Robert Crais’ latest Elvis Cole and Joe Pike crime novel, THE WANTED, starts with a seemingly simple case. But then things get more complicated and Cole finds himself in the middle of an investigation that becomes increasingly threatening. The results are not without their minor faults, but nonetheless add another satisfying title to this long-running series.

Single mother Devon Connor notices that her teenage son, Tyson, is wearing wristwatches far more expensive than he can afford, and flashing huge amounts of cash. Devon worries that her son is involved in dealing drugs, and hires private investigator Elvis Cole to find the source of Tyson’s money.

Cole discovers that Tyson is part of a trio of teens responsible for a series of home break-ins and robberies. The three young thieves then sell their stolen goods at local swap meets. But the three thieves recently stole a laptop computer that the rightful owner desperately wants back, and the owner hires a duo of hit men who pose as cops to find and retrieve the computer. Then one of the three young robbers is found dead, and Cole, with the help of his partner Joe Pike, must prevent Tyson from becoming another victim.

Crais shifts the perspective throughout the novel from Cole’s familiar first-person narration to the third-person view of several other characters including Pike. These shifts occur in chapters titles by the name of the character’s point-of-view.

This structure may feel awkward at first, but it greatly aids in keeping the various characters active and keeping track of these various activities.

If this latest novel lacks in anything it is Joe Pike’s involvement. He doesn’t appear until just past the middle of the narrative, and functions mostly as an extra pair of eyes and ears for Cole. Pike carries out his assigned role faithfully and effectively, of course, but Crais fans know Pike’s character is worth more than this secondary supporting role.

Yet there are plenty of unexpected plot twists and mounting suspense to keep the pages turning. And, as usual, Crais populates his story with several credible characters; the most memorable being the self-centered teenage girl who leads the band of robbers and keeps Tyson hypnotized by her beauty and the promise of her affection.

While THE WANTED is a little less than the “Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novel” promised by the cover, it is still a worthy addition to the series and will please Crais’s expanding list of followers. —Alan Cranis

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