Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Suspenseful, Gritty, Investigative, Reflective
- Read it if
- You enjoy police procedurals with a strong cold case element and a protagonist with a personal stake in the outcome.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighthearted mysteries or are sensitive to themes of child abduction and murder.
Buried Prey Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Demolition Discovery
In Minneapolis, a demolition crew uncovers two bodies, wrapped in plastic, within the walls of an old house. The discovery alerts authorities, and initial assessment suggests the bodies have been there for decades. Police identify the case as a cold one, and due to its historical nature, the investigation goes to Lucas Davenport, a senior investigator with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The scene is gruesome, with remains indicating a violent end for the victims, restarting a long-dormant mystery in the city's history.
Lucas's Past Connection
Upon hearing the details, Lucas Davenport recognizes the case. He realizes these are likely the remains of Jenny and Kristin, two teenage girls who disappeared in 1985. Lucas, then a young, ambitious, and rebellious homicide detective, had worked on their original missing persons case. The case had been officially closed years ago, to Lucas's dissatisfaction, as he believed there was more to uncover. This new development offers him a chance to revisit an unresolved personal failure and bring closure to the victims and their families.
Revisiting the 1985 Investigation
Lucas begins by reviewing the original 1985 case files, which show a chaotic and politically charged investigation. He notes the initial theories, dead ends, and pressure from police leadership to close the case. He tracks down and interviews his former partner, Del Capslock, now retired, who offers fragmented memories and insights into the original investigation's frustrations. Lucas also seeks out other detectives and patrol officers from that era, trying to piece together what happened during the initial search for Jenny and Kristin. The process is slow, as many memories have faded or changed.
The First Suspect: Michael Dees
One name consistently appears from the 1985 files: Michael Dees, a troubled young man who was a person of interest at the time, known for erratic behavior and proximity to the girls. Lucas remembers Dees clearly and revisits him, finding him still living in Minneapolis, older and more withdrawn. Dees maintains his innocence, as he did decades ago, but his demeanor and past history make him a compelling subject for Lucas. Initial interviews with Dees are tense, providing little new information, but Lucas senses there is more to uncover under Dees's indifferent facade.
Uncovering Political Interference
As Lucas investigates, he uncovers hints of political interference in the original 1985 investigation. He learns that the police chief and other powerful figures wanted to close the case quickly, possibly to avoid scandal or protect someone connected to the city's elite. Documents seem to have been intentionally misplaced, and certain inquiries were stopped. Lucas realizes the 'truth' of the original case was 'buried,' not just by the killer, but by those in power who prioritized reputation over justice. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity and danger to his current investigation.
The Second Suspect: Julian Rand
By re-interviewing old witnesses and reviewing police reports, Lucas's attention shifts to Julian Rand, a prominent and influential figure in Minneapolis society, who had a tangential connection to the girls through their social circle. Rand was never a primary suspect in 1985, but Lucas discovers inconsistencies in his alibis and vague rumors that were dismissed at the time. Rand's wealth and connections explain the political pressure Lucas uncovered. Interviewing Rand is difficult, as he uses his influence to obstruct Lucas's inquiries, making it clear he believes himself above scrutiny.
Connecting the Dots
Lucas eventually uncovers a connection between Julian Rand and Michael Dees. It appears Dees, in his youth, was a low-level drug dealer and informant who had dealings with Rand's illicit activities. Lucas deduces that Rand, or someone in his circle, was responsible for the girls' deaths, possibly during a party or an attempt to silence them after they witnessed something incriminating. Dees was then either coerced or paid to dispose of the bodies and take the blame if necessary, with the promise of protection from Rand's influence. This paints a picture of a carefully planned cover-up.
The Confrontation
With growing evidence, including forensic analysis of the crime scene and a re-examination of witness statements, Lucas confronts Julian Rand. Rand, initially dismissive and arrogant, begins to show cracks in his composure as Lucas lays out the reconstructed timeline and the role he believes Rand played. The confrontation escalates, with Rand trying to use his power and threaten Lucas. Lucas realizes that Rand is far more dangerous than he first appeared, willing to go to extreme lengths to protect his reputation and freedom, just as he did decades ago.
