Racing the Light

Elvis Cole/Joe Pike Series, Book 19

By: Robert Crais

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

*On Reader's Digest's list of "30 new books we can't wait to read in 2022"*

Private investigator Elvis Cole and his enigmatic partner Joe Pike are back on the case in this brilliant thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais.

Adele Schumacher isn't a typical worried mom. When she hires Elvis to find her missing son, a controversial podcaster named Josh Shoe, she brings a bag filled with cash, bizarre tales of government conspiracies, and a squad of professional bodyguards. Finding Josh should be simple, but Elvis quickly learns he isn't alone in the hunt—a deadly team of mysterious strangers are determined to find Josh and his adult film star girlfriend first.

With dangerous secrets lurking behind every lead, Elvis needs his friend Joe Pike more than ever to uncover the truth about Josh, corrupt politicians, and the vicious business cartels rotting the heart of Los Angeles from within. And when Elvis's estranged girlfriend Lucy Chenier and her son, Ben, return, he learns just how much he has to lose...if he survives.

Written with the heart, humor, and relentless suspense for which Crais is famous, Racing the Light delivers Elvis Cole's most dangerous case yet.

©2022 Robert Crais (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrator Luke Daniels paints a landscape of memorable characters with distinct personalities and voices as diverse as the story's many twists. While Crais remains an architect of skillful dialogue, Daniels gives the characters added personality and paces his delivery to make the story even more satisfying.”—AudioFile Magazine

“Daniels provides a superb narration that leads with a steady, centering general narrator voice that is a perfect match for Elvis Cole. From authentic Louisiana accents to manipulation of pitch and tone, Daniels uses all the techniques to deliver dynamic dialogue for a large cast of uniquely voiced characters.”—Booklist

"A whirlwind of action, fisticuffs, and stray bullets, along with Crais’ usual dose of heart and humor, make for a riveting and satisfying read."—Booklist (starred review)

F on Narration Text to speech would be better!

Okay you must understand that I find listening to text to speech voice as acceptable so when I say I can handle most narrators and at chapter 37 chucked it in, you will understand how poorly done this was performed. If the narrator would not have attempted so many extreme voices for the characters it might have been tolerable. I found myself disliking Elvis Cole because he sounded like an asshole idiot! John Stone sounded like a dirty old man with lung cancer. The least offensive was the sidekick, Joe Pike, he sounded only like a less than intelligent thug.
The narrator has potential,he just went over board in attempting to create unique easily discernible voices for the characters.
I plan to read (or listen to the text to speech voice) the remainder of the book. I may love.the book. ......once I get those voices out of my head. Once I finish I will edit the review if needed. So far up to chapter 37, it is a 3 star story which is also a bit disappointing as this is one of my go to authors whose books I purchase the day they become available.
Would strongly suggest Crais get a decent narrator and stop skipping around from one to the other. In an audible format the narration can make or break the reader listeners enjoyment of the story. He does himself no favors by shopping this around, particularly when there are so many decent narrators to choose from.

Narrator is unbearable

After a few chapters I returned the audiobook. I love Elvis and Pike, but the narrator made Elvis seem like an ass and all the other voices were overwrought as well. I listened to all the other books in the series, but for this one I'm going to read the print version instead.

Okay

It was just OK. The suspense wasn't there for an Elvis and Joe story. The backstory with Lucy was not much of a tie in. If I'd have skipped it it wouldn't have made a difference.

Good book

I Was not fond of them making Elvis sound like a surfer in this one.

Worst narration ever

This reader is atrocious. Must have been last minute or cheap fee. Having trouble finishing. Cole is portrayed as a goof and Pike whispers harshly when he speaks. Terrible experience. Never again with this narrator. Crais throws the kitchen sink in this novel. Very disappointed,

Excellent

Great story, did not disappoint. Elvis and Joe are great again. Glad his cat is still around.

Great Elvis Humor, Short on Storyline

Cruise does another fine job with Elvis and his sarcastic humor. The storyline could have been longer! I need more dips and doodles to bring out his sarcasm... and Pike didn't "smile" once.

What?

WTF?
The book is going also fone. Interesting complex plot. But then it just ends! No climax. No resolution. I feel ripped off.

Three Thumbs Up! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Another great entertaining story. Always a fun read that actually makes me laugh along the way.

dropping the ball

I've really enjoyed this series Elvis: Joe Pike however the past couple of books have lost their edge. This seems more like a book for teenagers than adult readers.. We'll see what comes next.