It was the fire in Laurel Canyon and forced evacuations that led to discovery of the dead man in a house. One Mr. Jones who had a bad foot was found dead apparently from a self inflicted gunshot. Clearly, he had been dead for awhile and maybe the photo album at his feet was the cause. A photo album filled with pictures of seven women at the moment of their deaths at hands of a maniac.

The reclusive Mr. Jones to all his neighbors was actually Lionel Bryd. He had been brought to trial three years ago in the murder of a local prostitute. Hired by his defense attorney, Allan Levy, the World's Greatest Detective Elvis Cole proved that he was miles away at the time Yuonne Bennett died. He simply couldn't have done it.

Yet, her death picture is in his album. Along with six other brutally murdered women. The LAPD Task Force is convinced Bryd was their man all along. They are convinced that Elvis, by getting Bryd cleared, allowed him to kill again. The case is closed, finished and disappearing rapidly and they really don't want to talk to Elvis about any of it.

But, if Bryd did do it, how was he in two places at the same time? While that is the biggest question, there are several more. It just doesn't add up and Elvis isn't going to leave it alone just because members of the task force blame him and tell him to go away.

While he doesn't care about the folks on the task force, he does care about the victims and the fact that he could have made a horrible mistake. If he did, he is responsible. And even if he didn't, he still is responsible. Not only does he hold himself responsible so do the brothers of the latest victim. Wracked with guilt and angst and yet sure he was right, Elvis along with his sidekick Joe Pike, begin to investigate not only the cases but the task force itself. There are connections between the victims and the power elite in both the LAPD and the city and Elvis isn't about to let the real killer get away.

At it's heart, this is an angst novel. The families of the victims are shattered in so many ways. Elvis feels tremendous guilt over his role in events. And while he feels it, demonstrates it and talks about it, it never really comes out and touches the reader.

While this is a perfectly decent novel, this latest novel in the series isn't epic or incredible. The old themes of corruption or at least the possibility of corruption at high levels is trotted out again. So too is the detective full of guilt and sorrow because he might have not only been used as a pawn, but helped a nut job go free. We have seen these themes done many times before with mixed results.

In the end, while not the best book ever in the series, it is a fairly good entry that does little to expand the character. It does however provide a solid vehicle for Elvis to gaze at the hills from his porch and think morose thoughts. That and tell a story that while predictable in many spots, does contain a few surprises, along the way in the hunt for yet another dark evil.


Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2008

Ordered as I have with 20 other books from amazon and this is a single mp-3 cd that does not play in my travelling vehicle !!!

Too bad they didn't qualify that when I ordered it and now I have to pay shipping to return.

I have read all of the Elvis Cole novels, so I know what I'm talking about when I say Mr. Crais has been on a downslide as of late. For me, his high point was L.A. Requiem (Elvis Cole Novels), but since that, all of his Elvis Cole novels and his one outing with Joe Pike The Watchman: A Joe Pike Novel (Joe Pike Novels) have been exercises in self-indulgence, much like the TV series Moonlighting - Seasons 1 & 2 once Dave and Maddie hooked up. These novels of which I speak have become more and more about the main character and less about the case at hand, and I for one am losing my patience. The only good I can say is that I am glad I checked this out from a library rather than plunking down money to read this.

I had never read any books by Robert Crais prior to 2 months ago when I picked up Chasing Darkness. I had seen the name Elvis Cole here and there and thought any book with a PI named Elvis was probably going to be a joke, literally and figuratively. I am glad I overcame my own foolish preconceptions and give the series a shot.

I am not one to review a book by writing cover-flap copy and then applying stars, because I don't find those helpful. Nonetheless, this is a great book and it hooked me well enough that I have so far now read 12 Robert Crais novels in the last 2 months. I am reading them in no particular order, and I love them all just fine. Surprisingly, even the older books from the early 1990's are compelling and entertaining. this is probably because the author put in many years honing his chops writing for some of the best crime TV series of all time back in the 70's and the 80's and on.

