Robert Crais

Robert Crais is an American author of detective stories. He began his literary career not with novels, but by writing scripts for television shows. His impressive list of television shows include many popular hits such as "Miami Vice," "Hill Street Blues," "L.A. Law," and "Cagney and Lacey." Crais received an Emmy nomination for his writing on "Hill Street Blues." After the death of his father in 1985, Crais created his signature character, Elvis Cole. The first novel that Elvis Cole appeared in was The Monkey’s Raincoat. This novel received critical acclaim, winning the 1988 Anthony Award for Best First Novel, and the 1988 Mystery Readers International Macavity Award for Best Paperback Original at Bouchercon (an annual convention of mystery and detective fiction writers and fans.) The Monkey’s Raincoat has also been named to the list of 100 Favorite Mysteries of the Century by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.

Elvis Cole is the main character in all Crais’ novels, with the exception of three. Joe Pike is Cole’s partner and the main character in the novel, The Watchman. Crais’ novels focus on family values, loyalty, and the benefits of honesty. In addition, current events can sometimes find their way into Crais’ novels, such as Free Fall, inspired by the Rodney King riots and Sunset Express, based on O.J. Simpson. To date, Crais has published 15 novels in 42 countries. He is considered a best-selling author all over the world.

Robert Crais was born in 1954 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in a blue collar family. He headed to Hollywood in 1976. Currently, Crais lives in the Santa Monica mountains with his wife and three cats.