The First Rule

An Elvis Cole and Joe Pike Novel, Book 13

By: Robert Crais

Narrated by: Robert Crais

Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Joe Pike and his partner Elvis Cole must solve the murder of an old friend and his entire family in this gripping thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais.

When Frank Meyer and his family are executed during a home invasion, the police begin investigating the secret life they're sure Meyer had. Joe Pike's on a hunt of his own: to clear his friend's name, and to punish the people who murdered him. What starts out as a simple trail gets twisted fast by old grudges, double crosses, blood vengeance, and a crime so terrible even Pike and his partner Elvis Cole have no way to measure it.

Investigate another case with Elvis Cole and Joe Pike.

©2010 Robert Crais (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

A Robert Crais performed by Robert Crais: perfect!

I didn’t know what to expect when I saw that Crais the author was also the performer for the audio version of this book.

Wow, very impressive. Crais is an excellent audio actor, and he brings the right amount of emotion into his characters. He is a top-flight audio book performer, making the book come alive.

The story?
An excellent action mystery, just as we expect from Crais. Joe Pike is the main character this time, and as we marvel at his strong, silent actions, we learn more about the man.

Highly recommended!

Absolutely his best book

I've listened to all of the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike novels.. This is Crais at the top of his game, best of the genre.. I tip my hat

Exciting

For a thriller, this is about an average book, but it makes a great audio book. Few characters, easy to follow plot, exciting and fast-paced, and has a quite interesting plot. Very well read. It was enjoyable and suited my stop-and-start listening.

Pleasant surprise

Picked this from the sale, and was pleasantly surprised. My first encounter with Crais, and I will try more by him. Sure, not the best narration ever, but not distractingly poor either. I liked the Pike character. Decent plot, just plain good entertainment.

Another Great Crais Book

Plot is very good and character are good and Crais does his own dialog. Really enjoyed the book

Not bad

Second crais book. Well written good pace good plot. Love Joe Pike. Unlike most heroes he doesn't end up bedding the fair maidens. Refreshing.

Second Time Around

Occasionally I re-listen to a book that seems to have faded in my memory. Recently, I pulled up The First Rule because I like the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series of novels it led me to and it's substance was evading me. I believe TFR is the first in the series and it focuses on Joe Pike, unlike most of the others that focus on Elvis. Author Robert Crais narrated whereas Patrick Lawlor read most of the others I had listened to. This second time around, I enjoyed it more than ever and it enhanced my enjoyment of subsequent Cole/Pike novels. The plot combines ruthless East European organized crime gangs, LA gangs, loyalty, friendship, betrayal. The bad guys met their match in Joe Pike whose raw tough guy talents drive this story rather than Elvis who leads the way in most of the others. I kind of liked the change of pace because I learned more about the stoic Pike's background and motivations. Crais's narration was particularly entertaining and, if he does another book centering on Pike, he would do well to perform the Pike role again.

My least favorite of the series

This is change in style for Crais. It reads much more like a Jack Reacher novel than a Cole/Pike story. Probably the main reason is it's humorless and Pike is almost reduced to two dimensional-- until Crais literally gives Pike something he can wrap his arms around. It's a good book, just not as good as all the previous ones.

You have to read this

Great book! Love Joe Pike. I look forward to reading other Joe Pike novels. Just getting started on Crais

The First Rule

I loved this story. The characters are just awesome! Of course we all love Elvis and Pike but John Stone brings a lot to the story. He’s funny and serious