Elvis Cole is not a caricature, but is in fact very likable, very tough and very real, in the sense that he reminds me of a few people I know, and not just a fictional creation. I attribute this to the excellent writing, or more correctly the excellent storytelling, powers of the author. The sense of place is vivid, the action is always well paced, with humor, humanity counterbalanced with tension and violence (they are crime novels after all). You experience the best and worst of human behavior in these books, and they are tactile and riveting.

Elvis' partner, Joe Pike, is one of the most ingenious characters in fiction, and while there is only one book so far where he is given center stage (The Watchman), I really hope there are more. However, his role as secondary to Elvis Cole is a good pairing because Joe is so unbelievably intense, it is his relationship with Elvis that allows them both to shine brightly. Pike is hard to describe, because you really have to experience him in a story to really appreciate his other-worldliness. In life, he would be frightening to encounter, but he has unexpected layers that change your view of him over time.

All and all, I give Robert Crais entire body of work the highest marks. I mean the novels I have read, of course; his complete work is much more extensive. As soon as I put one down, I am reaching for another. I am disappointed that I only have 3 more left to read. These books are the my best find this year. Very highly recommended.

I had never read any books by Robert Crais prior to 2 months ago when I picked up Chasing Darkness. I had seen the name Elvis Cole here and there and thought any book with a PI named Elvis was probably going to be a joke, literally and figuratively. I am glad I overcame my own foolish preconceptions and give the series a shot.

I am not one to review a book by writing cover-flap copy and then applying stars, because I don't find those helpful. Nonetheless, this is a great book and it hooked me well enough that I have so far now read 12 Robert Crais novels in the last 2 months. I am reading them in no particular order, and I love them all just fine. Surprisingly, even the older books from the early 1990's are compelling and entertaining. this is probably because the author put in many years honing his chops writing for some of the best crime TV series of all time back in the 70's and the 80's and on.

Elvis Cole is not a caricature, but is in fact very likable, very tough and very real, in the sense that he reminds me of a few people I know, and not just a fictional creation. I attribute this to the excellent writing, or more correctly the excellent storytelling, powers of the author. The sense of place is vivid, the action is always well paced, with humor, humanity counterbalanced with tension and violence (they are crime novels after all). You experience the best and worst of human behavior in these books, and they are tactile and riveting.

Elvis' partner, Joe Pike, is one of the most ingenious characters in fiction, and while there is only one book so far where he is given center stage (The Watchman), I really hope there are more. However, his role as secondary to Elvis Cole is a good pairing because Joe is so unbelievably intense, it is his relationship with Elvis that allows them both to shine brightly. Pike is hard to describe, because you really have to experience him in a story to really appreciate his other-worldliness. In life, he would be frightening to encounter, but he has unexpected layers that change your view of him over time.

All and all, I give Robert Crais entire body of work the highest marks. I mean the novels I have read, of course; his complete work is much more extensive. As soon as I put one down, I am reaching for another. I am disappointed that I only have 3 more left to read. These books are the my best find this year. Very highly recommended.

Chasing Darkness is not the best of the Elvis Cole novels. First the plot is not that interesting. Second,the surpise ending doesn't seem right.
Third, Joe Pike doesn't have a large part in the story. Still this Robert Crais novel is far better than many of his peers in the same genre.

This is another great book in the sreies. you dont need to start with the first book. Worth your money

This is my first [not quite sure how it won't be my last] read of Robert Crais. I was given the understanding that his books are relatively decent, so I went in quite optimistically (I've been looking for a new writer, as I have re-read Stephen King's books as much as I can for the time being, gone through the merry-go-round with Lawrence Block, and each of Lee Child's Reacher... and with Reacher, despite each book having essentially the same plot, I'm entertained. I didn't even have a problem with 'Nothing to Lose', as a number of people have).

But I don't understand someone can go through Chasing Darkness, which may have started decently, but switched to a plot outline dragged straight out of a high-school writing class.

As much as I'd like to take the time to explain how ridiculous the writing was [e.g., Our Hero, the P.I., seems to not be able to do a thing on his own, but has to have some "God of the Machine Benefactor" that is indebted to Our Hero for some reason and therefore completes whatever task needs completing at that particular time. Once said task is done, and another is engendered, another savior stumbles in.

