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The Promise (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike) Hardcover – Large Print, November 4, 2015

4.5 out of 5 stars 16,411 ratings

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A #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

When Elvis Cole is hired to locate a woman who may have disappeared with a stranger she met online, it seems like an ordinary case, until Elvis learns she worked for a defense contractor and was being blackmailed. Elvis and Joe Pike are joined by Suspect heroes Scott James and K-9 partner, Maggie, in Robert Craiss new masterpiece of suspense.



"All the Little Raindrops: A Novel" by Mia Sheridan for $10.39
The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more

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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wheeler Publishing; Large type / Large print edition (November 4, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 525 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1410466728
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1410466723
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.35 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1.25 x 8.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 16,411 ratings

About the author

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Robert Crais
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Robert Crais is the author of the bestselling Cole & Pike novels. A native of Louisiana, Crais moved to Hollywood in the late 70s where he began a successful career in television, writing scripts for such major series as Cagney & Lacey, Miami Vice and Hill Street Blues. In the mid 80s, following his success with the TV buddy genre, Crais created a series of crime novels based around the characters Cole & Pike. In addition, Crais has also written several bestselling standalone thrillers. Robert Crais lives in LA with his wife and family.

Here are the Elvis Cole novels in series order:

The Monkey's Raincoat

Stalking the Angel

Lullaby Town

Free Fall

Voodoo River

Sunset Express

Indigo Slam

L. A. Requiem

The Last Detective

The Forgotten Man

The Watchman

Chasing Darkness

Stand-alone novels:

Demolition Angel

Hostage

The Two Minute Rule

The First Rule

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
16,411 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novel, praising its well-crafted plot with twists and turns, and its fast-paced narrative that can be read in one sitting. They appreciate the character development, particularly the detailed descriptions of the minor characters, and the writing style, with one customer noting the unique perspective from the dogs' point of view. While some customers say it kept their interest from beginning to end, others find it disappointing.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

608 customers mention "Readability"608 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and entertaining, with one customer noting it's the best fiction read of the year.

"...That reminds me, although this is a good read, I think audio would be a better way to digest this story, as the pace and flow, built on dialogue, is..." Read more

"...The Promise by Robert Crais left me feeling good and full of hope about the future. That's as it should be!" Read more

"...A sad story; a good read." Read more

"...It was fairly predictable, but executed so well that you just don't care. This is a problem when they're not the central figures in the book...." Read more

403 customers mention "Plot"354 positive49 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, which features many twists and turns and dramatic situations.

"...I will say the ending was a strong one for me. I silently applauded Jon Stone for what he did in making things right for Amy and giving her closure...." Read more

"Typical Cole and Pike. Great story line. Believable characters. Hard to go wrong with a Robert Cross book. Always follow" Read more

"...The ending was well done so you knew what happened in the end to all the characters...." Read more

"...It's a very good story and had me wrapped up for a while trying to figure it all out. If you love Elvis Cole, you'll enjoy this a lot." Read more

266 customers mention "Character development"231 positive35 negative

Customers enjoy the interesting characters in the book, particularly appreciating the detailed descriptions of the minor characters. One customer notes how the author skillfully weaves multiple characters into the story, while another points out that the characters are based in Los Angeles.

"...Description of the scenes and characters is sufficient to paint a picture that the reader can still color according to his/her desires and..." Read more

"...Even though these are fictional characters, we need people like this in our everyday lives because its difficult to keep pushing forward against all..." Read more

"Typical Cole and Pike. Great story line. Believable characters. Hard to go wrong with a Robert Cross book. Always follow" Read more

"...This book had a lot of characters so you will need to pay attention to them all from LAPD police officers, detectives, Homeland Security personnel...." Read more

150 customers mention "Story telling"147 positive3 negative

Customers praise the storytelling in the book, describing it as well-written and compelling, with one customer noting it's a page-turner.

