Robert Crais Books In Order
Book links take you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books
| The Monkey's Raincoat | (1987) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Stalking the Angel | (1989) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Lullaby Town | (1992) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Free Fall | (1993) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Voodoo River | (1995) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Sunset Express | (1996) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Indigo Slam | (1997) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| L. A. Requiem | (1999) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Last Detective | (2003) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Forgotten Man | (2005) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Watchman | (2007) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Chasing Darkness | (2008) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The First Rule | (2010) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Sentry | (2011) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Taken | (2012) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Promise | (2015) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Wanted | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| A Dangerous Man | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Racing the Light | (2022) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The BIg Empty | (2025) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Scott James & Maggie Books
| Suspect | (2013) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Promise | (2015) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Demolition Angel | (2000) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Hostage | (2001) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Two Minute Rule | (2006) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
| The Man Who Knew Dick Bong | (2011) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Mysterious Profiles Books
Publication Order of Anthologies
About Robert Crais:
A star was born in Louisiana on the night of June 20, 1953 when Robert Crais was brought into the world. Raised as an only child by the childless couple who took him under their wings, he could have followed in the tradition of his family and either went into the upholding the law as a police officer or working in one of the oil refinery which Louisiana is so famous for.
But at fifteen years of age, he got his eyes and hands on a second hand copy of The Little Sister written by Raymond Chandler. Those eternal words on paper changed the direction of his life and roused the flame of his love, that of writing.
Baby Steps to the Future
Crais knows what he wants out of life and he is willing to work for it. He is aware that getting catapulted to glory and recognition as a novelist will entail not just hard work but sheer dedication on his part. Short fiction stories defined his earlier works as well as dabbing into the intriguing world of making films. He knows that both of these are paving his way to what he really wants, which is to write his own books.
He forayed into the jungle of Hollywood and started with creating scripts for the well known TV series like Miami Vice, Hill Street Blues, and Cagney & Lacey. The bigwigs in the networks recognized his abilities and gave him numerous assignments with series pilots and Movies-of-the-Week.
When You Wish Upon a Star
His work for Hill Street Blues got recognized by a nomination into the Emmy’s which made him proud of his accomplishments. Always close to his heart though will be Cross of Fire, the mini-series that last for four hours and work that he did for NBC. According to the NY Times, his writing is “A searing and powerful documentation of the Ku Klux Klan’s rise to national prominence in the 20s.”
Crais was doing a great job in Hollywood both as a writer and a producer but he felt restless and hankering for his dream to write his novel. So he left a well paying and comfortable profession and embarked on a new and uncertain journey.
There were rocky patches in his road to success but he finally found the elixir that motivated him to bring Elvis Cole to life based on aspects of his life that he wants to show the world. The Monkey’s Raincoat, which was the result of his slog and perseverance, was chosen by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association to be part of the 100 Favorite Mysteries of the Century.
It was also nominated for the Edgar Award and won both the Macavity and Anthony Awards. Elvis Cole was initially meant to be a loner but overwhelming responses to this character brought about more and more ideas for stories.
Elvis Cole is so compelling a character that it is almost like Crais has a voice that he can use to make himself and what is happening in his life felt and heard. When his L.A. Requiem made the NY Times and LA Times bestseller lists, Crais realized just how influential his main book character has become.
He streamlined his first person writing style to incorporate scenes that are made of flashbacks, using story lines that can be imagined from more than one point-of-view. He got rave reviews from Publisher’s Weekly for L.A. Requiem and was praised highly for his ability to extend himself and light up his subject matter with literary ingredients.
The reviewers even went as much as dubbing his work “a wonderful experience” Elvis Cole so made an impact that Crais created more stories for him with The Last Detective, The Forgotten Man and The Watchman. Each story in succession made an exploration of the intensity and temperament of his characters’ personalities.
Still Crais’ influence from his family of police officers shows up on his writing as he penned Demolition Angel, a book about being a Bomb Technician in the Los Angeles Police Department.
Hollywood Scene
A movie brought his characters to life as Bruce Willis played an ex SWAT member of the LAPD in his novel Hostage. Granted rave reviews by Amazon.com editors by touting it as the top thriller of year, it was also branded by the NY Times as Notable Book of the Year.
Crais does not want to sell his book rights to movie producers though since he wants his readers to own the experience and be able to let their imagination run with his characters.
Personality and Profile
Forty two countries have published Robert Crais’ work and it has always made the bestsellers list in those parts of the world. He even got recognized by being one of the awardees of the Ross Macdonald Literary Award.
Despite his amazing success, he retains simplicity in his life in the mountains of Santa Monica where he enjoys relative solitude with his much loved wife, three cats that he adores and his valued collection of books that numbers in the thousand. Crais also writes under the name of his alter ego Elvis Cole and Jerry Gret Samouche. His genre remains mystery and thriller no matter which name he uses in his work.
When asked, he reveals that his writings have been influenced by authors that he admires like Ernest Hemingway, Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, and Robert B. Parke. Fans who are thirsty for information about him can always visit his site at http://www.robertcrais.com/. Crais enjoys hearing from his fans and emails are read and answered but it does take time as he is getting numerous communications asking for his responses.
