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Elvis Cole and Joe Pike #20
The Big Empty
Private investigator Elvis Cole and his enigmatic partner, Joe Pike, face a cryptic case and a terrifying, unpredictable killer in this twisty, satisfying thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais.
Traci Beller was thirteen when her father disappeared in the sleepy town of Rancha, not far from Los Angeles. The evidence says Tommy Beller abandoned his family, but Traci never believed it. The police couldn't find her dad and neither could the detectives her mother hired, but now, ten years later, Traci is a super-popular influencer with millions of followers and the money to hire a new detective: Elvis Cole.
Taking on a ten-years-cold missing person case is almost always a loser, but Elvis heads to Rancha where he learns an ex-con named Sadie Givens and her daughter, Anya, might have a line on the missing man. But when Elvis finds himself shadowed by a deadly gang of vicious criminals, the simple missing persons case becomes far more sinister and dangerous. Elvis calls in his ex-Marine friend, Joe Pike, to help, but even Pike might not be able to help.
As Elvis Cole and Joe Pike follow Tommy Beller's trail into the twisted, nightmare depths of a monstrous evil, the case flips on its head. Victims become predators, predators become prey, and when everyone is a victim, can Elvis Cole save them all?
In a case that tests Elvis Cole's loyalty to his clients and himself, the truth must come out no matter the cost. Elvis must face The Big Empty and see justice done.
Traci Beller was thirteen when her father disappeared in the sleepy town of Rancha, not far from Los Angeles. The evidence says Tommy Beller abandoned his family, but Traci never believed it. The police couldn't find her dad and neither could the detectives her mother hired, but now, ten years later, Traci is a super-popular influencer with millions of followers and the money to hire a new detective: Elvis Cole.
Taking on a ten-years-cold missing person case is almost always a loser, but Elvis heads to Rancha where he learns an ex-con named Sadie Givens and her daughter, Anya, might have a line on the missing man. But when Elvis finds himself shadowed by a deadly gang of vicious criminals, the simple missing persons case becomes far more sinister and dangerous. Elvis calls in his ex-Marine friend, Joe Pike, to help, but even Pike might not be able to help.
As Elvis Cole and Joe Pike follow Tommy Beller's trail into the twisted, nightmare depths of a monstrous evil, the case flips on its head. Victims become predators, predators become prey, and when everyone is a victim, can Elvis Cole save them all?
In a case that tests Elvis Cole's loyalty to his clients and himself, the truth must come out no matter the cost. Elvis must face The Big Empty and see justice done.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2025
1417 people are currently reading
2287 people want to read
About the author
Robert Crais
176 books4,523 followers Robert Crais is the author of the best-selling Elvis Cole novels. A native of Louisiana, he grew up on the banks of the Mississippi River in a blue collar family of oil refinery workers and police officers. He purchased a secondhand paperback of Raymond Chandler’s The Little Sister when he was fifteen, which inspired his lifelong love of writing, Los Angeles, and the literature of crime fiction. Other literary influences include Dashiell Hammett, Ernest Hemingway, Robert B. Parker, and John Steinbeck.
After years of amateur film-making and writing short fiction, he journeyed to Hollywood in 1976 where he quickly found work writing scripts for such major television series as Hill Street Blues, Cagney & Lacey, and Miami Vice, as well as numerous series pilots and Movies-of-the-Week for the major networks. He received an Emmy nomination for his work on Hill Street Blues, but is most proud of his 4-hour NBC miniseries, Cross of Fire, which the New York Times declared: "A searing and powerful documentation of the Ku Klux Klan’s rise to national prominence in the 20s."
In the mid-eighties, feeling constrained by the collaborative working requirements of Hollywood, Crais resigned from a lucrative position as a contract writer and television producer in order to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a novelist. His first efforts proved unsuccessful, but upon the death of his father in 1985, Crais was inspired to create Elvis Cole, using elements of his own life as the basis of the story. The resulting novel, The Monkey’s Raincoat, won the Anthony and Macavity Awards and was nominated for the Edgar Award. It has since been selected as one of the 100 Favorite Mysteries of the Century by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Crais conceived of the novel as a stand-alone, but realized that—in Elvis Cole—he had created an ideal and powerful character through which to comment upon his life and times. (See the WORKS section for additional titles.) Elvis Cole’s readership and fan base grew with each new book, then skyrocketed in 1999 upon the publication of L. A. Requiem, which was a New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestseller and forever changed the way Crais conceived of and structured his novels. In this new way of telling his stories, Crais combined the classic ‘first person’ narrative of the American detective novel with flashbacks, multiple story lines, multiple points-of-view, and literary elements to better illuminate his themes. Larger and deeper in scope, Publishers Weekly wrote of L. A. Requiem, "Crais has stretched himself the way another Southern California writer—Ross Macdonald—always tried to do, to write a mystery novel with a solid literary base." Booklist added, "This is an extraordinary crime novel that should not be pigeonholed by genre. The best books always land outside preset boundaries. A wonderful experience."
Crais followed with his first non-series novel, Demolition Angel, which was published in 2000 and featured former Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Technician Carol Starkey. Starkey has since become a leading character in the Elvis Cole series. In 2001, Crais published his second non-series novel, Hostage, which was named a Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times and was a world-wide bestseller. Additionally, the editors of Amazon.com selected Hostage as the #1 thriller of the year. A film adaptation of Hostage was released in 2005, starring Bruce Willis as ex-LAPD SWAT negotiator Jeff Talley.
Elvis Cole returned in 2003 with the publication of The Last Detective, followed by the tenth Elvis Cole novel, The Forgotten Man, in 2005. Both novels explore with increasing depth the natures and characters of Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. RC’s third stand-alone novel, The Two Minute Rule, was published in 2006. The eleventh entry in the Elvis Cole series, The Watchman, will be published sometime in 2007.
