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L.A. Requiem (Elvis Cole Novels)

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Crime novels are overrun by anti-heroes these days. Where are all the white-hat-wearing, ride-off-into-the-sunset heroes? Maybe publishers think we don't identify with them. But, then along comes Joe Pike. He is different from his first scene and while his silent demeanor wore a little thin at times, he was one of my favorite characters of the year. Similar to Bud White in L.A. Confidential, Pike lives in a world of black and white, and woe be to you if you step over into the darkness! I applaud Crais for creating a character with such clearly defined boundaries. The only problem is that Elvis Cole is left a little gray in contrast to Pike. A great story with characters who don't disappoint.

This was the first book by Robert Crais that I have read, and judging by the other reviewers here on Amazon, his Elvis Cole novels have a wide following and this may be the best of the bunch. Having just read LA Requiem, I can only say that this one is a helluva good novel.

Readers familiar with the Cole series will no doubt enjoy LA Requiem, but in this novel the real focal character is Elvis' partner Joe Pike. A pretty jogger is found murdered, and the deceased was an ex-girlfriend of Pike, as well as a daughter of a prominent Latin politician in LA. Cole and Pike are hired to investigate the murder, and of course they clash with the LAPD in their investigation of the homicide. Pike is private and reserved, emotionally devastated by the murder, and driven to find the killer at all costs. You really sense the concern Cole feels for his partner throughout the novel.

Several scenes of the novel were very richly drawn and demonstrated that Crais does his homework, such as the efforts of the investigators to assist a rookie forensic expert in gathering evidence at the crime scene. Crais really knows his stuff, and it shows.

I also thought that the city of Los Angeles was a central character in the story. I have been in LA, and thought the author really has his finger on the pulse of the city - the novel is almost an homage to LA, with all of its inherent problems. I don't read a lot of crime drama/murder mystery novels, other than maybe Thomas Harris' excellent Hannibal Lecter novels, but for some reason this one caught my attention at the bookstore and I picked it up. I must say I've become a fan of Crais, and I look forward to reading his latest, Demolition Angel.

Dark. Substantive. Thoughtful. Emotional. Lots of twists and conflicts. The best of Pike and Cole characters. Masterful work by Crais.

Relationships are even more crucial than plot in this whodunit. Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are, as usual, men of action and few words. But as Elvis struggles to first free and then defend Joe,his longtime friend and fellow P.I., it appears these two have a rare and wonderful bond, as well as a deep acceptance and understanding of each other. Elvis reluctantly endangers his relationship with the lovely and beloved Lucy, a powerful woman who is an ethical and responsible attorney.

The plot is plausible and captivating, the dialogue works, and the relationships work! A real treat among suspense novels.

A great book. I've read all the Elvis Cole mysteries and this is the best of the lot. Compares favorably with James Lee Burke's best stuff. Has what Robert Parker had twenty years ago. A must read for fans of tough-guy mysteries with some smarts and a touch of literary style.

Wow! At last the back story on Joe Pike, Elvis Cole's strong, silent and very dangerous partner. This book is much darker and more serious than Crais' other Cole mysteries, which tend to be a little flip and wise cracking. I like this style better. Cole and Pike are asked by the elderly, infirm Frank Garcia to look into the disappearance of his daughter, Karen. Joe Pike and Karen were romantically involved years ago, so of course they accept the assignment. What seemed to be a straightforward missing persons investigation quickly morphs into a serial killer hunt, possible police corruption, and further complications to Cole's love life. This book introduces John Chen, the young criminalist who reappears in DEMOLITION ANGEL. It also flashes back to Joe Pike's early years and shows us how he evolved into the mysterious man he has become. Cole is as successful in his portrayal of modern L.A. as James Ellroy has been in evoking the L.A. of the 40's and 50's. A definite winner.

Fans of Robert Crais have seen his writing style progress with each of his Elvis Cole novels. All are entertaining, but L.A. Requiem suddenly vaults way ahead of anyone else this year and propels Crais to the top of the heap of detective writers. In fact, list Crais as one of the best writers of any fiction.

This, by far, is the best book I've read this year. And I read a lot--I own a used bookstore.

L.A. Requiem has its funny stuff, but it's darker than the rest. The book deals more with Joe Pike and his background. At times I felt like I was eavesdropping on Pike, knowing things about him he probably doesn't want us to know. Crais' portrayal of L.A. is a character of itself. The fires in the hills act as a metaphor for the conflict/tension building. The plot is great; they're searching for a killer. But Crais' use of language, thought, description really supercedes the plot.

I've always been a big fan of Crais and grab as much of him as I can. I recommend him all the time at our store. L.A. Requiem is outstanding and more readers will take notice. I can't wait for his next book.

Was zunaechst aussieht wie ein normaler Mord entwickelt sich zu einer komplexen Geschichte. Die eingestreuten Rueckblenden in das Leben von Joe Pike bringen den Charakter sehr gut naeher. Fabelhaft.

Elvis Cole is a charming, sharp witted, wise-cracking private investigator who is teamed up with a Clint Eastwood type partner, Joe Pike.

His novels are fast paced, and entertaining enough to make me laugh out loud.

My favorite Elvis Cole novel is L. A. Requiem. It focuses on Joe Pike. Crais' writing is on a completely different level in this one. I highly recommend his books. I have read all but his newest: Demolition Angel. I can't wait to read it!

What started off as a seemingly simple assignment for private eye Elvis Cole turned out to be a deep plot planned painstakingly. The thrills, twists, combined with moving and subtle touches of male-bonding, bitter sweet romances kept me turning the pages. This is the first book by Mr Robert Crais which I've read and I will definitely read the others!