Over the years and through several Elvis Cole novels, the character of Joe Pike has evolved into something much more than Cole’s strong and silent partner. Then, in 2007, Pike took center stage with THE WATCHMAN. And suddenly, Robert Crais had another series star on his hands. THE FIRST RULE, the second Pike novel, is noticeably darker than its predecessor. Yet it moves mostly swiftly and confidently through a world of shadowy deception with a heavy air of loyalty and retribution.
Frank Meyer is quietly reflecting on his life and good fortune one evening when an armed crew invades his West Los Angeles home, killing him and his entire family. The murders are part of a string of similar home invasions that has plagued Southern California for several weeks. But the victims have all been drug dealers and money launderers, so the police immediately suspect that Meyer was also dirty.
When Pike learns of Meyer’s death, his shock is quickly taken over by a private concern. Years ago, Meyer was one of Pike’s team of professional mercenaries. Although he refuses to completely believe it, Pike also fears that the killings were caused by some secret criminal activity on Meyer’s part. So he begins an investigation of his own, using the resources of other former members of his mercenary team, and his private investigator partner, Cole.
Soon, Pike discovers the motive behind the killing, which involves organized criminal gangs from the former Soviet Union and the intense code that binds their lives. He must cut through a thick and tangled web of lies and grudges before he devises a plan to hit the gang leaders where they live and expose their all-too-human vulnerability.
Crais’ skills at a full-throttle thriller, previously displayed in such notable standalone works as DEMOLITION ANGEL and THE TWO MINUTE RULE, are in full force here. Action, exposition and dialogue merge together seamlessly while propelling the story forward at a steadily increasing speed. The narrative gives the author the opportunity to detail the crime activity of the former Soviet Union gangs and how they have infiltrated the underworld business of drugs, prostitution, credit scams and even arms dealings — especially in Southern California.
Cole fans undoubtedly will be let down that the self-proclaimed “world’s greatest detective” has only a limited chance to show the smart-aleck humor that distinguishes his own stories. It’s Pike’s show here, and he is driven by an unwavering sense of devotion to his former brother-in-arms. Whatever his investigation reveals, Pike is determined to find the truth and deliver his own brand of justice to those who murdered one of his own.
There are, however, a few brief, coda-like chapters near the conclusion that seem to pull the focus away from Pike, and they tug the credibility near a breaking point. But it’s a small price to pay for an otherwise tight-fitting structure.
It used to be that Crais fans had only to wonder if his newest work was a Cole novel or not. Now, Pike is securely in the mix. Talk about your delightful dilemmas. —Alan Cranis
OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THIS AUTHOR:
• CHASING DARKNESS by Robert Crais
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