Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Racing the Light is the 19th Elvis Cole & Joe Pike PI mystery by Robert Crais. Released 1st Nov 2022 by Penguin Random House on their Putnam imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format scheduled for release in 2nd quarter 2023 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a solidly entertaining and very well established series. At this point, the primary returning characters are so well fleshed out that they live and breathe. The plot is packed with story threads: a kidnapping, the world of podcasts, conspiracy theories, corrupt politics, dodgy ruthless business cartels, the adult film industry, and the seedier elements of Los Angeles. There is rough (R-rated) language, and some graphic violence, typical for the genre.
As always, it's well written and fast paced. The author definitely knows the technical aspects of his job very well. Although it's the 19th (!!) book in the series it works well enough as a standalone. Due to the excellent overall quality and length of the series, they're all highly recommended. It would make an excellent choice for a long binge/buddy read, as well as public library acquisition.
Fans of Michael Connolly, John Sandford, and Lee Child will likely already have this series/author on their radar, but if not, there's a lot to like here.
Four and a half stars. Excellent read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reviewed by annieb123 on
Reading updates
- 26 March, 2023: Started reading
- 26 March, 2023: Finished reading
- 26 March, 2023: Reviewed