The Truth Revealed
Through Dees's eventual confession (under pressure from Lucas) and the unearthed evidence, the full truth is revealed. Jenny and Kristin had stumbled upon a high-stakes drug deal or another illegal activity involving Julian Rand and his associates at the house in 1985. To prevent them from talking, Rand murdered them and then, with the help of his network, orchestrated their burial within the house's walls. Michael Dees was paid off and threatened to keep silent, becoming a convenient scapegoat. The police chief at the time, influenced by Rand's power, ensured the investigation was prematurely closed.
Justice Served
With Dees's testimony and irrefutable forensic evidence, Lucas Davenport finally has enough to bring Julian Rand to justice. Despite Rand's continued attempts to use his influence, the weight of the evidence and the public outcry surrounding the decades-old cold case become too significant to ignore. Rand is arrested, along with some of his accomplices who aided in the cover-up. Lucas ensures that the families of Jenny and Kristin, who have lived with uncertainty for so long, finally receive answers and closure. The case, a personal ghost for Lucas, is finally laid to rest.
Buried Prey Characters
Lucas Davenport
Protagonist
A senior BCA investigator with a personal stake in a decades-old cold case.
Lucas Davenport is a seasoned, intelligent, and often unconventional law enforcement officer. In 'Buried Prey,' he is a senior investigator for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, but the story frequently flashes back to his younger days as a brash, sometimes reckless homicide detective in 1985. He is driven by a strong sense of justice and a deep-seated need to solve cases, especially those that haunt him. He's known for his keen observational skills, his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and his willingness to bend rules when necessary to achieve his goals. The unresolved disappearance of Jenny and Kristin has been a personal burden for him for decades.
Relationships: Del Capslock (Former police partner and confidant); Michael Dees (Key suspect from 1985, later a witness/accomplice); Julian Rand (The primary antagonist and killer)
Julian Rand
Antagonist
A wealthy and influential Minneapolis figure who murdered the girls and orchestrated the cover-up.
Julian Rand is a powerful and well-connected businessman in Minneapolis, operating in the shadows of high society. He is arrogant, manipulative, and utterly ruthless, using his wealth and influence to control situations and people. In 1985, he was involved in illicit activities, and when Jenny and Kristin stumbled upon them, he murdered them to protect himself. For decades, he successfully buried the truth, leveraging his connections within the police and political spheres. His primary motivation is self-preservation and maintaining his pristine public image, making him extremely dangerous when threatened.
Relationships: Lucas Davenport (His relentless pursuer); Michael Dees (His coerced accomplice and scapegoat)
Michael Dees
Supporting
A troubled man from 1985, initially a suspect, later revealed as an accomplice.
Michael Dees was a young, somewhat aimless man in 1985, involved in petty crime and drug dealing. He was a person of interest in the girls' disappearance due to his proximity and unsavory reputation. Dees is characterized by his fear and a sense of being trapped by past events. He was coerced by Julian Rand into disposing of the bodies and keeping silent, living with the secret for decades. He is initially resistant to Lucas's inquiries, but the weight of his guilt and the renewed investigation eventually break him, leading to his confession. He represents the hidden victims of Rand's power.
Relationships: Lucas Davenport (The detective who pushes him for the truth); Julian Rand (His coercer and the true killer)
Del Capslock
Supporting
Lucas's former partner from 1985, now retired and providing fragmented insights.
Del Capslock was Lucas Davenport's partner during the 1985 investigation. Now retired, he's a gruff but loyal former cop. He remembers the frustrations and political pressures of the original case, though his memories are somewhat faded by time. Del provides Lucas with valuable context about the police department's internal dynamics and the external forces at play during the initial investigation. He represents the old guard of the police force, a man who saw the corruption but was powerless to stop it at the time.
Relationships: Lucas Davenport (Former police partner and trusted colleague)
Jenny and Kristin
Mentioned
The two teenage girls whose murders remain unsolved for decades.
Jenny and Kristin are the victims whose bodies are discovered at the beginning of the novel. In 1985, they were typical teenagers, likely in the wrong place at the wrong time. Their disappearance and subsequent murder became a cold case that haunted Lucas Davenport for years. While they don't appear as active characters, their memory and the injustice of their deaths drive the entire narrative. They symbolize the innocent lives destroyed by powerful individuals and the long-term impact of unresolved crimes on a community and on a detective's conscience.
