The Watchman by Robert Crais

The Watchman, published in February of 2007, is the 11th book to feature former LAPD cop, ex-marine, and gun-for-hire, Joe Pike. The action centers around a Paris Hilton-type Los Angeles socialite, Larkin Barkley, the daughter of a mega-wealthy real estate developer, who finds herself mixed up in a terrifying situation after she crashes her car into the wrong people late one night. It seems the passenger in the car that fled the scene is a wanted drug smuggler.

Joe Pike for Hire

Favorite Crais hero, Joe Pike is called in to protect Larkin after three attempts have been made on her life in as many days. No sooner do they get to the next safe house than a fourth attempt is made. Going underground, Pike tries to protect Larkin and figure out who's leaking their whereabouts. He uses his network of loyal associates, including regular Crais character Elvis Cole, to learn the identity of the assassins. Unfortunately, he learns more than he should.

A Twisted Mix of Suspects

The quick-paced action leads Pike, Larkin, and Cole back to the scene of the accident and all over L.A. as they get closer and closer to the killer. Will the answer to the puzzle save Larkin or will it be too close to home?

Although part of a series of books that feature Joe Pike and Elvis Cole, Crais does a good job of making this novel stand alone for first-time readers while giving loyal fans new information about the characters -- not an easy trick. His crisp, fast-faced style has the readability of a James Patterson novel, but with a much more layered plot and many more nuances. If you haven't read Robert Crais, you're in for a treat.

About Robert Crais

Robert Crais is a former Hollywood scriptwriter, who has worked on popular shows, including "L.A. Law," "Hill Street Blues," and "Quincy." He began writing mystery novels in the 1980s and has authored 13 previous novels, including the 2006 Two-Minute Rule and 2001's Hostage, which was made into a 2005 movie with Bruce Willis. He latest novel, "Chasing Darkness" featuring Elvis Cole, was published in July of 2008. Crais lives in Santa Monica with his wife, three cats, and 1000s of books.