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: Wow! Exciting summer read.
Summary: 4 Stars
Let me start off by saying I absolutely *hate* books written in first person. I avoid them with a passion. There are very few authors that rise above my boycott of such books\characters and Robert Crais' Elvis Cole is one.
I am one of the few that really did not care for the early Elvis Cole books. The character was a bit too smart-alecky for me, but he has (slightly) matured through the years. And Joe Pike? Please, I'm with Starkey, I'm friends with Cole in order to get close to Pike. ;-)
"Chasing Darkness" started out with a great mystery and, although it had a few rough patches in the middle, it tied everything together in a well thought out mystery with a few curve balls tossed in. Yes, Lucy and, to some extent, Pike were sidelined, but it was good to see Starkey again. Reading about her functioning on the job and her obvious yearning to be back at the bomb squad was a painful but seeing her develop into a character with known demons that can communicate with Elvis and is more than just a passing conversation.
I really enjoyed this book. I got to take away a message that I don't tend to find in most PI/detective mysteries - those working for justice don't always have to take the law into their own hands to see it achieved.
Book Review: Elvis Cole Makes Mistakes?
Summary: 4 Stars
Could Elvis Cole have made a mistake? Three years before, he had found evidence to clear Lionel Byrd of a murder charge. Now Byrd has committed suicide, leaving at his feet evidence of seven murders. Cole doesn't believe it, but everyone accepts the new evidence, especially the police, from the deputy chief down to various detectives. So what does the redoubtable Elvis do? Conduct his own investigation parallel to an ongoing official inquiry, stepping on everyone's toes.
Of course, being blamed for letting a serial killer go free has its price. The brothers of one of the victims take their frustration out on Elvis--but that doesn't stop him, or his buddy Joe Pike. In the course of his investigation, Elvis trips over all kinds of detours, pointing in various directions and to various suspects. Despite warnings by the police to leave it alone, he plods on, complicating not only the cops' efforts but the plot, which goes off in myriad directions.
This is the eleventh in the series, and is equal to the task. Until the surprising end, the reader (not to mention Elvis himself) is left clueless as to the real perpetrator. But then, that's the nature of a good mystery. As usual, the writing and pace is excellent. Recommended.
Book Review: A story this good from someone else would get four stars, but I know Bob can do so much better....
Summary: 2 Stars
I was really disappointed in this book. I agree with the other reviewers that the book felt flat, obligatory, and prematurely released.
While the basic story was OK (a few unlikely plot twists, but I can live with that), there was nothing of the metastory that I love. Joe Pike was an improbable plastic cut-out figure of devotion. Starkey had none of her usual pathos and punch. Even Elvis seemed to be a perfunctory character sketch and the "cameo" from Lucy was just sad.
I DETESTED the Watchman and felt that was an highly unsuccessful foray into making Pike the hero (talk about unlikely plot twists--yeesh). I pre-ordered this one months ago hoping Bob would be back on track. He certainly writes Elvis more compellingly as the lead, but for this book, overall, he seems to have been just phoning it in.
Wonder if he can ever get back to the power of LA Requiem, one of my favorite books ever? THAT one was a five star book. This one, not so much.
I am still glad I bought it though. LA Requiem earns Bob 10 years of hardback purchases before I re-evaluate. I have faith that we'll get something better eventually....And thanks for the awesome stories that have come before the last two, Bob.
Book Review: Enjoyed it, except for the last few sentences.
Summary: 4 Stars
Like the other books in this series, this was an enjoyable read. Just a fun (and fast) outing with Elvis and the gang. This novel did seem a little shorter than some of the previous works, and maybe not as much in depth, but it was enjoyable none the less. I've always just checked out Crais's books from the library, but I'm about at the point where I want to buy the Elvis series just to have around to re-read, and I'd include this latest novel in the purchase. Some of the other reviewers had valid points (such as the rapid turnaround in attitude of some of the characters--one minute they're making threats, the next they're buddies.) This came across as more of a summer-fluff read than an intense crime drama, but I still liked it.
The biggest problem I had with the book was the ending. I didn't mind that some things went unanswered--that's real. The discussion of darkness, and the origin of the title, however, came across as schlocky and pretentious--"What evil lurks in the heart of man? ELVIS knows!" Left a little bit of a bad taste behind, but it was like a disappointing desert after an enjoyable meal. You'd rather end on a good note, but overall you'd do it again.
Book Review: Not long enough
Summary: 4 Stars
Having read all of Robert Crais's novels (except Hostage), it was nice to see Elvis Cole back in action. His last novel "Watchman" was more Joe Pike centered, with this installment centered around Elvis Cole. In my opinion Joe was not involved as much as I would have liked, but I understand exploring Elvis a little more deeper. This novel does exactly that...explore Elvis Cole's character and moral ethics. However, I was disappointed in the length of the novel, it seemed to develop to quickly, without the normal conflict and crisis levels common in Crais novels.
The last few chapters felt like Robert was under pressure to finish the novel so it could meet a publishing deadline and he really left a lot of loose strings hanging with out logical conclusions. I won't go into specifics to ruin the book, but it seems like an antagonist becomes a willing partner within a few paragraphs, just so the book can conclude in pretty quick order.
This is not to say I didn't thoroughly enjoyed the book, because I did, I just wish it could have been longer with more conflict...and more Elvis Cole signature wit.