Winter Prey by John Sanford

"Winter Prey" is one of the prey novels by the bestselling author John Sanford. He is known as the Iceman. he is on a mission to keep his secret buried. He goes on a killing spree to get rid of everyone who may be able to expose him. He is skillful, intelligent, meticulous and deadly. The setting is Wisconsin during the winter.

Lucas Davenport has his hands full. The Iceman is about to throw false flares that direct the attention to others other than himself. He watches and positions himself to hear things that help him to be a step ahead. When Davenport and his team think that they have him he slips off. "Winter Prey"  is certainly a page turner, beautifully plotted and skillfully written. It is a first rate thriller and the characters are alive and interesting.

“Chosen Prey” by John Sanford

  James Qatar is an Art history Professor. However, he is a psychopath. He has a peculiar choice of victims. He prefers women, not just any woman but she ought to be blonde. He sets out murdering blondes. He becomes known as the “grave digger”.

He is very meticulous and leaves behind very few clues, he is brutal, evil and is prepared to kill anybody who stands in his way or gives a hint that he suspects him. He likes to draw naked women without their consent but the face of the woman is superimposed on the body of another person. But only a trained eye can figure it out. He sometimes sends them to the victims.

He is a pervert, sick and deranged. His despicable murderous tendencies are beyond belief. He seems to enjoy killing just like one enjoys chocolate. Lucas Davenport has met his match. He is always a step ahead of the investigators.

John Sanford is the pseudonym of John Camp, the author of the novel. He gives a very suitable title to this novel. “Chosen Prey” best describes how James Qatar chooses his victim or prey. He does not do random.

The plot is not fast paced but it is interesting. It is realistic and exemplifies the very psychopathic in our society. Qatar is not like most criminals who use their unfortunate background as an excuse.  He cannot claim or justify his upbringing to justify his murderous or psychopathic tendencies.

Though he feels the noose tightening around his neck. He still feels he can outwit the investigators. The denouement is mind blowing. Sanford breathes life into James Qatar. He makes him appear like any ordinary person though psychopathic.