But the absolute worst issue is that after the book starts out okay in the first few pages, and then switches to the part where you want to scream "figure it out already, and move on", the book finally starts to pick up again at the very end.

What is essentially a new plot and is a tad more intriguing, you start wondering if you're missing a couple hundred pages at the end of the book because there's only a few pages left, and if every anomaly Our Hero has brought forth as a means to finding the killer is given one paragraph to be explained in full, you know it still wouldn't be enough.

And it isn't. All the investigative work done and clues that set murders apart from each other or provide similarities between the victims - all ignored. Nothing. Book Ends.

Either sadly or laughably, the book ends with one of the police telling Our Hero the Private Investigator that the police will have to be investigating this for months to find out why everything went on - and any thoughts of Billy Joe Baddie having co-conspirators or others to carry on the work, not looked at. Could it have been a killing club that Billy Joe Baddie formed with six members, and every year the next member kills someone? We haven't a clue. Nor is there reason to think otherwise - there's no thought given any way whatsoever.

People might say I shouldn't expect to have every book wrapped up neatly with all questions answered because when you leave the reader to continue giving thought to many ideas and the ideas could lead people in different paths, that's what makes 'serious writing'. But books like those are intriguing indeed... Stephen King has quite a few. 'Chasing Darkness' is not that. 'Chasing Darkness' is a writer who has a publisher tell him the deadline's up, so just give me what you have... we'll have someone slap an ending on it.

This was pitiful.

Robert Crais has returned to Elvis Cole in this novel set in the Los Angeles area. Elvis is a private investigator who is draw into working on a suicide in the famous Laurel Canyon area of L.A. CHASING DARKNESS starts in like a Harry Bosch police procedural thriller. Which is okay, because I like Michael Connelly's protagonist almost as much as Elvis and his partner Joe Pike. Harry and Elvis can be seen rubbing shoulders, or at least bumping elbows, in at least one Crais novel.

This one is a little darker than most, and the bad guy, a serial killer of young women, really is evil. The powers that be want Elvis to drop his investigation. Case closed. But Elvis being Elvis can't leave it alone, and resorts to a little B&E, a high speed chase scene through the Hollywood Hills, breaking into the evidence room at Police Headquarters, and he becomes a murder suspect himself.

Elvis teams up with Joe Pike for this one, his running partner fresh from his starring role in THE WATCHMAN, my favorite one yet. Pike is there with the twitch in the corner of his mouth. that being as close to a smile as he can get. And there's chain smoking, tightly wound, Carol Starkey, formerly of the LAPD Bomb Squad, now with Homicide, who can be seen in an earlier Robert Crais novel DEMOLITION ANGEL. The girl, obvious to everyone, except Elvis Cole of course, has a Class A crush on the dude. He just doesn't get it. Or maybe he does, and is just not going for it.

This story kept me guessing until the end, which didn't take long since I couldn't put it down anyway. A true twisty mystery plot solved again by the world's greatest detective, Elvis Cole.

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.

My wife and I have read all of Robert Crais's books, and were delighted to see this one come out. It is a typical book by this author-----dramatic, suspenseful, stretches credibility a little, but still a good, engrossing read.

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.

Robert Crais' CHASING DARKNESS receives James Daniel's smooth voice and is especially timely considering California's latest fire season. Set in a L.A. summer, it tells of evacuation, murder, and an unsolved case that comes back to light three years later. A riveting murder mystery excels under audio treatment.

Reading some of the already submitted reviews, it seems Crais fans and detracters alike expect a certain continous style of writing and storyline. I started reading Crais in the middle sequence of his books, went back to the start of the Elvis Cole novels, and have now read the latest. To be sure, Crais has grown in his writing style with more emphasis on enhancing prose than character personalization, which at times had become rather tedious. I was impressed with every aspect of this novel. Each time I thought I had it all figured out, a previously dismissed clue surfaced and propelled the book along. The old Elvis and Pike are now developing deeper personalities, a must for continuing characters in a series and I'm glad to see it. If I were to compare Elvis to a tv character, it would be Michael on Burn Notice - fun, kind-hearted, smart and up to the minute on the latest in detection methods which are shared with the reader in an amusing manner. How any detectives spell out the tricks of the trade? This series can, in my opinion, only continue to get better, but there's really no rush to improve. Crais is now at a most enjoyable level!