After years of amateur film-making and writing short fiction, he journeyed to Hollywood in 1976 where he quickly found work writing scripts for such major television series as Hill Street Blues, Cagney & Lacey, and Miami Vice, as well as numerous series pilots and Movies-of-the-Week for the major networks. He received an Emmy nomination for his work on Hill Street Blues, but is most proud of his 4-hour NBC miniseries, Cross of Fire, which the New York Times declared: "A searing and powerful documentation of the Ku Klux Klan’s rise to national prominence in the 20s."
In the mid-eighties, feeling constrained by the collaborative working requirements of Hollywood, Crais resigned from a lucrative position as a contract writer and television producer in order to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a novelist. His first efforts proved unsuccessful, but upon the death of his father in 1985, Crais was inspired to create Elvis Cole, using elements of his own life as the basis of the story. The resulting novel, The Monkey’s Raincoat, won the Anthony and Macavity Awards and was nominated for the Edgar Award. It has since been selected as one of the 100 Favorite Mysteries of the Century by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Crais conceived of the novel as a stand-alone, but realized that—in Elvis Cole—he had created an ideal and powerful character through which to comment upon his life and times. (See the WORKS section for additional titles.) Elvis Cole’s readership and fan base grew with each new book, then skyrocketed in 1999 upon the publication of L. A. Requiem, which was a New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestseller and forever changed the way Crais conceived of and structured his novels. In this new way of telling his stories, Crais combined the classic ‘first person’ narrative of the American detective novel with flashbacks, multiple story lines, multiple points-of-view, and literary elements to better illuminate his themes. Larger and deeper in scope, Publishers Weekly wrote of L. A. Requiem, "Crais has stretched himself the way another Southern California writer—Ross Macdonald—always tried to do, to write a mystery novel with a solid literary base." Booklist added, "This is an extraordinary crime novel that should not be pigeonholed by genre. The best books always land outside preset boundaries. A wonderful experience."
Crais followed with his first non-series novel, Demolition Angel, which was published in 2000 and featured former Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Technician Carol Starkey. Starkey has since become a leading character in the Elvis Cole series. In 2001, Crais published his second non-series novel, Hostage, which was named a Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times and was a world-wide bestseller. Additionally, the editors of Amazon.com selected Hostage as the #1 thriller of the year. A film adaptation of Hostage was released in 2005, starring Bruce Willis as ex-LAPD SWAT negotiator Jeff Talley.
Elvis Cole returned in 2003 with the publication of The Last Detective, followed by the tenth Elvis Cole novel, The Forgotten Man, in 2005. Both novels explore with increasing depth the natures and characters of Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. RC’s third stand-alone novel, The Two Minute Rule, was published in 2006. The eleventh entry in the Elvis Cole series, The Watchman, will be published sometime in 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,006 reviews
December 26, 2024
Death, danger, and suspense take center stage in the next private detective case of Elvis Cole in
The Big Empty
by Robert Crais. Traci Beller was thirteen when her father disappeared ten years ago in Rancha, a town two hours from Los Angeles, California. There was no sign of foul play and most believed Tommy Beller abandoned his family. But not his daughter Traci, who is now a popular social media influencer.
Elvis isn’t excited about taking on a ten-year-old missing persons case, but he agrees to go to Rancha to see if he can pick up any new threads for the investigation. When he learns that someone might have information not discovered ten years ago, he finds that a gang of criminals are following and threatening him. Not one to be cowed, he calls his friend and silent partner in the detective agency for help. Joe Pike is a no-nonsense ex-Marine who will always have Elvis’s back. As they follow Tommy’s trail, the danger and suspense escalate as do the bodies. Can Elvis and Joe solve the case before one or both of them become the next victim?
Elvis is intelligent and has amazing insight. He may come across as a little laid-back, but that is deceptive. His sense of humor adds another layer of depth to his character. Joe is enigmatic, dependable, and dangerous if you’re on the wrong side of the case. While most of the story is from Elvis’s point of view, readers also get some chapters from that of others, including an antagonist.
When it seems that the initial investigations by the police, as well as another private investigator, left no gaping holes, missed opportunities, or cut corners, Elvis doesn’t expect to find new information. However, the well-conceived plot has multiple layers that will keep readers guessing as they follow the investigation and new insights become known. The author does a great job building suspense
This twisty thriller is a full of gripping scenes embedded in a well-crafted and riveting plot that hooked me from the very beginning. One of the twists was exceptionally surprising. The book was a page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the storyline. The ending is satisfactory and doesn’t leave readers with a cliffhanger. Themes include, grief, loss, family, lies, secrets, post-traumatic stress disorder, murder, and much more.
Overall, this crime novel was suspenseful, tragic, and includes some intense scenes. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Those who enjoy crime thrillers and private investigator novels will likely enjoy this series. It has just the right amount of mystery, danger, and creative twists to make this book a winner.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Robert Crais provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 14, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-------------------------------------------
My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Elvis isn’t excited about taking on a ten-year-old missing persons case, but he agrees to go to Rancha to see if he can pick up any new threads for the investigation. When he learns that someone might have information not discovered ten years ago, he finds that a gang of criminals are following and threatening him. Not one to be cowed, he calls his friend and silent partner in the detective agency for help. Joe Pike is a no-nonsense ex-Marine who will always have Elvis’s back. As they follow Tommy’s trail, the danger and suspense escalate as do the bodies. Can Elvis and Joe solve the case before one or both of them become the next victim?
Elvis is intelligent and has amazing insight. He may come across as a little laid-back, but that is deceptive. His sense of humor adds another layer of depth to his character. Joe is enigmatic, dependable, and dangerous if you’re on the wrong side of the case. While most of the story is from Elvis’s point of view, readers also get some chapters from that of others, including an antagonist.
When it seems that the initial investigations by the police, as well as another private investigator, left no gaping holes, missed opportunities, or cut corners, Elvis doesn’t expect to find new information. However, the well-conceived plot has multiple layers that will keep readers guessing as they follow the investigation and new insights become known. The author does a great job building suspense
This twisty thriller is a full of gripping scenes embedded in a well-crafted and riveting plot that hooked me from the very beginning. One of the twists was exceptionally surprising. The book was a page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the storyline. The ending is satisfactory and doesn’t leave readers with a cliffhanger. Themes include, grief, loss, family, lies, secrets, post-traumatic stress disorder, murder, and much more.
