Joe Pike and his partner Elvis Cole must solve the murder of an old friend and his entire family in this gripping thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais.When Frank Meyer and his family are executed during a home invasion, the police begin investigating the secret life they’re sure Meyer had. Joe Pike’s on a hunt of his own: to clear his friend’s name, and to punish the … name, and to punish the people who murdered him. What starts out as a simple trail gets twisted fast by old grudges, double crosses, blood vengeance, and a crime so terrible even Pike and his partner Elvis Cole have no way to measure it.
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As usual, a great book starring Elivs Cole and Joe Pike.
I am a Robert Crias fan. I enjoy reading his Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novels.
Another hit by Robert Crais, an author I follow because he allwsys delivers!
As with most Crais novels, you’ll have to suspend disbelief a wee bit to get through this one – but If you are as fascinated by the character of Joe Pike as I am, this will be a small problem.
Cole and Pike (and another sidekick whose name escapes me at the moment) tangle with several “bad guys”, the ATF and time deadlines, etc. and it’s a lovely ride as the reader tags along.
Great characters, marvelous and original plot. Crais has hit another home run.
There have been a string of home invasions in Los Angeles, but the latest target was Frank Meyer. He and his family have been found murdered in the aftermath, and their nanny has been rushed to the hospital, barely clinging to life. However, this time, the gang behind the crimes has made a big mistake. Frank was one of Joe Pike’s men from his days as a mercenary. Even though the two haven’t spoken in years, Pike still feels that loyalty and sets out to avenge his friend. Can he figure out why they were targeted and who is responsible?
I tend to think of Joe Pike as the strong, silent type, probably because he famously doesn’t like to talk. The plot of this book shows us a different side of the character. He’s still not a talker, but he is much more active and driven in his quest to avenge his friend. Unfortunately, the result didn’t quite work for me. Part of it is me since I’m not a fan of revenge stories in general. The book is dark and violent, even for this series, and the twists weren’t as good, some of them feeling forced into the story. Since it was the next in the series for me to read, I’m not sorry I read it, but it isn’t author Robert Crais at this best. I suspect the fans who love the character of Joe Pike will enjoy this book more than I did.
Always live these, always!
Very likeable characters, creative story line, hard to put down, and interesting scenes that challenge the imagination. I’m looking forward to the next book. L]ove that Joe Pike!
Excellent
You don’t necessarily want to use the “wonderful characters” tag for Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, but their characters keep bringing you back to Crais. They are folks you’d want on your side if trouble came your way.
A wonderful, engrossing book. There are rules, but The First Rule is first for a reason. A compelling read with interesting characters and a superb plot. Highly recommended.
Really like Elvis Cole charater
As with all Robert Crais books I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not much Elvis Cole but lots of Joe Pike. A softer side of Pike at points but all action when he’s dealing with the enemy. Good read.
Great stuff by a terrific writer at the top of his game.
If you like Elvis Cole and his friend and business partner Pike, you will love this book. The focus is on the enigmatic and mysterious Pike, the lethal and stealthy hero who fights the bad guys with fearless abandon, total confidence and awesome fight skills. A wonderful LA crime novel. Easy to read and follow. I am a Robert Crais fan.
It’s well written and keeps you involved.
Robert Crais is a superb author Elvis and Joe are magnificently well drawn. The plot is unique and keeps you guessing to the end. Could not put this book down. Fantastic!!
Robert Crais is a great writer
Follow Robert Crais’ books. Always good.
Robert Craig is great…