"...Also, as in most any good, modern novel, there is character development that is more than mere filler material...." Read more

"...Don’t get me wrong—Robert Crais is a terrific author, and a disappointing book in this series is still better than the overwhelming majority of..." Read more

"Robert Crais does another great job with Elvis Cole, but this is not an Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novel...." Read more

"Robert Crais is one of the best suspense writers of the ones I follow, and I love his Elvis Cole/Joe Pike mysteries. The Promise is no exception...." Read more

134 customers mention "Pacing"100 positive34 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced and timely, with several mentioning they read it in one sitting.

"...The best part about this novel is the pace and tone...." Read more

"...But this one is truly special...." Read more

"...Mr Crais's books are fast paced and meant to pull you in from the beginning and hang on tight until the last page. This thriller does that...." Read more

"Complex story. Took a bit to truly get underway. However, once it did, Wow! Interesting cast of “involved” characters. Little different from usual...." Read more

89 customers mention "Writing style"64 positive25 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as brilliantly descriptive and tightly written, with one customer noting the unique perspective from the dogs' point of view.

"...It certainly held my attention and conveyed the necessary information and propelled the story forward...." Read more

"...Now, as for the story itself - wow! It is intense and complicated with enough blind alleys and mis-directions to keep the best mystery enthusiast..." Read more

"...The book has lots of characters and several plot lines. It was so complicated that I think that it was too much to handle for even such a skilled..." Read more

"...The storyline is easy to follow. The path Amy Breslyn is on is totally understandable and believable...." Read more

49 customers mention "Elvis and joe"49 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the adventures with Elvis and Joe, particularly appreciating Maggie and Scott's roles in the story.

"...I also loved the return of Officer Scott James and his K-9 dog, Maggie...." Read more

"...I thoroughly enjoy this series. More time spent with Jon. Now he's a scary character...." Read more

"...A good read that kept me totally engaged. Recommended." Read more

"...His team was very active, and worked with the authorities on this interesting case. I can't quite give it five stars, but I highly recommend it." Read more

84 customers mention "Interest"37 positive47 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's interest level, with some saying it kept them engaged from beginning to end and never got boring, while others found it disappointing and not as enjoyable as other books by the author.

"...Overall, it’s a good book for this genre—but a disappointing book for such a great series: 3/5 stars." Read more

"...This is what I find most appealing in a good novel...." Read more

"...depth of commitment to Amy Breslyn by Elvis and Jon was very weakly developed...." Read more

"...I don't think the author's writing was bad. It certainly held my attention and conveyed the necessary information and propelled the story..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2015
    Length: Print, 408 pages, Audio, 9 hours, 11 minutes.

    Amazon Kindle Sales Rank when this review was posted: 154.

    I've not read any of the other Robert Crais novels, although there are several top hits.

    Feel free to leave a comment at the end of this review.

    Language: A gritty street language English, consistent with the characters and the environment they inhabit. This writer is similar to Elmore Leonard in tempo and language, albeit, Crais is more circumspect than Leonard. There, of course, are f-bombs sprinkled in the colorful language.

    The best part about this novel is the pace and tone. Description of the scenes and characters is sufficient to paint a picture that the reader can still color according to his/her desires and imagination. This is what I find most appealing in a good novel.

    Also, as in most any good, modern novel, there is character development that is more than mere filler material. There probably would be more, except this is a series of novels.

    Speaking of a series, despite this being one story within a series, I found it a fun read despite never having read any other of the stories. It is not necessary to read the others, but I certainly will now go back and order the other titles in audio book format through Audible.

    That reminds me, although this is a good read, I think audio would be a better way to digest this story, as the pace and flow, built on dialogue, is especially good in spoken word books.

    The below excerpt should help readers gain a better feel for this can't miss best seller:

    “The people you work for listen.”

    "I’m home two days, bro. What are you talking about?”

    "Stolen ordnance in Echo Park. RPGs and forty-millimeter grenades. Cole’s trying to find a woman. He thinks she’s with the dealer.”

    Now Jon was pissed. After thirteen years in the Army, the last six with Delta, Jon Stone had jumped the shark to become a private military contractor. He sold his services and the services of others to various clients, one said other being this very Joe Pike, who, by the way, commanded top dollar, which meant a top commission if Pike let Jon set a contract, which he wouldn’t, because Pike wasted his time with Elvis Cole, a low-rent peeper without two twenties to wipe his butt.

