Silken Prey by John Sandford is the 23rd book in the “Prey” thriller series. Publisher: Putnam Adult, May 2013

Murder, scandal, political espionage, and an extremely dangerous woman. Lucas Davenport’s going to be lucky to get out of this one alive.

Very early one morning, a Minnesota political fixer answers his doorbell. The next thing he knows, he’s waking up on the floor of a moving car, lying on a plastic sheet, his body wet with blood. When the car stops, a voice says, “Hey, I think he’s breathing,” and another voice says, “Yeah? Give me the bat.” And that’s the last thing he knows.

Davenport is investigating another case when the trail leads to the man’s disappearance, then—very troublingly—to the Minneapolis police department, then—most troublingly of all—to a woman who could give Machiavelli lessons. She has very definite ideas about the way the world should work, and the money, ruthlessness, and sheer will to make it happen.

No matter who gets in the way.

Filled with John Sandford’s trademark razor-sharp plotting and some of the best characters in suspense fiction, Silken Prey is further evidence for why the Cleveland Plain Dealer called the Davenport novels “a perfect series,” and Suspense Magazine wrote, “If you haven’t read any of the Prey series, you need to jump on board right this second.”

I know that when I read any of the books in the Prey series, I’m going to be taken for a riveting ride and Silken Prey continues that journey as Lucas is handed a case where political aspirations, savory secrets and murder meet to cause a ripple in an upcoming local election. This book kept me turning the pages with anticipation of watching Lucas discover the people pulling the strings and systematically closing the door on their efforts. A great read and I can’t believe I have to wait another year for the next book in the “Prey” series.