Steven K. (sjk54) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 105 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Stephen King's article in Entertainment Weekly "What a Guy Wants" introduced me to Robert Crais. King includes Crais with Lee Child, Michael Connelly, and Richard Stark as the epitomy of escapism and "manfiction" entertainment.
I enjoyed this first book in Crais' series. The characters were fun, the prose was quick, witty, and comedic (reminds me of Nelson Demille's John Corey), and the story was average.
3.5 stars out of 5
I enjoyed this first book in Crais' series. The characters were fun, the prose was quick, witty, and comedic (reminds me of Nelson Demille's John Corey), and the story was average.
3.5 stars out of 5
Helpful Score: 5
I love smart alec detectives! Elvis Cole is a wonderful character and Joe Pike is a great sidekick. This isn't brain surgery but that is why I read............to relax, try to solve the murder and laugh out loud at Elvis' cracks.
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 3
Genre: Private Investigator, #1 Elvis Cole mystery
First Line: "I'm sorry, Mr. Cole, this has nothing to do with you."
Several years ago people began mentioning Elvis Cole to me. Hmm...my last name, my mother's favorite singer.... I duly filed away the information. The people doing the mentioning probably thought I'd blown them off, to which I would reply: Just because I don't lay rubber the second you mention an author I might like doesn't mean I'm not paying attention. Sometimes I think part of my brain is an aquifer; it takes time for some of these authors to percolate down to the Do Something Level. I finally reached the Do Something Level with Elvis Cole, and now I've got a big smile on my face knowing what I've got in store for me.
Elvis Cole is a private investigator with a shadowy partner, Joe Pike. Joe isn't around all that much, which suits most people just fine. Let's face it-- the man scares people to death, and according to Elvis, "Pike thinks Clint Eastwood talks too much." Elvis has a life that suits him just fine. A Vietnam vet, his hero is Peter Pan, and he thinks very highly of Jiminy Cricket. (So do I. Jiminy taught me how to spell encyclopedia.) I also have to admit that the Pinocchio clock he has on his office wall fascinates me. Peter Pan...Jiminy Cricket...Pinocchio...when Ellen Lang walked into his office to hire him to find her missing husband and son, I knew that I was about to embark on a rather unusual investigation. I was led to a viper's den of criminals, drugs and sex, but I feared not, for Cole and Pike were with me.
By the time I finished, I had some new friends in Elvis and Joe. (I have a healthy respect for Joe, but he doesn't scare me. Yet.) The investigation itself isn't all that complex or unusual, but it moves quickly and taught me to pay attention to small clues and subtle nuances. The real reason why this book is such a standout rests squarely on the shoulders of Elvis Cole. It's as though, once he made it out of Vietnam in one piece and decided he wanted to be Peter Pan, his decision stripped away several layers of adult apathy and cynicism. This man can eat ice cream, watch an obnoxious customer torment the counter girl...and be incapable of pretending it isn't happening. When Mr. Obnoxious is persuaded to leave, Elvis leaves his business card with the girl. "If anyone ever bothers you...let me know."
And that's the strength of Elvis Cole--he cares. If that's what happens when a person decides to be Peter Pan, I say we should all start flapping our arms and taking flying lessons. In The Monkey's Raincoat, Robert Crais has set his stage with two superb characters in Cole and Pike, and I just happen to have Acts Two (Stalking the Angel) and Three (Lullaby Town) waiting in the wings.
Now if I could only find myself one of those Pinocchio clocks....
[A word of warning: anyone who has a low tolerance of violence may want to pass on this series.]
First Line: "I'm sorry, Mr. Cole, this has nothing to do with you."
Several years ago people began mentioning Elvis Cole to me. Hmm...my last name, my mother's favorite singer.... I duly filed away the information. The people doing the mentioning probably thought I'd blown them off, to which I would reply: Just because I don't lay rubber the second you mention an author I might like doesn't mean I'm not paying attention. Sometimes I think part of my brain is an aquifer; it takes time for some of these authors to percolate down to the Do Something Level. I finally reached the Do Something Level with Elvis Cole, and now I've got a big smile on my face knowing what I've got in store for me.