Overall, this crime novel was suspenseful, tragic, and includes some intense scenes. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Those who enjoy crime thrillers and private investigator novels will likely enjoy this series. It has just the right amount of mystery, danger, and creative twists to make this book a winner.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Robert Crais provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 14, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-------------------------------------------
My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
October 24, 2024
One of my (and my husband's ) all-time favorite series. Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are finally back! Book 20 of the series and it’s only getting better!
Elvis Cole is a private detective in Los Angeles. He’s the go-to guy if you ever find yourself in need of a private-eye. Kind, sweet, quirky and a finely tuned sense of humor. But most importantly he will get the job done!
When he finds himself a bit over his head he reaches out to his special weapon, Joe Pike. A former special-forces operator, he’s always at the ready to provide his friend Elvis with his special brand of assistance. Joe is hard as nails, the strong silent type. But truly someone you always want on your side.
Elvis’ latest client is an very popular influencer searching for her father, now missing for 10 years. The police couldn’t come up with a reason for his disappearance. And five years ago another private detective couldn’t provide any answers as well. Somehow, I’m guessing Elvis will get to the bottom of this mystery. I mean after all, he is the best private eye in town!💁🏼♀️
Elvis and Joe's characters are so very real and believable to me. Robert Crais has breathed so much life into these characters that Elvis would be my first phone call (ok, second call- after my hubby) if I were in trouble. I love the unbreakable bond and deep friendship between the two men and how that remains an integral part of this series.
Occasionally, with long running series the storylines gradually become weak, only serving as fillers for the characters. Not with this series. I was fully vested in this latest storyline and couldn’t wait to see how Elvis would solve it.
This book can stand on its own. But you’d be missing out on two of the most amazing fictional characters ever! So I highly recommend starting at the beginning with book one The Monkey’s Raincoat.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam.
Elvis Cole is a private detective in Los Angeles. He’s the go-to guy if you ever find yourself in need of a private-eye. Kind, sweet, quirky and a finely tuned sense of humor. But most importantly he will get the job done!
When he finds himself a bit over his head he reaches out to his special weapon, Joe Pike. A former special-forces operator, he’s always at the ready to provide his friend Elvis with his special brand of assistance. Joe is hard as nails, the strong silent type. But truly someone you always want on your side.
Elvis’ latest client is an very popular influencer searching for her father, now missing for 10 years. The police couldn’t come up with a reason for his disappearance. And five years ago another private detective couldn’t provide any answers as well. Somehow, I’m guessing Elvis will get to the bottom of this mystery. I mean after all, he is the best private eye in town!💁🏼♀️
Elvis and Joe's characters are so very real and believable to me. Robert Crais has breathed so much life into these characters that Elvis would be my first phone call (ok, second call- after my hubby) if I were in trouble. I love the unbreakable bond and deep friendship between the two men and how that remains an integral part of this series.
Occasionally, with long running series the storylines gradually become weak, only serving as fillers for the characters. Not with this series. I was fully vested in this latest storyline and couldn’t wait to see how Elvis would solve it.
This book can stand on its own. But you’d be missing out on two of the most amazing fictional characters ever! So I highly recommend starting at the beginning with book one The Monkey’s Raincoat.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam.
March 28, 2025
I read Crais's books, and I feel like I am back with friends who I know and trust. The writing holds my attention, and the characters are the same that I have listened to or read for over 30 years, and I am at home and happy with them. The case involves an influencer looking for her missing father. Elvis is intelligent with witty dialogue and Joe Pike plays a larger part in this book than some. New information is uncovered and someone else is following the leads that Elvis has found. A lot of good twists and turns. I didn't guess who dun it but enjoy that all the ends were tied up. Rate it 4.5* and round up.
January 5, 2025
This book has everything you love about Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. The story is a bit darker than most Crais books, but the characters are authentic and completely believable. There hasn't been a Robert Crais book I didn't like, but this is probably in my top three. The reasons for this top rating (without giving away spoilers)
1) Elvis and Joe's relationship. They are partners and friends. They have each other's backs. They communicate without speaking, and compliment each other well. I felt this more in this book than in most, maybe because of the scene where Elvis is injured. This book needed both of them to move the story forward, and they each provided their unique skill set to the mystery.
2) Secondary characters. Crais is a master at creating believable, three-dimensional secondary characters. I don't mean the regulars (i.e. Lucy, John Chen, etc) but the characters whose story is told. There was a large cast of characters and every single one was authentic, compelling, and interesting. From the people around Traci (the young woman who hires Elvis at the beginning of the book) to the people in Rancha, the fictional community west of Los Angeles where the bulk of the story takes place. Traci, Anya, Charley, Jaime, Lori -- heck, even Donna who was only on the page a couple of times and Lori's mom were well-drawn. Anyone who wants to write needs to read Robert Crais -- his books are a master class in character.
3) The investigation/mystery -- I figured out part of the mystery pretty early, but part was a wonderfully suspenseful surprise. I like being surprised especially when it all fits and the "twist" isn't pulled out of the universe, but completely real and organic to the story. Completely and wholly satisfying.
I don't know if any book can top THE BIG EMPTY as my favorite book of 2025. I'll have fun reading and trying to find one.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher.
1) Elvis and Joe's relationship. They are partners and friends. They have each other's backs. They communicate without speaking, and compliment each other well. I felt this more in this book than in most, maybe because of the scene where Elvis is injured. This book needed both of them to move the story forward, and they each provided their unique skill set to the mystery.
2) Secondary characters. Crais is a master at creating believable, three-dimensional secondary characters. I don't mean the regulars (i.e. Lucy, John Chen, etc) but the characters whose story is told. There was a large cast of characters and every single one was authentic, compelling, and interesting. From the people around Traci (the young woman who hires Elvis at the beginning of the book) to the people in Rancha, the fictional community west of Los Angeles where the bulk of the story takes place. Traci, Anya, Charley, Jaime, Lori -- heck, even Donna who was only on the page a couple of times and Lori's mom were well-drawn. Anyone who wants to write needs to read Robert Crais -- his books are a master class in character.
