The Elephant of Surprise

A Hap and Leonard Novel

By: Joe R. Lansdale

Narrated by: Christopher Ryan Grant

Length: 4 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

The latest roaring, rollicking adventure from Edgar Award-winner Joe R. Lansdale, featuring odd-couple PIs Hap and Leonard.

Hap and Leonard are an unlikely pair - Hap, a self-proclaimed white-trash rebel - and Leonard - a tough-as-nails black, gay Vietnam vet and Republican - but they're the closest friend either of them has in the world.

After years of crime-solving companionship, something's changed: Hap, recently married to their PI boss, Brett, is now a family man. Amid the worst flood East Texas has seen in years, the two run across a woman who's had her tongue nearly cut out, pursued by a heavily armed pair of goons. Turns out the girl survived a mob hit, and the boss has come to clean up the mess.

On a chase that blows even the East Texas swamp grass back, Hap and Leonard must save the girl and vanquish her foes before the foes get them first.

With a new case to solve and a brand-new challenge to their relationship, will Hap and Leonard's friendship survive? Will Hap and Leonard survive?

The Elephant of Surprise is rich with Lansdale's trademark humor, whip-smart dialogue, and plenty of ass-kicking adventures.

©2019 Joe R. Lansdale (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"The Elephant of Surprise is the read of the year thus far for adrenaline junkies, action-hero aficionados and, as is always the case with Lansdale's novels, fans of clever and unexpected similes and metaphors."—BookPage

"Hap and Leonard remain two of the most likable characters in crime fiction."—Kirkus Reviews

"Lansdale's narrative voice is as wonderful as ever, as is the banter between the mismatched best friends as they punctuate the violence with drolly mundane observations. . . . It's always a pleasure to spend time with Hap and Leonard, even in the worst of circumstances."—Booklist

Love these dudes

But this seemed a little less entertaining than the rest of the books have been. I’ll be reading the next tho.

Great read

loved it I didn't want to put the book awesome job! Can't wait to read another book. loved all the surprises it kept me on my toes and kept me wanting to read more.

Great Book. Love me some Hap and Leonard...Great

Great quick Read


Another Great Hap and Leonard. I can't get enough!! I'm working my way through all of the books!!

Short but good

Definitely not slow. One of the fastest paced books from Lansdale. If you're a fan of Hap and Leonard do not let the length discourage purchasing this.

Great story, stilted narration

The book itself is fantastic, with lots of action and the usual banter and introspection that makes the series great. But the narration for this one is lifeless and the cadence feels almost off-putting. It's like someone reading something they really don't want to for a class project.

if you're into Hap and Lenard ....

you'll listen to this book either way it's not the the usual exciting Hap and Lenard ride but I enjoyed it. seems like Joe r might be getting tired of the series. it's a shame because I'm not.

Love the Hap and Leonard series!!!

I am an avid audible books listener and, in my opinion, this is one of the best series available. I download every book as soon as it is available and listen to it multiple times. Very unique characters that get into some crazy situations. I love the relationship between the main characters and the way their family by circumstance has come together and becomes more developed in each book. I also enjoy other stand alone books by the author. So far, even though the books have had several different readers, all have been excellent. Can’t wait until the next book is available.

Hap and Leonard at it again.

Hap and Leonard waste no tome at all to find themselves mixed up in some extreme non stop action that does let up the entire book. Fans of series will not be disappointed by THE ELEPHANT OF SURPRISE.

For Hap and Leonard fans

Long on action, short on plot. Probably only enjoyable for Hap and Leonard fans. The narration was great; Audible, please have all entire Hap and Leonard series re-recorded by Christopher Ryan Grant.

My Kinda Guys

Hap and Leonard are the greatest duo in history. They are opposites but make one hell of a team. I can't get enough of these guy!! Keep them coming Joe Lansdale, please.