Mystery Writer Robert Crais' Work

Elvis Cole, LA private investigator has been the central character in twelve Robert Crais’ novels. The twelfth book to feature Cole, “Chasing Darkness,” has been highly anticipated by fans. Since the “The Monkey's Raincoat,” Cole's introductory novel, fans have waited eagerly for Crais' next book. It seems readers cannot get enough of Crais' ability to describe crime at its dirtiest while showing sensibility and humanity. He maintains a high level of skill in developing twisting plots that make it difficult to put the book down due to the building tension. The action moves quickly and the reader enters world of detection rather than a simple crime-thrilled novel.

Crais' characters are believable and human. Critics applaud the way secondary characters are well-developed. Readers' begin to develop an idea of where the story is going and Crais masterfully and explosively nips it in the bud. While his thriller crime novels contain the darkest of criminal activity, Crais is able to display humanity and humor. Many renowned writers have heralded Crais' dialogue as well written, fresh and, at times, somewhat poetic although the reader will be surprised by unforeseen wisecracks.

Crais' main character, Elvis Cole has remained unchanged over the years and he has a loyal following. However, his fans have been eagerly waiting for a novel focusing on Joe Pike, Elvis Cole's sidekick. The time has come with the novel, “The Watchman.” Readers come to know Pike as a fierce, strong character in the psychological thriller. Robert Crais' work has included writing for Hill Street Blues, Cagney & Lacey, Miami Vice as well as movies-of-the-week. He is said to be most proud of a 4-hour miniseries, Cross of Fire, which documented the rise to power of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s.