3) The investigation/mystery -- I figured out part of the mystery pretty early, but part was a wonderfully suspenseful surprise. I like being surprised especially when it all fits and the "twist" isn't pulled out of the universe, but completely real and organic to the story. Completely and wholly satisfying.
I don't know if any book can top THE BIG EMPTY as my favorite book of 2025. I'll have fun reading and trying to find one.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher.
March 11, 2025
The Elvis Cole series has been ongoing for close to forty years. I came late to these books, and though I’ve read the majority of the series (which thus far extends to twenty episodes) I’ve missed a few along the way. This tale, the latest, is the first new instalment for three years. As always, the Los Angeles based private investigator is supported by his business partner (and minder) Joe Pike. Joe won’t play a huge part here, but Elvis will always know here’s there, looking out for him.
The first section of the story involves Elvis being hired by a celebrity baker, Traci Beller, to find her father. Tommy Beller had gone missing ten years ago after finishing a job – he just failed to come home. The police were unable to track down either Tommy or his work truck. Traci’s mother has always been convinced that her husband simply ran away from her and her daughter, but Traci isn’t so sure and wants Elvis to attempt to find out what really happened on that fateful day. This section is light - perhaps a little too much so. But then it all changes.
Looking back on it, the contrast between the first half of the book and what follows is what creates the opportunity for the shock to land. Yes, things get darker - much darker – but I think it’s because it all bubbled along so nice and easy to the mid-point that I initially found it quite difficult to get my head around what transpires thereafter. I’ll not go into the detail of this for obvious reasons.
It’s another very strong episode in this excellent series. It’s a book in which I was able to see another side to Elvis, so often the smooth, wisecracking guy, beloved by women. I really hope the author keeps churning these books out for years to come. It’s become a must-read series for me.
The first section of the story involves Elvis being hired by a celebrity baker, Traci Beller, to find her father. Tommy Beller had gone missing ten years ago after finishing a job – he just failed to come home. The police were unable to track down either Tommy or his work truck. Traci’s mother has always been convinced that her husband simply ran away from her and her daughter, but Traci isn’t so sure and wants Elvis to attempt to find out what really happened on that fateful day. This section is light - perhaps a little too much so. But then it all changes.
Looking back on it, the contrast between the first half of the book and what follows is what creates the opportunity for the shock to land. Yes, things get darker - much darker – but I think it’s because it all bubbled along so nice and easy to the mid-point that I initially found it quite difficult to get my head around what transpires thereafter. I’ll not go into the detail of this for obvious reasons.
It’s another very strong episode in this excellent series. It’s a book in which I was able to see another side to Elvis, so often the smooth, wisecracking guy, beloved by women. I really hope the author keeps churning these books out for years to come. It’s become a must-read series for me.
February 17, 2025
THE BIG EMPTY is the twentieth book in the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series, and author Robert Crais has knocked this one out of the ballpark. It has his usual trademark humour, with Elvis’s wisecracking remarks, but it is darker than usual, and ended up making me think, more than customary, about the nature of evil, and how it can best be dealt with.
The story starts off in a typical lighthearted Elvis Cole manner, when Traci Beller hires him to find her father (or his body) ten years after he disappeared at the end of a work day in Rancha, a small town near Los Angeles. The local police couldn’t find Tommy Beller or his work truck after he didn’t return home, and thought he had simply abandoned his family. Five years later, private investigators were hired, found nothing, and he was declared officially dead. But no body, no truck was ever located. Traci, who was thirteen when he disappeared doesn’t believe he would simply abandon her, and wants answers. Now that she is a popular social media influencer, with money, she hires Elvis to find out what happened.
After Elvis starts asking questions in Rancha, it stirs up some nasty people who threaten him. Also, there are short interludes that tell us that Elvis is being followed by someone in “The Kill Car”—someone who is obviously insane and very dangerous. The closer that Elvis gets to discovering what happened to Tommy Beller, the darker it gets, and then the story takes an unexpected twist.
Robert Crais is a master at using few words to produce major emotional reactions. One chapter made me want to scream—the chapter entitled “Wendy Nicole Chance, Lori’s Mother”. We know (or can guess) what has happened; Lori’s mother slowly realizes it. A masterpiece.
And then there was the comment: ”I could have stopped her, but I didn’t. I could’ve reached the gun first or taken it from her, but I didn’t. I didn’t want to.” Another short gem to encourage thoughtful discussion.
Five stars all the way. Highly recommended, except for those who only want to read cozy mysteries.
Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing the ebook that I read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for some earlier books in the series:
Racing The Light (Elvis Cole, #19; Joe Pike, #8)
A Dangerous Man (Elvis Cole #18; Joe Pike, #7)
The Wanted (Elvis Cole, #17; Joe Pike, #6)
Taken (Elvis Cole, #15; Joe Pike, #4)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The story starts off in a typical lighthearted Elvis Cole manner, when Traci Beller hires him to find her father (or his body) ten years after he disappeared at the end of a work day in Rancha, a small town near Los Angeles. The local police couldn’t find Tommy Beller or his work truck after he didn’t return home, and thought he had simply abandoned his family. Five years later, private investigators were hired, found nothing, and he was declared officially dead. But no body, no truck was ever located. Traci, who was thirteen when he disappeared doesn’t believe he would simply abandon her, and wants answers. Now that she is a popular social media influencer, with money, she hires Elvis to find out what happened.
After Elvis starts asking questions in Rancha, it stirs up some nasty people who threaten him. Also, there are short interludes that tell us that Elvis is being followed by someone in “The Kill Car”—someone who is obviously insane and very dangerous. The closer that Elvis gets to discovering what happened to Tommy Beller, the darker it gets, and then the story takes an unexpected twist.
Robert Crais is a master at using few words to produce major emotional reactions. One chapter made me want to scream—the chapter entitled “Wendy Nicole Chance, Lori’s Mother”. We know (or can guess) what has happened; Lori’s mother slowly realizes it. A masterpiece.