Elvis Cole is a private investigator with a shadowy partner, Joe Pike. Joe isn't around all that much, which suits most people just fine. Let's face it-- the man scares people to death, and according to Elvis, "Pike thinks Clint Eastwood talks too much." Elvis has a life that suits him just fine. A Vietnam vet, his hero is Peter Pan, and he thinks very highly of Jiminy Cricket. (So do I. Jiminy taught me how to spell encyclopedia.) I also have to admit that the Pinocchio clock he has on his office wall fascinates me. Peter Pan...Jiminy Cricket...Pinocchio...when Ellen Lang walked into his office to hire him to find her missing husband and son, I knew that I was about to embark on a rather unusual investigation. I was led to a viper's den of criminals, drugs and sex, but I feared not, for Cole and Pike were with me.
By the time I finished, I had some new friends in Elvis and Joe. (I have a healthy respect for Joe, but he doesn't scare me. Yet.) The investigation itself isn't all that complex or unusual, but it moves quickly and taught me to pay attention to small clues and subtle nuances. The real reason why this book is such a standout rests squarely on the shoulders of Elvis Cole. It's as though, once he made it out of Vietnam in one piece and decided he wanted to be Peter Pan, his decision stripped away several layers of adult apathy and cynicism. This man can eat ice cream, watch an obnoxious customer torment the counter girl...and be incapable of pretending it isn't happening. When Mr. Obnoxious is persuaded to leave, Elvis leaves his business card with the girl. "If anyone ever bothers you...let me know."
And that's the strength of Elvis Cole--he cares. If that's what happens when a person decides to be Peter Pan, I say we should all start flapping our arms and taking flying lessons. In The Monkey's Raincoat, Robert Crais has set his stage with two superb characters in Cole and Pike, and I just happen to have Acts Two (Stalking the Angel) and Three (Lullaby Town) waiting in the wings.
Now if I could only find myself one of those Pinocchio clocks....
[A word of warning: anyone who has a low tolerance of violence may want to pass on this series.]
Wendy R. (WMRod) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 171 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Really enjoyed this book! Written in gritty guy-type cop talk (very true to form--my husband is a cop), it has many unexpected twists in the plot and the main characters are quite realistic. It's written with a perverted sense of humor (PI's and cops, remember) and a great feeling of Hollywood and LA in general. This book is a keeper for me, and I'm ordering more of the Elvis Cole series.
Helpful Score: 2
This was my first Robert Crais book, and after a rocky start, I really enjoyed it. It's a quirky, off-beat sense of humor, but I found myself wishing I wasn't finished with it, which is always a good sign. I've already picked up another book by this author, and am glad to have found another series I like. Great story, loved the characters.
Christine D. (mommyrosie) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A good introduction; I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
this is a wise cracking PI who is paired with a ex-cop who is on the bad side of the law in general. Lots of details and lots of dialogue that goes with the plot. Enjoy
Maris S. (eastender) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A good private-eye novel that is snappy and witty.
Helpful Score: 1
1st book in the Elvis Cole series. I enjoyed it and look forward to the rest of the series.
David & Kathy W. (spOOnman) -
Helpful Score: 1
Elvis Cole - as good as ever
Allison W. (sealady) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 657 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Elvis Cole, L.A. PI; ala Parker's Spencer; tight, nice. When quiet Ellen Lang enters his Disney-Deco office, having lost her husband and son somewhere...the case seems simple enough.
Robert V. (rvriesman) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The first in the Elvis Cole series. Robert Crais is an LA author writing about LA Private Eye Elvis Cole. You will love his sidekick Joe Pike. Once I read this one...I had to read all the rest of the Cole series. Loved 'em all.
Renee S. (renee45) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 588 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
very good
Joyce V. (postcardlover) -
Helpful Score: 1
Ellen Lang want to hire Elvis Cole and his partner Joe Pike to find her missing husband and son. Their hunt leads them on the grungy side of Hollywood studio lots and deep into a world of drugs, sex, and murder.
Mary B. S. reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 517 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A man and his son disappear.His wife hires Elvis Cole to find out where he is. Good story
Marcy M. (marcym) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 159 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
First book in Elvis Cole series. I really enjoy Cole's sarcastic sense of humor.
Carol L. (CarolL1999) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Not bad. Wise-cracking Elvis reminded me too much of Spenser for awhile, but by the end of the novel he distinguished himself, still not sure how or why. Mystery was simple but kept my inteerst. Looking forward to the rest in this very popular series raved about on the AOL M/T board.
Judie F. (Judie) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wry and realistic, Elvis Cole, PI, is a good person to know.
Ashley W. (child-from-night) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book! I really enjoyed reading it.
Mark A. (Marcus) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Love reading books with Elvis Cole involved. I'm sure you will like this one also. I've read them all and hope Robert Crais keeps this character forever.
