The day starts like any other in L.A. The sun burns hot as the Santa Ana winds blow ash from mountain fires to coat the glittering city. But for pr...
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reviews
Apr 09, 2008
Karen
rated it: 
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
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May 26, 2008
Justin
rated it:
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
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Sep 25, 2011
Ami
rated it: 
4.5 stars
Dang!!!
This is probably the BEST and my FAVORITE Elvis Cole book yet. Why? Because it digs deeper into Joe Pike's past; his childhood, why he left L.A.P.D, and the women in his past. Over the course of previous six books, Pike came as an enigmatic man with little words to say. Here, he fleshes out more and in impact, sort of pushing Cole aside, even this is still Cole's book (I think this is a foundation for Joe Pike's own spin-off series).
I love the writ More...
Dang!!!
This is probably the BEST and my FAVORITE Elvis Cole book yet. Why? Because it digs deeper into Joe Pike's past; his childhood, why he left L.A.P.D, and the women in his past. Over the course of previous six books, Pike came as an enigmatic man with little words to say. Here, he fleshes out more and in impact, sort of pushing Cole aside, even this is still Cole's book (I think this is a foundation for Joe Pike's own spin-off series).
I love the writ More...
Jan 03, 2011
Becky
rated it:
Elvis Cole, the Hawaiian shirt wearing, wise-cracking, ex-Army Ranger turned P.I., is the frontman for the Elvis Cole Detective Agency. Joe Pike is his partner, an ex-Marine who never even cracks a smile, let alone cracks wise. L.A. Requiem, published in 1999, is Robert Crais' eighth novel and Cole and Pike's eighth outing together, but it's the first to offer deep and meaningful insight into Pike's enigmatic character (Has he ever smiled? Just what do his eyes look like under those always prese
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Oct 20, 2009
Tony
rated it:
Robert Crais- L.A. Requiem (Ballantine Books 2000) 3.75 Stars
Private Investigator Joe Pike’s ex-girlfriend, Karen Garcia, has just turned up dead. Karen’s father, an important man on the city council, is calling on Pike and his partner Cole to work with the LAPD to find the killer. The pair suddenly finds themselves in a maze of conspiracy. This case could cost them more than just their jobs, or even their friendship, their lives are at stake.
This is a great thrill ride. More...
Private Investigator Joe Pike’s ex-girlfriend, Karen Garcia, has just turned up dead. Karen’s father, an important man on the city council, is calling on Pike and his partner Cole to work with the LAPD to find the killer. The pair suddenly finds themselves in a maze of conspiracy. This case could cost them more than just their jobs, or even their friendship, their lives are at stake.
This is a great thrill ride. More...
Sep 08, 2009
Johnny
rated it:
My brothers are so cruel. All of them have, at one time or another, given me a novel late in a series (Doug gave me a Robert Vardeman fantasy novel that was #3 in the series and, naturally, I had to buy the first two and fill out the rest of The Cenotaph Road series. James introduced me to Martha Grimes' Richard Jury series with Jerusalem Inn (somewhere around #5 or #6). And now, my brother David gives me #8 in a series.) Well, you'd better believe I'm going to read the first seven and probably
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May 20, 2009
David
rated it:
I've only read one Elvis Cole book previously, but this was the third Robert Crais novel I've read. Trust me, I'll be reading more.
This novel deals more with Cole's partner, Joe Pike, and the story unwinds with the help of some flashbacks and dreams. One would think that Joe would be seriously messed up, and he is indeed one violent character, but glimpses of good and morality keep coming through. However, in this case, the two private detectives are called in to investigate the d More...
This novel deals more with Cole's partner, Joe Pike, and the story unwinds with the help of some flashbacks and dreams. One would think that Joe would be seriously messed up, and he is indeed one violent character, but glimpses of good and morality keep coming through. However, in this case, the two private detectives are called in to investigate the d More...