I listen to these Robert Crais books as audible books and they are great that way. Strongly recommend.

Very enjoyable book - why then a two star? Because this book does not compare to any of Crais' past writing - the characters do not have the depth of previous books - there is nothing really puzzling to try to unravel.

Robert Crais is one of the best writers ever - hope he keeps writing. This novel just does not meet up to the high standard Crais has formerly written at.

Robert Crais has created another mystery novel that fans of reading won't want to miss. Chasing Darkness once again brings forth Elvis Cole to solve a mystery that could only come from the mind of Crais. It seems a few years back Elvis Cole made a career mistake: a serial killer was exonerated of murder charges that he may have been guilty of. Now with the discovery of a body, this man may have killed again. Was Elvis Cole fooled or was his defense flawless and accurate? Chasing Darkness has an apt name as this novel really does expose the darker side of Crais' imagination. Well-written and impeccable character development lead to a mystery novel hat one shouldn't miss.

Editor of the highly recommended novel: The Fates by Georgiou, Tino Fates (2nd Edition)

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.

If Robert Crais is not THE best mystery fiction writer today, he certainly is among the top 10! This book focuses almost exclusively on his chief protagonist, PI Elvis Cole, but Crais has him carry the story quite well. There is a little bit of his sidekick, Joe Pike, but for the most part he stays pretty much in the background in this novel.

The story revolves around an apparent suicide discovered while police are evacuating an area in Southern California because of wild fires. The victim is a man Elvis once helped to exonerate in a string of murders involving a variety of young women. Now, because of evidence found on the dead man, it appears that Cole erred. Maybe the man was guilty after all. Elvis sets out to discover the truth, whatever it turns out to be.

If you've read any of Crais's thrillers before, then you'll find this book as exciting and well-written as his previous books. If you aren't familiar with Crais, this book will get you hooked on him and his books!

Michael Garee

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.

If Robert Crais is not THE best mystery fiction writer today, he certainly is among the top 10! This book focuses almost exclusively on his chief protagonist, PI Elvis Cole, but Crais has him carry the story quite well. There is a little bit of his sidekick, Joe Pike, but for the most part he stays pretty much in the background in this novel.

The story revolves around an apparent suicide discovered while police are evacuating an area in Southern California because of wild fires. The victim is a man Elvis once helped to exonerate in a string of murders involving a variety of young women. Now, because of evidence found on the dead man, it appears that Cole erred. Maybe the man was guilty after all. Elvis sets out to discover the truth, whatever it turns out to be.

If you've read any of Crais's thrillers before, then you'll find this book as exciting and well-written as his previous books. If you aren't familiar with Crais, this book will get you hooked on him and his books!

Michael Garee

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.

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.

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.

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.

Three years ago, Elvis Cole aided defense attorney Alan Levy in clearing Lionel Bird's name. Bird had been arrested for the killing of Yvonne Bennett. Cole found proof that Bird had been having a drink across town at the time of the murder. Now, Bird has killed himself and police find in his lap a book of pictures. The pictures are of seven murder victims and these pictures along with evidence found in the house prove that Bird was a serial killer. Or was he? That is what Cole has to find out. Did his actions in freeing Bird allow Bird to continue to kill? The guilt weighs on Cole and he spends the rest of the novel trying to find the truth about Cole as well as why the police are continuing the investigation after naming Bird as the killer.

Robert Crais brings back all the regulars: Carole Starkey, John Chen, Joe Pike, and Cole all work together at various times trying to piece together Bird's life and if he really was the killer. This is a good book, but a definite let down after the Watchman featuring Joe Pike. This book doesn't have any flashbacks or new insight into Pike or Cole's life. Nor does anything happen in Pike or Cole's personal life. These personal touches into the personal lives of Cole and PIke, or the strong secondary characters (Larkin Barkely in the Watchman) are what have made Crais' novels so good. Chasing Darkness is full of twists and turns but lacks the characterization that made his previous novels so good. Another problem I had with Chasing Darkness was the formula. It stuck out like a sore thumb. Cole is a detective, yet in all of Crais' novels, usually ends up doing police work. So, each novel has a justification for why Cole has to be included. Then, each novel usually has a police chief angry with Cole for interferring, then it all works out in the end. This formula dragged the book down a bit as well.

