#6), 1994
7. Mind Prey (#7), 1995
8. Sudden Prey (#8), 1996
9. Secret Prey (#9), 1998
10. Certain Prey (#10), 1999
11. Easy Prey (#11), 2000
12. Chosen Prey (#12), 2001
13. Mortal Prey (#13), 2002
14. Naked Prey (#14), 2003
15. Hidden Prey (#15), 2004
16. Broken Prey (#16), 2005
17. Invisible Prey (#17), 2007
18. Phantom Prey (#18), 2008
19. Wicked Prey (#19), 2009
20. Storm Prey (#20), 2010
21. Buried Prey (#21), 2011
22. Stolen Prey (#22), 2012
23. Silken Prey (#23), 2013
24. Field of Prey (#24), 2014
25. Gathering Prey (#25), 2015
26. Extreme Prey (#26), 2016
27. Golden Prey (#27), 2017
28. Twisted Prey (#28), 2018
29. Neon Prey (#29), 2019
30. Masked Prey (#30), 2020
31. Ocean Prey (#31), 2021
32. Righteous Prey (#32), 2022

Letty Davenport Series in Publication Order

1. The Investigator (#1), 2022
2. Dark Angel (#2), 2023

Virgil Flowers Books In Publication Order

1. Dark of the Moon (#1), 2007
2. Heat Lightning (#2), 2008
3. Rough Country (#3), 2009
4. Bad Blood (#4), 2010
5. Shock Wave (#5), 2011
6. Mad River (#6), 2012
7. Storm Front (#7), 2013
8. Deserves to Be Dead (#7.5), 2019
9. Deadline (#8), 2014
10. Escape Clause (#9), 2016
11. Deep Freeze (#10), 2017
12. Holy Ghost (#11), 2018
13. Bloody Genius (#12), 2019
14. Ocean Prey (#13), 2021
15. Righteous Prey (#14), 2022

Lucas Davenport vs. Lincoln Rhyme Short Stories

• Rhymes With Prey (Lincoln Rhyme / Lucas Davenport short story with Jeffery Deaver), 2014

The Singular Menace Books in Publication Order

co-authored with Michele Cook

1. Uncaged (#1), 2014
2. Outrage (#2), 2015
3. Rampage (#3), 2016

Series Edited and Anthologies

• FaceOff, 2014
• MatchUp, 2017
• Best American Mystery Stories, 2017

Standalone Novels and Short Stories

• The Night Crew, 1997
• Dead Watch, 2006
• Lucy Had a List, 2006 (published as a short story in Murder in the Rough)
• Saturn Run, 2016
• The Old Man’s Place, 2021
• Make My Bed In Hell, 2021

Books Written as John Camp

Kidd Series In Order

1. The Fool’s Run (#1), 1989
2. The Empress File (#2), 1990
3. The Devil’s Code (#3), 2000
4. The Hanged Man’s Song (#4), 2003

Non-Fiction Books

• The Eye and the Heart: The Watercolors of John Stuart Ingle, 1988 (a detailed examination of the life and art of John Stuart Ingle)
• Plastic Surgery, 1989 (written with Minnesota plastic surgeon Bruce Cunningham)

Prey Books Overviews

Rules of Prey (1989): The first of the Lucas Davenport books by John Sandford introduces readers to the Minneapolis detective as he hunts down a sadistic serial killer who is terrorizing the city.

Shadow Prey (1990): In this second installment, Davenport is tasked with investigating the murder of a Native American woman, which leads him into a dangerous world of gang violence and political corruption.

Eyes of Prey (1991): When a wealthy businessman and his family are brutally murdered in their home, LD is called in to investigate. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the family’s past may hold the key to solving the crime.

Silent Prey (1992): Lucas is up against a cunning killer who is targeting prostitutes in this fourth book of the series. As he races against time to catch the murderer, he must also contend with personal demons and a strained relationship with his girlfriend.

Winter Prey (1993): In this fifth book, Davenport travels to a small town in Wisconsin to hunt down a gruesome killer who has been preying on young women. As he delves deeper into the murder investigation, he realizes that the killer is much closer than he ever could have imagined.