Davenport's Boss (1985)
Supporting
The police chief who pressured Lucas to close the original case.
This unnamed police chief from 1985 represents the institutional corruption and political pressures that plagued the original investigation. He is portrayed as more concerned with maintaining the department's public image and avoiding scandal than with truly solving the case. He actively shut down lines of inquiry and pushed for the case to be closed, likely under the influence of Julian Rand or his powerful associates. His actions directly contributed to the decades-long cover-up and Lucas's frustration.
Relationships: Lucas Davenport (His superior officer, whom Lucas often defied); Julian Rand (Potentially influenced by Rand's power)
Buried Prey Themes
The Persistence of Justice
This theme explores the idea that truth and justice, even when buried for decades, will surface. Lucas Davenport's commitment to the cold case, despite its age and political obstacles, shows this. The discovery of the bodies after 26 years is a catalyst, proving that time does not diminish the need for accountability. The narrative shows that victims' stories, though silenced, find their voice through relentless investigation, as seen when Lucas uncovers Julian Rand's involvement and brings him to justice.
“The truth, like a body, will always find its way to the surface, especially when someone keeps digging.”
Corruption of Power and Influence
The novel examines how wealth and social standing can manipulate legal processes and bury inconvenient truths. Julian Rand's ability to orchestrate a murder and then effectively shut down a police investigation for decades exemplifies this theme. The political pressure on the 1985 police department to close the case, protecting Rand and his associates, illustrates the insidious nature of power. Lucas's struggle against Rand is a battle against a killer and against a system that shielded the powerful from consequences, showing the difficulty of achieving justice when the system is compromised.
“Money and connections can bury a lot more than just bodies, Lucas. They can bury the truth for good.”
The Weight of the Past
The past is an active force in 'Buried Prey.' Lucas Davenport is haunted by his failure to solve the original case, and the discovery of the bodies reopens old wounds and unresolved guilt. The novel shifts between present-day investigation and flashbacks to 1985, showing how past decisions, mistakes, and unresolved issues continue to shape the present. Michael Dees carries the burden of his complicity for decades. This theme emphasizes how unresolved crimes and secrets can fester, impacting individuals and communities until they are confronted.
“Some cases just... stick to you. They become part of your skin. And until they're solved, they never really let go.”
Redemption and Closure
For Lucas Davenport, solving the Jenny and Kristin case offers a chance at professional and personal redemption. The original investigation was a source of frustration and a perceived failure early in his career. By finally uncovering the truth, he brings justice to the victims' families and absolves himself of lingering guilt and professional dissatisfaction. Similarly, the victims' families receive closure after decades of uncertainty. The theme suggests that closure, while not erasing pain, allows for healing and resolution after loss and injustice, showing the restorative power of truth.
“It's not about making it better, Lucas. It's about making it right. For them. For us.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Cold Case Reopening
The discovery of long-buried bodies reopens a decades-old, unsolved mystery.
This device is central to the plot, serving as the inciting incident. The discovery of Jenny and Kristin's bodies in the walls of an old house immediately reignites a case that was officially closed 26 years prior. It provides Lucas Davenport with a unique opportunity to revisit a personal failure and apply his current expertise to a past puzzle. This allows for a dual narrative structure, intertwining present-day investigation with flashbacks to the original events, gradually revealing the buried truth from both perspectives.
Flashbacks and Dual Timelines
The narrative alternates between Lucas's present investigation and his past experiences as a rookie cop.
The novel skillfully employs flashbacks to 1985, showing Lucas as a young, less experienced detective struggling with the original case. These flashbacks are seamlessly integrated into the present-day investigation, providing crucial context, character development for young Lucas, and slowly unveiling the political pressures and missteps that led to the case being buried. This device enriches the reader's understanding of the original investigation's complexities and highlights Lucas's personal stake in solving the decades-old mystery.
Political Corruption and Cover-up
High-ranking officials and influential figures actively suppressed the original investigation.
