R

Robert Crais

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 29 Books

6
Series
29
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books
Start with: The Monkey's Raincoat (1987)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Scott James & Maggie Books
Start with: Suspect (2013)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Demolition Angel (2000)

About Robert Crais

A star was born in Louisiana on the night of June 20, 1953 when Robert Crais was brought into the world. Raised as an only child by the childless couple who took him under their wings, he could have followed in the tradition of his family and either went into the upholding the law as a police officer or working in one of the oil refinery which Louisiana is so famous for. But at fifteen years of age, he got his eyes and hands on a second hand copy of The Little Sister written by Raymond Chandler. Those eternal words on paper changed the direction of his life and roused the flame of his love, that of writing. Crais knows what he wants out of life and he is willing to work for it. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books series, Robert Crais has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Robert Crais

Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books
20 books 1987–2025
1

The Monkey's Raincoat

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books with The Monkey's Raincoat, another outstanding contribution from Robert Crais.

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1987
2

Stalking the Angel

Stalking the Angel is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Crais have come to expect.

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1989
3

Lullaby Town

Lullaby Town is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Crais have come to expect.

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1992
4

Free Fall

Free Fall continues the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books story arc with Robert Crais's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
5

Voodoo River

Voodoo River continues the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books story arc with Robert Crais's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
6

Sunset Express

Sunset Express continues the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books story arc with Robert Crais's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
7

Indigo Slam

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books with Indigo Slam, another outstanding contribution from Robert Crais.

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1997
8

L. A. Requiem

L. A. Requiem continues the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books story arc with Robert Crais's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
9

The Last Detective

The investigation intensifies in The Last Detective, as this installment of the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Robert Crais's creation.

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2003
10

The Forgotten Man

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books with The Forgotten Man, another outstanding contribution from Robert Crais.

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2005
11

The Watchman

The Watchman is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Crais have come to expect.

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2007
12

Chasing Darkness

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books with Chasing Darkness, another outstanding contribution from Robert Crais.

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2008
13

The First Rule

The First Rule is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Crais have come to expect.

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2010
14

The Sentry

The Sentry continues the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books story arc with Robert Crais's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
15

Taken

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books with Taken, another outstanding contribution from Robert Crais.

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2012
16

The Promise

The Promise is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Crais have come to expect.

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2015
17

The Wanted

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books with The Wanted, another outstanding contribution from Robert Crais.

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2017
18

A Dangerous Man

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books with A Dangerous Man, another outstanding contribution from Robert Crais.

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2019
19

Racing the Light

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books with Racing the Light, another outstanding contribution from Robert Crais.

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2022
20

The Big Empty

The Big Empty continues the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books story arc with Robert Crais's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
Publication Order of Scott James & Maggie Books
2 books 2013–2015
1

Suspect

Suspect continues the Publication Order of Scott James & Maggie Books story arc with Robert Crais's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
2

The Promise

The Promise is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Scott James & Maggie Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Crais have come to expect.

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2015
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
3 books 2000–2006
1

Demolition Angel

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Demolition Angel, another outstanding contribution from Robert Crais.

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2000
2

Hostage

Hostage is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Crais have come to expect.

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2001
3

The Two Minute Rule

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Two Minute Rule, another outstanding contribution from Robert Crais.

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2006
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
1 books 2011–2011
1

The Man Who Knew Dick Bong

The Man Who Knew Dick Bong continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Robert Crais's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
Publication Order of Mysterious Profiles Books
1 books 2022–2022
1

Elvis Cole and Joe Pike

Elvis Cole and Joe Pike is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Mysterious Profiles Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Crais have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 2011–2012
1

Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe

Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Robert Crais's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
2

The Best American Mystery Stories 2012

The Best American Mystery Stories 2012 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Robert Crais's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Robert Crais?

Robert Crais is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 29 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books, Publication Order of Scott James & Maggie Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Robert Crais series to start with?

For readers new to Robert Crais's work, the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 20 books. Begin with The Monkey's Raincoat to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Robert Crais written?

Robert Crais has written over 29 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Robert Crais books in order?

Yes, reading Robert Crais's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Robert Crais write in?

Robert Crais writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 29 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Robert Crais's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Robert Crais's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Robert Crais's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Robert Crais's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Books series. The first book, The Monkey's Raincoat, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.