Back in the 1990s these books had almost a slapstick quality, Cole is rather light hearted for a guy who investigates gruesome cases. In 1999, with his novel “L.A. Requiem,” the series took a darker turn, there was a lot less humor.
Over the last 25 years Elvis Cole has been gradually becoming more like his earlier wise cracking self. Meanwhile the dead serious Joe Pike is usually out there waiting for his buddy to need help. “The Big Empty,” is the 20th book so far. Fans of this reliably engaging series expect to be entertained and won’t be disappointed.
The story begins in typical fashion; Elvis Cole is hired by a new client. She wants to locate her dad. He vanished years ago. Her father had a small business servicing air conditioners. One day he was out on a service call then disappeared. His service van was gone, too. No trace of it. Weird, right?
His client is a major social media influencer. She posts viral videos of herself baking. Her brand is on the verge of becoming a lucrative national sensation-she is surrounded by handlers, people erecting barriers between Elvis Cole and his new client. Once Elvis begins digging for clues about the missing man it becomes apparent there are people who prefer that he stop nosing around.
It doesn’t take long before Cole endures a major beatdown from guys who want him to bug off, pronto. It is time for Joe Pike to be involved. For fans of the Dave Robicheaux series by James Lee Burke; Pike reminds this reviewer of Burke’s character Clete Purcel. Try messing with either of those good guys-their best friends will be on you like rabid pit bulls.
Crais has a marvelous sense of humor. Elvis Cole has these asides in which he makes humorous observations about himself. He saves his best material for exchanges with his cat. This is an endearing aspect of these books which is truly appreciated by all the cat lovers who feel a connection with the world’s greatest fictional private investigator.
“The Big Empty” has some yummy twists. I’ll admit I figured out who the killer was right away. That did not detract from my enjoyment, in fact, it made it more fun. This is my favorite Elvis Cole novel since “L.A. Requiem.” It is that good.
Vick Mickunas of Yellow Springs interviews authors every Saturday at 7 a.m. and on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on WYSO-FM (91.3). For more information, visit www.wyso.org/programs/book-nook. Contact him at vick@vickmickunas.com.
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