Letty Davenport has been given a new assignment by her boss. She must locate Lionel Scott, an eminent doctor with expertise in infectious diseases. Letty first travels to London to dig into Scott’s background in order to find some clues as to his whereabouts. She meets her liaison with MI5, and they conduct interviews with Scott’s friends and associates.

The more Letty learns about Scott’s work and theories, the more concerned she becomes. Scott is obsessed with the “Gaia concept,” which views Earth as a single body and that imbalances of Earth can be restored only by a drastic reduction in population. His intentions become more alarming when it’s learned that he’s been working on “gain of function” research with viruses.

"In a world where viruses have turned into global pandemics, a character such as Scott has never been spookier. Sandford delivers another sparkling gem with crisp dialogue, intense action and drama."

In the wake of the information gleaned about Scott, a task force has been assembled to round up the doctor and any associates. Letty will work with the US Marshals, including her father Lucas, in apprehending Scott. The most recent sighting of him was in New Mexico, and father and daughter will branch out into separate teams as they conduct their inquiry/manhunt. As the investigation gains steam, Letty and Lucas realize that they are facing a threat far greater than initially pondered. Scott has created a mutant virus capable of unleashing catastrophic destruction onto the public once it gets airborne.

The prospect of facing an armed suspect is daunting enough, but the idea of doing battle against an unseen yet far deadlier enemy is almost inconceivable. Letty, Lucas and their law enforcement allies must adjust their plan in how they approach Scott and his acolytes as one false move could kill millions. While their pursuers scour through Albuquerque and surrounding areas, Scott and his disciples put the finishing touches on their plan. They will not hesitate to kill anyone who gets in their way of preserving Mother Earth.

TOXIC PREY is the 34th book in John Sanford’s Prey series; it never fails to keep readers mystified and on the edge of their seats. The story’s focus shifts between the young and brilliant Letty and the veteran and savvy Lucas. Letty is still processing the fallout from her most recent case where she had to use lethal force to carry out her job. The trip to London is strictly business, but a connection is made between her and her British contact. The romance between them offers a welcome respite from the carnage that surrounds them.

Lucas Davenport remains the archetypal investigator, devoted to executing his mission. He has tangled with all sorts of diabolical perpetrators in the past, yet Lionel Scott is a different sort altogether. He is a villain who believes that by committing mass genocide, he is serving the purpose of the common good. In a world where viruses have turned into global pandemics, a character such as Scott has never been spookier. Sandford delivers another sparkling gem with crisp dialogue, intense action and drama.