LA Requiem
by Robert Crais
published
(first published 2002)
by Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group
edit
binding
Hardcover, 400 pages
isbn
0385495838
(isbn13: 9780385495837)
description
More than 10 years ago, I was shocked to learn that some puerile piece of fluff had won the Edgar for Best Paperback Original, when it was so obvious ...more
Sign in to Goodreads to see your friends' reviews of this book.
discuss this book
friend reviews (0)
To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.
lists with this book
Where's the love? Add this book to your favorite list.
other reviews (showing 1-20 of 447)
I have not yet had the opportunity to read any other books by this author, but I loved this one. It is set in contemporary LA which most people know (and either love or hate) for all of the wrong reasons. This book gives the reader a twenty foot view of life in Southern California. The life that does not first come to mind when thinking of LA. It is more "Chinatown" than the "OC" (sorry for mixing medias, but you know what I mean). Personally, I was captured at the openi...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Number 8. The first one I read. As a stand alone story, its great. However, when I went back and read the series, I realized this book is far more then a quick ass piece of noir detective fiction. This novel brings Joe Pike, Elvis' partner and protector, to the fore front. His ex girlfriend is murdered, and the leading suspect in none other then Pike himself, which is impossible, as Pike has an airtight alibi when the murder took place. Another great example of how Crais can take a near superhum...more
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
Read in July, 2008
I am friends with Robert Crais's daughter, so I had been meaning to try his books for quite some time. I borrowed this from Kevin when I was in L.A. While not the first Crais book with Joe Pike and Elvis Cole, I hear it the one to start with. Crime/detective novels aren't generally my thing, but I thought this was very well written with full, interesting characters and an unpredictable plot. I would definitely read more books in the series. It was also a fun book to read while in L.A. (or w...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in April, 2008
recommends it for:
Parker fans, Los Angeles readers
This is about the 7th of the series wherein Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are partners in a detective agency. It's good that I read this one first, because in it we discover Joe's past that causes him to be what he is. There's a faint resemblance between this series and the Parker series, but the action in this one isn't as humorous and the book takes longer to read. The funniest biplay was when Cole tells someone to "call me Elvis," and the other character says, "I don't think I can do
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
Read in May, 2008
Enjoyable modern "noir" set in L.A., one of the capitols of noir books and films. Crais is along the lines of Michael Connelly, but not quite as complex of a writer. I have liked this one best of the three titles I have read so far in this series. Fast-paced, evocative of L.A. (although I would like more descriptions of geography, sense of place, etc.), interesting characters (though no one that you would actually know--they don't lead normal lives), always six or seven bodies by th...more
Like this review?
yes
2 comments
One of the best crime books I've read. Not because the mystery was so great(because it wasn't. you can totally tell who the killer is. well. i could.) but because the characters were great. They were witty and interesting. Their relationships were mostly the reason why this books was so good. Although at the end, it gets pretty crazy. I like the author's style.
but really, the whole killing thing is more of a sub plot than anything. it's just a plot device to provide conflict.
but really, the whole killing thing is more of a sub plot than anything. it's just a plot device to provide conflict.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in November, 2007
This is the best of the Elvis Cole series by far. Robert Crais portrays the dark side of life in sunny California very nicely, and he has developed Elvis Cole into more than just a wisecracking tough guy. Great plot and great supporting characters, as well. And, we finally find out something more about Joe Pike (I think I'm in love, by the way).
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
My first 5 star. How can I give a Robert Crais novel anything else? It's been awhile since I read an Elvis Cole novel, and I cherish and keep them for special. I loved this book. This one in the series focuses on Joe Pike, who is my favorite "sidekick" of all mystery pairs. If you like mysteries then I believe the Elvis Cole series is a must! The first in series is "A Monkey's Raincoat". :-)
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
I am really liking Robert Crais. This is one of the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike books, and for anyone who likes Lee Child's Jack Reacher stories, this one is for you.
He creates characters I care about, and keeps the action moving along. This isn't a book that makes you think about things in a new way, or opens your heart to greater purpose, or anything like that.
But it is a great book, anyway.
He creates characters I care about, and keeps the action moving along. This isn't a book that makes you think about things in a new way, or opens your heart to greater purpose, or anything like that.
But it is a great book, anyway.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
By the end of this story, Joe Pike comes to terms with the way he left the LAPD, Lucy Chenier wakes up to the notion that possibly life with the World's Greatest Detective will not always be safe or stable, and Elvis himself finds that possibly there are things that will never be proven no matter how hard you investigate. My favorite of the series so far.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in April, 2008
Joe Pike has a doppelganger running around LA, killing people. Can Elvis solve the mystery? You betcha!
Like most of these stories, the life of the character seems ymore interesting than the murder mystery. But what does Luce find interesting in Elvis? Page turner.
Like most of these stories, the life of the character seems ymore interesting than the murder mystery. But what does Luce find interesting in Elvis? Page turner.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in July, 2008
Long ago I started reading Crais' Elvis Cole books. For some reason I stopped, but have recently started back up with 'Indigo Slam" and L.A. Requiem" and can't figure out why I ever stopped! I'm really looking forward to catching up with the rest of this series.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in February, 2008
recommends it for:
police procedural fans
Elvis Cole series takes a turn towards literature-town in this installment. This is a really good police procedural with a nice mystery and some much needed background on Joe Pike. Feels like good Michael Connelly.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
This is not the first book in the LOL L.A. p.i. Elvis Cole series, but I think it's the best. You should probably start with the Monkey's Raincoat, which introduces the characters.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
I have read several of the Elvis Cole novels, and really liked this one. Involves his partner Joe Pike, who is an accomplished tough guy in his own right.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in June, 2008
recommended to Steve by:
Jen Forbus
Especially enjoyed the treatment of the Joe Pike character. The background given on his childhood made him come alive for me like never before.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in August, 2008
Love all the books about Joe Pike and Elvis Cole. This one is one of the first one that gives background to the life of the elusive Joe Pike.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
My 1st Crais novel and hooked ever since. Joe Pike is one mean guy--wnat him to be on my side. Great book to spend some beach time on.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
people who love a great mystery with great male characters
Great action mystery and Cole and Pike's friendship a highlight for me. This is the best of the Cole mysteries, in my opinion.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
recommends it for:
elvis cole enthusiasts
bittersweet, if not at times a bit too cinematic. robert crais always refuses to option these books for film, which i love.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