Tim C. (mysterywriter) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 142 more book reviews
OK, let's run down the list. Wise-cracking LA private eye - check. Psychopathic lawless sidekick - check. Good friend on the local police force - check. Rescuing women and children from the clutches of an evil drug lord - check. So we've seen it all before. Old hat. Nothing original. So what makes reading Crais and his Elvis Cole series worthwhile? It's just plain good stuff - the heir apparent to Robert Parker and Elmore Leonard. If you're a fan of detective fiction, Robert Crais should be right there at the top of your list of must-read authors.
Loved this book. Robert Crais is definitely my new favorite author. Never thought his Elvis Cole and Joe Pike characters could even more interesting than Lee Childs' Jack Reacher!
I really enjoyed this book. Robert Crais writes a wonderful story that flows well. Elvis Cole is a great character. Witty and smartmouthed, I enjoyed him. Joe Pike is a wonderful as well. His partner in the detective agency as well as a private mercenary with his own issues. Very complex and on the dark side. I will most definitely continue with this series and highly recommend it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I hadn't read Mr. Crais's work before and liked it quite a lot. The book and characters reminded me a lot of Robert Parker's Spencer series. I will definately pursue this series.
Elvis was a pretty cool character and Joe Pike is interesting. I look forward to getting to know both of them better.
Elvis was a pretty cool character and Joe Pike is interesting. I look forward to getting to know both of them better.
Rita K. (bklyn) -
The first in the series about detective Elvis Cole. He's tough, smart, and has a equally tough partner. Now I'm off to find the rest of this series on PBS.
I have read the entire Elvis Cole series and this one remains my favorite. An excellant read!
Lisa (venusmist) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Great book! I love Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. Can't get enough!
A mystery written in the 80's introducing Elvis Cole & Joe Pike. Private investigators in California taking on a case that starts out as a missing husband and child and then gets to the seedier side of Hollywood studios and players. Add in a bullfighter and the mob and there's a fast paced mystery. I enjoyed a lot about this book, namely that there were no cell phones back then and legwork to gather information was a mainstay. I thought there was a little missing surrounding the partnership with Pike and his background. I'm assuming you have to continue to read the next book in the series
R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 1453 more book reviews
Interesting read. The protagonist is a PI named Elvis Cole who has a soft place for needy clients. His current client is Ellen Lang, whose husband is missing. Missing also is the couple's young son. Ellen assumes that Mort has taken the boy and abandoned her. When their home is trashed she assumes her husband has done it even as Cole tells her its a professional job. As Elvis investigates her husband's disappearance he encounters ruthless gangsters. What on earth has Mort, the husband, been doing? The situation becomes so tough that he calls his partner, Pitt, who owns a gun shop and part of the detective agency. Pitt is as tough as they come and the two set about investigating the case and retrieving the boy. It's brutal and violent but well done.
Mari B. (Wordnerd) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
Ya gotta love Elvis Cole, "the world's greatest detective." When quiet Ellen Lang enters Elvis Cole's Disney-Deco office, she's lost something very valuable - her husband and young son. The case seems simple enough, but Elvis isn't thrilled. Neither is his enigmatic partner and firepower Joe Pike. Their search down the seamy side of Hollywood's studio lots and sculptured lawns soon leads them deep into a nasty netherworld of drugs and sex - and murder.
Just like all Crais books - great reading !!!!
Jere K. (kess) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Ready for a wild ride with humor mixed in? Try Elvis Cole and his sidekick Joe Pike for an adventurous mystery.
Lucille B. (lucibee) -
Enjoyed the book am now seeking out and finding all of the Robert Crais's books. Both hubby and self are reading them we are now through 2nd Elvis book several stand alones plus "The Watchman" the writing seems to get better as he continues to develop his characters.
Bobbi H. (golfergirl) reviewed The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
When quiet Ellen Lang enters Elvis Cole's Disney-Deco office, she's lost something very valuable -- her husband and her young son. The case seems simple enough, but Elvis isn't thrilled. Neither is his enigmatic partner and firepower, Joe Pike. Their search down the seamy side of Hollywood's studio lots and sculptured lawns soon leads them deep into a nasty netherworld of drugs and sex -- and murder. Now the case is getting interesting, but it's also turned ugly. Because everybody, from cops to starlets to crooks, has declared war on Ellen and Elvis. For Ellen, it isn't Funtown anymore. For Elvis, it's just a living. He hopes.
