Chasing Darkness (Elvis Cole Series #11)

Typical Crais Thriller

Holds interest...hard to put down... Waiting for the next book....

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Lots of layers to peel back....

I am a recent "Elvis Cole and Joe Pike" fan, but this one was really layered. I love that; it keeps me turning pages.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Elvis Cole Back in Action

A new twist on Elvis Cole, That is engaging, thrilling and still able to be human and touching. I have read all the Elvis Cole Novels and Chasing Darkness is so good that I am ready to pick it up and read it again.

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a great book

this is a great book. i've read all from this series and this one didn't disappoint.

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A must read!

Another excellent book from Robert Crais. A must read for Elvis Cole fans!

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Elvis Cole returns

Southern California is burning in the latest Elvis Cole novel, leading police to the body of Lionel Byrd while evacuating Laurel Canyon residents endangered by the fire. Evidence at the scene of Byrd's apparent suicide incriminates him in the murder of seven people, and the kicker is that two of them happened after Elvis Cole helped clear the man of one of the killings. Naturally, a guilt-wracked Cole is drawn into the case and soon finds evidence that Byrd's 'suicide' may have been staged and that the police are covering it up. Several twists and turns keep things interesting, and Cole's partner Joe Pike (who's always reminded me of Spenser's Hawk) is along for the ride, which is darker than some of the previous Elvis Cole entries. I like the fact that in 'Chasing Darkness' Crais continues to move away from his lighthearted, wisecrack-filled mysteries to a more hard-boiled styled with weightier themes and more powerful stories. Don't get me wrong though, 'Chasing Darkness' is far from morose or heavy-handed - it's an exciting, unpredictable thriller featuring two of the most colorful detectives in current crime fiction. Also recommended: 'A Stranger Lies There' by Stephen Santogrossi- a hard-boiled thriller set in the desert around Palm Springs, it won the Malice Domestic Award for best first mystery. I actually discovered this book last year in an Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine review alongside Crais' previous novel The Watchman. The review stated: 'Santogrossi writes powerfully and movingly about a man who has paid for his mistakes only to find out that he's not through paying and never will be. An author to watch.'

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Love Elvis Cole and Joe Pike!!!

This book, like all of Robert Crais' books, is a fast and fun read. Great characters and good plots will keep you turning pages!

Chasing greatness

Southern California is burning in the latest Elvis Cole novel, leading police to the body of Lionel Byrd while evacuating Laurel Canyon residents endangered by the fire. Evidence at the scene of Byrd's apparent suicide incriminates him in the murder of seven people, and the kicker is that two of them happened after Elvis Cole helped clear the man of one of the killings. Naturally, a guilt-wracked Cole is drawn into the case and soon finds evidence that Byrd's "suicide" may have been staged and that the police are covering it up. Several twists and turns keep things interesting, and Cole's partner Joe Pike (who's always reminded me of Spenser's Hawk) is along for the ride, which is darker than some of the previous Elvis Cole entries. I like the fact that in "Chasing Darkness" Crais continues to move away from his lighthearted, wisecrack-filled mysteries to a more hard-boiled styled with weightier themes and more powerful stories. Don't get me wrong though, "Chasing Darkness" is far from morose or heavy-handed - it's an exciting, unpredictable thriller featuring two of the most colorful detectives in current crime fiction.
Also recommended: A Stranger Lies There - a hard-boiled thriller set in the desert around Palm Springs, it won the Malice Domestic Award for best first mystery. I actually discovered this book in an Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine review alongside Crais' novel The Watchman. The review stated: "Santogrossi writes powerfully and movingly about a man who has paid for his mistakes only to find out that he's not through paying and never will be. An author to watch."

Great new book

Kept me on the edge of my seat and didn't want to put this one down. Lots of twists and turns.

Another Elvis Hit

After I read Crais' novel "LA Requiem" several years ago, I ran out and got the preceding Elvis Cole novels, and have snatched the rest of the books up as soon as they came out in paperback. I love Elvis and Joe Pike (even though I hope we never again have another unfortunate book like "The Watchman"). "Chasing Darkness" is not the greatest Cole novel, but it was still enjoyable, in spite of an ending that seemed a bit forced. Carol Starkey, the chain-smoking ex-bomb-squad detective, is in it, but not long enough. I guess the bottom line is...if you are an Elvis fan, you have to read this book because Elvis is part of your family. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY AN ELVIS FAN, DON'T START WITH THIS ONE. Go back to "The Monkey's Raincoat", or read the fantastic "LA Requiem".

Another terrific work of Robert Crais

This is an excellent book with each chapter having it's own action. There isn't a book by this author I wouldn't recommend. Thrilling.

Not the greatest of endings.

I've read all the Cole series and this was cruising until the flat ending. Still a good read.

Wrongfully Accused

A few years ago Elvis Cole cleared a client of a murder charge. Now that client is found dead and is re-accused of not only have commiting that murder but subsequent murders. In Cole¿s quest for the truth he uncovers evidence he hadn¿t expected. Has Cole made way for the real killer to get away with murder or can he help bring this monster to justice?

Crais is Losing It

After The Watchman, one of the worst books in history, Chasing Darkness is another feeble effort. I have read all of the Crais books and they are steadily downhill. This book is short in length, limited in originality, and just follows a predictable formula as a story. Don't waste the money.

Elvis Was Hailed As A Hero

This is an excellent detective novel that had me going from start to the very short finish. I could have stood another 30 pages or so, but then maybe the author just likes tight stories without a lot of unnecessary padding. Can't blame him for that.

A reviewer

I have read all of the Elvis Cole books (actually all of Robert Crais' books so far) and I loved this book, it did not disappoint. This book had less of an emotional/personal story than the last two Elvis Cole books, but it is an excellent mystery with a bit of humor thrown in. I love the way RC can paint a picture with his words. I get a great movie playing in my head when I read his books. His characters are smart, loyal and fun. I also have to say that I think Elvis has a very unique cat! Buy the book and read it, you won't be sorry that you did.

Can't wait to read!!!

I've loved EVERY Elvis and Pike novel as well as everything Crais has written. The characters are rich and the dialogue entertaining. Crais never disappoints and keeps you riveted until the end.

Riveting

The forest fire remains out of control so police are evacuating homes in the blaze¿s path in Laurel Canyon. In one of the houses the cops find the corpse of Lionel Byrd he apparently committed suicide.---------------- When Los Angeles private investigator Elvis Cole learns of the death, he is stunned and filled with remorse. Three years earlier, Byrd was accused of a homicide working for the defense, Cole found proof that his client was innocent the charges were dropped. However, recently new evidence has been found that strongly implies Byrd committed that murder, four known others before being caught and at least two more since Cole found the prof that freed him. Wracked by guilt for those who died perhaps by his actions, Cole investigates determined to learn whether he was duped, erred, or was right three years ago.-------------- Returning to Cole after his partner Joe Pike starred in THE WATCHMAN, fans of the series will see a different hero as he is obstinately determined to learn the truth thus there are less amusing asides than usual and few scenes with friends the plot fits the tone of his demeanor, as Cole suffers from crippling guilt. The story line is fast-paced from the onset, filled with plenty of action, and plausible but powerful twists and red herrings. CHASING DARKNESS is a strong tale as a more introspective Cole than ever before battles personal demons.------------ Harriet Klausner

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