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Indigo Slam: An Elvis Cole Novel
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2014
252 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Robert Crais
179 books4,569 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 20, 2025
For most of this novel I had no clue as to why it was called Indigo Slam. It turns out that, unless one is familiar with certain forms of foreign currency, there would be no reason to figure it out until Robert Crais reveals it. Indigo Slam, of all the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike novels I’ve read, gave me the most trouble in suspending my disbelief. I was intrigued by the opening (and some subsequent scenes) scene in Seattle. I liked the sense that something was about to go very wrong. I even bought into the story through the part about Cole agreeing to work for one or more underage clients. I even like the shoot-out near one of the most recognizable landmarks in Southern California, though it would be horrifying in real life (and it was reasonably contained in the novel). And most of the detective work takes place on a pro bono basis that I just can’t see even the most “heart of gold” pursuing.
In Indigo Slam, Elvis Cole finds himself in a situation that would be similar to Yojimbo, A Fistful of Dollars, and Bruce Willis’ Last Man Standing if there was yet an additional faction thrown in. One finds it very difficult to believe that Cole could have convinced one or two entities to become involved with the eventual plot turn, much less more than that. And if there are traitors within the faction, one can’t help but wonder why they didn’t strike sooner. It would have been more convenient and efficient than when they did. And if you ever get disgusted with the stupid client trope, you have to be doubly or triply disgusted with the one that shakes out in this book.
And that’s not all! Elvis has finally found the prospect he thinks will love him tender(ly), but Crais introduces complications from his girlfriend’s past life. It looks like a recurring theme, though there seems to be a modicum of hope in this relationship; it’s just complicated. In fact, it’s probably a matter of taste whether Indigo Slam has too much or is just right, but it depends on how many Russian mafiosi, Asian gangs, counterfeiting rings, kidnappings, murders, and the like one wants in one novel. I felt like it was too much, but I was personally feeling pretty fatigued when I was reading it, so I may not be the best judge.
Frankly, I was as conflicted regarding this novel as Cole seemed to be regarding his clients and their objective. The twists in character were enjoyable, but I simply never felt that this was Crais at his best. It won’t stop me from reading others, but I think I’m alternate history bound for my next reading material.
In Indigo Slam, Elvis Cole finds himself in a situation that would be similar to Yojimbo, A Fistful of Dollars, and Bruce Willis’ Last Man Standing if there was yet an additional faction thrown in. One finds it very difficult to believe that Cole could have convinced one or two entities to become involved with the eventual plot turn, much less more than that. And if there are traitors within the faction, one can’t help but wonder why they didn’t strike sooner. It would have been more convenient and efficient than when they did. And if you ever get disgusted with the stupid client trope, you have to be doubly or triply disgusted with the one that shakes out in this book.
And that’s not all! Elvis has finally found the prospect he thinks will love him tender(ly), but Crais introduces complications from his girlfriend’s past life. It looks like a recurring theme, though there seems to be a modicum of hope in this relationship; it’s just complicated. In fact, it’s probably a matter of taste whether Indigo Slam has too much or is just right, but it depends on how many Russian mafiosi, Asian gangs, counterfeiting rings, kidnappings, murders, and the like one wants in one novel. I felt like it was too much, but I was personally feeling pretty fatigued when I was reading it, so I may not be the best judge.
Frankly, I was as conflicted regarding this novel as Cole seemed to be regarding his clients and their objective. The twists in character were enjoyable, but I simply never felt that this was Crais at his best. It won’t stop me from reading others, but I think I’m alternate history bound for my next reading material.
December 2, 2025
Some of the Elvis Cole novels are fluffy and fun and some are hard hitting and fast moving. This was one of those second stories. Cole is “hired” by a trio of kids to find their father who has been gone for eleven days, “looking for a job.” Cole suggests the police, which they balk at, and which the reader understands because the previous chapter set three years earlier details an action-packed fiasco when their family is being put into the witness protection program. They’ve been hiding from both inept law enforcement officials and vengeful criminals ever since. Cole promises to look for their father, Charles, with the caveat that if he feels it is in their best interest he might need to contact Child Protective Services for them. That doesn't go over well! These kids are great characters and add real heart to the story. Teasing out clues, Cole finds more than he bargained for. Charles actually comes home on his own but Cole has learned that he is not the only one looking for Charles—so are the US Marshalls and the criminals Charles had ratted out. And then he leaves again with Cole hot on his trail, knowing all the family is in danger.
