The Sentry

An Elvis Cole and Joe Pike Novel, Book 14

By: Robert Crais

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Private investigators Joe Pike and Elvis Cole get double-crossed in this twisty, gripping New York Times bestseller that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

When gangbangers shake down the modest owner of a Los Angeles eatery, Joe Pike intervenes. For all intents and purposes, Pike saved Wilson Smith's life. But for reasons of their own, Smith and his lovely niece, Dru, are curiously resentful. It's only when Pike's feelings for the woman deepen that he and his partner, Elvis Cole, discover that Dru and her uncle are not at all who they seem, and everything Pike has learned about them is a lie. But it's much more than a deception. It's a trap. And with every new twist it's proving to be a killer.

Investigate another case with Elvis Cole and Joe Pike.

©2011 Robert Crais (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

It's fine

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you're a fan of Robert Crais and the Elvis/Pike series, then I would recommend. I wouldn't recommend starting with this one if you've never read any of the series before.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Pike's motivation for helping the endangered people is not all that convincing --even when you're inside Pike's point of view. But the action is good, and as always the details about plotting out an assault or defense is interesting. Pike has his charms as the POV, especially his cool internal monologue when he's punching people/breaking their arms. The basic problem with these books when told from Pike's point of view is that Elvis Cole is the funny one, and without him being the main focus, they're not as entertaining.

I love Joe Pike and Elvis Cole!!

Reading a Robert Crais hard-boiled novel is always a cinematic experience, and The Sentry follows that tradition seamlessly with a compelling list of zany characters all depicted with wonderful vividness. The dialogue is bullet-fast, witty, and never flags, culminating in a story both riveting and original. It really doesn't get much better in meaty thrillers than this. The audio production adds a special dimension akin to sitting and listening to a great old storyteller, who knows how to make the characters come alive. Luke Daniels does a specular job as the narrator. Well produced and performed masterfully. Joe Pike and Elvis Cole keep me coming back for more.

All that and more

Crais doesn't disappoint. I was a bit worried, after his last work, that he was losing his edge, but there was no need. He's raised the bar on himself. I love the plotting (replete with switchbacks) as well as the bond between Pike and Cole and the relationships they have independent of each other. I could go on, but I'd just be gushing. Whether a Pike fan, a Cole fan or simply a detective mysery fan, The Sentry is a great listen. I once again find myself in the "can't wait for the next one" mode.

What’s Not To Like

It’s a Pike story. Narration so so. When Crais tells the story you feel his emotion. Luke is not invested. Maybe that’s what slowed the story down. Next ........

No Surprises, just highly readable (listenable)

Would you listen to The Sentry again? Why?

yes. you just know what you're getting with a Robert Crais/Joe Pike novel

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

there isn't much of a mystery here, i would have liked a more complex story

Which character – as performed by Luke Daniels – was your favorite?

Danial Vincent... the psycho assassin

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

almost...

Any additional comments?

there's no surprises here, i.e. when he meets the girl and her uncle, you know that they are not what they seem... but Pike is such a fun character

outstanding.

I already appreciate Mr. Crais as an author though I enjoy audiobooks when I'm driving and the performance of this book is the best I've ever heard. I plan to look for another Crais novel with the same narrator just because it was done so well.

Pike is pike

Another winner, love these stories. Pike takes the spotlight in this book. They make a perfect team.

Not his best

Not very satisfying. I had a hard time believing the characters motivations. Nice to see Cole's cat is hanging in there though.

Pike grows on you

Crais' character Joe Pike grows on you. Tough guy loaner who has a heart and needs people more than he portrays or wishes to. A good listen. Fun, but don't expect super in depth writing. In the thriller/action dept. it has some good parts. Story development and character development are above average but fairly predicable and simple. I would recommend it but more for an easy, fun listen. Don't expect too much and you will enjoy this for what it is, a good story told well.

Average

The story was a little too simple for a mystery suspense novel. It also left a lot to be desired in its character development.