The Big Empty

Elvis Cole/Joe Pike, Book 20

By: Robert Crais

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Elvis Cole and his enigmatic partner, Joe Pike, race to find a terrifying, unidentified killer in this twisting, unpredictable thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais.

Traci Beller was thirteen when her father disappeared in the sleepy town of Rancha, not far from Los Angeles. The evidence says Tommy Beller abandoned his family, but Traci never believed it. Now, ten years later, Traci is a high-profile influencer with millions of followers and the money to hire the best detective she can find: Elvis Cole.

Elvis heads to Rancha where an ex-con named Sadie Givens and her daughter, Anya, might have a line on the missing man. But when Elvis finds himself shadowed by a gang of vicious criminals, the missing persons cold case becomes far more sinister.

Elvis calls his ex-Marine friend, Joe Pike, for help, and they follow Tommy Beller's trail into the depths of a monstrous, hidden evil. The case flips on its head, victims become predators, predators become prey, and the question becomes: Can Elvis Cole save them all from this nightmare?

©2024 by Robert Crais. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Crais does not disappoint

During the first part of the audiobook, I was afraid it was a bit too flippant and the story would be weak. I like the narrator, but his Elvis seemed more campy than usual. After the first quarter or so, concern disappeared. And the narrator faded behind the gripping story, which delivered emotional gut punches through the end with the greater development of complex characters.
The worst thing about Cole/Pike stories is the wait in between their publication.

Outstanding Elvis Cole

This was the best Elvis Cole/Joe Pike book in a while. The story is strong, writing is good (as always) and the characters were excellent

Snappy dialogue, perfectly paced…a great listen!

Loved the whole thing! Snappy dialogue, perfectly paced…a great listen! (Please let
this review end!)

Where’s my father?

Tracy is searching for her father. It’s the 10th anniversary of his disappearance and she needs answers. The answers Elvis discovers aren’t what anyone expected.

Great book

The author never fails to completely capture my attention. Can’t wait for the next book.