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Let me state first that I liked this book. However, I found it highly derivative of Robert Parker's Spencer series, without the wit. I love Spencer, so the idea of an LA Spencer is highly appealing. Execution is going to be a bitch and you never want to write against those expectations. Crais has a tough row to hoe with me.

Nonetheless, I did devour this book in a couple of nights. I found it entertaining and the characters compelling. I figured out the bad guy early, but still was interested. That denotes good storytelling.

If you've read any of this series, then obviously you have to read this one. If you haven't, then start with Monkey's Raincoat.


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Just starting this one. I thought I'd try this one, then move on to do the whole Elvis Cole series. I have The Monkey's Raincoat sitting on my nightstand. Thought I'd try this one first.

Whew! I finally finished this book...and I am glad I did. For some reason this book never inspired that "page turner" fever in me. Don't get me wrong, it held my attention and I did love it, but I was never in a race to finish this book. I'm not sure what it was about this story that allowed me to interrupt it with other books, then come back. Maybe I subconsciously wanted to savor the story.

I'll let others decide this books virtues and place in the pantheon of literature. I loved the beautifully drawn characters. I loved the vivid sense of place and period. I loved the dense sentences, each one chewy and sweet. I loved the humanity in this novel.

I didn't love the pacing, yet I doubt I would want it changed - back to that savoring thing, I guess. I should have read this book on a cruise, then I wouldn't be picking nits.

I do think you should read this book. Just don't tempt yourself by putting other books on your nightstand at the same time.