Aug 05, 2010
Greg
rated it: 
According to a blurb, Robert Crais is the descendant of Ross MacDonald, who is the literary heir to James Cain, who is the direct inheritor of Raymond Chandler's crown. People who write reviews professionally love saying shit like that, and as in most cases they are wrong. James Ellroy is the heir to Chandler's position. Everyone else is just writing some genre fiction, like Chandler Ellroy is creating art of the the dirt and shit that make up Los Angeles. I'd agree that these other guys may
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Apr 21, 2010
Vannessagrace
rated it:
John Chen, Crime Science Investigator, 6’1” and 124 pounds, while investigating crime scenes is always comparing himself to other men and the reason why they’re getting laid and he isn’t, and he refers to his car and the tang mobile.
In this installment Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are looking for the man or men who killed Joe Pike’s ex-girlfriend Karen Garcia.
Yeah! That’s right! I said Joe Pike’s ex-girlfriend one he really cared for and one whom her father, Frank Garcia, want More...
In this installment Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are looking for the man or men who killed Joe Pike’s ex-girlfriend Karen Garcia.
Yeah! That’s right! I said Joe Pike’s ex-girlfriend one he really cared for and one whom her father, Frank Garcia, want More...
Aug 12, 2011
Gina
rated it:
Best of the series yet! This one has it all: friendship, romance, family, trust, and betrayal, all wrapped up in one small package that delivers a hefty wallop.
L.A. Requiem starts out with a glimpse into the past when Officer Joe Pike and his partner follow up a lead on a missing girl case.
Jumping forward to the present day, Joe calls on his partner Elvis Cole, World's Greatest Detective, to assist him with another missing person's case. It's the first time Joe's ever asked More...
L.A. Requiem starts out with a glimpse into the past when Officer Joe Pike and his partner follow up a lead on a missing girl case.
Jumping forward to the present day, Joe calls on his partner Elvis Cole, World's Greatest Detective, to assist him with another missing person's case. It's the first time Joe's ever asked More...
Nov 22, 2011
Marie-jo
rated it:
In his article “In the Mind of Others” (shared on Facebook by a friend; and now —surprise, surprise!— on sale online for six bucks or so; sorry I ain’t buyin’) Keith Oatley addresses the fact that psychologists, who for a long time scorned fiction, have recently revised their judgement and declared it beneficial to one’s social skills. The reason for the initial derision was that fiction was “made up.” Not real. In other words, an act of imagination. That Sigmund Freud dug out the expressi
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Oct 06, 2011
Greg
rated it:
Robert Crais's L.A. Requiem is a solid PI novel that delves deep into the underworld of L.A. Crais's hero-PI Elvis Cole is still the wise-cracking jokester out to save the day, but Cole's partner Joe Pike gets the spotlight in this story. Readers get a glimpse of the rugged Pike and how he came to be the shade-wearing man of so few words. Crais departs from the typical first-person narrative in L.A. Requiem, effectively interspersing the POV's of the villain, Pike, and Cole.
When a gi More...
When a gi More...
Jun 15, 2011
Manugw
rated it:
INTERESTING CRIME MYSTERY THRILLER
The murder of Karen Garcia, the daughter of a powerful Hispanic successful immigrant unleashes a whirlwind of stories unresolved in the past which begin to resurface after lying dormant for a long time. From this point Mr. Crais conceive this consistent and very neat "whodunit "crime story with LA flair which did not let go until the very end and with a rich character drawing encompassing private investigator Elvis Cole, former policeman an More...
The murder of Karen Garcia, the daughter of a powerful Hispanic successful immigrant unleashes a whirlwind of stories unresolved in the past which begin to resurface after lying dormant for a long time. From this point Mr. Crais conceive this consistent and very neat "whodunit "crime story with LA flair which did not let go until the very end and with a rich character drawing encompassing private investigator Elvis Cole, former policeman an More...
Dec 17, 2009
Beth
rated it:
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).
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Dec 30, 2011
Tim
rated it:
a little over halfway on my first Robert Crais. Terrific in every way... can't put it down and don't want it to end.
Ok, i finished it. I loved it. It is great and the fellow Goodreads member who recommended Crais to me is my new best friend. Thanks!