His Characters Reflect Him
Crais’ book series are ruled by his main character Elvis Cole who partners with former Marine Joe Pike. In his stories, he explores the strength of these men and applies their values to temper their adventures.
The theme of upholding good over evil may be a cliché but Crais always ensure that his readers are left with the impression that honesty cannot be undermined and that it should never be just an option for anyone. “Thematically, again and again my books are about people who are trying to be better than they have been.”
Book Series In Order » Authors »
Any issues with the book list you are seeing? Or is there an author or series we don’t have? Let me know!
Mr. Crais. I’ve read all your books, and I re-read those in which Joe Pike plays the main role. He’s absolutely sexy, and such a good human being! I hope your next book will also center on Pike. I’m looking forward to reading your new book.
a kind sensibility in a well written series.More please!!
In today’s age, people are thirsty for real heroes and integrity…. Elvis and Joe satisfy this search! Thank you, Robert, and keep up the good work!
I read the entire Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series in less than 4 months. I need more!
Reading all of your books has been great fun and Fun is one of the best things to have .
Looking forward to the upcoming release of The Big Empty .
Hope you feel like adding more to series soon . It really is that much fun to read .
Love Cole and Pike novels but would like to see more Scott James & Maggie.
Have read everything you have written. Love, love all of them. Waiting…
I am still an avid reader at 81 and I can’t wait to read ALL of your books, having just finished #2 & #3 of your Elvis series! Love, love your way with words! God Bless!
Almost seems like Elvis and Harry Bosch could see each other’s houses across the canyon. Couldn’t be two more different types of detective. Wouldn’t be cool…
Fantastic idea! I’m longing for another Elvis and Joe book. Put Bosch in the mix and wow. I wish he would make his books come alive on a Netflicks series. You could also add David Rosenthal’s Andy Carpenter seriew.
Huge Elvis Cole and Joe Pike fan. (My book husbands.) This year I started the Bosch series (a little backward since I have read all Rene Ballard and Lincoln Lawyer). I would love a book with Bosh, Cole and Pike. Doesn’t have to be as current characters but could be one out of the 80s.
love the Cole and Pike books – read all of them (twice) – impatiently waiting for the next one – please don’t wait too long!!
Love, love, love your books. I agree that Pike and Cole should be 50/50, always together. I know it’s hard to turn out quality stories quickly, but I also wished you could turn 6 a year. You are by far my favorite author, and I am an avid reader.
I saw in the acknowledgements of one of Ace Atkins recent books he consulted with you when Spenser once again ended up in LA on a case.
What an adventure Spenser, Hawk, Elvis, Joe and Z could have.
Please consider a co-write with Ace.
I love Elvis and Joe, they mash really well together, I just picked up a Dangerous Man, I’ve read all the others in this series, my neighbour is just as an avid fan too, I hope Robert doesn’t get sick of writing stories, it would leave a huge hole on the bookshelf 😊
I don’t remember the first one I read, but currently have one on the nightstand and six waiting in the bookcase. Having printed out the list of books, I have a way to go. Will keep Barnes & Noble Booksellers in business for a while.
Keep up the good work!
Judith Clark
Started reading your novels at Thanksgiving, read seven, went back to Barnes & Nobel and picked up eight more! Very interesting books, obviously enjoying them immensely.
We need more books! I’m having withdrawals!
Wish Cole were real as would love to meet him
Faye
Australian
I have all your books on Audible snd re- listen to them once or twice a year. I am always amazed that each time I hear one of your books I hear something new that I didn’t remember. I love the integrity of both Cole and Pike. I’m one of thousands (if not millions) of women who want to experience Pike in real life. Thank you Mr. Crais for enriching my life with your writings. I’m 69 and wondering what percentage of your readers are women. Stay healthy❤️Licia from Michigan
I am one of those millions of women who want to experience Joe Pike in real life!
Just finished A Dangerous Man after power reading the series and am going through withdrawal. Can’t wait for the next. I really like Elvis, but major crush on Joe. Mostly I like it when they are 50/50 in a book.
I hope you are still writing as i truly enjoy your books. I have read every one. do you know when we might expect another book. My favorite series is Elvis Cole and Joe Pike.
Last update from Robert was that a new book is coming out early next year 🙂
Thanks for the update! Saves me time trying to contact Robert Crais about when his next Elvis Cole, Joe Pike book is coming out! I look forward to reading it.
Just love the Pike and Cole characters! A friend introduced me to Robert Crais and I’ve read just about all of his books. Highly recommend!
I just started reading your books. I know, I must have been in a coma for the last 30 years! Anyway, I love film noir type characters. I’ve read all of Robert B. Parker and the hard-boiled detective/private eye is so sexy. My new crush is Elvis Cole… can’t wait to continue this relationship!
Sharon
Have read all but three so far. Love all. More, please!
My first book was L.A.Requiem, picked up at an airport bookstore on my way to a vacation. Loved it.when I found out that there was a series I was overjoyed, I have every one and look forward to the new book coming out in October. I have also had the pleasure of meeting Robert on a few occasions at booksignings, he was very charming, and handsome,and had a number of books signed and personalized personalized.