Night Prey (1994): When a wealthy businessman is murdered in his home, Lucas is tasked with finding the killer. As he works the case, he discovers a network of dangerous criminals who will stop at nothing to protect their illicit activities.

Mind Prey (1995): In this seventh book, LD is faced with his toughest case yet when a psychotic killer takes a woman and her two children hostage. As the clock ticks down, Lucas must use all of his wits to outsmart the killer and save the hostages.

Sudden Prey (1996): When a group of professional thieves sets their sights on a wealthy couple’s home, Davenport is called in to check things out. As he races against time to catch the thieves, he must also confront a deadly enemy from his past.

Secret Prey (1998): In this ninth installment, Lucas Davenport is tasked with investigating the murder of a well-respected surgeon. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of lies and deceit that threaten to destroy everything he holds dear.

Certain Prey (1999): When a high-profile attorney is murdered, LD is called in to cover the case. As he races against time to catch the killer, he must also confront a dangerous adversary who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Easy Prey (2000): In this eleventh book, Lucas investigates the murder of a young girl who was caught up in a dangerous world of drugs and prostitution. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the girl’s death is just the tip of the iceberg.

Chosen Prey (2001): When a series of murders rocks the city, Lucas Davenport is tasked with finding the killer. As he goes on, he discovers that the killer is targeting a group of wealthy businessmen and their families.

Mortal Prey (2002): In Mortal Prey Lucas Davenport is targeted by a deadly assassin who has been hired to kill him. As he races against time to catch the killer, he must also protect himself and his loved ones from harm.

Naked Prey (2003): In this fourteenth book, Lucas investigates the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman’s daughter. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a twisted plot involving politics and greed.

Hidden Prey (2004): When a prominent businessman is murdered in his home, Lucas Davenport is called in to work again. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear apart the victim’s family and business empire.

Broken Prey (2005): Davenport is hunting for a brutal killer targeting young women in this sixteenth book of the series. As he tries to find clues, he discovers that the killer has a personal vendetta against him.

Invisible Prey (2007): When a prominent businessman’s daughter goes missing, Lucas is once again on the call. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a network of corruption and deceit that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.

Phantom Prey (2008): In this eighteenth book, Davenport examines the murder of a wealthy businessman and his family. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of lies and deceit that lead him down a dangerous path.

Wicked Prey (2009): When a gang of robbers targets a political fundraiser, Lucas Davenport is called in to see what’s going on. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a deadly conspiracy that threatens to undermine the entire political system.

Storm Prey (2010): In Storm Prey Lucas Davenport is targeted by a dangerous criminal who is on the run from the law. As he races against time to catch the fugitive, he must also protect his family from harm.

Buried Prey (2011): Lucas Davenport revisits a cold case from his early days as a detective in this twenty-first book of the series. While investigating the case, he uncovers shocking secrets that threaten to destroy the lives of those involved.

Stolen Prey (2012): When a group of thieves steal a cache of guns from a private collector, Lucas Davenport is called in again. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a network of criminals who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Silken Prey (2013): Lucas Davenport checks out a political scandal involving a senator who is caught up in a web of corruption and deceit. As he races against time to uncover the truth, he must also confront a dangerous adversary who will stop at nothing to protect his secrets.

Field of Prey (2014): In Field of Prey Lucas Davenport is put on a case of a string of brutal murders that lead him to a small town in rural Minnesota. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a community that is hiding dark secrets.

Gathering Prey (2015): Lucas Davenport hunts down a group of dangerous nomads who are on a killing spree across the country. As he races against time to catch the killers, he must confront his demons and personal struggles.

Extreme Prey (2016): In this twenty-sixth book, Lucas Davenport is tasks to investigate a political assassination plot that threatens to upend the entire presidential race. As he races against time to stop the killer, he must also navigate the dangerous world of politics and power.