And then there was the comment: ”I could have stopped her, but I didn’t. I could’ve reached the gun first or taken it from her, but I didn’t. I didn’t want to.” Another short gem to encourage thoughtful discussion.
Five stars all the way. Highly recommended, except for those who only want to read cozy mysteries.
Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing the ebook that I read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for some earlier books in the series:
Racing The Light (Elvis Cole, #19; Joe Pike, #8)
A Dangerous Man (Elvis Cole #18; Joe Pike, #7)
The Wanted (Elvis Cole, #17; Joe Pike, #6)
Taken (Elvis Cole, #15; Joe Pike, #4)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
June 21, 2025
Traci Beller, a popular social media influencer was thirteen when her father disappeared ten years ago in Rancha, a town two hours from Los Angeles. With the ruling out of any foul play, most of the people believed Tommy Beller abandoned his family, but not Tracy.
Since it's a ten-year-old case which mostly results in a lack of evidence over time Elvis reluctantly agrees to investigate this case.
In the journey, he learns that someone might have information not discovered earlier, and he finds that a gang of criminals are following and threatening him. Not one to be cowed, he calls his friend and silent partner in the detective agency for help, Joe Pike, an ex-Marine who will always have Elvis's back.
As they dig deeper the danger escalates. Can Elvis and Joe solve the case before one or both of them becomes the next victim?
Elvis was so intelligent, skilled, witty and was a delight to read. Really loved his way of thinking, his dialogues(I really like witty characters, they add a charm to the story) and though he felt a little laid back at first, his resoluteness to solve this case as the story progresses was amazing. Joe was good too, I liked how he always had Elvis's back even in life-threatening circumstances..
It's a multiple pov book and that adds an interesting take to the story. The writing is so good that it was not confusing at all reading about the perspectives of different characters, it actually added depth to the story. The suspense, thriller, action, tension and dangerous elements in the story are well presented and it was a perfect page-turner. The ending was good and thank God it was not a cliffhanger! I really liked how the story unfolded and the mystery was revealed and solved.
Since it's a ten-year-old case which mostly results in a lack of evidence over time Elvis reluctantly agrees to investigate this case.
In the journey, he learns that someone might have information not discovered earlier, and he finds that a gang of criminals are following and threatening him. Not one to be cowed, he calls his friend and silent partner in the detective agency for help, Joe Pike, an ex-Marine who will always have Elvis's back.
As they dig deeper the danger escalates. Can Elvis and Joe solve the case before one or both of them becomes the next victim?
Elvis was so intelligent, skilled, witty and was a delight to read. Really loved his way of thinking, his dialogues(I really like witty characters, they add a charm to the story) and though he felt a little laid back at first, his resoluteness to solve this case as the story progresses was amazing. Joe was good too, I liked how he always had Elvis's back even in life-threatening circumstances..
It's a multiple pov book and that adds an interesting take to the story. The writing is so good that it was not confusing at all reading about the perspectives of different characters, it actually added depth to the story. The suspense, thriller, action, tension and dangerous elements in the story are well presented and it was a perfect page-turner. The ending was good and thank God it was not a cliffhanger! I really liked how the story unfolded and the mystery was revealed and solved.
September 18, 2024
The Big Empty starts innocently enough when Elvis is hired to find the father of influencer sensation Traci Beller, known as the Baker Next Door.
At times, the book felt a bit too dark ... and maybe a little too complicated, so I appreciated every time Elvis showed his signature wit. And we mustn't forget his cat! Gotta love a cat named Cat. It was wonderful seeing Joe Pike again, too.
I found The Big Empty to be a compelling book that combined a timely depiction of a social influencer with an old crime, fascinating characters, a little humor, and lots of suspense. I can't wait to read the next one!!
BIG thanks to both #GPPutnamAndSons and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Big Empty. This book is #20 in the #ElvisColeSeries, and #9 in the #JoePikeSeries. It has an expected and has an expected publication date of January 14, 2025. I recommend it!!
#RobertCrais
At times, the book felt a bit too dark ... and maybe a little too complicated, so I appreciated every time Elvis showed his signature wit. And we mustn't forget his cat! Gotta love a cat named Cat. It was wonderful seeing Joe Pike again, too.
I found The Big Empty to be a compelling book that combined a timely depiction of a social influencer with an old crime, fascinating characters, a little humor, and lots of suspense. I can't wait to read the next one!!
BIG thanks to both #GPPutnamAndSons and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Big Empty. This book is #20 in the #ElvisColeSeries, and #9 in the #JoePikeSeries. It has an expected and has an expected publication date of January 14, 2025. I recommend it!!
#RobertCrais
March 6, 2025
Every Robert Crais book featuring Elvis Cole and Joe Pike is like a warm hug on a winter's day. Never mind said hugs are occasionally given by serial killers, rapists, and other assorted dickheads. When you read a Crais novel, you instantly recognize his distinct style. Crais uses Los Angeles as a main character and captures the heart and soul of Los Angeles-- the good, bad, and ugly--better than almost anyone.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Big Empty via NetGalley.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Big Empty via NetGalley.
January 29, 2025
Elvis Has Not Left the Building
A review of the G.P. Putnam's Sons eBook (January 14, 2025) released simultaneously with the hardcover/audiobook.
I haven't always been kind to the Elvis Cole series (1987-2025-ongoing). As the series is now intermittent there is an added unreality to its frozen-in-time scenarios. I reviewed the previous book Racing the Light (Elvis Cole #19 - 2022) as the Same Old Elvis, while noting that some elements change with the real world but others do not, especially with the cat then being at least 35-years-old. The investigation in that book was also a bit of a letdown.
That isn't the case with The Big Empty where both the old Elvis wit and the case get off to a great start. Elvis is called in when a successful online cooking/baking influencer now has the money to hire an investigator to discover what happened to her father who disappeared 10-years-ago. The authorities abandoned the case, but clues remain and Elvis is hot on the trail. Soon he is being followed and is assaulted, requiring that partner ex-Marine Joe Pike join as backup in his usual formidable style.