I recommend this book to Crais fans, but those curious about the author should start with LA Requiem or the Last Detective.

I like most of the Cole novels, but this one has a fairly predictable plot (albeit with a bit of a twist) and very little action. Joe Pike gets some play, but not enough. The plot is more plodding than page-turner. I'd wait for the paperback and buy it at the grocery store.

And ... I hate to say it, but what's with Crais's photos these days? Is he serious? The sunglasses and stern expression remind me of Tom Clancy at his most pretentious. I mean, c'mon, these are fairly lightweight, albeit entertaining, detective novels. There's no cause for him to take himself so seriously.

No, he didn't. But this bad guy is just as trite and poorly conceived. Not up to the usual high standards. Much has been written about publishers pushing their bankable authors to churn them out quickly. Is this such a product? Let's hope for better next time.

Stephen King teaches novelists to think of an unusual situation to start the book and then let the book write itself from there. Chasing Darkness proves that formula isn't surefire advice. Despite a very interesting and unusual beginning, Chasing Darkness manages to end up feeling all too pedestrian at the end.

Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are inspired characters who have provided their fans hours of amusement, entertainment, and dark humor. When those two are at it, the rest of the story doesn't matter so much.

What do we make of this book which crowds out Joe almost entirely and gives us relatively little amusement, entertainment, and dark humor from Elvis? The plot had better be pretty good. And it starts off like that, until it twists into dry gulch you've been down far too many times before. As a result, the book ends with a whimper rather than a bang. It's definitely deflating for the reader.

But if you are a dyed-in-the-wool fan of this series, you'll want to read the book. It's good enough not to skip. Keep your expectations low and you'll enjoy the book more than I did.

Having cleared a man of a murder charge three years earlier, Elvis Cole and his sideick, Joe Pike, find themselves on trial when the former defendant is found dead holding photographs of the victim he had been accused of killing. BT.
I'd have to say that Robert Crais' previous novels all surpass this one. Yes I got through it fairly fast and enjoyed it, but I still felt disappointed because it didn't seem to break any new ground and seemed like the typical mystery/thriller. This is not really one of those stories you'll remember.

Where's the spark? Elvis Cole is nothing close to his chirpy, irreverant self, Pike is a pale shadow of his usual formidable presence and Starkey seems like a caricature of herself. Towards the end, the book becomes mildly interesting when Cole finally figures out whodunit, but then Crais cheats his audience with the ending. After a break from Cole in which Crais penned two other novels, I'd a-thunk he'd have brought Elvis back well rested and in fine form, but Elvis Cole seems as bored as I was in this latest addition to the series.

I love all the Elvis Cole books. This was no exception. His wit and humor interspersed with the action and drama have me flying through the book. I would love to see another book focusing on Joe Pike though. He is one of the most fascinating charcters I have discovered and I always want more of Joe. But overall this was as good as I anticipated.

Chasing Darkness: An Elvis Cole Novel (Elvis Cole)

Well, it's another great who-done-it by Robert Crais. Elvis is the world's greatest even if he's lost some gusto since he lost Lucy. I did miss there being a romantic sub-storyline but it seems our detective is in transition right now.
I much more appreciate the grown up versions of Pike and Elvis we see now as compared to the earlier novels. The mystery was great if lacking just a little in the something extra that the normally spunky Elvis would provide.
I will keep my fingers crossed that Elvis finds a way to get happy again.
In the meantime I hope and pray for the next Joe Pike novel as that last one was phenomenal!

