Detective Character Elvis Cole

Robert Crais has written a series of detective novels. The main fictional character in the books is Elvis Cole. Elvis himself says he is the world’s greatest detective. He has a deep concern for abused women and children. His main partner in the detective novels is Joe Pike who is much quieter than he is. Joe is an ex-Marine and a gun shop owner.

Crais wrote twelve novels from 1987 to 2008. Critics proclaim his later novels better than his earlier novels. In the earlier novels, in particular, there were many more violent action scenes. One of the changes is that Elvis is no longer quite as loud-mouthed as he was in the earlier novels.

The main character, Elvis, has an interesting background and had served as a U.S. Army Ranger with part-time service in Vietnam for which he received decorated service. Out of the service he continues to carry a .38 revolver for protection. Elvis’ black cat has a fiery disposition and seems to care more for Joe Pike than for Elvis. Joe Pike is very tight-lipped and also had service in the Vietnam War.

Elvis Cole drives a yellow 1966 Corvette and has served several years as a private detective. He also wrote for television. He received an Emmy nomination for Hill Street Blues and has received various awards for his Elvis Cole series. This includes the Edgar, Anthony, a Macavity, and a Shamus awards. His book, Demolition Angel, written in 2000 for a film has Craig doing the screenplay.