Paperback, 256 pages
English language
Published April 1, 1999 by Orion mass market paperback.
The Monkey's Raincoat is a 1987 detective novel by Robert Crais. It is the first in a series of linked novels centering on the private investigator Elvis Cole and his partner Joe Pike. Cole is a tough, wisecracking ex-Ranger with an irresistible urge to do what is morally right. The novel won the 1988 Anthony Award for "Best Paperback Original" at Bouchercon XIX and the 1988 Mystery Readers International Macavity Award for "Best First Novel"; and has since been named one of the 100 Favorite Mysteries of the Century by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Solid story and pace. The narrator aims for wit and sometimes his his mark. Lots of driving and street names and descriptive locations... long before Google Maps.
Spotted a few typos, which stood out for a traditionally published book.
This novel was an "almost fair" attempt at pulp fiction, alá Raymond Chandler. It was quite slow starting and the primary character's speech was filled with "Uh-huh", "unh-unh", "unh-huh" and similar derivatives... sadly I have no idea what most meant. Absent the 'grunt speak' this could have been a decent, entertaining read. As it is... I will move on to another author.
i read this book before, but it was nice to revisit and look at the rest of the series .
