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Elvis Cole & Joe Pike

by Robert Crais

20 books Started 1987 Latest 2025
Publication Reading Order

The Elvis Cole & Joe Pike is a Crime Fiction series by Robert Crais, made up of 20 books published between 1987 and 2025. It begins with The Monkey's Raincoat (1987), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is The BIg Empty (2025), spanning 38 years of storytelling.

20books
38years active
5decades
~2yrs between books
2025latest release
# Title Year Buy
1980s
1 The Monkey's Raincoat 1987 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2 Stalking the Angel 1989 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1990s
3 Lullaby Town 1992 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
4 Free Fall 1993 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
5 Voodoo River 1995 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
6 Sunset Express 1996 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
7 Indigo Slam 1997 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
8 L. A. Requiem 1999 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2000s
9 The Last Detective 2003 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
10 The Forgotten Man 2005 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
11 The Watchman 2007 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
12 Chasing Darkness 2008 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2010s
13 The First Rule 2010 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
14 The Sentry 2011 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
15 Taken 2012 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
16 The Promise 2015 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
17 The Wanted 2017 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
18 A Dangerous Man 2019 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2020s
19 Racing the Light 2022 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
20 The BIg EmptyLatest 2025 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia

Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series: frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series?

Start with The Monkey's Raincoat (1987), the first book in the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series by Robert Crais. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.

How many books are in the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series?

There are 20 books in the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series by Robert Crais, published between 1987 and 2025.

What is the first book in the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series?

The first book in the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series is The Monkey's Raincoat, published in 1987 by Robert Crais.

What is the latest book in the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series?

The most recent book in the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series is The BIg Empty (2025) by Robert Crais.

More books by Robert Crais View all series and reading orders →
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About Robert Crais

Robert Crais (born June 20, 1953) is an American author known for his detective novels. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Crais moved to Los Angeles in 1987. He worked as a private investigator before turning to writing. His debut novel, "The Monkey's Raincoat," was published in 1987 and introduced Detective Elvis Cole. Crais has written 20 novels, 10 novellas, and 14 short stories featuring Cole. His other works include "L.A. Requiem" and "Suspect." Crais has won numerous awards, including the Private Eye Writers of America Shamus Award for Best Novel four times. His books have been translated into 24 languages and have sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Crais is praised for his well-developed characters, gritty plots, and evocative writing style. His work is considered essential reading for fans of detective fiction.

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