Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this stellar eARC. In audiobook format.

Before I begin my review, I wanted to add a note to say about 60% of the books I read are mysteries, and this book is a standout excellent novel. It has everything one looks for and loves in stories of this genre and the narrator did an excellent job. 5 stars from this reviewer, Crais is at the TOP of his game , this is his best book yet, I loved it!

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.

Or, "I'll Do Anything For Another One of Those Yummy Muffins."

Elvis Cole, Robert Crais's original protagonist, is back after a brief hiatus, hired by an internet celebrity (known for her yummy muffins) who wants to know what really happened to her father who went missing ten years earlier. Two investigations came up empty, but Elvis is now on the case hoping to get more muffins from his client, so you know he's going to solve it.

There is a show on TV right now called Elsbeth, a spin-off of The Good Wife. What I find unique about the show is that viewers know right from the start whodunit, why they dunit, and how they dunit. The fun is watching the quirky Elsbeth (if you can stand her -- I can) see past all the obvious conclusions her police friends quickly reach in solving the far-fetched murders.

It's refreshing because in the traditional whodunit, it has become annoyingly easy to spot who done it very quickly, especially in TV series. Occam need not apply, his razor is not going to cut it here -- the obvious suspect is of course never the perp, so you look for the least obvious suspect. I wouldn't bet the farm on it because they occasionally throw you a curve, but four out of five times, bingo!

Crais used to write TV mysteries before he writing novels, so maybe he knows what I'm talking about. Nevertheless, as soon as I was introduced to the character in The Big Empty who done it, I said, bingo! There was more than one unsolved mystery in this book, the other easier to spot, much to Mr. Occam's relief, but that was OK because it wasn't a matter of who done it, it was about the consequences.

OK, so if you read this book already, you know that it's all more complicated than just who done it. I mean, when you have a talking car with its own point of view (which by the way is far more fun than it may sound), there are more layers to this onion as you (I mean Elvis) peel(s) them apart. That makes it all that much more worthwhile, especially since the characters are well drawn even when they are right out of central casting.

It's all quite entertaining, a good listen -- I got the audio edition with the great Luke Daniels, master of voices, narrating (the car's voice is cool). I do want to now go back and read more by Crais, especially about Cole and Pike. But it really was too easy to figure out what was going on, so I feel like this was a 3 1/2 star book for me, rounding down to three out of solidarity with Occam's Razor.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of the audio edition in exchange for an honest review.

This was fantastic. I really enjoyed it and couldn’t stop listening. I was hooked from the first minute! The narration was wonderful. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this audiobook.

Thanks to Brilliance Audio & NetGalley for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I often forget how good these books are until I read another one - they are solid stories whose plots hang together well, with likable characters (even if Joe Pike is a bit of a cartoon, he'd no worse than Jack Reacher), and occasional lulz.

This one (and perhaps others?) is narrated by Luke Daniels, who is just voice acting gold. He does a good job with Elvis, and makes Pike sound like Christian Bale's Batman. I'm not mad about it, but see my pervious comment.

This story folds in the recent trend of having an "influencer" as a character, but it's not too grating and feels organic and real. The doggedness of Elvis' efforts to find a missing dad, gone mysteriously for the past 10 years, is impressive, and I also like that Cole is not a character who can best 5 burly dudes using jiu-jitsu or something. (Instead, he wakes up in a hospital room). I did feel confused at first about The Driver and the Death Car, and that aspect of the story was irritating enough to maybe remove a star. But it all worked out in the end.

Might need to go back and listen to some other titles when my TBR pile calms down.

The plot was engaging, great character work and there were a few twists I did not see coming. If you are a fan of Cole and Pike you will love this book. Highly recommended.


Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for sending me an audiobook of this title to review.

The book was fine, if unremarkable. Another good Elvis Cole outing by this author. The narrator was not a favorite. Some of his voices were downright silly. He also pronounced the name Dina as Dinah!? Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Private Investigator Elvis Cole is hired by a social media influence to find her father that has been missing for ten years. After multiple previous investigations have turned up empty handed,  Elvis dives in head first. Assisted by Joe Pike, the teams works endlessly to find new clues. A large cast of characters fill the story with humorous banter and non-stop action . A few twists and turns add to the adrenalin filled climax.

The narrator Luke Daniels was great. The production quality was top notch.

One of the most enjoyable audio books I've ever listened to! The narrator does a great job of switching between characters using different voices, even though the female characters were a bit strange. There are no boring parts, something is always happening as the story unfolds. Elvis Cole and Joe Pike make a great investigative team as they dive into adventure and suspense while solving the mystery. I would definitely recommend this book (especially the audio version) and will be checking out more from this series. My thanks to Brilliance Publishing for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This action packed book is part of the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series. It was fast paced with tons of twists and turns. This is my first book by Robert Crais and I’m going to be reading more in the series. Luke Daniels did an excellent job with the narration and voices for each character.

Thank you to NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing/Audio for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Another great crime novel with Elvis Cole, private detective, and his friend/partner Joe Pike. And internet sensation hires Elvis to find her father, who's been missing for years and declared dead. Elvis doesn't know if he can find anything after all this time, but decides to try.
When Elvis is attacked, he knows that he's stirred up a hornet's nest, and Joe Pike comes in to help.
I really enjoyed this audiobook, and the performer did a great job making different voices. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this

Robert Crais continues to prove why he’s a master of the crime genre with The Big Empty, a gripping and intense tale centered around a classic yet effortlessly cool private investigator. True to the style fans of the genre adore, the PI operates with a laid-back confidence, unraveling a web of secrets and lies while maintaining a razor-sharp focus on the truth.

Crais’s writing is sharp and evocative, pulling readers into a world where every clue matters and danger lurks just beneath the surface. The pacing is perfectly tuned, keeping the tension high without sacrificing the character-driven moments that make the story resonate. The protagonist’s understated determination and resourcefulness shine as they tackle a case filled with unexpected twists that will leave readers guessing—and often gasping—at every turn.

What makes The Big Empty especially satisfying is the way it combines a classic hardboiled detective vibe with a modern edge. The twists are unpredictable, the stakes feel real, and the conclusion ties everything together in a way that’s both satisfying and surprising. It’s the kind of story that keeps you on your toes while showcasing Crais’s ability to deliver not just a mystery, but a fully immersive experience.

Verdict:
With its smart writing, a charismatic PI, and a plot that keeps you hooked until the very last page, The Big Empty is a must-read for fans of crime fiction. Crais delivers a story that’s both thrilling and stylish, reminding us why the PI genre remains timeless.