The Monkey's Raincoat

An Elvis Cole and Joe Pike Novel, Book 1

By: Robert Crais

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

"Elvis Cole provides more fun for the reader than any L.A. private eye to come along in years."--Joseph Wambaugh

WINNER OF THE ANTHONY AND MACAVITY AWARDS FOR BEST NOVEL • NOMINATED FOR THE EDGAR AND SHAMUS AWARDS FOR BEST NOVEL

Meet Elvis Cole, L.A. private eye....

He quotes Jiminy Cricket and carries a .38. He's a literate, wisecracking Vietnam vet who is determined never to grow up.

Praise for The Monkey's Raincoat

"Outstanding characters, tight plot, and scintillating prose style.... This fast-paced story speeds Elvis Cole to a chilling, heart-stopping ending."--Mystery Scene

"Is Bob Crais good? Put it this way: if they're taking you out to put you against the firing squad wall, and you want to enjoy your last moments on earth, pass on the last cigarette and ask for an Elvis Cole novel."--Harlan Ellison

"Far and away the most satisfying private eye novel in years. Grab this one - it's a winner!"--Lawrence Block

"The best private eye novel of the year...lots of action; bright, crisp dialogue; and sharply drawn characters."--The Denver Post

"Robert B. Parker has some competition on his hands.... Elvis Cole is an appealing character and Crais's style is fresh and funny.--Sue Grafton

"In Crais, a new star has appeared on the private eye scene - a dazzling first novel.--Tony Hillerman

©2008 Robert Crais (P)2008 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"Robert B. Parker has some competition on his hands.... Elvis Cole is an appealing character and Crais' style is fresh and funny."--Sue Grafton

"Is Bob Crais good? Put it this way: if they're taking you out to put you against the firing squad wall, and you want to enjoy your last moments on earth, pass on the last cigarette and ask for an Elvis Cole novel."--Harlan Ellison

Great book Terrible Narration

Book 5 Stars Narration 1 star. I suggest you read this one

Just ok

This wasn't a bad story I just got tired of Elvis Cole. Every woman wants him and he is tougher and smarter than everyone else and that was distracting for me.

Outdated and poorly recorded

I'm a fan of the series, but the first book is disappointing. It's terribly "out of date" regarding gender portrayals and treatment of women, technology, and character development. The recording quality of the recording is so poor, you can hardly understand what the narrator is saying. Finally, I don't think the narrator fit the characters well at all. Skip this book and go to one later in the series. They are much better than this one!

Murder, with a grin

Any additional comments?

I purchased this book on one of Audibles' recommended lists... and we listened during a long car trip. This style is very remeniscent to the Robert B Parker Spencer series, interspersing humor and wisecracking with the more serious content. Not overly graphic... but a good plot to keep one wanting to hear more.
The narration was very good and it made the listening quite smooth and easy to follow the characters.

not so much

What made the experience of listening to The Monkey's Raincoat the most enjoyable?

I do love Crais' work

Any additional comments?

I did not enjoy this narrator. I don't think I will purchase anything by this one again