Golden Prey (2017): In this twenty-seventh book, Lucas Davenport has left his job at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to become a US Marshal. He is sent to Mississippi to track down a group of thieves who stole millions of dollars from a drug cartel.

Twisted Prey (2018): Lucas Davenport follows the clues to a political conspiracy involving a wealthy senator who is running for president. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a twisted web of lies and deceit that threaten to bring down the entire political system.

Neon Prey (2019): In this twenty-ninth book, Lucas Davenport pursues a serial killer who is targeting wealthy residents of Las Vegas. As he races against time to catch the killer, he must also confront a dangerous criminal underworld that will stop at nothing to protect their own.

Masked Prey (2020): Lucas Davenport checks out a group of extremists who are plotting to assassinate a senator’s daughter during a political convention. As he navigates the dangerous world of politics and security, he must also confront his own past mistakes and personal struggles.

Ocean Prey (2021): When suspicious behavior is spotted on a nearby boat, the Guardsmen who are investigating are all killed. When Davenport is called because he’s FBI and it’s on their turf, he has to work together with none other than Virgil Flowers to solve the case.

Righteous Prey (2022): Lucas and Virgil are working once again together to bring down the The Five, a vigilante group of killers who target other criminals. But when the group becomes untraceable, it takes the duo investigator all it can to finally hunt them down and bring them to justice.

Letty Davenport Series Overview

The Investigator (2022): In the related John Sandford series, Letty Davenport is Lucas’s adopted daugther who starts her own series when she is is put on a case to follow the theft of crude oil. Especially what happens with the money from the sale. She teams up with DHS investigator, John Kaiser, and heads to a very dangerous Texas to search for clues.

Dark Angel (2023): Letty’s successful closure of the crude oil case from before gives the higher-ups the confidence to put her on even more dicey cases. This time she has to infiltrate a group of hackers, and she and her temporary partner pose as free-spirited programmers for hire. The Ordinary group, as the hackers call themselves, might not be the only danger to national security, hover, and the team has to find out who is behind it all before it’s too late.

Virgil Flower Series Overview

Dark of the Moon (2007): In this debut novel of the series by John Sandford, Virgil Flowers is a Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent who is sent to the small town of Bluestem to investigate the murder of a local woman. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear the town apart.

Heat Lightning (2008): Virgil Flowers is called in to investigate when a string of arson attacks hits rural Minnesota. As he tracks the arsonist, he discovers a sinister plot involving a shady land developer, a crooked sheriff, and a dangerous cult.

Rough Country (2009): Virgil Flowers is sent to find the killer behind the murder of a fishing guide in northern Minnesota. As he delves into the case, he discovers a web of corruption involving a local mining company and a group of environmental activists.

Bad Blood (2010): In this fourth installment, Virgil Flowers investigates a series of murders in the small town of Trippton, Minnesota. As he gets closer to the killer, he discovers a dark secret that the town has been hiding for years.

Shock Wave (2011): When a bomb goes off at a Minnesota quarry, Virgil Flowers is called in to examine things. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a complex conspiracy involving a local casino, a corrupt politician, and a group of dangerous criminals.

Mad River (2012): In this sixth book, Virgil Flowers is tasked with tracking down three teenagers who have gone on a killing spree in rural Minnesota. As he chases them down, he realizes that the teens are not just cold-blooded killers, but victims of circumstance.

Storm Front (2013): When a string of murders rocks the town of Bluestem, Virgil Flowers is sent to inquire. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of deceit involving a local cult and a group of wealthy investors.

Deadline (2014): In this eighth installment, Virgil Flowers looks into the murder of a famous author in rural Minnesota. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a web of jealousy, betrayal, and hidden agendas.

Escape Clause (2016): Virgil Flowers is called in to find out what’s going on when two rare Amur tigers are stolen from the Minnesota Zoo. As he delves into the case, he discovers a black market for exotic animals and a dangerous group of animal rights activists.

Deep Freeze (2017): In this tenth book, Virgil Flowers investigates the murder of a local woman in the small town of Trippton, Minnesota. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit involving a crooked sheriff, a group of wealthy businessmen, and a decades-old conspiracy.

