Chasing Darkness: An Elvis Cole Novel | Robert Crais

Chasing Darkness: An Elvis Cole Novel | Robert Crais | 2 Views

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Chasing Darkness: ...

	Chasing Darkness: An Elvis Cole Novel Robert Crais Simon & Schuster, 2008 - 288 pages average customer review:based on 74 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

must read

This is easily Robert Crais best book to date.

Elvis and Pike are at their best throughout.
I found it near impossible to put down and now eagerly await Robert Crais next book.

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There are two ways of evaluating this book: 1) as a mystery; and, 2) as an Elvis Cole mystery.

As a mystery it is very good. An apparent suicide indicates that when Cole got a susptect off years ago, the suspect was actually a serial killer. Cole's effective work apparently allowed the Cole-cleared-suspect to commit two more murders. All, of course, is not as it seems, and Cole is forced to find the real killer to clear his name.

The plot is a good one. There are misdirections throughout and a good ending. Unlike many other books in the genre, some cops want to help Cole, others do not. Some cops like him, others do not; and, the ones that don't like him occasionally end up on his side and vice versa. As a straight mystery, the book is recommended.

Now, as an Elvis Coel mystery, it falls short. The early Cole was funny, if not hilarious, and had an edge. His sidekick, Pike, was a mono-syllabic mountain of intimidation. Although Cole has gotten over the Prozac phase of losing his lover, he has not regained the humor or the edge of the first several books. Pike is in this one throughout, but he does not seem like Pike. He speaks in full sentences and never intimidates anyone. As a Cole novel, it leaves the old Cole fans with an empty feeling.

So, if you're looking for a good mystery; this is a good mystery. If you're looking for a good Elvis Cole mystery, reread some of the early ones.

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Elvis Chases the Darkness

Light? Yes. Quick Read? Yes. Enjoyable? Thoroughly. I found the latest Elvis Cole a satisfying entry in the series. Maybe not so many Elvis wisecracks, but you do have Carol Starkey getting off some dandies. Crais is so comfortable by now with Elvis & Joe & Carol and company that this is this year's adventure and while the earlier books might have been denser, I found this a very nice read. Of course, must I say it? The 4 stars are for fans of the genre and the series.

Formula writing works for Crais

Many authors are plugged into an editorial formula writing style. For Crais he usually pulls it off without problems. An interesting story line that is somewhat telegraphed along the way. His discussions with the "bad guy" were obvious and yet I still enjoyed the book.

Quick & enjoyable read - maybe next time he will make the ending less predictable.

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Crais' worst still better than most other's best

Robert Crais needs a vacation. Or a book deal that requires him to put out fewer books over a period of time. He is one of the best of the trade. His hallmark is some tongue and cheek fun with terrific character development. Joe Pike and Elvis Cole, self proclaimed "World's Best Detective" have made for some fun and worthwhile reading. In Chasing Darkness, he falls back to plot, plot and then more plot. A lot of it preposterous. Mr. Crais, take a vacation. We will be buying your books when you come back. For Crais fans this book should be read, but don't expect what he has spoiled us with in the past. And, hopefully, in the future.

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