THE BIG EMPTY is an addictive read written by Robert Crais. Sadie Given, a single mom and recovering alcoholic working two jobs to stay afloat, goes to pick up her daughter, Anya, at a skate park. Anya isn’t there. Traci Beller hires Elvis Cole to find proof that her father, who has been missing for ten years, is dead or alive. I wonder how the two stories are related I read on.

This book captures my attention and keeps it. I like the dialogue style and can easily follow the conversations with or without dialogue tags. Elvis Cole’s witty repartee reminds me of Robert Parker’s Spenser. What fun! I want to know more of Elvis’s backstory and his relationship with Lucy. Joe Pike’s arrival makes an interesting story even more exciting. This is my first time reading a Robert Crais novel, but it won’t be my last. I look forward to reading other books in the series. Thank you, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE BIG EMPTY.

This is one of my favorite detective book series. I'm so happy Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are back. Elvis is hilarious, he has a sense of humor that is dry and witty. Joe is always cool, calm and collected. A perfect pair.

In The Big Empty, Elvis is hired by an influencer to find her father that has been missing for 10 years. She hired another investigator 5 years ago with no luck but is hoping Elvis can work his magic. And he does. I wasn't expecting the ending; it definitely ended differently than most of his cases. I love all the blasts from the past that show up in this book - Elvis is a resourceful guy that calls on people when needed. A great book and still great series!

And although I'm not a cat person, I gotta love the relationship Elvis has with Cat. The independence and disgust that cats have is represented so perfectly.

Elvis Cole remains one of my favorite series protagonists and this is a great addition to the series. This is one of the few series that has stayed strong through a number of installments. I was happy to see Pike participating and enjoyed the reflective moments the characters experienced. If you like this series, add this one to your list,

I love these books The characters are some of the best The story The humor Classic good
Thanks so much for the opportunity

Elvis Cole has been hired to find a man who has been missing for 10 years. His daughter wants to know what happened. The more Cole digs into the case the more questions there are and someone doesn’t want him investigating. There is a lot more to this mystery than you suspect, there are a few twists and turns in the story that will surprise you. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Elvis Cole and Joe Pike should be on everyone’s 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 the decade long missing person~
after the Police and Investigators have ruled the man to be purposefully missing ~
because his body has never been located. 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 open this investigation with
loose lips..
This series remains strong with well written characters who remain interesting.
This is the book I read in 2 days, and even re-read a portion just to experience
parts of the story again. Do not miss this one!
My thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley, for the download copy
of the book for review purposes.

Such a super addition to the Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series. The Big Empty follows a missing man mystery through several layers of discovery to reveal the extent of the crimes. Quick moving, this book is a good read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

I've read everything by Robert Crais and I think this is his best work. Elvis and Joe are two of my favorite characters and this is one my very favorite series. It's been a couple of years since the last one but so worth the wait. I read this in one sitting - it pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let go. It's a dark subject matter but at the same time, the story is so full of humor. You could definitely read this as a stand alone. Worth more than 5 stars. I can't say too much without spoilers but do yourself a favor and put this on your TBR list. Releases in January 2025.

Fast paced, thriller that I was happy to discover not only for the quirky character in Elvis Cole but the writing that pulled me in and made me stay up past my bedtime to finish. This is part of a series ( which I had not read any of the previous editions) and I felt I could follow without a lot of the backstory. However, I will be picking up other books to check them out now that I’m hooked.

There’s a missing person story that we are following which leads to a lot more mystery unraveling.
I wanted a little bit more understanding of why Elvis and his girlfriend live in different states (guess previous books must have that answer). As the title of the book eluded to… there is a bit of an empty feeling when the story wraps up because the good people don’t necessarily get a good resolution. I’ll be interested in more from this series.

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.

this was a really good book! I think it was great that it hooked me from the start and kept me engaged the whole read through. It had very good writing, it had some humor thrown in, and added the baking show aspect to this mystery. So good!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

I have read most of Robert Crais novels featuring Cole and Pike.They are partners in a PI firm in LA,CA.The Big Empty kept my interest from beginning to end,nonstop. The story involves a young woman who is gaining success as a tv baker making fantastic muffins. On the 10th anniversary of her dad’s disappearance,she now has enough money to hire the partners to find out what really happened to her dad.He was pronounced dead after several years but there was no proof.The story has interesting characters,including a wild pet house cat and humor thrown into the mix. Thank you Netgalley,author,Robert Crais and publisher,Putnam for the opportunity to read the ebook of The Big Empty.
Book goes on sale,January 14,2025

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Robert Crais’ “The Big Empty” is a masterful addition to the Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series, delivering a taut, suspenseful narrative that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last. This twentieth installment showcases Crais’ ability to blend intricate plotting with deep character development, making it a standout in the series.