Holy Ghost (2018): When a mysterious apparition appears in the town of Wheatfield, Minnesota, Virgil Flowers is called in to investigate. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of fraud, deception, and murder that threatens to tear the town apart.

Bloody Genius (2019): In this twelfth installment, Virgil Flowers investigates the murder of a controversial professor at the University of Minnesota. As he delves into the case, he discovers a complex web of academic politics, rivalries, and vendettas.

Ocean Prey (2021): The investigating Guardsmen are killed when suspicious behavior is spotted on a nearby boat. When Davenport is called because he’s FBI and it’s on their turf, he has to work together with none other than Virgil Flowers to solve the case.

Righteous Prey (2022): Lucas and Virgil are working once again together to bring down the The Five, a vigilante group of killers who target other criminals. But when the group becomes untraceable, it takes the duo investigator all it can to finally hunt them down and bring them to justice.

Kidd Books Overview

The Fool’s Run (1989): The first book in the Kidd series introduces readers to John Kidd, a computer hacker and artist, who is recruited by a wealthy businessman to steal a set of valuable computer files. The job quickly turns deadly, and Kidd finds himself in the crosshairs of a powerful and dangerous criminal organization.

The Empress File (1991): In this second book in the series, Kidd is hired by a young computer programmer to help her recover a stolen prototype for a revolutionary new software program. Kidd soon discovers that the programmer’s former employer is behind the theft and will stop at nothing to get the program back.

The Devil’s Code (2000): When Kidd’s friend Bobby is accused of murder, Kidd sets out to clear his name by finding the real killer. But as he investigates, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that leads him to a dangerous criminal mastermind.

The Hanged Man’s Song (2003): In this fourth book in the series, Kidd and his girlfriend, artist and computer whiz, LuEllen, are hired by a wealthy businessman to retrieve a stolen painting. But when they discover that the painting is linked to a brutal murder, they find themselves in the middle of a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Singular Menace Books Overview

Uncaged (2014): The first book in the Singular Menace series introduces readers to Shay Remby, a teenage girl who sets out to rescue her brother from a mysterious organization known only as The Singular Menace. Along the way, she teams up with a group of other teens who have been targeted by the organization and discovers that The Singular Menace has sinister plans for them all.

Outrage (2015): In the second book in the series, Shay and her friends continue to evade The Singular Menace’s operatives and work to uncover the organization’s secrets. But as they get closer to the truth, they find themselves in even greater danger.

Rampage (2016): In the final book in the series, Shay and her friends launch a daring mission to take down The Singular Menace once and for all. But the organization has prepared for their attack, and the teens must use all their skills and wits to survive and bring down their powerful and dangerous enemy.

The Case for Reading the Prey Books

Do you have to read the John Sandford books in order? My opinion is yes. Here are some reasons why you should consider reading the Prey series by John Sandford:

1. Engaging Protagonist: Lucas Davenport is a complex and compelling protagonist who is easy to root for. He’s intelligent, witty, and has a unique perspective on the world that makes him stand out from other detectives in the genre. He’s not perfect, but his flaws make him relatable and human.
2. Page-Turning Plots: Sandford is a master at crafting fast-paced, suspenseful plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Each book in the series is a gripping page-turner that keeps you guessing until the end.
3. Realistic Police Work: Sandford’s background as a journalist gives him a unique insight into police work, and it shows in his writing. The procedural elements of the books feel authentic and well-researched, which adds to the overall realism of the stories.
4. Character-Driven Stories: While the plots are exciting, the characters drive the series. Sandford has a talent for creating well-rounded and memorable supporting characters who add depth to the stories and make them feel more realistic.
5. Continuity Across Books: One of the benefits of reading a long-running series like the Prey series of books is the continuity across the books. As you read through the series, you’ll see characters evolve and grow and gain a deeper understanding of the world that Sandford has created.
6. Variety of Settings: While the series is set primarily in Minnesota, Sandford does an excellent job of exploring different parts of the state and using the settings to enhance the stories. From small towns to big cities, each book has a unique sense of place that adds to its overall atmosphere.
7. Standalone Reads: While the books in the series do follow a chronological order, each book is also a standalone story. You can jump into the series anytime and still enjoy the books without feeling lost or confused.