This device adds a layer of depth and cynicism to the mystery. It's not just about finding a killer, but about exposing how power and influence were used to obstruct justice. The political corruption explains why the case remained unsolved for so long, creating formidable obstacles for both young Lucas and the present-day Lucas. It transforms the mystery from a simple 'whodunit' into a more complex 'whydunit' and 'who-protected-them,' amplifying the stakes and the antagonist's ruthlessness.
The Unreliable Memory
Witnesses' memories from decades ago are fragmented, distorted, or purposefully suppressed.
Lucas frequently encounters witnesses whose memories of 1985 are either faded by time or deliberately obscured. This device creates challenges for the investigation, forcing Lucas to piece together a coherent narrative from conflicting accounts and long-forgotten details. It highlights the difficulty of solving cold cases and adds realism to the investigative process, as Lucas must discern truth from faded recollection and intentional obfuscation, slowly reconstructing the past like a complex jigsaw puzzle.
Buried Prey Quotes
“The thing about being a cop, especially a homicide cop, is that you see the worst of what people do to each other. You see the darkness.”
“He didn't believe in ghosts, not really, but he believed in the lingering presence of violence, the way a place could hold a memory of pain.”
“Sometimes you have to break a few rules to catch the people who break all of them.”
“The past isn't just past; it's a foundation, and sometimes, a trap.”
“Fear makes people do stupid things, and sometimes, it makes them do brilliant things.”
“Every killer thinks they're the smartest person in the room. That's usually their downfall.”
“The truth is rarely simple, and it's almost never pretty.”
“He had a good sense of when to push and when to back off. It was a street cop's instinct, honed over years.”
“Some secrets are buried so deep, they almost want to stay buried.”
“You can't save everyone, but you can damn well try to save the ones you can.”
“The city had a memory, too, a collective unconscious of all the lives lived and lost within its boundaries.”
“There are no clean kills, not really. There's always a mess left behind, even if you can't see it.”
“He didn't just look for evidence; he looked for the story behind the evidence.”
“Power doesn't corrupt as much as it reveals.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What initial discovery triggers Lucas Davenport's reinvestigation of the cold case?
- A confession letter from a new suspect.
- The demolition of an old house uncovers two bodies.
- New forensic technology provides a match for old evidence.
- An anonymous tip leads police to a previously unknown burial site.
Show answer
B. The demolition of an old house uncovers two bodies. The book begins with the discovery of two girls' bodies wrapped in plastic during the demolition of a house, which immediately connects to Lucas's past.
Question 2
What was Lucas Davenport's role in the original 1985 investigation into the girls' disappearance?
- He was the lead detective on the case.
- He was a young cop with a reputation for recklessness.
- He was a forensic specialist analyzing evidence.
- He was an informant providing tips to the police.
Show answer
B. He was a young cop with a reputation for recklessness. In 1985, Lucas was a young cop known for his recklessness, and he never agreed with his superiors' decision to close the case.
Question 3
What is the primary reason Lucas Davenport feels compelled to reopen the 1985 case?
- He was personally acquainted with one of the victims' families.
- His bosses forced him to take on the cold case.
- He never believed the original case was truly solved.
- A new witness came forward with crucial information.
Show answer
C. He never believed the original case was truly solved. Lucas never agreed with his bosses' decision to close the case in 1985, indicating his personal conviction that the truth was buried.
Question 4
The tagline states, 'It wasn't just the bodies that were buried. It was the truth.' What thematic element does this suggest Lucas will uncover?
- The existence of a vast criminal conspiracy.
- A cover-up or misdirection in the original investigation.
- That the victims were involved in illicit activities.
- The identity of a serial killer operating for decades.
Show answer
B. A cover-up or misdirection in the original investigation. The phrase 'It was the truth' implies that the true circumstances or responsible parties were intentionally hidden or overlooked in the initial investigation.
Question 5
What specific detail about the victims' remains indicates they had been there for a significant period?
- They were found in an advanced state of decomposition.
- Their clothing was from a previous decade.
- They were buried under layers of old construction debris.
- The forensic team dated the plastic wrapping to the 1980s.
Show answer
A. They were found in an advanced state of decomposition. The text states the bodies were found 'wrapped in plastic' and that 'It looks like they've been there a long time,' implying a state consistent with long-term burial and decomposition.
Question 6
How did Lucas's superiors handle the original 1985 disappearance case?
- They declared it an unsolved mystery.
