Winter Prey (Lucas Davenport, #5) 4.25 of 5 stars ⭐ This is a great atmospheric

Winter Prey (Lucas Davenport, #5) 4.25 of 5 stars ⭐ 

By John Sanford 

This review/discussion is for people who've read some of this series. It's kinda ridiculous to write a review that's already been written a thousand times. I'm looking for comments, so thanks in advance for your input.

This is a great atmospheric. I love stories where the setting is a character, and I wish this series had continued on in this town. I was so hoping Davenport would take over for Sheldon Carr, the sheriff in this book. Carr had many reasons to retire - a crazy wife, a mistress, his spiritual advisor and friend gets murdered, a town full of pederasts who had been operating under his nose, and so on. Davenport could have taken over for Carr, moved in with Weather, and stayed here for a few books. I wouldn't even care if John Sandford killed her off later. Don't do all this build up, 'this could be the one' type of talk, and then just throw it away. That pisses me off! I'm invested in these characters, and what happens to them. Case in point: I switched off of John Sandford, and haven't gone back to the next book in the series yet. I started reading Night Prey, got mad, and put it down. Winter Prey is one of his best, and it feels like a betrayal to throw away everything you've built here.

Davenport has been drifting for awhile. Both in his personal life, and in his inability to let go of being a cop. But then a tragedy in Lincoln County comes along, and once again, he has direction. He has a badge again; he's avenging the murder of a child. He meets a woman who gives him butterflies; that never happens. He fits in easily, and already has friends. This book puts the character and series back on track.

There are women you want Davenport to end up with, and ones you don't (Jennifer). The love interest in this book, a doctor named Weather Karkinnen, would be an excellent choice. It's hard to follow Lily, Lucas' previous love interest. Lily was a hard nosed, adrenaline seeking, NY cop. Weather is a dedicated small town doctor. But isn't that the point? Lucas is slowing down, he's now in his mid to late 40's, and his sensibilities and feelings are changing. Great! It makes the character more believable. So, why does John Sandford undo every great thing he does in this book?

I know this review/discussion is also about Night Prey, and the direction the series goes from here. I think Lucas should turn the Porsche around, and head back to Lincoln County.