The Elephant of Surprise

By: Joe R. Lansdale

Narrated by: Christopher Ryan Grant

The latest roaring, rollicking adventure from Edgar Award-winner Joe R. Lansdale, featuring odd-couple P.I.s Hap and Leonard.

Hap and Leonard are an unlikely pair--Hap, a self-proclaimed white trash rebel, and Leonard--a tough-as-nails Black, gay, Vietnam vet and Republican--but they're the closest friend either of them has in the world.
After years of crime-solving companionship, something's changed: Hap, recently married to their P.I. boss, Brett, is now a family man. Amidst the worst flood East Texas has seen in years, the two run across a woman who's had her tongue nearly cut out, pursued by a heavily armed pair of goons. Turns out the girl survived a mob hit, and the boss has come to clean up the mess.
On a chase that blows even the East Texas swampgrass back, Hap and Leonard must save the girl, and vanquish her foes, before the foes get them first. With a new case to solve, and a brand-new challenge to their relationship, will Hap and Leonard's friendship survive? Will Hap and Leonard survive?
The Elephant of Surprise is rich with Lansdale's trademark humor, whip-smart dialogue, and plenty of ass-kicking adventures.

Critic reviews

"The Elephant of Surprise is the read of the year thus far for adrenaline junkies, action-hero aficionados and, as is always the case with Lansdale's novels, fans of clever and unexpected similes and metaphors."—BookPage

"Hap and Leonard remain two of the most likable characters in crime fiction."—Kirkus Reviews

"Lansdale's narrative voice is as wonderful as ever, as is the banter between the mismatched best friends as they punctuate the violence with drolly mundane observations. . . . It's always a pleasure to spend time with Hap and Leonard, even in the worst of circumstances."—Booklist

"Relentlessly paced"—Publishers Weekly

Praise for Joe R. Lansdale
"Reading Joe R. Lansdale is like listening to a favorite uncle who just happens to be a fabulous storyteller."—Dean Koontz

Love these dudes

But this seemed a little less entertaining than the rest of the books have been. I’ll be reading the next tho.

Great Book. Love me some Hap and Leonard...Great

Great quick Read


Another Great Hap and Leonard. I can't get enough!! I'm working my way through all of the books!!

Great story, stilted narration

The book itself is fantastic, with lots of action and the usual banter and introspection that makes the series great. But the narration for this one is lifeless and the cadence feels almost off-putting. It's like someone reading something they really don't want to for a class project.

Short but good

Definitely not slow. One of the fastest paced books from Lansdale. If you're a fan of Hap and Leonard do not let the length discourage purchasing this.

Love the Hap and Leonard series!!!

I am an avid audible books listener and, in my opinion, this is one of the best series available. I download every book as soon as it is available and listen to it multiple times. Very unique characters that get into some crazy situations. I love the relationship between the main characters and the way their family by circumstance has come together and becomes more developed in each book. I also enjoy other stand alone books by the author. So far, even though the books have had several different readers, all have been excellent. Can’t wait until the next book is available.