The Monkey's Raincoat

An Elvis Cole and Joe Pike Novel, Book 1

By: Robert Crais

Narrated by: David Stuart

"Elvis Cole provides more fun for the reader than any L.A. private eye to come along in years."--Joseph Wambaugh

WINNER OF THE ANTHONY AND MACAVITY AWARDS FOR BEST NOVEL • NOMINATED FOR THE EDGAR AND SHAMUS AWARDS FOR BEST NOVEL

Meet Elvis Cole, L.A. private eye....

He quotes Jiminy Cricket and carries a .38. He's a literate, wisecracking Vietnam vet who is determined never to grow up.

Praise for The Monkey's Raincoat

"Outstanding characters, tight plot, and scintillating prose style.... This fast-paced story speeds Elvis Cole to a chilling, heart-stopping ending."--Mystery Scene

"Is Bob Crais good? Put it this way: if they're taking you out to put you against the firing squad wall, and you want to enjoy your last moments on earth, pass on the last cigarette and ask for an Elvis Cole novel."--Harlan Ellison

"Far and away the most satisfying private eye novel in years. Grab this one - it's a winner!"--Lawrence Block

"The best private eye novel of the year...lots of action; bright, crisp dialogue; and sharply drawn characters."--The Denver Post

"Robert B. Parker has some competition on his hands.... Elvis Cole is an appealing character and Crais's style is fresh and funny.--Sue Grafton

"In Crais, a new star has appeared on the private eye scene - a dazzling first novel.--Tony Hillerman

©1992 Robert Crais (P)2006 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Far and away the most satisfying private eye novel in years. Grab this one - it's a winner!"--Lawrence Block

"Robert B. Parker has some competition on his hands....Elvis Cole is an appealing character and Crais' style is fresh and funny."--Sue Grafton

"Is Bob Crais good? Put it this way: if they're taking you out to put you against the firing squad wall, and you want to enjoy your last moments on earth, pass on the last cigarette and ask for an Elvis Cole novel."--Harlan Ellison

bet Crais has read some Spenser

This is light in mood, plenty of macho and plenty of suspense. Action got a little improbable (unsurvivable)

Unreal

The story is too far fetched and the wise cracking is ridiculous. Very disappointed I and I will not order any more of his books.

Overboard

The plot became plausible with time. The narrator tried his best to make the action parts appear realistic. A few of which seemed more like scenes from Batman and Robin.

First Time Listener

Big fan of mystery novels with ongoing lead characters. This one did not disappoint. Fast moving, well read, witty, and entertaining. Elvis Cole is now on my list of titles.

Good start to series

My 1st Elvis Cole Joe Pike story. Loved it. Great characters. Can't wait to listen to the next one.

Elvis Cole is a Favorite!

This was a great story and I loved David Stuart's narration! Well worth your time.

Another Outstanding Novel

I have read several of the Elvis and Joe series and it never disappoints. Can’t wait to read the next one. Absolutely wonderful

Good story, terrible narrator

Although I enjoyed the storyline, the narrator was so bad I couldn’t tell at times who was supposed to be talking. He sounded half asleep most of the time.

This guy is interesting - and fun

I started off liking Elvis Cole, and through out the book it gets better and more interesting. He's got class, character. David Stuart (narrator) nails it. Robert does a great job not only with the main characters, Elvis and Pike, but the whole cast. You've met these people, seen them on the street, in a library or at the local PD. Robert knows how to write a gripping story without the sensationalism that most authors resort to in an attempt to make a story interesting. Enjoy!

Cole and Pike!

Cole & Pike get it done w/ smarts and force! Nice suspense and adventure from Crais's super duo.