Some writers are seemingly looking at the fast track to a big bank account. Some writers recognize that writing is a skill, a craft, an artistic endeavor. In this genre, Robert Crais is the craftsman, the artist, the ski More...
Ok, i finished it. I loved it. It is great and the fellow Goodreads member who recommended Crais to me is my new best friend. Thanks!
Some writers are seemingly looking at the fast track to a big bank account. Some writers recognize that writing is a skill, a craft, an artistic endeavor. In this genre, Robert Crais is the craftsman, the artist, the ski More...
Oct 14, 2009
Debbi
rated it:
Elvis Cole is a tough guy private eye – but not too tough. He actually has a soft inner core that makes him slightly less hardened than many protagonists of the hard-boiled genre. Yet, he's hardly a cream puff. In fact, he'll kick ass, if need be. And he has a sardonic sense of humor that makes him reminiscent of Robert Parker's Spenser, except he's in Los Angeles.
Cole has a partner, Joe Pike, who's stoic (to say the least). Hard to read behind his ever-present sunglasses, Pike plays More...
Cole has a partner, Joe Pike, who's stoic (to say the least). Hard to read behind his ever-present sunglasses, Pike plays More...
Feb 01, 2012
Angela
rated it:
finally we get some info about Pike and the reasons for the LAPD hating him. which just pisses u off because Pike is one of the most loyal guys u could have at your back. when Pike gets asked by an old girlfriends dad to look for her things heat up fast when shes found dead soon after he and cole start looking. the hunt for the killer isnt easy. the cops arent volunteering any help and pike finds himself accused of the murder of the cops one suspect in many deaths. someone is setting pike up and
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Jun 22, 2011
Darcy
rated it:
Man, this one got really personal for Elvis and Joe and had me on the edge of my seat.
Joe gets called into help look for a missing old girlfriend. What seems like it will be easy turns into a nightmare for Joe and Elvis by proxy.
Joe's history growing up is brought out for us to learn why Joe is the way he is. His past will have you shaking your head and wondering how Joe is as normal as he is. We also get to see Joe as a young cop. Through both of these sets of flas More...
Joe gets called into help look for a missing old girlfriend. What seems like it will be easy turns into a nightmare for Joe and Elvis by proxy.
Joe's history growing up is brought out for us to learn why Joe is the way he is. His past will have you shaking your head and wondering how Joe is as normal as he is. We also get to see Joe as a young cop. Through both of these sets of flas More...
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Jan 22, 2011
Stacey
rated it:
This was my first Robert Crais novel, but certainly not the last. I quickly fell in love with Elvis and Joe. I was told this is by far the best book of the series, but part of me hopes that is not true. The plot had been summarized beautifully by so many other reviewers, so I will skip it. Instead, I will keep it brief with a short list of pros and cons .
Pros: Characters were very realistic. I enjoyed the quiet, self-sacrificing personality of Joe, and knowing why he is so "dama More...
Pros: Characters were very realistic. I enjoyed the quiet, self-sacrificing personality of Joe, and knowing why he is so "dama More...
Feb 12, 2009
Jan C
rated it:
I just love this series. I didn't start with the first one but I went back to it and have read most of the others in order.
For years I'd heard all of these people raving about Elvis Cole and thought he just can't be all that and kind of refused to read Crais' books on general principles. Until one fell in my lap, so to speak.
Now, I can't read enough. Each one has the ability to stand on their own. But taken all together they build a family of sorts for Elvis, Joe Pike, C More...
For years I'd heard all of these people raving about Elvis Cole and thought he just can't be all that and kind of refused to read Crais' books on general principles. Until one fell in my lap, so to speak.
Now, I can't read enough. Each one has the ability to stand on their own. But taken all together they build a family of sorts for Elvis, Joe Pike, C More...
May 20, 2009
Robert
rated it: 
Let me state first that I liked this book. However, I found it highly derivative of Robert Parker's Spencer series, without the wit. I love Spencer, so the idea of an LA Spencer is highly appealing. Execution is going to be a bitch and you never want to write against those expectations. Crais has a tough row to hoe with me.
