If you’re looking for John Sandford books in order, this guide is your one-stop resource. With dozens of bestsellers under his belt—most notably the Prey and Virgil Flowers series—Sandford has become a staple name in the world of crime fiction, known for sharp prose, intricate plotting, and compelling recurring characters.
Whether you’re just getting started or trying to figure out where to jump in next, here’s how to navigate Sandford’s thrilling world of investigations, corruption, and cold-blooded killers.
Who Is John Sandford?
John Sandford is the pen name of Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist John Camp. Since the early 1990s, he’s been cranking out bestselling thrillers that revolve around detectives with complex moral codes, high-stakes cases, and action that rarely lets up. His most popular characters include Lucas Davenport (of the Prey series), Virgil Flowers, and the newer Letty Davenport.
He’s known for gritty realism, well-researched law enforcement dynamics, and smart storytelling with just enough sarcasm to lighten the tension.
John Sandford Books in Order: The Series Breakdown
Here’s how to read John Sandford books in order across his three major series and beyond.
1. Lucas Davenport / Prey Series
This is Sandford’s flagship series. It follows Lucas Davenport, a brilliant and sometimes ruthless detective who evolves from an independent investigator to a U.S. Marshal. The books are fast-paced and increasingly political as the series goes on.
Prey Series in Order (First 10 Titles):
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Rules of Prey
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Shadow Prey
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Eyes of Prey
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Silent Prey
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Winter Prey
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Night Prey
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Mind Prey
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Sudden Prey
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Secret Prey
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Certain Prey
There are currently 33 books in the Prey series (as of 2024), with Mortal Prey, Twisted Prey, and Judgment Prey among the most well-known later titles.
2. Virgil Flowers Series
Virgil Flowers works under Davenport but brings a laid-back, good-ol’-boy charm to his investigations. Don’t let the cowboy boots and fishing gear fool you—he’s sharp, funny, and deadly when pushed.
Virgil Flowers Books in Order (First 5 Titles):
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Dark of the Moon
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Heat Lightning
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Rough Country
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Bad Blood
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Shock Wave
Fans love the more rural settings and offbeat crimes in this series. It has a different tone than the Prey books—more humor, but still packed with suspense.
3. Letty Davenport Series
Letty, Lucas Davenport’s adopted daughter, is all grown up and taking center stage in this newer spin-off. She’s smart, resourceful, and just as formidable as her father.
Books in Order:
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The Investigator
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Dark Angel
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From the Shadows (2024)
Letty’s series blends political thriller elements with high-action pacing, ideal for fans of Sandford’s later Prey novels.
4. Standalones and Collaborations
Sandford has also written standalone thrillers and collaborative novels, including:
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Saturn Run (with Ctein) – A sci-fi thriller that explores a race to Mars.
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The Night Crew – A gritty standalone involving an LA photojournalist caught in a deadly chase.
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Dead Watch – A political thriller with twists and betrayal.
Where Should You Start?
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Want to begin at the beginning? Start with Rules of Prey (Lucas Davenport #1).
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Prefer humor and quirk? Try Dark of the Moon (Virgil Flowers #1).
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Interested in a female lead? Begin with The Investigator (Letty Davenport #1).
Reading John Sandford books in order isn’t mandatory, but series arcs and character development are more rewarding when you do.
What Makes Sandford’s Thrillers Stand Out?
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No-nonsense pacing: His books are quick reads despite complex plots.
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Character continuity: You’ll grow attached to Davenport, Flowers, and Letty.
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Authentic police work: Sandford’s background in journalism shows in his realism.
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Smart humor: Sarcasm and wit often break the tension—just when you need it.
Final Word: John Sandford Is a Must-Read for Modern Thriller Fans
If you haven’t dived into the world of Lucas Davenport, Virgil Flowers, or Letty Davenport, now’s the perfect time. Following John Sandford books in order unlocks a rich, layered crime universe that keeps getting better with every release.
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