The story begins with private investigator Elvis Cole and his enigmatic partner, Joe Pike, being drawn into a cryptic case involving the disappearance of Traci Beller’s father. Traci was just thirteen when her father vanished in the sleepy town of Rancha, near Los Angeles. Now, years later, new evidence has surfaced, suggesting that his disappearance might be linked to a series of brutal murders. As Cole and Pike dig investigate, they uncover secrets and lies which point to a terrifying killer.

Crais excels at creating multi-dimensional characters, and “The Big Empty” is no exception. Elvis Cole is as sharp and determined as ever, while Joe Pike’s stoic demeanor hides a fierce loyalty and a complex inner life. Traci Beller is a compelling addition to the cast, her quest for answers driving much of the narrative’s emotional weight. The interactions between Cole and Pike showcase their deep bond and contrasting personalities.

Crais’ writing is crisp and evocative, capturing the tension and urgency of the investigation. The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that propels the story forward. Crais’ attention to detail, especially in the procedural aspects of the story, adds authenticity.

“The Big Empty” explores themes of loss, redemption, and the search for truth. The novel delves into the psychological impact of unresolved trauma and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth.

“The Big Empty” is a gripping and emotionally resonant thriller that will satisfy both long-time fans of the Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series and newcomers alike. Robert Crais has crafted a story that is thrilling and thought-provoking, with well-developed characters and a plot full of twists and turns.

Cole and Pike, that says it all. Twenty books and still full of snark and attitude, and how is Pike so snarky with so few words! Solid investigation with plenty of twists and action, one of the best series out there.

This is Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are the primary characters in this book. Elvis is hired by an influencer to help find her father who has been missing for ten years. But can he really find out what happened when other detective agencies couldn’t. Elvis finds some threads to pull and is determined to piece together what happened.. Another great read by this author!

Elvis Cole and Pike are two of the best creations in thriller writing to come out in the last 20 years. I feel sorry for those who have never read Robert Crais.
I discovered a paperback of The Monkey's Raincoat right after it came out in 1987. I was looking for something different and boy did I find it. After page one I was hooked and looked forward to the next Elvis Cole or Pike story. I've read them all and love them. The Big Empty is no different which is saying something. How do you keep something fresh for 30 plus years?!?
This time around, Elvis is approached by a baker/influencer who's career is on the rise. But, now that she has become pretty wealthy and older she wants Elvis to find out what happened to her father who disappeared 10 years earlier.
Even though there was a very thorough investigation by a very good PI firm when he disappeared, Elvis takes the job unable to resist the persuasive young baker.
In the course of his detecting, Elvis finds more than he bargained for and the knowledge that her father was not who he appeared to be at home. There are twists and turns, bodily harm and the ever enigmatic Pike. No spoilers here. It will ruin your experience. Read The Monkey's Raincoat and then rejoice that you have 19 more books to read.

Great addition to the series

This is a fast-moving and well-written mystery. Private investigator Elvis Cole is hired by a young woman with a burgeoning baking video business. Her beloved father disappeared nearly ten years ago and she feels that previous investigations did not doo enough to try to find him. After Elvis gets warned off the case by being attacked by several men, his partner Joe Pike comes on the case to help find out what happened (but Elvis is really the one who does all of the work in this book).

The only complaint I have is, once again, the title has no connection to the book. That seems. to be a trend in the publishing world.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and spent a beautiful day that could have been spent outside curled up reading this from cover to cover, or whatever the digital equivalent is.

Although this is the 20th book in the Cole/Pike series, it could easily be read without the preceding books. But, the whole series is great and if you haven't read the others, get to it!

Really excellent entry in the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series. Elvis is hired to look for an internet celebrity’s father, who went missing ten years ago. The search, and the things he discovers, become more convoluted and serious the more it goes on. Great story and great to revisit Elvis and Joe (and the cat).

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

By my count, Robert Crais has written twenty-four novels including "The Big Empty"; twenty of them featuring Elvis Cole and/or Joe Pike. I think I've read every one and one thing I can say about Crais is that he never disappoints.

"The Big Empty" features both his private eyes--I think Pike is a PI, but maybe not. Just inscrutable. A young woman known on social media as "the baker next door" hires Cole to find out what happened to the father who vanished without a trace ten years ago. Traci Beller is juggling a lot as she has people around her demanding that she do more and more, more baking, more appearances, open stores, write books. But finding an answer to something that has haunted her since childhood. Cole asks her if she wants to know no matter what the answer is. She says yes.

This launches him on journey into brutality, violence, cruelty, surprising villains and even more surprising heroes. The action is non-stop, and your apprehension for the characters will grow with every chapter. I love the relationship between Cole and Pike, Pike who rarely speaks and Cole who can't shut up. They have each other's backs and fill in the attributes the other lacks.

Nothing in this thriller is what you expect, which is what makes it such a satisfying wild ride. What a treat. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.