Rules of Prey

In John Sandford's debut novel, intelligent serial killer Louis Vullion, aka maddog, meticulously plans murders of women he dubs the 'Chosen,' leaving taunting notes with rules like 'Never kill anyone you know' and 'Never have a motive.

' Minneapolis detective Lucas Davenport, a wealthy video game designer known for unorthodox methods, is brought in after the third killing and turns the hunt into a psychological contest, outmaneuvering the killer through traps and false information while navigating media frenzy and personal relationships.