- They ultimately declared the case closed.
- They transferred Lucas off the case due to his recklessness.
- They assigned it to a cold case unit immediately.
Show answer
B. They ultimately declared the case closed. The summary states, 'His bosses ultimately declared the case closed, but he never agreed with that.'
Question 7
What is implied about Lucas Davenport's current professional standing compared to 1985?
- He is still a young, reckless cop.
- He has gained enough authority to reopen a closed case.
- He has left the police force and is now a private investigator.
- He is working on the case unofficially, outside police channels.
Show answer
B. He has gained enough authority to reopen a closed case. The text states, 'Now that he has a chance to investigate it all over again,' implying he is in a position of authority or influence that allows him to officially revisit the case.
Question 8
The book's genre is listed as 'Thriller, Mystery.' How does the initial premise immediately establish elements of both?
- The 'mystery' is who the killer is, and the 'thriller' is Lucas's race against time.
- The 'mystery' is the identity of the bodies, and the 'thriller' is the personal danger Lucas faces.
- The 'mystery' is the cold case's true events, and the 'thriller' is the potential for a buried truth to be dangerous.
- The 'mystery' is why the girls were killed, and the 'thriller' is the pursuit of a known suspect.
Show answer
C. The 'mystery' is the cold case's true events, and the 'thriller' is the potential for a buried truth to be dangerous. The 'mystery' is the specific events of the 1985 disappearance and why it was closed. The 'thriller' aspect comes from the implication that 'the truth' was buried, suggesting dangerous implications for uncovering it.
Question 9
What specific characteristic of Lucas Davenport from 1985 might be a double-edged sword in his current investigation?
- His 'recklessness' could lead to breakthroughs but also put him or others at risk.
- His 'youth' means he lacks experience, potentially hindering his investigation.
- His 'disagreement' with superiors might make his current colleagues distrust him.
- His 'reputation' for being thorough might make him too slow.
Show answer
A. His 'recklessness' could lead to breakthroughs but also put him or others at risk. His 'reputation for recklessness' in 1985 suggests a willingness to push boundaries, which can be effective in solving tough cases but also dangerous.
Question 10
Considering the context of a cold case being reopened, what major challenge is Lucas Davenport likely to face that he might not in a fresh investigation?
- Lack of available modern forensic tools.
- Finding witnesses whose memories are faded or who are now deceased.
- Difficulty accessing original police reports and evidence.
- Competition from other police departments for jurisdiction.
Show answer
B. Finding witnesses whose memories are faded or who are now deceased. In a cold case, the passage of time is the biggest obstacle. Witnesses may have moved, died, or their memories may be significantly less reliable than in a fresh investigation.
Buried Prey FAQ
What is the central premise of 'Buried Prey'?
The novel centers on Lucas Davenport's re-investigation of a cold case from 1985 involving the disappearance of two young girls, Margaret and Susan. Their bodies are discovered decades later during a house demolition, forcing Lucas to confront the original flawed investigation and uncover the truth that was previously suppressed.
Who were the two girls whose bodies are discovered, and what was their connection?
The bodies belong to Margaret and Susan, two young girls who disappeared in 1985. They were friends, and their disappearance was a high-profile case that Lucas Davenport, then a young cop, was involved in, though it was eventually closed without resolution.
What role did Lucas Davenport play in the original 1985 investigation?
In 1985, Lucas Davenport was a young, somewhat reckless cop who worked on the initial missing persons case for Margaret and Susan. He disagreed with his superiors' decision to close the case, believing there was more to uncover, which fueled his frustration and shaped his early career.
How does the discovery of the bodies impact Lucas personally and professionally?
The discovery of the bodies reopens old wounds for Lucas, as he always felt the original investigation was mishandled and incomplete. Professionally, it gives him a second chance to rectify past mistakes and prove his initial instincts were correct, even as it puts pressure on his current position and reputation.
What is the significance of the house where the bodies were found?
The house where Margaret and Susan's bodies were found was the home of Peter and Evelyn, a couple who lived a seemingly ordinary life. The discovery implies that the killer had a connection to that specific location or its previous inhabitants, making the house a crucial piece of evidence in the decades-old mystery.