Overall, the series by John Sandford is a must-read for fans of crime fiction. With engaging characters, page-turning plots, and a realistic depiction of police work, these books will satisfy anyone looking for a gripping and entertaining read.

The Case for Reading the Virgil Flowers Books

Here are some of the reasons why I think that reading the Virgil Flowers books by John Sandford is a must:

1. Unique Protagonist: The protagonist of the series, Virgil Flowers, is a charismatic and unconventional investigator who often uses unorthodox methods to solve crimes. He is a skilled detective with a dry sense of humor, making him a fun and interesting character to follow. Unlike Davenport, he is not a traditional detective. He’s a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent with a laid-back, surfer-dude vibe and a reputation as a ladies’ man. He’s a fun and unconventional protagonist who is easy to root for.
2. Intricate Plotlines: The series features intricate and well-plotted mysteries that keep readers guessing until the very end. Each book features a unique case for Virgil to solve, and Sandford does an excellent job of building suspense and creating a sense of urgency.
3. Compelling Writing: John Sandford is a skilled writer who knows how to create vivid and compelling scenes. His descriptions of the Minnesota countryside and small towns in which the series is set are particularly vivid and transportive.
4. Standalone Books: While the John Sandford books in the series follow the same protagonist, they can be read as standalone novels. This means that readers can jump into the series at any point without feeling lost.
5. Varied Subject Matter: The Virgil Flowers books cover a wide range of subject matter, from drug cartels to art theft to political corruption. This variety keeps the series fresh and interesting and ensures that there is something for everyone.

Overall, the Virgil Flowers series is an engaging and entertaining set of mysteries that are well worth reading. With a charismatic protagonist, intricate plots, and compelling writing, the series will keep readers engaged from start to finish.

John Sandford Biography – About the Author

John Sandford is the pen name of the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Roswell Camp, aka John Camp. He was born on February 23, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sandford is known for his crime novels, many of which feature his iconic character, Lucas Davenport.

Sandford was raised in Cedar Rapids and went on to attend the University of Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies. After graduating, he was a journalist for several newspapers, including The Miami Herald and The Saint Paul Pioneer Press. In 1986, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for a series of articles about a farm family in Minnesota.

While Sandford was still working as a journalist, he began writing fiction in his spare time. His first novel, Rules of Prey, was published in 1989 and introduced readers to Lucas Davenport, a tough, smart, and charming detective who works for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The book was an immediate success and was followed by more than 30 sequels featuring Davenport, including Silent Prey, Easy Prey, and Buried Prey.

John Sandford’s other popular series includes the Virgil Flowers novels, which feature a detective with a reputation as a ladies’ man. The first novel in the series, Dark of the Moon, was published in 2007, and the series has since grown to include over a dozen books.

Sandford’s books are known for their gripping plots, vivid characters, and realistic depictions of police work. He has a talent for creating page-turners that keep readers guessing until the end. His books have been translated into more than 20 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

John Sandford is the chosen pen name of the author John Camp behind the Prey series, which has gained significant popularity among readers. The idea of using a pseudonym was suggested by his publisher, and after careful consideration, the author agreed. This decision allowed John Camp to keep his personal life separate from his professional writing career and created a distinct brand for his novels.

Initially, the author published the Prey series under his real name. However, as the series gained traction and readership increased, his publisher recommended the use of a pen name to create a stronger and more recognizable brand for his books. After deliberation, the author chose the name John Sandford as his pen name and has published all subsequent novels under this name.

In addition to his writing, Sandford is a passionate conservationist and spends much of his time at his home in New Mexico, where he works to protect wildlife and the environment. He has been married twice and has two children.

John Sandford is a prolific and talented writer who has significantly impacted the world of crime fiction. His books are beloved by readers around the globe, and he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.