    "What the hell, Pike? I don’t care about Cole and his problems. Tell me you didn’t pull me away from those women without serious cash on the table.”

    "If the woman’s with him, he probably sells to al-Qaeda.”

    Stopped Jon cold. Jon Stone’s primary client was the United States of America, with most of his work being directed against various terrorist factions and the governments, corporations, and individuals who supported them. Off the books, and deep in the black. When Jon Stone told the French chicks he was a professional warrior, he wasn’t lying.

    Jon glanced at his bedroom again. Nothing moved within the black rectangle framed by the doors.

    "Al-Qaeda.”

    Pike nodded.

    "Listen, so you know, just because some idiot sells this crap doesn’t mean it’s going to terrorists. All-American morons turn grenades into paperweights, and RPGs into lamps.”

    "The woman doesn’t care about morons. She’s been trying to contact an FTO.”

    FTO. Foreign terrorist organization.

    Jon was totally disgusted.

    "This is why I hate you wasting your time with Cole, bulls*** like this. What are we talking about here, a crazy person, or some kind of anti-American lunatic?”

    "They killed her son.”

    Although there is a teaser at the end, leading into the next story, this is a solid novel worthy of my time and money, despite a somewhat high price.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2025
    Another hit for the Elvis Cole & Joe Pike series HOWEVER, when did Joe Pike turn into Batman?? The voice is more than I can take. I will probably revert to the Kindle books for the future; Joe’s painful voice is more than I can bear.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2015
    Was the novel what I expected?

    No, it wasn't.

    Did I enjoy the book and was it worth the two-year wait?

    Yes, and I would recommend it to others seeking a really good novel to read before the end of the year.

    I've read some of the other reviews on The Promise by Robert Crais. They almost imply that the author is a member of ISIS, and is seeking to destroy America with a book full of second-class writing.

    This is not the case, and I'm amazed that people feel this way about The Promise.

    No, the novel wasn't what I was expecting after waiting for two years. Like others, I kept getting frustrated with the publication date being set back again and again. I didn't know if Mr. Crais (the real Elvis Cole?) was sick and in the hospital, or simply having trouble writing this book.

    I did enjoy it, however. In fact, I read it over a four-day period, when it usually takes me two weeks to read a novel this long. I don't think the author's writing was bad. It certainly held my attention and conveyed the necessary information and propelled the story forward.

    I also loved the return of Officer Scott James and his K-9 dog, Maggie. I hope Mr. Crais will continue with their stories, but not at the expense of Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. Cole and Pike are the characters that made Robert Crais a success. He could also do a stand-alone novel of Jon Stone and what transpired during his Delta Force career. What I'm saying is that I think Mr. Crais may need to write more than one novel a year. I can see him rolling his eyes right now. Maybe make the novels 125 pages shorter. That way he could do two books. Of course, Crais is no spring chicken and most writers his age are slowing down their turnout, rather than increasing it. Yet, authors Stephen King and Joe Lansdale have no problem writing two or more books a year, not to mention novellas and short stories.

    It's something to think about.

    I have to admit that Joe Pike wasn't used as much as he normally is during a Cole/Pike novel. That threw me off a little, but the author more than made up for it with Jon Stone being added and how he takes a shine to the main character. It isn't romance or love, but rather an acknowledgement of what Amy is willing to do to get revenge for the death of her son. This is something Jon understands and agrees with. At first he seems like a true mercenary with his need to be paid for his unique job skills and services. His attraction to Amy's personal needs and wanting to sincerely help her, show another side of this being who does have a heart and is willing to help those in need.

    Even though these are fictional characters, we need people like this in our everyday lives because its difficult to keep pushing forward against all the hardships and challenges, without having our backs covered. These are definitely three men I would want covering me in a dangerous situation.

    Maybe the novel did have too many characters in it that weren't needed to keep the story moving, but it felt right and didn't slow my reading down.