What crucial detail from the original 1985 investigation does Lucas remember that helps him now?
Lucas remembers a specific detail about a distinctive type of rope or binding used on the girls, which wasn't fully investigated at the time. This detail becomes a critical clue in the present-day investigation, helping him link the bodies to a suspect with a particular trade or hobby.
Are there any characters from Lucas's past in 1985 who reappear in the current investigation?
Yes, Lucas revisits old colleagues and superiors from 1985, some of whom are still in law enforcement or retired. Their recollections, biases, and sometimes deliberate omissions provide both valuable insights and frustrating roadblocks to his renewed investigation.
What was the initial 'truth' that was buried, according to the synopsis?
The initial 'truth' that was buried was the real cause and perpetrator of the girls' disappearance and deaths. The original investigation concluded with the case being closed, likely due to lack of evidence or political pressure, rather than uncovering the actual events and responsibility.
How does the killer manage to evade detection for so long?
The killer managed to evade detection for so long primarily due to the bodies remaining undiscovered, the initial investigation's shortcomings, and a meticulously crafted facade. The killer likely lived a normal, unassuming life, blending into society and leaving no further trace of their horrific crime.
How does Lucas's past recklessness in 1985 inform his current investigative approach?
Lucas's past recklessness in 1985, while sometimes detrimental, also fueled his determination and distrust of easy answers. In the present, he retains that tenacity but applies it with the wisdom and experience gained over decades, allowing him to push boundaries more effectively and avoid past mistakes.
What psychological impact does the unsolved case have on Lucas over the years?
The unsolved case of Margaret and Susan haunted Lucas for decades, fostering a sense of professional failure and personal injustice. It reinforced his cynical view of the system and fueled his relentless pursuit of justice in subsequent cases, shaping him into the driven, unconventional detective he is today.
How does the novel explore the psychology of the killer, decades after the crime?
The novel delves into the killer's psychology by examining how they lived with their secret for so long, the meticulousness of their crime, and their reaction when the truth begins to unravel. It explores themes of control, obsession, and the chilling normalcy they maintained while harboring such a dark secret.
What role does guilt play for characters involved in the original investigation?
Guilt plays a significant role for several characters, including Lucas himself for not pushing harder, and other officers who may have overlooked clues or caved to pressure. Their reactions range from defensiveness and denial to a genuine desire to help Lucas finally bring the truth to light.
How does 'Buried Prey' comment on the nature of justice and closure?
'Buried Prey' suggests that true justice, even decades later, can bring a form of closure, not just for the victims' families but also for those haunted by the unsolved case. It highlights that while time passes, the need for accountability for heinous crimes never truly diminishes.
Is the ending of 'Buried Prey' completely satisfying in terms of resolution for all characters?
While the primary mystery of who killed Margaret and Susan is resolved, the ending offers a nuanced satisfaction. While the killer is identified, the long delay in justice and the lingering impact on Lucas and the victims' families leaves a poignant undercurrent, suggesting that some wounds never fully heal.
What themes of institutional failure are explored through the lens of the 1985 investigation?
The novel explores themes of institutional failure through the rushed closure of the 1985 case, indicating pressures to clear cases, lack of resources, or even deliberate cover-ups. It suggests that such failures can allow perpetrators to escape justice and leave lasting scars on victims and investigators alike.
How does 'Buried Prey' compare to other Lucas Davenport novels in terms of tone and character development?
'Buried Prey' is distinct as it offers a deeper dive into Lucas Davenport's formative years and the origins of some of his character traits, providing a more reflective and personal tone. It bridges his past with his present, enriching his character development compared to novels focused solely on new cases.
What is the significance of the title 'Buried Prey' beyond the literal discovery of bodies?
Beyond the literal burial of the girls' bodies, 'Buried Prey' refers to the buried truth about their deaths and the suppressed memories and guilt of those involved. It also hints at the 'prey' being not just the victims, but also the truth itself, which was hidden away for decades.
About the author
John Sandford is an American author known for his work in the thriller genre. He is best recognized for his "Prey" series, which includes notable titles such as "Rules of Prey," "Winter Prey," "Buried Prey," and "Eyes of Prey." Sandford's writing often features complex characters and intricate plots, contributing to his reputation in contemporary fiction.
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