Chasing Darkness: An Elvis Cole Novel (Elvis Cole)

Well, it's another great who-done-it by Robert Crais. Elvis is the world's greatest even if he's lost some gusto since he lost Lucy. I did miss there being a romantic sub-storyline but it seems our detective is in transition right now.
I much more appreciate the grown up versions of Pike and Elvis we see now as compared to the earlier novels. The mystery was great if lacking just a little in the something extra that the normally spunky Elvis would provide.
I will keep my fingers crossed that Elvis finds a way to get happy again.
In the meantime I hope and pray for the next Joe Pike novel as that last one was phenomenal!

A typical action-filled Crais. Good story. Good plot development. What I missed in this book is the relationship between Elvis and Joe. Not as developed as usual. My main complaint with this book, however, is the ending: it just sorta stops. I had already figured out "who dun it," so there was no umph in the ending for me. The plus, though, is looking at the picture of Crais on the book jacket. That makes up for any misses he might have made. (Yes, I know this is not a legitimate part of a review, but the truth is the truth!)

Elvis never fails to entertain me and this book was no exception. I love both he and Joe. While Joe does not play a major role in this book you know he's around covering his friend Elvis. Even if I'm reading another book, I put it down and immediately read any new delivery written by Robert Crais.

First Sentence: Beakman and Trenchard could smell the fire--it was still a mile away, but a sick desert wind carried the promise of Hell.

Three years ago, Elvis helped prove Lionel Byrd innocent of killing a prostitute. Now, Byrd's body has been found with a book containing the photographs of seven women who had been murdered, including the prostitute. The pictures were taken as the women died and could only have been taken by the killer. Two of the women were killed after Cole helped free Byrd.

A special task force claims Byrd killed all the women and has closed the case. Cole isn't that easily satisfied, especially when Cole learns the investigation may not be as closed as it appears.

This is classic Crais. With his very powerful, evocative first sentence, Crais knows how to hook the reader into the story and, with each page, ensure you're not going to leave.

The characters of Elvis and Joe, the friendship between them evident in action and in words said and unsaid, is the major reason I keep returning to this series. There is just enough background to give context to the characters without being repetitive to the series.

But it is also knowing, with this, and every book, that the plot will keep me guessing, the dialoque will be crisp, the humor will be there when it's appropriate, the sense of place always strong and it will be a darn good story.

This book did not fail but held to Crais' usual high standard. It was a thoroughly good read.

My wife and I were sadly disappointed in this latest Elvis book. The previous books have all shared a generally upbeat, exciting tone that made them both entertaining and an enjoyable read. This one starts out very dark and just seems to get worse and more depressing as it goes along.

My wife read the first 20 pages and set the book aside with the comment "this is not the Elvis that I learned to enjoy". I have struggled through the first 100 pages looking for some light at the end of the tunnel and so far not finding it.

Unfortunately this is not an Elvis Cole book. Its a dark, pedantic read with little to enjoy. I think its almost false advertising to have Elvis in this book.

My impression is that the author has had some success recently with darker, more violent reads and is taking Elvis in that direction. Sorry, but you can take that trip without my wife and I. Bring back the real Elvis.

As a longtime Robert Crais fan who has not had a problem with any of his previous works, I devoured this book in one sitting-as usual.

While the usual characters are in attendance, this is Elvis' show all the way. I did wish for more Joe Pike but I was glad that he didn't try to cram too many story lines in this one story.

Quick writing with enough nuances to keep you intrigued, as far as I'm concerned, Robert Crais is up to his usual excellent standard.

An invalid named Lionel Byrd is found dead in his LA apartment, the apparent victim of a suicide. What makes this tragedy front-page news is the discovery of a "murder book" at the feet of Byrd's body. This photo album contains explicit pictures of seven different women, all of whom have been brutally murdered over a seven-year period.

Private detective Elvis Cole takes particular notice of the suicide because he helped clear Byrd of murder charges a few years ago. It now turns out that the woman he was accused of killing at the time is the fifth of the seven victims featured in the album. Cole is torn up on how this could have happened since he was absolutely positive that Byrd was not responsible for the murder of Yvonne Bennett. Moreover, he must now deal with an angry bunch of LAPD investigators who view him almost as an accomplice to Byrd's atrocities. Even worse is the fact that Cole is also being harassed by the family of one of the women allegedly murdered by Byrd after his exoneration. Can Cole --- with the assistance of partner Joe Pike --- safely conduct his own investigation to reveal the truth surrounding the killing spree?

