the setup…
It begins with the brutal murder of a slumlord in Minneapolis who targets the Native American community. The next is an Oklahoma City judge followed by a New York agency head with a brilliant political career path. All were murdered in the same way, their throats slashed. Since it started in Minneapolis, they take the lead on the investigation and Lucas Davenport, detective lieutenant in the Office of Special Intelligence, heads the team. He’s fresh off the maddog case he brought to a successful conclusion and is teamed with Lieutenant Lily Rothenburg, an NYPD detective dispatched by the family of the murdered politician.
the heart of the story…
I got a clue where this might be headed from the tragic opening and know from the start who is leading the team of Native assassins on this killing spree. Their rage is justified and there’s a part of me that understood the why but I just couldn’t condone their method of retribution. Lucas and Lily were smart about their investigative approach but there were times the process crossed too many ethical lines, adding further fuel to the maltreatment of those in the Native communities. And then there’s Lucas who doesn’t seem to be able to keep a commitment even though he’s sharing a child with a woman he claims to want to marry. For me, the jury is still out on him.
the narration…
I made the right decision to listen to this series as Ferrone is an exceptional storyteller. His pacing and tone is well suited for this kind of story.
the bottom line…
There were times when I questioned whether this was a thriller or a moral commentary about society’s bigotry towards the Native communities. Based on the author’s afterword it was originally intended to be both but in the end he had to pick one and left it to the reader to choose a side. I certainly was conflicted, having little sympathy for the victims but could never condone vigilante violence. Lucas paid a big price here, both personally and professionally, and it will be interesting to see where he goes from here. And, I found the ending brilliant, making the mission’s objective chillingly clear.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 18, 2012 (originally 1990)
- Series: Lucas Davenport #2
- Narrator: Richard Ferrone
- Audio Length: 12 hours, 8 minutes
- Publisher: Recorded Books
Blue Mood Café 
I’m glad that you enjoyed this one. I appreciate the messaging in the book.
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Thanks, Jodie💜 It really had me conflicted.
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I read 4 or 5 of these back in the days I got paperbacks from the library. I hardly remember anything about them now. I have a hazy memory of a book where a politician grabbed a teen native girl and raped her. Is that in this book?
Anne – Books of My Heart
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This is the one! Anne, the victims (the ones being murdered) were reprehensible, making it hard to feel sympathetic.
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Well obviously that stuck with me for 14-16 years.
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It’s impossible to forget. I know I won’t.
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I just got a couple of months of Audible.com for free, do you have any Audible Plus recommendations, Jonetta?
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Any particular category? You know I’ve LOTS of recommendations!
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I know, that’s why I’m asking you 😂 I find the Audible Plus catalogue a little overwhelming and I never know quite where to start to get the most out of my subscription. I’m thinking Klune’s Wolfsong for my first credit but I’d like to squeeze in a few freebies. Anything but romance 😂
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I see you started the Cormac Reilly series by Dervla McTiernan. I’d pick up the rest. I also love, love, love the Cork O’Connor series by William Kent Krueger, starting with Iron Lake. Also enjoyed The Life We Bury by Allen Eskins; Good Luck with That and If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins (anything by her); A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole came highly recommended but haven’t listened to it yet; This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger (standalone); and The View from Alameda Island by Robyn Carr.
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I haven’t started the Cormac Reilly series but I’ll check it out! Thanks for the recommendations!!
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Oh no wait, The Sisters!
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Ooh Alameda Island is narrated by Therese Plummer, who narrates Kelley Armstrong’s Rockton series, I love her!
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FYI, the Kristan Higgins and Robyn Carr books have romantic elements. They’re more contemporary fiction.
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I’m fully intrigued by this premise and vigilante angle! Fab review. xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 This is the ultimate vigilante story.
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I read this one so many years ago, that after reading your review, I don’t remember it. I listened to the preview and am going to listen to the rest. I found it on Hoopla. It sounds like it is a commentary on racism, but I don’t like the vigilante message. Excellent review.
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Thank you, Carla💜 I typically avoid vigilante stories, regardless of how awful the victims. Kudos to Sandford for figuring out how to keep me from fully supporting either side. It’s more contemplative, with a larger message than right or wrong. More about the consequences of one’s actions without judgment.
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