December 22, 2025
I'm a big fan of Robert Crais and his Elvis Cole series. This book has an interesting premise, Elvis (& of course Joe Pike) are hired by three kids to find their Dad. Dad is not all we think he is, and there's some background you'll discover which moves him from a pathetic to sympathetic character. My favorite in this book was the 16 year old daughter Teri, who's going through a tough time in life functioning as mother to her two siblings and her father. There's action a plenty, Russian mobsters, Asian revolutionaries, inept police (and some ept ones.) Elvis's love life plays a role and adds some complication to the story. Overall, a fun outing with two of my favorites in the detective genre. If you like the original Spenser series, you'll enjoy Elvis Cole. This novel stands alone well, but it's really best to read in order.
October 19, 2024
Another great Elvis Cole and Joe Pike thriller. I had missed this particular one while reading my way through the series but I had no trouble reading it out of order. I admit that as much as I love Joe, and Elvis most of the time, I often think I would like to slap Elvis silly for being such a smart ass when he should really keep his mouth shut. I am delighted to hear there is a new installment in the works. I will eagerly await it!
December 11, 2025
Elvis and Pike help a family in trouble with Seattle Russian mobsters. Clark, a counterfeiter printed money for them then turned states evidence when caught. got one of the russian mobsters in jail. the family was after him and his three children. they were in the wit sec and moving around. Clark has cancer takes heroin for the pain. Lucy Chenier is in the story. shoot out at Disneyland was fun. A very good book
December 19, 2025
Kept Me Hooked!
Note: I'm already a fan of Robert Crais, so this may not be without bias. This is another straightforward Cole & Pike mystery, and there are not many surprises/twists, but when I want to read something that's not intellectually heavy but hard to put down, this series seldom disappoints. This book was no exception.
Note: I'm already a fan of Robert Crais, so this may not be without bias. This is another straightforward Cole & Pike mystery, and there are not many surprises/twists, but when I want to read something that's not intellectually heavy but hard to put down, this series seldom disappoints. This book was no exception.
May 1, 2025
3 stars ain't so bad
The whole premise of this book is flawed. Writing this story must have bored the author. Us readers prefer the bad-ass side of Elvis Cole. No more Mother Theresa please!
The whole premise of this book is flawed. Writing this story must have bored the author. Us readers prefer the bad-ass side of Elvis Cole. No more Mother Theresa please!
December 11, 2025
Big fan of Robert Crais especially with Cole and Pike. A bit over the top but very entertaining. I do not read these books for a better understanding of world events or the future of the environment. Given that, I get all I expect and more. Great read!
March 23, 2025
Elvis is hired by a 16 year old girl, who is taking care of her two younger siblings, to find her father who has been gone for 11 days. This thrusts Elvis and Joe into a world of counterfeiting, Russian mobsters and various US agencies.
November 15, 2025
Indigo Slam
I have read a couple elvis Cole and Joe pike books. Interesting team. I like how they end where the bad guys are caught and sometimes eliminated.
I have read a couple elvis Cole and Joe pike books. Interesting team. I like how they end where the bad guys are caught and sometimes eliminated.
December 16, 2025
fun!
Crais is always a treat! Clever and literate, exciting and fun. Cole and Pike are heroic but realistic buddies in arms.
Crais is always a treat! Clever and literate, exciting and fun. Cole and Pike are heroic but realistic buddies in arms.
December 16, 2025
I like this book a lot, very suspenseful good reading and very interesting. He has a great sense of humor as he writes. I recommend it highly
January 7, 2026
I love every one of the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike books and I cannot wait to read all of them. Of course, I hope they will be more.
June 30, 2025
Another entertaining Elvis Cole novel. Joe Pike continues his enematic role behind his sun glasses. Two narratives run through the book with one that picks up in a later book. Story moves quickly with a twist I did not see coming.
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December 24, 2025Still reading. I've been interrupted by other books!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews