Chasing Darkness: An Elvis Cole Novel (Elvis Cole Novels)
by Robert Crais
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Book Reviews of Chasing Darkness: An Elvis Cole Novel (Elvis Cole Novels)
Book Review: Awesome! Elvis is back!
Summary: 5 Stars
Chasing Darkness brings back Elvis Cole, the "Worlds Greatest Detective". Not to mention Joe Pike and everyone that you've grown to like / love in the Elvis Cole novels. The story starts of fast and furious with one of Elvis's past assignments possibly coming back to bite him. When the police accuse Elvis of helping free a serial killer, you know that Elvis Cole won't stop until he's figured out what really happened.
To me, there's something really special about the Elvis Cole. You know that he's going to do the right thing, no matter how much it hurts. And he's going to hurt if finding the truth hurts others. He's a great crusader and it makes reading about him so enjoyable. Contrast him with his foil of Joe Pike and you've got a great team. Now, roll that all up with many of the other characters developed over the Elvis Cole novels and you've got a very enjoyable read.
I couldn't put this book down. I was halfway through and really found that I wanted to savor this novel. I really enjoy the way that Crais describes Los Angeles and how the characters navigate the city. And it definitely is more enjoyable to me having lived in LA at one point in my life. But beyond that, I found that I could not put the book down. I wanted to know more. And even when I was pretty sure who the villian was, I still didn't want to stop reading. This is a well written novel. My only negative was that the characters didn't develop as much as in other novels but I can live without that for once. Read and enjoy. :)
Book Review: Elvis' Story
Summary: 5 Stars
Joe PIke is along as well and so is Carol Starkey, but this is Elvis' story. A putative suicide is found as the result of a fire, a man exonerated by Elvis in the past. Now it appears that the man was a serial killer and Elvis was responsible for providing him the freedom to kill others. Elvis goes to work, sorting things out. The result is a classic novel of detection, in which the protagonist knocks on doors, asks people questions, knocks on more doors, asks more questions and does not stop (no matter how many obstacles are placed in his path) until he has the answers he seeks.
While Elvis gets off a few good one-liners this is less the wisecracking Elvis Cole of the early novels and more the serious one of the more recent books. The plot is suitably complex, but the pace is perfect--a driving narrative that hurtles toward a plausible but unexpected conclusion. The ethos is pure Chandler, with apparent villainy in high places and a complete tour of L.A. from the dark booths of the Pacific Dining Car to the gritty, sad cottages of Sylmar and the sunny, but blood-soaked lawns of Santa Monica.
It is hard to say if this is Crais's best book, because he consistently sets and meets a high standard. Suffice to say it is an excellent one, one of the best of the summer. It is exceptionally well-written, with memorable observations and descriptions that are delivered economically and with great skill. The polish on the individual sentences gleams. Highly recommended.
Book Review: 2 Views
Summary: 4 Stars
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.
Book Review: strong tale
Summary: 5 Stars
The forest fire remains out of control so police are evacuating homes in the blaze's path in Laurel Canyon. In one of the houses the cops find the corpse of Lionel Byrd; he apparently committed suicide.
When Los Angeles private investigator Elvis Cole learns of the death, he is stunned and filled with remorse. Three years earlier, Byrd was accused of a homicide; working for the defense, Cole found proof that his client was innocent; the charges were dropped. However, recently new evidence has been found that strongly implies Byrd committed that murder, four known others before being caught and at least two more since Cole found the prof that freed him. Wracked by guilt for those who died perhaps by his actions, Cole investigates determined to learn whether he was duped, erred, or was right three years ago.
Returning to Cole after his partner Joe Pike starred in THE WATCHMAN, fans of the series will see a different hero as he is obstinately determined to learn the truth; thus there are less amusing asides than usual and few scenes with friends; the plot fits the tone of his demeanor, as Cole suffers from crippling guilt. The story line is fast-paced from the onset, filled with plenty of action, and plausible but powerful twists and red herrings. CHASING DARKNESS is a strong tale as a more introspective Cole than ever before battles personal demons.
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: Robert Crais does not disappoint!
Summary: 5 Stars
My spouse and I are avid readers of both the Elvis Cole and Stephanie Plum (by Janet Evanovich) series. Both are plagued by longtime fans who have grown so close to these characters that they think they can dictate their demeanor and mood, as well as critiquing the freshness of the plot. Between the two series, the Elvis Cole books are definitely more plot-driven, but it is still the characters who draw me in and don't let go. I can't imagine NOT reading an Elvis Cole book in a single sitting. As to the freshness of the plot, I read a LOT of mysteries and still found this story to be full of insights into the process of crime-solving. I hardly ever guess whodunnit, and this book was no exception.
Personally I like my protagonists to show some development over the course of several books. Elvis has been through a lot and, though still feisty, does not always go for the zinger just to tick people off. Still in love with Joe Pike, even if this installment didn't feature him so prominently. The other characters are elegantly drawn and I look forward to seeing more of them.
As to the jacket photo, I met Robert Crais at a book signing quite a few years ago, and he definitely seemed to be more than a little in love with himself. He probably thinks the photo is hot, and he's right.