    I will say the ending was a strong one for me. I silently applauded Jon Stone for what he did in making things right for Amy and giving her closure. As someone said a few weeks ago, it's what you feel when you finish a novel, or walk out of a movie theater, that really describes how much you enjoyed the product. The Promise by Robert Crais left me feeling good and full of hope about the future.

    That's as it should be!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024
    Typical Cole and Pike. Great story line. Believable characters. Hard to go wrong with a Robert Cross book. Always follow
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
    This was my first venture into the Cole and Pike series. It is different from most in the two genres which it bridges. Elvis is a PI, following the long history of private investigator tales. Joe Pike is a more mysterious figure, having emerged from a background of special ops. This book, not the first of the series, doesn’t share the story of the odd partnership. In this book, a second special ops/mercenary Jon Stone (a friend of Joe Pike) plays an important part, and then disappears. Elvis emerges, not only as brave and honorable, but also a man of strong compassion. A sad story; a good read.

Top reviews from other countries

  • D. L. G.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not up to the usual standard
    Reviewed in France on November 14, 2015
    There are two gripes I have to get off my chest before I even start on the book, Firstly, I ordered this book as soon as it was announced - some 18 months ago. The publisher changed the release date twice, the second time was announced only days before I was expecting the book to arrive on my Kindle and delayed the publication by 6 months. I would put this down to last minute problems if it weren't for the mysterious blurb which accompanied the book details on Amazon's site for the entire 18 months before publication. The blurb described Scott and Maggie being attacked in a warehouse by a shadowy figure while a 'beaten and bloodied' Joe Pike looks on. I cannot have been alone in wanting to know who on earth could have got the better of Joe. This blurb has now disappeared from the description page and no such scene takes place in the story. Either the publishers are incompetent or they have no respect for the reader.
    Maybe my frustration coloured my reaction to the book but I don't think so - Elvis seems to have lost all of his wit and sparkle, Joe is barely present in the story and contributes little when he is, relinquishing his place to Jon Stone - Stone's presence in the novel is a puzzler, surely Joe could have performed all that Stone does? Scott seems remarkably indecisive all the way through and even Maggie is denied her big scene in the park at the end of the novel. I felt utterly let down by the latest in a series I have loved.
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great to have Scott and maggie the dog back
    Reviewed in Spain on January 16, 2019
    Although this isn't as good as some of the others, it is entertaining. Can't wait for the next Elvis book.
  • Mac
    5.0 out of 5 stars Crais in great form
    Reviewed in Australia on November 27, 2015
    I almost didn't read this book because of the mixed reviews - I didn't want to be disappointed in one of my favourite series. So glad I read it - I thought it was one of the best Cole and Pike books so far.

    The plot was complex, Scott and Maggie added an interesting dimension and Jon Stone was an intriguing presence. Some of the reviews commented on the absence of the usual Cole and Pike firefights. That's true, but in my opinion didn't detract from the story. Loved it - read it in a day because I couldn't put it down.
  • Placeholder
    4.0 out of 5 stars A nice breezy read
    Reviewed in India on November 17, 2015
    The entire gang - motley crew is here in this novel, which is not exactly your typical Crais novel but a thrilling read nevertheless. Since Crais novels come out after long intervals, I really look forward to reading them. Though this is not among his best works, it still packs a punch and twists and turns and makes for good easy escapist reading
  • Ben Kenobi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely brilliant, again another superb book from Robert Crais
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 20, 2015
    Absolutely brilliant, again another superb book from Robert Crais. For me this story had all the best elements of Cole, Pike and Stone, but without leaving bodies lying around in their wake, the morgues must have been closed, which was excellent writing as usual with no let up in suspense, brilliant believable characters and again with Scott James and Maggie a great new perspective based on two great characters that fit seamlessly into the story with Cole and Pike. I agree with other reviewers there is not enough Pike in this book and the description is totally wrong on amazon, there is no part with a bloodied Pike and no terrorist connection. For some this move away from focusing on Cole and Pike will not be welcome, I did scroll ahead to see if there was a Pike chapter and there is not and I missed his first person thoughts. However overall a great read and I will read all 15 Cole and Pike books again now, superb.