the setup…
There’s a serial killer at large in Minneapolis who calls himself maddog. He preys on attractive women with dark hair, the “Chosen,” and after brutally murdering them, leaves a note with one of his “rules” for eluding capture. Lieutenant Lucas Davenport, a seasoned investigator with unorthodox methods, is brought in to work with the homicide cops after the latest assault to find maddog and bring him down. But then maddog sees Davenport as a worthy adversary, turning his murderous behavior into a game of wits.
the heart of the story…
It’s not unusual to get the killer’s point of view but it sort of is when his perspective opens the story and we’re given his identity. We learn quite a bit about him throughout the story, especially when he sets his sights on besting Lucas who, though a bit ethically challenged, has a brilliant mind and sees beyond the obvious during the investigation. His dogged determination to pursue obscure clues that prove to be highly relevant payoff substantially, causing maddog to make his own mistakes. However, Lucas’s love life is an absolute mess as commitment and monogamy are foreign concepts.
the narration…
This is my second time reading the story, the first on audio and it was an entirely different experience, for the better. Lucas is a complex character and the narrator “gets” him. He’s also a great storyteller.
the bottom line…
The first time I read this story, I was so put off by Lucas Davenport’s behavior with women it clouded my view of everything else about him. This time I was able to put that in better perspective, understanding that the women in his life were using him back. He’s a brilliant detective with lots of flaws and has a high appreciation for others who are authentic and talented in their own rights. I will definitely continue the series but only on audio. The procedurals were excellent, the storytelling highly engaging and the enigma that is Lucas Davenport is highly appealing. Go figure!
Book Info
- Release Date: January 1, 2005 (originally 1998)
- Series: Lucas Davenport #1
- Narrator: Richard Ferrone
- Audio Length: 11 hours, 54 minutes
- Publisher: Recorded Books
Listen to a Sample!
Blue Mood Café 
Fab review Jo! Glad it worked even better for on audio!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 My first read had me reluctant to continue the series. Now, I can’t wait for the next book.
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Great review! I hope that you enjoy the rest of the books in the series.
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Thanks, Jodie💜
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He’s one of my all-time favorites. I haven’t listened to an audio of one of his books, but now I will.
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Oh, Jerrie, it’s so much better on audio!
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You can probably guess I read these a million years ago when I lived in Mpls. Probably in the early 2000s and probably actually paperbacks. If I read again, I’ll have to try the audio. I think I read 4-5 of them.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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I wondered when I saw the setting, Anne💜 It’s the latest series read in one of my Goodreads groups. Surprisingly, it didn’t feel dated.
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I love when a mystery/thriller lets you get to know the killer. It’s always interesting to understand motivations – even fictional ones. This sounds like a good one. Excellent review!
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Thanks, Tessa💜 You know, it adds a certain something to a mystery. I find myself pushing the investigators to stay on track😏
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I agree, Nicki. Lucas was not my favourite character when I first began this series, but he has grown on me. I’m not sure if I will reread the ones I have already read, but I do plan on finishing the series. Wonderful review. I will try to find them all on audiobook.
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Thanks, Carla💜 It’s helpful to know that you had similar perceptions about Lucas, too. I’m going to hang in there!
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Oops, Jo. 😳
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Knew who you meant😏
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