Walsh: John Sanford's newest thriller, featuring Davenport's daughter, does not disappoint
"Dark Angel" by bestselling author John Sandford is an exciting thriller that's liable to leave you sleepless if you're used to reading late at night!
It's the second in the series showcasing Letty Davenport, the adopted daughter of U.S. Marshal Lucas Davenport. Lucas is the hero of the exceptionally popular "Prey" books.
The action takes place before and during the recent Russian takeover of Ukraine. It offers entertaining insights into the assorted global political events.
Letty, 25, officially works for the Department of Homeland Security. Her real boss is a prominent U.S. senator. The National Security Agency (NSA) wants her for a special task.
Letty's new assignment is to infiltrate a group of computer hackers known as "Ordinary People," who may have dangerous plans that could have disastrous results in the U.S.
The group took control of the Russian railroad system a year earlier and got paid by the Russian government to stop.
She joins Rod Baxter, a reluctant NSA computer nerd; they travel cross-country to gather facts and infiltrate the group. After a successful introductory meeting, it gets considerably more violent.
Letty is assisted by likable specialists from other governmental offices, including the CIA. They face an extremely devious group of experienced professionals out to get quick, deadly results.
"Dark Angel" is an intense, gripping 377-page thriller featuring strong female characters and great plotting.
While it overflows with technical explanation of weaponry at times, it's overall a fast and satisfying read. It's best to start with the first book in the series, "The Investigator," to fully appreciate Letty's attitudes and her earlier experiences.
Loyal Sandford fans won't be disappointed.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987. His email address is raywalsh@voyager.net.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: John Sanford's newest thriller, 'Dark Angel,' does not disappoint