Nonetheless, I did devour this book in a couple of nights. I found it entertaining and the characters compelling. I figured out the bad guy early, but still More...
Nonetheless, I did devour this book in a couple of nights. I found it entertaining and the characters compelling. I figured out the bad guy early, but still More...
May 29, 2010
Raymond
rated it:
I have not read this author before, but I am sure going to be reading more of his work. L.A. Requiem is wonderfully paced and has some great characters, among them Joe Pike, former police officer (now a P.I.) who left the epartment under a cloud and Harvey Krantz, a police detective with a strong dislike of Pike.
There are a couple of subtle clues as to whom the murderer is, but you'll only recoginize them after.
There is also nice sexual triangle tension between Elvis Col More...
There are a couple of subtle clues as to whom the murderer is, but you'll only recoginize them after.
There is also nice sexual triangle tension between Elvis Col More...
Jan 12, 2012
Sherri
rated it:
Can't wait to read the next one..to see what happens! Didn't want to put this one down from start to finish. Was very happy to learn the childhood background to the present of Joe. I so enjoy the flashes of humor from Elvis Cole (best friend and partner of Joe Pike.) Crais has that great writing ability to involve many characters in one book but never confuse the reader of who they are and what they do in the story. Thought I had this one figured out until I found out that I DIDN'T. This is
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Oct 05, 2010
Jodi
rated it:
This was a first Robert Crais book I ever read. I ended up reading then ending first because of it's length and the fact I had never heard of this author. All I have to say is WOW he sucked me in and I have been a fan ever since!
The insight we got into Joe Pike's childhood was amazing and difficult for me to read. But I am and will always be a Pike fan now. It gave us what we needed to carry Joe into his own series of novels.
The writing is poetic and beautiful and at the same time ex More...
The insight we got into Joe Pike's childhood was amazing and difficult for me to read. But I am and will always be a Pike fan now. It gave us what we needed to carry Joe into his own series of novels.
The writing is poetic and beautiful and at the same time ex More...
Feb 06, 2012
Jerry
rated it:
This eighth in Crais’ Elvis Cole (PI) set was especially terrific, as it explained the entire back story on his partner, usually the less visible of the two, Joe Pike – apropos as the books (currently three so far) featuring Pike with just a little help from Cole will not appear for several more years. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn of Pike’s early days on the LAPD and the details on why Pike is generally hated by his former colleagues, having to do with his first partner’s death, for
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Apr 23, 2009
Eric_W
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Nov 30, 2009
Marti
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my husband discovered robert crais after i did, and we both agree that he is a terrific writer. elvis cole and joe pike are amazing heroes, and this is one of the better books about them. it is amazing to see how clever the villain is. there are some memorable police officers and perhaps the wrong one bites the dust. lucy chenier is the girl friend, but elvis is probably more devoted to joe. if you like fast moving, hard hitting action, this is the book for you.
Nov 21, 2011
Teresa
rated it:
Robert Craig will make you forget that there is any other way to write crime fiction, any other authors with any kind of skill. His main characters are human--fears and tears, love and hate, wants and desires. The loyalties shown by Pike and Cole are so fierce that I wish for something as strong in my own life. This novel, although not the first for these protagonists, is one that explains Joe Pike the best of the series. It's hard to imagine so much animosity can be condensed into a single life
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Jan 12, 2012
John
rated it:
Loved it. Another fine entry in the Elvis Cole detective series. Not perfect, though. Some of the characters felt like Central Casting sent them over. Some bad choices made by veteran characters who should know better and some developments were telegraphed. All of which seemed to be there just because they "fit the story." Didn't take away from the story while I was reading, testament to Crais' pacing and strong voice, but stayed with me after.
Mar 02, 2011
Sue
rated it:
Great book! lots of action and the characters are great. Check out Crais in the book search. Two characters, Joe Pike and Elvis Cole. Crais has book series on each of them, but they work together in the books. i'm into the next book - the Last Detective- and love it! I think i'll go back and start with the 1st book in the series so i can watch the characters develop. Each book is an independent story but goes a little into the background of the previous book...