The Big Empty was a terrific return to form for Elvis and Joe, even if that scrawny cat is now 38-years-old! 😹🙀
A review of the G.P. Putnam's Sons eBook (January 14, 2025) released simultaneously with the hardcover/audiobook.
“OhmiGod. Is five okay? She said you can come at five.”
“I’ve got a Zoom with the President at five, but I’ll cancel.”
“You’re funny, but don’t be funny with my mother. She isn’t happy. When she’s unhappy she can be difficult. I’m warning you.”
“Charm. Charm is my middle name.”
I haven't always been kind to the Elvis Cole series (1987-2025-ongoing). As the series is now intermittent there is an added unreality to its frozen-in-time scenarios. I reviewed the previous book Racing the Light (Elvis Cole #19 - 2022) as the Same Old Elvis, while noting that some elements change with the real world but others do not, especially with the cat then being at least 35-years-old. The investigation in that book was also a bit of a letdown.
That isn't the case with The Big Empty where both the old Elvis wit and the case get off to a great start. Elvis is called in when a successful online cooking/baking influencer now has the money to hire an investigator to discover what happened to her father who disappeared 10-years-ago. The authorities abandoned the case, but clues remain and Elvis is hot on the trail. Soon he is being followed and is assaulted, requiring that partner ex-Marine Joe Pike join as backup in his usual formidable style.
Pike gave no thought to their purpose or reason. They were shadows. He wondered if they were still awake, laughing and high-fiving each other, riding a thrill-high from kicking someone’s ass. Pike saw them pumping their fists. It didn’t matter to Pike how skilled or dangerous they were, or how many their number. These men had no idea what was coming.
The Big Empty was a terrific return to form for Elvis and Joe, even if that scrawny cat is now 38-years-old! 😹🙀
May 28, 2025
Easily least favorite to date.
March 4, 2025
Robert Crais's The Big Empty follows Elvis Cole's missing person case for Traci Beller, the Baker Next Door. Traci is a deb-celeb just starting to become successful for her delicious muffins and accessible personality. She hires Elvis to find her vanished almost ten years ago father. Her mother hired a private investigator and then used the PI's report to have him declared legally dead after five years. Traci doesn't believe he is dead; at a minimum, she wants to know what happened. Elvis retraces the original PI's steps and finds a few surprises. Just as he starts to explore the leads he has uncovered, he is attacked. This is typical for this series; as is calling on Joe Pike for assistance. But this case is unusual in that the underlying crimes when unraveled could be something that readers could watch on the evening news. Elvis gets beaten up in the process, Pike comes to the rescue, other characters die, kill, and/or are wounded. The case is complex, but not too extreme to be unbelievable. Elvis finds himself faced with dilemmas throughout this case. What to tell his client about what he has found and when to go to law enforcement. I have been reading this series since The Monkey's Raincoat, and rank this one as its equal. If this review sounds bland, I wanted to share my reaction without triggering spoiler alerts.
January 28, 2025
Once I started reading this, I couldn't put it down. It's been too long since we had a Cole/Pike novel from Crais. Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are the core, of course, but it was nice to briefly hear from Lucy and Ben, John Chen, Lou Portaius (sp?). Social media star hires Elvis.to find her father missing for 19 years and declared dead 5 years ago. No one is prepared for what he finds.
March 16, 2025
My one word review for this one would be "wow!". But that wouldn't be very informative at all.
This is one of my favorite series, and I've read them all now. But this one may have been the best so far; it certainly had a lot going for it. But I probably should warn anyone that needs it that there may be some triggers in it, though I don't really know anything about that. But there's child murder among other things, which is pretty stressful.
I listened to the audiobook (which was very well done), and didn't really pay attention much to how close I was to the end. So when it seemed to be ending, I was surprised and pleased to see that I was not really that close to the end. A lot happens in the last 20% or so.
There were a few more peeks into the mind of Joe Pike in this one, and he actually says more than his usual few words to one of the characters. The book had some extreme highs and lows, but fortunately, seemed to end on a high, or at least as much as could be expected.
This is one of my favorite series, and I've read them all now. But this one may have been the best so far; it certainly had a lot going for it. But I probably should warn anyone that needs it that there may be some triggers in it, though I don't really know anything about that. But there's child murder among other things, which is pretty stressful.
I listened to the audiobook (which was very well done), and didn't really pay attention much to how close I was to the end. So when it seemed to be ending, I was surprised and pleased to see that I was not really that close to the end. A lot happens in the last 20% or so.
There were a few more peeks into the mind of Joe Pike in this one, and he actually says more than his usual few words to one of the characters. The book had some extreme highs and lows, but fortunately, seemed to end on a high, or at least as much as could be expected.
May 12, 2025
Traci Beller, “the Baker Next Door” has acquired millions of social media followers for her videos about baking muffins. Ten years previously, Traci’s father Tommy disappeared in the remote desert town of Rancha and Traci hires Elvis Cole to discover what happened to him.
Despite a thorough police investigation and a follow up by other private investigators five years later, nothing new has been discovered and Elvis has strong doubts about getting any further. However, he soon discovers the answer could lie with mother and daughter Sadie and Anya Givens.
However, it soon becomes obvious there are those still in Rancha determined to thwart Elvis’s investigation and get at the truth. When things start to get lethal he decides to call in his best friend and partner Joe Pike. It soon becomes obvious that many things are not as they appear and the whole idea of who is victim and who is villain is flipped on its head. Despite the shocking revelations, Elvis and Joe have no choice but to pursue the case to the bitter end.
It’s been a while since I read any of Elvis and Joe’s adventures and I thoroughly enjoyed getting reacquainted.
Despite a thorough police investigation and a follow up by other private investigators five years later, nothing new has been discovered and Elvis has strong doubts about getting any further. However, he soon discovers the answer could lie with mother and daughter Sadie and Anya Givens.
However, it soon becomes obvious there are those still in Rancha determined to thwart Elvis’s investigation and get at the truth. When things start to get lethal he decides to call in his best friend and partner Joe Pike. It soon becomes obvious that many things are not as they appear and the whole idea of who is victim and who is villain is flipped on its head. Despite the shocking revelations, Elvis and Joe have no choice but to pursue the case to the bitter end.
