Robert Crais

Robert Crais--named one of 2001's sexiest men by People magazine--wrote scripts for Hill Street Blues, JAG, L.A. Law, Cagney & Lacey, Miami Vice, Quincy, and Baretta. If you liked any of those, wait until you read his books. The Monkey's Raincoat, first in the series, was nominated for an Edgar, Anthony, Shamus and Macavity Award. And he was just getting started. Elvis Cole is a Vietnam vet who opened his own detective agency with ex-LAPD officer Joe Pike.

In many ways Joe is the more interesting character, primarily because we know less about him throughout the first several books. Crais has been very clever in slowly developing him, keeping him more mysterious. And I'm not going to tell you which book gives you all the background because you should read them in order and work your way up to it. Both characters are likable, the plots and the writing are excellent. Now, if he'd just get rid of Lucy. (That's an inside joke.  Thanks, Bob, I think.)

But before, after, or in between reading the Cole/Pike series, you must read his new stand alone Hostage. Bruce Willis has optioned it for a film and Bob is writing the script but, just in case, read it first.

And if you ever have a change to attend a Crais signing, don't miss it. He's one of the most charming and entertaining authors around--and, don't forget, sexy.  

You can wander into Bob's web site.  Just remember to come back.

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