The fact that Byrd was house-bound due to a serious foot injury --- as well as being addicted to oxycodone --- seems to have been overlooked by the LAPD investigators and Deputy Chief Marx, all of whom are looking for a slam-dunk closure to the case. Cole has his office vandalized, receives many harassing phone calls and is involved in a physical altercation with the brothers of victim Debra Repko. When his own investigation finds that a major political figure --- Councilman Wilts --- might be involved in the case, he realizes he has quite an uphill battle on his hands.

Cole never doubts his instincts and is confident that Byrd could not have committed any of these murders, let alone be a serial killer. To prove that Byrd was set up as a fall guy, Cole must cross several legal and ethical lines, and has to battle his personal guilt over the deaths of the two women following the Byrd trial. He appeals to the family of Debra Repko and reluctantly gets them to allow him to proceed with his investigation into apprehending the "real" serial killer.

Robert Crais does not pull any punches and really gets inside the heads of all his characters. When you read his novels you come away feeling you "know" them personally. Also, his knowledge of LA is finely detailed --- particularly his descriptions of the Laurel Canyon area, which is so richly drawn you feel like you're right there in Cole's living room. My only criticism is that, once the killer is revealed, things are wrapped up a little too quickly without allowing readers to understand the motivation behind the killings. Possibly that is the point --- we really cannot understand how the psychopathic mind works.

Crais states it best with this thought from Elvis Cole at the close of CHASING DARKNESS: "The darkness frightens me, but what it does to us frightens me even more. Maybe that is why I do what I do. I chase the darkness to make room for the light." Well said.

--- Reviewed by Ray Palen

Elvis Cole, the world's greatest detective, is back in action with Robert Crais' newest novel, Chasing Darkness. I've been reading the "Elvis Cole" series since the mid-nineties, and I've never been disappointed in a single one of the twelve books. In fact, this is a series that I'll buy in hardcover as soon as it comes out, rather than waiting for the paperback edition to present itself a year down the road. That alone says a lot about the quality of the storytelling here and the author's writing.

In Chasing Darkness, Los Angeles P.I. Elvis Cole has to deal with the possibility that he got a serial killer (Lionel Byrd) off the hook several years before when he was hired by the man's lawyer to find evidence of the client's innocence with regards to a particular murder. Now, Byrd is dead and the evidence that is found with his body suggest that he might have killed a large number of young women over the years and the police and the victim's families are blaming Cole for the additional deaths that occurred after Byrd's release from police custody. Cole, however, doesn't believe that Byrd was the killer, and the only way for him to prove this is to find the real murderer. Even with the help of LAPD officers Carol Sharky and Lou Portias, Cole is going to have a difficult time following the necessary leads because the Task Force that's been set up to investigate the serial killings is keeping him out of the loop. If that isn't bad enough, the evidence and witnesses are disappearing as fast as Cole becomes aware of their existence, causing him to believe that the killer is still at work and that he may be a person of prominence in the local community. Elvis Cole will definitely have his work cut out for him as he attempts to stay alive and to clear his name at the same time. Of course, he'll have the help of his partner, Joe Pike.

That Robert Crais is a much better writer today than he was a decade ago is beyond question. His writing style took a giant leap with the publication of L.A. Requiem a few years ago, bringing his work to the attention of a much larger reading audience and to a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. His prose certainly creates images in the reader's mind that linger long after the book is finish. His characters are filled with the energy of actual people who have to find a way through the utter chaos of life and to hopefully grow through the trial and tribulations that are placed in front of them. Cole is still his sarcastic self in Chasing Darkness, but a more serious side of his personality comes out as he deals with the family members who hold him responsible for the deaths of their children and siblings. The ever silent and dangerous Joe Pike is still at Cole's side, but he plays a much smaller role this time around. The few scenes that Pike is in, however, are powerful and almost steal the show from our hard-working and wisecracking detective. If I needed someone to cover my back, I'd definitely want Joe Pike there to do it. Cole feels the same way!

