I’ve been getting tired of novels. They all seem to read the same after awhile.

Every book I pick up is predictable and has a feeling of dejavu about it. But I do have to admit, John Sandford’s “The Night Crew” surprised me.

Sandford is not a new author. His previous works include the best-selling “Prey” novels, “The Empress File,” and “The Fool’s Run.”

However, despite his list of acclaimed books, I had never read this author’s work before.

I was skeptical, but the novel was recommended to me by a trustworthy friend. So I gave it a shot.

It was definitely a pleasant change from the usual. I may have to do some backtracking and give his previous novels a try if each has the same element of surprise as the plot of “The Night Crew.”

The “Night Crew” is a group of men and women who roam the streets of Los Angeles each night waiting for breaking news to happen. They film murders, robberies, fires and anything else that may capture the public’s attention and then sell their footage to networks for a high price.

This crew is led by Anna Batory, who ensures that each night on the streets runs smoothly. She quickly emerges as the book’s heroine. Things get rocky when her crew captures a suicidal jumper on tape, and it soon seems that the death is linked to one of their own. Things soon become complicated as new evidence continues to arise, and each character appears to be a suspect.

At times, the story can become slightly confusing, but it remains somehow believable, leaving the reader anticipating the mysterious killer’s next move and rooting for the heroine.

Reading this book is like taking a walk down a forked road. You never know which direction Sandford will take next. With uniqueness in plot and character development, the book avoids the same old traps of most novels today.

This innovation makes the book hard to put down.

Whether a fan of Sandford or a first time reader, I doubt you’ll be disappointed with this book if you’re in the mood for an intense read.

4 Stars out of five

Kelsey Foutch is a sophomore in journalism and mass communication from Waterloo.