Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Last Detective (by Robert Crais)

Reviewed by Tracy L. Karol

Having read the books before and after this, I'm writing my review from that perspective. But reading to book at the time, I really enjoyed it just as it was -- not knowing what would come later.

This book focused on Elvis Cole but really brought in more of his partner, Joe Pike (my personal favorite). Elvis is in love. He's watching his lover's son, Ben, when the boy is kidnapped. Naturally, his girlfriend blames him and starts to see all his flaws, as well as what a "violent" person he is, along with Joe, even though only the two of them can save young Ben. You really have to feel for Elvis, because he truly loves this woman (though I found her rather annoying) and, without giving away any spoilers, none of this was his fault.

This was a good installment in the series. Again, Robert Crais manages to write a book with enough backstory that you don't have to be a regular reader to pick up this book. You can start anywhere in the series and understand what's going on. At the same time, he doesn't annoy his regular readers with too much backstory, but gives a little more history of the characters each time. You really saw Elvis suffer this time, and the complexity of the relationship between him and Joe Pike.

Do yourself a favor and read every Robert Crais novel you can. And then read them again. I think I've read "L.A. Requiem" three times, at least.

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