Elvis Cole is the fictional main character of a series of novels by author Robert Crais. Elvis Cole does claim to be the "world's greatest detective" at times, but in reality, he is more like a private investigator. The character has a soft spot for ladies, and is straightforward and very honest. Cole's background includes decorated service in Vietnam, and he is trained in martial arts including Tai Chi, Wing Chun and Tae Kwon Do. He likes to wear Hawaiian shirts and drives a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.
While Cole lives in a home overlooking a canyon in Los Angeles, California, his office is in Santa Monica. He carries a Wesson .38 revolver in his shoulder holster for protection. His best friend (and sometimes partner in solving crime) is ex-cop Joe Pike from the LAPD. His friend Joe is a great help to Elvis, who likes to aggravate criminals and police officers using his smart mouth and attitude. His girlfriend, Lucy Chenier, has moved back to Louisiana where she is from, maybe for good. Some of his investigation cases take him all over the United States. Sgt. Lou Poitras works in the North Hollywood Division of the LAPD, and is a reliable contact for Elvis. Thomas Marx is the LAPD's Deputy Chief in Crais' latest book, Chasing Darkness.
Elvis has a lot of fans who organized a group called the Craisies. He is a remarkable character who keeps many people waiting eagerly for the next book by Robert Crais.
