The Wanted

I haven’t read many Robert Crais books yet, but after reading The Wanted I realized how very, very good he is and how I like his books. I will put more of his books on my ‘really want to own’ list. Thanks to Netgalley I received this one, and I’m happy to let you know what I thought about it. In one word: terrific! In more than one word: Robert Crais has a way of describing people and telling their story that is unique. You start in the middle of the story and slowly you are introduced to what you need to know to enjoy how it unfolds. It is filled with action but there is also time to get to know the characters better, and there is some humour in it (for me, absolutely necessary for a good thriller).

Elvis Cole and Joe Pike..... what more do you need in a crime novel! A good story with the familiar feel of Robert Crais books and his wonderful ability to make such endearing characters.

Elvis Cole is one of those characters that I wish I'd created. He and Pike are one of the great double acts of Crime Fiction in the last few decades, and this outing is no different. We're treated to the usual humour you've come to expect of Cole, alongside Pike's almost mute air of invincibility.

A bunch of teenagers have committed a spree of high-end burglaries, and inadvertently stolen something that somebody is willing to kill for. It's a race against time for Cole to track them down, before they end up dead for their troubles. As usual, it's perfectly paced, plotted and I for one will never get tired of the series.

If you've never read an Elvis Cole look before then you've missed a real treat. The Wanted is Elvis and his partner Joe Pike at their very best, and having read all their previous books, that takes some beating. Brilliant writing combining Cole's humour, Pike's quiet menace and of course the threat of evil. A must read.

Robert Crais rarely disappoints his many fans, and this book is true to his well-established personal style. The writing is well-crafted, using established characters to good effect whilst introducing new players carefully and sympathetically. If you’re not familiar with Crais, think Harlan Coben in terms of the subtle use of humour and strong male characters (but - please note - no unhelpful excessively chauvinistic characters intrude in the lead character’s team) mixed with a touch of Michael Connelly for plot structure and development. The pace of the evolving story is good and maintains interest - although you may have to accept a few late night sessions as you are likely to think ‘one more chapter before I put the book down’ several times over. You are unlikely to file this book in the ‘outstanding literary merit’ category - but you are likely to score it highly in terms of engagement, interest and enjoyment. The plot is unexceptional, although it approaches the threat facing a teenage gang responsible for a mini-crimewave who steal the wrong guy’s possessions from a slightly different perspective. If you’re looking for an entertaining but not excessively demanding modern crime novel, with a hint of humour, this book should definitely feature on your wish list.

Great storyline. Engaging from the start. Fast paced action

It has been a while since I had read an Elvis Cole novel - What a great return .

A socially awkward , video game obsessed teenager has suddenly blossomed - his mother is pleased but becomes suspicious when she finds a $40,000 Rolex watch under his bed .
She contacts Private Detective Elvis Cole and asks him to find out what is going on .......... no matter the consequences to her son .
Elvis discovers that along with 2 other teenagers , Tyson is responsible for up to 18 burglaries .....he resolves to get Tyson to hand himself in before he is identified and arrested by the Police BUT Tyson panics and goes on the run .
Bodies start to appear - the first being one of Tyson's friends and accomplices - anyone linked to the teenagers are ending up dead before Elvis can interview them ............ it appears that a laptop taken from one of the houses burgled holds a secret , a secret that must be kept at all costs .
Who is the laptop owner ?
What is the secret ?
Who is killing to recover the laptop ?
Who is after Tyson ?
Elvis with the help of Joe Pike must find Tyson and his friend ........keep them alive , recover the laptop and discover the secrets it holds ...........before the assassins or the police find them first .

This is a very enjoyable , fast paced crime thriller , with many twists and turns set in the world of Private Detective Elvis Cole and his friend Joe Pike .................

If you internet search Robert Crais it is interesting to note that he was greatly influenced by the works of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. It you add this piece of information to the fact that he was a writer for some early 80's made for TV series (Hill Street blues, Cagney and Lacy) then you will have an understanding of the writing style of this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Wanted". Elvis Cole is helping out an old friend Devon, it would appear that her son has been involved in a series of robberies and things become very series when Devon discovers a very rare and valuable Rolex watch in her son's bedroom. He calls in his associate and partner Joe Pike (tattoos and the permanent wearing of shades!) and together both must act quickly to safeguard Tyson and his comrade in arms a young immature girl called Amber. Elvis Cole is not your ordinary detective, rather than drink (which seems to be the flaw of most cops) he likes to cook.."I turned up a package of frozen peas, two stalks of asparagus, and a lemon. Inspired. I filled a pot with water threw in some salt, and kicked op the heat. "....

Two assassins have been hired to find a stolen laptop presumably removed by the thieves Tyson and Amber, containing information that might incriminate their client, The race is on for Elvis Cole aided by his ever present sidekick Joe Pike to find the two remaining teenage burglars and try to explain to them the error of their ways, This is a fast stripped down detective story and in some ways feels a bit like a scrip made for TV, nevertheless very enjoyable. Sometimes all you want when reading a book is an easy to follow storyline and neat very readable prose which is certainly in abundance here..."schooling like orchestral sharks at a blood-drunk feast."....."men with dusty boots and women with rough hands."...."as out of place on the lovely street as a fly in a glass of juice."...

As always Robert Crais delivers in his own recognizable style making for a very enjoyable and fast read. Many thanks to the food people of netgalley for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written