It’s been a while since I read any of Elvis and Joe’s adventures and I thoroughly enjoyed getting reacquainted.
March 4, 2025
An absolutely wonderful 20th addition to the Elvis Cole and Joe pike canon...I just love the series, and particularly the reflective, nuanced Elvis Cole character...Always entertaining...In "The Big Empty," Elvis is engaged to seek answers for a young, social media, baker sensation, whose father disappeared ten years earlier...As Elvis and Pike dig into the disappearance, more bodies appear and they work to uncover deeper, darker sevrets from the past...Great Stuff!!!
February 12, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.
This is the best Robert Crais novel to date.
This Elvis Cole & Joe Pike novel was fast paced, action packed, suspenseful and Intense.
The characters were full of depth.
The story was intriguing. It was emotional, too.
I highly recommend The Big Empty, especially if you’re a Robert Crais fan.
This is the best Robert Crais novel to date.
This Elvis Cole & Joe Pike novel was fast paced, action packed, suspenseful and Intense.
The characters were full of depth.
The story was intriguing. It was emotional, too.
I highly recommend The Big Empty, especially if you’re a Robert Crais fan.
February 27, 2025
I have not read Crais in a long time, maybe years. A warning -- I did not find this book as entertaining as I used to find his books. Maybe it was slower or maybe I am slower. Cole is hired by a wealthy TV cooking personality to find her father who disappeared 10 years ago. Pike, of course, looks in places and ways the police never looked. He finds clues, here and there, and finally gets someone who saw him pick up a teenage girl who was walking home from work. As usual, things happen to many people in the book, a lot of following and terrifying of Cole and the people who talk to him. Some are found dead and Cole himself is beaten within an inch of his life. By accident, a roving county sheriff finds Cole in an out of the way place. He is not conscious at the hospital where he is taken, still alive, but a nurse discovers a note in his wallet saying to notify Pike if he is dead or unconscious. Pike to the scene. The book took an interesting twist. For the first time, we learn some back story on Pike. And, as usual, Pike scares everyone. Pike to the rescue - he gets Cole home and the neighbors are taking care of him while Pike pushes for answers. In the end, all the answers are there along with an unusual twist. A nice easy mystery book, tied together at the end with a twist where we had few clues. Not too exciting but a nice read, as usual. I do not think this book was as good as the earlier Crais mysteries.
April 30, 2025
nice thriller. really good.
September 17, 2025
In many ways, it's just the same old , same old from Robert Crais, but I love Elvis and Pike, and there's something about his writing style that just agrees with me.
Enjoyable and reliable entertainment.
Enjoyable and reliable entertainment.
July 9, 2024
“Loss left a hole and sometimes the hole was so big and empty it couldn’t be filled. All we could do was try, but the trying defined us. Trying was everything.”
“Secrets are hard.”
“The face of evil looked like anyone.”
Another Elvis Cole mystery that delivers a punch in the gut. Great mystery, great tension, great characters, and an ultimate emotional delivery - something very difficult to do in a detective novel but something Robert Crais excels. It starts out as missing person book and develops into so much more.
Elvis Cole and Joe Pike deliver great action throughout and Crais takes us step by step through Cole’s detective work and as always, it is a master class in the vein of Robert B. Parker. Although I guessed one of the big reveals, it was satisfying and well executed. This is one of those books that might not have the happiest of endings where everyone lives happily ever after and in fact, you might be left with a big empty feeling. But mostly, you will be left wanting to read the next Elvis Cole and Joe Pike book.
* I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Penguin Group Putnam in exchange for an honest review
“Secrets are hard.”
“The face of evil looked like anyone.”
Another Elvis Cole mystery that delivers a punch in the gut. Great mystery, great tension, great characters, and an ultimate emotional delivery - something very difficult to do in a detective novel but something Robert Crais excels. It starts out as missing person book and develops into so much more.
Elvis Cole and Joe Pike deliver great action throughout and Crais takes us step by step through Cole’s detective work and as always, it is a master class in the vein of Robert B. Parker. Although I guessed one of the big reveals, it was satisfying and well executed. This is one of those books that might not have the happiest of endings where everyone lives happily ever after and in fact, you might be left with a big empty feeling. But mostly, you will be left wanting to read the next Elvis Cole and Joe Pike book.
* I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Penguin Group Putnam in exchange for an honest review
October 20, 2024
Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are some of my heroes, in The Big Empty Elvis gets a lesson in social media. Robert Crais is one of my favorite authors and I have enjoyed every book he has written except one. That is the only one I haven't read yet. This book starts out with a mystery that happened ten years ago and then we are in the present wondering what really happened then, soon we suspect that the search for a missing father is connected but we don't really know. I found the book just as well written as I expected and Crais connects the two mysteries in a way I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed reading this book and I love some of the bantering and humor that comes so naturally from both Elvis and Joe. I must thank Penguin Random house , G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for letting me read this advance copy that hits the shelves in January 2025.
April 6, 2025
I had not read a book from this author for many years, but it was easy to remember Elvis, Joe,Lucy, and Ben. I enjoyed the book and would have given it a 5 star rating except for the Killer Car . This was really strange and I still do not get it.
March 15, 2025
I think this makes it 7 books for me from this series. I believe I have been on the fence for most of them. Had I read this one first I would have pulled the plug. Did not enjoy this read.
Library Loan
Library Loan
March 5, 2025
The Big Empty is one of my top favorite 2025 mystery novels! It was a definite page turner & I found it difficult to put the book down. The only down side is that now I’ll probably have to wait until 2026 for another Elvis Cole/Joe Pike story.
I enjoyed the unraveling of a seemingly “dead-end” cold case mystery with Cole cleverly ferreting out new leads & clues to a shocking and deadly conclusion. Moreover, there is a surprise twist that not even Cole or Pike is prepared for, but their courage and quick wits brings the past crimes and recent crimes to an end.
