Mystery Writer Robert Crais

Robert Crais is a contemporary writer of fiction. He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1954 and grew up along the Mississippi river. Later he moved to Hollywood in 1976. Before his well-known mystery novels he started his career as a writer for television shows such as Hill Street Blues and Miami Vice and even had a stint as an amateur filmmaker. It was only later on that Robert Crais decided to move his enthusiasm and talents to writing mystery novels. Some of his first literary contacts were with the likes of Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck, giving Crais the desire to write. Robert Crais’ formal training was that of a mechanical engineer before turning to writing.

Robert Crais’ works mainly center around the character of Elvis Cole, a ranger and Joe Pike, an ex-marine. Elvis Cole is a play on the name of Elvis Presley, one of Robert Crais’ idols. Most books, but not all, center around the two characters of Cole and Pike and take the form of fiction to what is probably well-known current crimes. For instance, Free Fall was drawn from the Rodney King riots and Sunset Express likened to events surrounding the O. J. Simpson case. In all his books, the overriding theme seems to be honesty. Similarly, other issues include those of family and loyalty. Critics have stated that, although his works seem to be getting better with each book, Robert Crais leans towards a more sinister plot and dark side of writing. His books have also included a place on the New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestseller lists. Several books have been worldwide best sellers.