Free Fall

An Elvis Cole and Joe Pike Novel, Book 4

By: Robert Crais

Narrated by: Mel Foster

Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

"A thoughtful and powerful page turner."--People

Elvis Cole is just a detective who can't say no, especially to a girl in a terrible fix. And Jennifer Sheridan qualifies: Her fiancé, Mark Thurman, is a decorated LA cop with an elite plainclothes unit, but Jennifer's sure he's in trouble - the kind of serious trouble that only Elvis Cole can help him out of.

Five minutes after his new client leaves his office, Elvis and his partner, the enigmatic Joe Pike, are hip-deep in a deadly situation as they plummet into a world of South Central gangs, corrupt cops, and conspiracies of silence. And before the case is through, every copy in the LAPD will be gunning for a pair of escaped armed-and-dangerous killers - Elvis Cole and Joe Pike.

"Elvis Cole provides more fun for the reader than any L.A. private eye to come along in years."--Joseph Wambaugh

"Elvis lives, and he's on his way to being crowned the king of detectives."--Booklist

Investigate another case with Elvis Cole and Joe Pike.

©2008 Robert Crais (P)2008 Brilliance Audio

Riveting

Would you consider the audio edition of Free Fall to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It was very suspenseful. It keep you listening. I did not particularly care for the ending.

What did you like best about this story?

The tight bond between Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. I also liked the thrill of the story.

What about Mel Foster’s performance did you like?

I loved his voice. He is very entertaining.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

What Elvis Cole did to help his friend Joe Pike.

Great stuff!

Well written and wonderfully read. Solid story & continued character development.
Love the interplay between Cole & Pike!

I'm Hooked!

My first Elvis Cole and Joe PIke book. They are great characters. I am now hooked on them, and plan to listen to the entire series.

Mel Foster did a good job with the voices, and his inflections helped flesh out the personalities of each of the characters.

story better than reader

Crais is always a good, reliable listen. This reader almost ruins it, but not quite. I dislike buying abridged books, but in this case I wish I'd bought the abridged version with a better reader.

CPC all you'll ever need (Crais, Pike, Cole)

Would you listen to Free Fall again? Why?

Yes, there is always a detail missed that you find later.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Poitros and Grimes, they never allow their personal feelings towards Pike to keep them from helping to see justice is done.

What about Mel Foster’s performance did you like?

Voice and inflection gives realism to varied characters of gender and ethnicity.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Elvis Cole, reserve chute for those of poor judgement.

Any additional comments?

As much as I would like to see any of the Pike and Cole series go to film, I feel the style, story, and characters would not be done justice much like the works of Stephen King.

Too dated - cannot recommend

Not one of the better Elvis Coke novels. But it’s the “n” words, the “mad men” sexism that puts it into the “don’t bother” category.

Weakest of the series so far

Story wasn't really that compelling and were is a "paper" or Kindle would not be a page turner. Narrator captures none of Elvis Cole's personality. I think that series like this need the same narrator and it really adds a lot to the listening experience - examples those for the Prey and Virgil Flowers books by Sanford, Box's Joe Picket series, and Craig Johnson's :Longmeir books.

I'll stick to the print version of Elvis Cole

I am a great fan of Robert Crais/Elvis Cole and this is my second audio disappointment. The first book I listened to (The First Rule) was read by the author. Bad choice. This book is narrated by Mel Foster, who is NOT the right voice for the wise-cracking "World's Greatest Detective". I guess I'll stick to print versions of Robert Crais novels from now on.

Another awesome Elvis Cole novel!

Well folks, the 5 star rating should say it all:) I enjoyed the book very much. It had a great story and I loved the "unknown" character that was "Mark Thurman". lol Didn't have to look that name up!

Anyway, it was fast paced & very entertaining! Worth the read! I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Another great Elvis & Pike story.

While I enjoyed the story. I was distracted by the narration. Half the time it sounded so mechanical I thought it was digital. Both voices for Elvis & Pike were the wrong pitch and inflection.