Needless to say, Chasing Darkness is another excellent novel in this outstanding series. Why Hollywood hasn't scooped up the film rights to the Cole/Pike books is beyond me. These novels are perfect for the big screen. They're entertaining, witty, fun, thought provoking, and sometimes deadly serious. So, if you're looking for some high quality reading for the remaining weeks of the summer, pick up Chasing Darkness, or go back and buy L.A. Requiem paperback, or maybe even The Last Detective. You can never go wrong with a novel by Robert Crais.

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.

Chasing Darkness is another fine piece of work from Robert Crais. This book delivers on the sarcasm, the mystery, and Joe Pike! There are some great cameos from characters from the past. A sure fire read for the summer.

Chasing Darkness is another fine piece of work from Robert Crais. This book delivers on the sarcasm, the mystery, and Joe Pike! There are some great cameos from characters from the past. A sure fire read for the summer.

I've read all of Robert Crais's crime novels, and CHASING DARKNESS probably ranks somewhere in the upper middle of his body of work. It's not a great novel like LA REQUIEM, but it's definitely an entertaining mystery with a lot of surprising twists and turns.

CHASING DARKNESS is very much a very plot-driven book. Fortunately, the story is quite engaging. This is essentially a serial killer story, but it's told in a unique manner that keeps the reader guessing about the identity of the killer and the true intentions of the police. This novel is a bit too densely plotted for its own good, but I found the whole thing a very fun read from start to finish.

Stylistically, CHASING DARKNESS is a bit of a throwback to the early Cole novels. Almost the entire novel is told from Cole's point of view, and Crais avoids using the mulititude of flashback scenes he employed in recent novels such as THE LAST DETECTIVE and THE FORGOTTEN MAN. Personally, I felt this decision produced a more streamlined plot with fewer digressions, which made for a more enjoyable read.

Readers looking for the emotional depth of LA REQUIEM or even THE WATCHMAN will probably be disappointed by the lack of character development in this installment. But after the emotional intensity of the last several books, I'm guessing Crais just wanted to write a straightforward mystery this time out. In my opinion, he succeeded in writing a solid one here, and I think CHASING DARKNESS is well worth your time.

If a book has the name Robert Crais on the cover, buy it. I have read all of his Elvis Cole series and they are consistently good. Crais is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to his next publication. Keep them coming Mr. Crais and I'll keep buying. Thanks for an entertaining read.

Once again Robert Crais ratchets up the tension. And fun. You gotta love a PI (Elvis Cole) who never loses his sense of humor even when he's about to lose a few teeth. I can't get enough of Joe Pike, either, the go-to man, the fixer, the when-all-else-fails sidekick. The pair gets the bad guy, but not without more than enough twists, turns, and obstacles to render the reader exhausted. Robert, write faster!

Crais' Elvis Cole novels are always great entertainment and this one is no different. We now look forward to the next.

I've been a Robert Crais fan since his first book because he made Elvis Cole and Pike such vivid, interesting characters. The plots were almost secondary, the books were interesting because of the main characters. In this book, however, the characters are as real as cardboard, and the plot isn't interesting enough to make up for it. I'm giving it 3 stars only out of affection for his previous books, if this was his first effort, I'd give it 2 stars. I'm hoping this book is only a temporary downturn in an otherwise fun series!

Crais is back, in my humble opinion. I will say that I gave up on his work a while back. The stories and their touchy-feely relationships (I have enough of those with Robert B. Parker) with unintersting plots lost my interest...then on a whim at the library I picked up and read the first pages of THE WATCHMAN and was sucked right in and enjoyed it immensley.
I wondered if he would carry this on, and Crais does. In a mirror image of his last book, Pike is a mere guest character and that is fine with me as this allows Crais to flesh out Elvis and does so in a way that does not get mired down in romantic relationships. CHASING DARKNESS opens up well well with enough mystery, suspense, surpirse, etc. to keep the reader going. This was one of those thankful reads with which I slowed down near the conclusion as I did not want it to end. Frankly I had all but given up on this series, and the author after a few unsatisfying books, but after Pike in The Watcman and Cole here in CHASING DARKNESS...I am happy to repeat - Crais is back to form!