John Sandford discusses Revenge Prey

John Sandford, celebrated author of the Prey series, discusses his latest installment, *Revenge Prey*, during a lively book launch event hosted by the Poisoned Pen Podcast. He reveals that this novel marks a departure from his usual investigative structure, opting instead for a relentless, high-octane chase from page one, driven by a Russian hit team targeting a defector relocated to Minnesota under U.S. Marshals protection. Sandford emphasizes the plausibility of setting the story in Minnesota, citing the region's cold climate and birch forests as a comforting environment for the Russian characters. He also reflects on his evolving writing process, expressing both physical challenges—such as ongoing pain from a recent knee replacement—and creative fatigue, questioning whether he’ll continue the Davenport series. Despite this, he remains deeply engaged with the thriller genre, drawing inspiration from writers like Sarah Paretsky and Lee Child, while critiquing common tropes like unconvincing characters and implausible plots. He shares personal anecdotes about gun accuracy errors in other authors' work, his own gun knowledge, and even a humorous story about hosting a live shooting gallery in Scottsdale. Sandford also touches on broader themes: the changing nature of thrillers, the rise of AI, and the importance of sensory detail in storytelling. He expresses fondness for characters like Letty Davenport and Virgil Flowers, hinting at future stories involving them, and acknowledges the emotional weight of killing off beloved characters like the hitwoman. The conversation closes with advice for new readers: focus on Sandford’s masterful use of sensory detail, especially smell, to fully immerse in his world.