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book_concierge's review
3.0
Audiobook performed by Patrick Lawlor
3.5***
Private Investigator Elvis Cole is in his Hollywood office when two women come in. Ellen Lang’s husband and son are missing; her best friend Janet is pushing her to hire someone to find them.
This is a great detective story that reminds me of the old-fashioned noir tales by Chandler. This one involves the usual suspects – thugs, kingpins, ditzy blondes, fragile wives, irascible police sergeants, enigmatic partners, and a cast of minor players that add color and intrigue.
I was hooked from the beginning and interested throughout. I will definitely read more of this series.
Patrick Lawlor does an adequate job of the audio. He has good pacing and some of the scenes were particularly good, but I don’t like the timber and quality of his voice for this book. Just my opinion, of course; I wound up reading about half of it in text format rather than listening.
3.5***
Private Investigator Elvis Cole is in his Hollywood office when two women come in. Ellen Lang’s husband and son are missing; her best friend Janet is pushing her to hire someone to find them.
This is a great detective story that reminds me of the old-fashioned noir tales by Chandler. This one involves the usual suspects – thugs, kingpins, ditzy blondes, fragile wives, irascible police sergeants, enigmatic partners, and a cast of minor players that add color and intrigue.
I was hooked from the beginning and interested throughout. I will definitely read more of this series.
Patrick Lawlor does an adequate job of the audio. He has good pacing and some of the scenes were particularly good, but I don’t like the timber and quality of his voice for this book. Just my opinion, of course; I wound up reading about half of it in text format rather than listening.
enclose9698's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
chartsh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
posies23's review against another edition
4.0
This one is about an eccentric private eye in Los Angeles. It's filled with wacky asides and Disney references, but don't let that fool you -- at its heart, it's a traditional whodunit. It's a cleverly written diversion, and first in a series. Well worth the time.
lecblocksom's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
For being the first book of Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series, I wish there was more to their story, but it's still good and fun to read. I will be definitely reading more in the series
lou_1440's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
duparker's review against another edition
4.0
Had never heard of Elvis Cole or Robert Crais. Read like an LA Spenser series mixed with Bosch. Has wit and a hokey feel to some of the dialog and energy, but overall keeps the thriller vibe going and keeps the interest up the whole time.
stevem0214's review against another edition
5.0
Better than the first time around. I love these guys as much and in a different way than Spenser and Hawk. Spenser and Hawk have a tough guy relationship, but more funny than tough. Elvis and Joe have a one sided funny relationship, but both never give an inch when the sh!t hits the fan. I love Joe's arrows...always move forward! Great book and great series!
stevem0214's review against another edition
5.0
Better every time I read it! I did remember the who to the "who done it" in this one, but not exactly how it ended. I like the way this one introduces you to Elvis and Pike and how each character grows in the later books. Wonderful series.
papidoc's review against another edition
3.0
Vintage Robert Crais...in the style of Robert B. Parker, but not as ponderous, a little more light-hearted.