The Forgotten Man (2005)

One of the annoying things Crais does is have his character repeat the information he just learned at least once in the next paragraph (reminds me of a certain SF writer who does that too...) - a habit which gets old after a while.

I don't know if it's Crais or if his editor insists that he put it in, but, after only the second book I've listened to by this author, I think he really should steer away (far away) from putting or even mentioning romance of any kind. He can't write romance to save his life so I would suggest he just stop putting it in. After listening to one of the most awkward dream sequences ever, well, I skipped through a lot of it, - even if it was foreshadowing - it added nothing, nothing to the story in any way, shape or form. I do feel bad for Starkey, the lady who was obsessing over Cole (her actions come across as more stalkerish than someone in love with the guy), in that she really never had a chance. Cole never even acknowledged her existence beyond accepting her help with his case.

Over all, the mystery is well done. The character named Frederick is a paranoid delusional man and he's downright creepy. I certainly never want to meet him on the street. It was a good story for the car. I do think a different narrator might be a good idea, but I'll take what I can get when borrowing from the library. ( )

Pretty good thriller. I'll read the rest of this series when I run out of Randy Wayne White and Les Standiford novels. ( )

Just so good. I had forgotten how much I enjoy Crais. Great character development, tight plots that aren't trite or predictable, good pacing ... love it all. ( )

Elvis and Joe search for killer of man purporting to be Elvis' unknown father.
More killing of good & bad folk than usual. ( )

Don't get my rating wrong, I enjoyed this book. The but is that the earlier books spoke to me because of the humour and Elvis' take on being a detective. This book is later in the series and is more of a typical crime thriller and disappointed me with the darker tones and lack of humour. Essentially, I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't what I was expecting from an Elvis Cole novel. ( )