L.A. Requiem: An Elvis Cole and Joe Pike Novel

As with most of the reviewers, I've followed Robert Crais from the beginning and this is his best book yet.It starts with Joe Pike's ex-girlfriend, Karen Garcia, being gunned down by the Hollywood Reservoir as she's out jogging. Karen's father, an Hispanic with huge political clout, doesn't trust the police to work the case so he asks Joe to act as an overseer to the case, and Joe involves Elvis Cole. As more evidence surfaces it looks like a serial killer may be at work and when the prime suspect is himself murdered, Joe Pike is arrested for the killing.First, the plot is very well done. It has the requisite twists and turns and I don't think many people will figure this one out before the author wants you to.Secondly, the writing is superb. Crais has always been a good writer in a mild breezy way, but with this book he shows us he can handle deeper emotions. This is a darker, more serious, book than his others and he handles it with aplomb. I, at first considered this series as a Spenser wannabee, but his writing has now pushed him beyond that. He is a very good writer.Third, his characterization is rich. Joe Pike, who up until now has been Elvis Cole's spear carrier, emerges as the complex human being we've always felt he might be. Far from being the emotionless killer, we find that Joe's emotions are there but well hidden. The book does a wonderful job of explaining what made Joe the way he is. Some others have remarked that Joe is a little too unbelievable, but I don't think so. There really are men like this in the world.I can't recommend this book highly enough. I gave it five stars and I don't give out that rating lightly. You won't be disappointed.

One vicious criminal. Two fast friends. Three loving women. Inept detective. A grieving father who gives his heart to those who care.

This book is full of action coming at you from different directions. The character development is very interesting. I enjoyed it..

Robert Crais hit his peak with this novel in the Elvis Cole-Joe Pike series. I had it in paperback, but lost it. Decided to get it in hard cover. It's a book you'll enjoy reading more than once.

The main characters are wonderful- definitely not everyday type guys. There is a lot of blood and gore, but suspense and mystery are the winners