I especially loved the character development & descriptions including the ones for the support characters which gave authenticity to the people in the story. I liked Cole’s sense of humor, moral compass as well as his compassion for all involved.
I highly recommend this book!
I enjoyed the unraveling of a seemingly “dead-end” cold case mystery with Cole cleverly ferreting out new leads & clues to a shocking and deadly conclusion. Moreover, there is a surprise twist that not even Cole or Pike is prepared for, but their courage and quick wits brings the past crimes and recent crimes to an end.
I especially loved the character development & descriptions including the ones for the support characters which gave authenticity to the people in the story. I liked Cole’s sense of humor, moral compass as well as his compassion for all involved.
I highly recommend this book!
July 26, 2024
Thank you to G. P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on January 14th, 2025.
Number 20 in Crais’ Elvis Cole series -- this one with Joe Pike. I’m always excited when one of these pops up and this was one of his best — a taut thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, but not so tense that I had to stop reading. Elvis is hired to find the father of influencer sensation Traci Beller — the “Baker Next Door.” She was thirteen when her father disappeared ten years earlier, but she never believed that he had abandoned his family. She wants to know what happend.
The plot keeps surprising — Crais disregards the time honored plot twist in favor of simply turning things upside down and inside out instead. It’s a wild ride, all told in Cole’s trademark first-person, confidential, and just slightly snarky tone. I love his character — he’s deceptively easy-going, utterly competent, and brings an unusual emotional intelligence and engagement to people and situations involved. I like Joe Pike as well, and if I had to complain about one aspect of this book it’s that Joe seems to be drifting into a different type of character (and one I’m not sure I like as much). Time will tell on that one!
Read in one sitting (luckily well before bedtime).
Number 20 in Crais’ Elvis Cole series -- this one with Joe Pike. I’m always excited when one of these pops up and this was one of his best — a taut thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, but not so tense that I had to stop reading. Elvis is hired to find the father of influencer sensation Traci Beller — the “Baker Next Door.” She was thirteen when her father disappeared ten years earlier, but she never believed that he had abandoned his family. She wants to know what happend.
The plot keeps surprising — Crais disregards the time honored plot twist in favor of simply turning things upside down and inside out instead. It’s a wild ride, all told in Cole’s trademark first-person, confidential, and just slightly snarky tone. I love his character — he’s deceptively easy-going, utterly competent, and brings an unusual emotional intelligence and engagement to people and situations involved. I like Joe Pike as well, and if I had to complain about one aspect of this book it’s that Joe seems to be drifting into a different type of character (and one I’m not sure I like as much). Time will tell on that one!
Read in one sitting (luckily well before bedtime).
November 15, 2024
Elvis Cole and Joe Pike should be on every speed dial list. Even when
a case is more than a decade closed, and so, so cold…It does not mean
the hard working and very talented Elvis Cole will not be asked to
try to locate an assumed missing person~after the police and investigators
have ruled the man to be purposefully missing~because his body has never
turned up…. Well, this is a story with an explosive plot and an ending about
which we shall not share because we all love Elvis and Joe and they would
never forgive anyone who blew the case with loose lips.
This series remains strong and the characters are well written and interesting.
This is the book that I read in two days and also read some parts again just to
have the fun again! Do not miss this one!
My thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, via NetGalley for the download of this
book for review purposes.
a case is more than a decade closed, and so, so cold…It does not mean
the hard working and very talented Elvis Cole will not be asked to
try to locate an assumed missing person~after the police and investigators
have ruled the man to be purposefully missing~because his body has never
turned up…. Well, this is a story with an explosive plot and an ending about
which we shall not share because we all love Elvis and Joe and they would
never forgive anyone who blew the case with loose lips.
This series remains strong and the characters are well written and interesting.
This is the book that I read in two days and also read some parts again just to
have the fun again! Do not miss this one!
My thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, via NetGalley for the download of this
book for review purposes.
January 19, 2025
This is the 20th book in the Elvis Cole / Joe Pike series and it doesn’t disappoint. I love the books written by this author, especially those in the timeline of these two detectives. This is a gritty book and has some disturbing and graphic scenes, but the twists and turns make it especially interesting. As you read through this series of books, the characters grow and attain a stronger hold on the reader. This is definitely a stand alone book, but as with many series, you miss so many nuances that enhance the book.
I’m not going into details so as not to provide spoilers. If you already know these detectives, you won’t be disappointed. As a new reader, you may find yourself reading previous books just to know more about them and what led them to this point, but either way, enjoy!
If you enjoy this book, look into some of the other books by this author. You may be hooked…….
I’m not going into details so as not to provide spoilers. If you already know these detectives, you won’t be disappointed. As a new reader, you may find yourself reading previous books just to know more about them and what led them to this point, but either way, enjoy!
If you enjoy this book, look into some of the other books by this author. You may be hooked…….
January 28, 2025
I almost didn't get this book, because the last book in the series sort ran out of gas, but I'm completist. I was actually hoping for a Joe Pike novel.
In this case, it did me good stead, as it seems Crais is back in form.
The usual influencer comes to Elvis with a problem. It seems her father disappeared 10 years ago, and she wants to find him. She hired a firm five years before, but Elvis is the best at what he does. He starts out with no leads, but soon enough something breaks, and he finds the unthinkable.
Very fast moving, I read it all in one sitting, and that doesn't happen a lot any more.
Highly recommended.
In this case, it did me good stead, as it seems Crais is back in form.
The usual influencer comes to Elvis with a problem. It seems her father disappeared 10 years ago, and she wants to find him. She hired a firm five years before, but Elvis is the best at what he does. He starts out with no leads, but soon enough something breaks, and he finds the unthinkable.
Very fast moving, I read it all in one sitting, and that doesn't happen a lot any more.
Highly recommended.
January 27, 2025
A ten year anniversary is coming up…a father went missing in a sleepy town in LA, Rancha and his daughter, famous now, wants Elvis to look for him! The dynamics of the town are too much for Elvis-he got beat up and now needs his friend, Joe Pike to help with all the dark twists and turns. Awesome read…Enjoy
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