Winter Prey
Lucas Davenport 5
by John Sandford
Simon and Schuster 2019
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.1 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include Trauma and grief
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Genre
Themes
- Manhunt and pursuit
- Serial killers
- Isolation and survival
- Small-town secrets
- Justice vs. vengeance
- Forensic and police investigation
- Trauma and grief
- Trust and budding romance
About this book
In the dead of a Wisconsin winter, a family is brutally murdered and their home set ablaze. Lucas Davenport, far from his usual urban hunting grounds, is drawn into a chilling manhunt for a killer dubbed "The Iceman." Battling whiteout blizzards, small-town secrets, and a predator who thrives in the cold, Lucas races to stop a series of crimes as ruthless as any he has seen.
Setting: Rural northern Wisconsin, in and around a small lakeside town during a brutal midwinter (early 1990s).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Winter Prey right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Winter Prey. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include Manhunt and pursuit, Serial killers, Isolation and survival.
How long does it take to read Winter Prey?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Winter Prey takes around 11h to finish. The book has 111,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Winter Prey have an AR quiz?
Yes — Winter Prey has an AR quiz available, worth 17 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Winter Prey?
Winter Prey has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.