Book 20 in the highly acclaimed Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series, (though I would say it does read as a standalone) For me Robert Crais is an underrated author in the UK which amazes me as in my opinion he is one of the finest crime writers writing today, and the Cole and Pike series as a duo they are up there amongst the very best. It takes a master craftsman to construct a series of this length, always keeping it fresh and hugely entertaining From the off you get a sense that something has happened, as to who and why, this is where the plot weaves an intricate and complex tale, one that draws you in The writing is always crisp and punchy, no words are wasted, each scene written in such vivid and descriptive terms, it always take me back to that golden age of American crime, it echos shades of Chandler. It’s a modern day thriller that harks back in time The plot is complex in its construct but one that draws you in, a cold case where the search for the truth will take some unexpected turns Robert Crais has a great ability to write standout characters and then make you care for them, they standout on the page I always like the way that Pike is always there for his freind Cole no questions asked, so you can see the bond they share, looking out for each other A pacey read the action takes you to the heart of the matter, it flows along all the while building the tension and suspense, a read which pulls no punches, there are plenty of twists thrown in There is so much heart, emotion and compassion poured into the narrative and through the characters lives, by the end I was an emotional wreck. The story also has a certain humour to it which undercuts the tense narrative The ending was a masterstroke, not one i’d seen coming, it leaves you breathless in its reveal This is a read which deals with humanity, to some degree showing how lives can be affected by circumstance and place between those that have everything and those have nothing except for true friends. It also deals with the aftermath of unimaginable horrors Highly recommend, it’s a true masterpiece of crime fiction, with a quality of storytelling that sings on the page, the definition of a page turner

The Big Empty by Robert Crais is book 20 in the Elvis Cole and Joe Pike investigative series. Elvis Cole is hired by Traci Beller, who at 23 is a super-influence with millions of followers and the money to find out what happened to her father, who disappeared when she was 13 and despite a police investigation and then at five years after his disappearance another investigator looked into his disappearance, no trace was ever found of him. Elvis picks up a lead about Anya and Sadie Givens, whom may have seen Tommy before he disappeared. After a confrontation with a deadly and vicious criminals, Elvis contacts Joe Pike for his assistance with the case. The investigation takes on a more serious meaning when it looks as if a serial killer is involved and there are unsolved deaths going back years before Tommy’s disappearance. An interesting and twisted story with many morals dilemmas to be resolved before the investigation is complete. Highly recommended

private-investigators, missing, mystery, snarky, witty, action, investigations, secrets, lies, ambushed, beatings, ageless-characters, unputdownable, riveting, ex-cop, ex-military, influencer, family-drama, friendship, concussion, murders, criminalist, California***** Disclaimer: I love this author's writing and this series in particular. So not unbiased review. Elvis Cole is an experienced PI with a reputation for getting the job done. Joe Pike is Elvis' strong friend with a history of military and police service. Elvis takes the job from a young influencer who desperately wants Elvis to try anew to find her father who vanished without a trace ten years ago. Then the intensity begins and never stops. I requested and received a temporary uncorrected ebook file from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. Thank you! #TheBigEmpty #ElvisColeAndJoePikeBk20 by #robertcrais #putnambooks #penguinrandomhouse #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial #Mystery #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #Suspense #bookshop_org_uk #kobo @#Waterstones #action #privateInvestigator #murders #missPer

I discovered Robert Crais and Harlan Coben at the same time many years ago. I have been collecting books by both authors ever since. Neither disappoint. in fact the only seem to get better. Loved this one, but no surprise really.

The latest, book 20, Elvis Cole and Joe Pike thriller and although it always helps to read the previous books this reads really well as a stand alone. Traci Beller is a major Influencer based in Los Angeles. She is only 23 and is well known for her baking. She is also looking for her father who disappeared 10 years earlier and she asks Cole to look into it for her. Briefly, Anya Given was 15 when she was abducted and managed to escape. She and her mother Sadie have kept quiet about it ever since. She is now 25 and continues to suffer from PTSD. Cole discovers a possible link between the Givens and Tommy Beller but he has obviously rattled someone’s cage. After being brutally attacked he contacts friend and ex marine Joe Pike for assistance. Two very different men, both brilliant at what they do, and they have a great friendship that is at the very heart of the series. Elvis’s humour is a beacon that lightens what is a very dark story, truly evil. An absorbing and thoroughly enjoyable read. 4,5⭐️