Average Rating: 
Rating:  - A Solid Mystery - A Mix of Patterson and Connelly
The Last Detective was the first Elvis Cole book that I read. I enjoyed the author's previous two novels, Demolition Angel and Hostage, and I thought that I'd give this one a try despite the fact that I had not read any of the previous Elvis Cole books. Usually, if I'm reading a series, I like to read them in order, but I never felt lost or uninformed when I was reading this one, even though there are eight books before it. If you haven't read anything in this series, you can pick this book up and read it as a stand-alone - it's that good.This novel is plotted well and moves quickly. Probably the thing I enjoyed the most about it was the idea that the kidnapping was solved through realistic detective work rather than convoluted coincidences and luck. Also, I usually don't like books that revolve around a child kidnapping, since its really an easy way to create false suspense, but The Last Detective rises above the typical kidnapping story. Crais also switches point of view between at least four people throughout the story. The same event is seen through the eyes of several characters, though Cole is the only one who reads as in first person. There are not many authors who can pull this off, and the result for those who try is usually confusion and unnecessary repetition. However, Crais switches back and forth seamlessly and his use of multiple points of view actually adds to the story. It's interesting, for example, to read about the same event through the eyes of Cole, then get a different perspective on the same thing through the eyes of Ben, a child. This is a series that I now look forward to reading. The characters are worthwhile and compelling, especially Pike. I was often reminded of James Patterson's Alex Cross series, with the interplay between Cole and Pike comparable to that between Cross and Sampson. If you enjoy those books, you'd enjoy this one. While Patterson relies on action and violence, Crais' work contains more police procedural work. He's like a mix of Patterson and Michael Connelly. In all, this book is certainly worth your time.
Rating: - Is it fair to review a half-read book? Yes!
Please note the rating is provisional - I suspect it will bump up to a five by the time I finish...I have been waiting a long time to read this book, a continuation of the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series. In addition to the resolution of the mystery and the smart-ass humor, I've always appreciated how the friendship of Elvis and Joe has been explored in each book. The Last Detective further develops the character of Elvis Cole: the mysteries of his upbringing and his Vietnam experiences, all filtered through the search for Ben Chenier, son of Cole's girlfriend, Lucy. So far, I have already been moved to tears by descriptions of the young Elvis, the battle scene is harrowing, and although I hope for a happy ending, I can't see where Crais is leading me in this story. I'm grateful for that fact. He also has a way of making the reader care about his characters, even those who might only appear for a few pages. They grow and develop; no cardboard people here. He even makes LA look good to this native San Franciscan! Be sure to read (or re-read) LA Requiem; events in The Last Detective are influenced by the previous book. And if you have never read Robert Crais, begin with The Monkey's Raincoat and read the series in order. You'll read straight through and I promise you won't be disappointed.
Rating:  - Thanks, Robert
First, let me say though I now live in Copenhagen, I spent most of my last 20 years in Los Angeles. Before I moved, I bought all the Elvis books (though I had already read them all), so I could have a piece of L.A. with me here. So perhaps in a way I was waitng for the new Elvis Cole book more than most.I just received it in the mail this morning, 'bout noon, and I just finished it at 5:00! Wow! Although not the usual wisecracking Elvis (with good reason), perhaps, no definitly the best Elvis book yet. Amazingly intense. Great story on so many levels - the story itself of course, but also the depth of it. The story may be about a kidnapping (don't worry, you read about that in the first few pages!), but it is really "about" Elvis. I won't say much more about the story, cause since I'm the first reviewer (!), I don't want to spoil the enjoyment I had for anyone. So Go...Read it, enjoy it, and then read it again. Hmmm, if I start again now, I can probably have it done before bed time......! Stu Jay
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