And it's not just the one murder, but those of seven women over an eight year span. What's worse: two of the murders occurred after Byrd had been acquitted. Cole doesn't like to be wrong, nor does he want to feel responsible for the two women's deaths. Chasing Darkness, the latest in a series of murder mysteries featuring Los Angeles private investigator, Elvis Cole, begins with Mr. Byrd's apparent suicide and takes the reader along with Cole as he retraces his steps, re-interviewing witnesses to the three-year-old crime and chasing down new leads.
Marx and Munson
Not long after Byrd's body is discovered, LAPD Detectives Marx and Munson and in Cole's office, all but accusing him of murder. They want his files and they want to push him around a little. In fact, they aren't the only ones with a new grudge. Two brothers of one of the victims are on the look-out for Cole and they aren't intending to just shake his hand.
A Cover-Up?
For Cole's part, he's sure that the evidence he uncovered that originally exonerated Byrd was valid, but if so, how did the evidence connecting Byrd with the murders happen to be found at his side. As Cole retraced his steps from three-years ago, strange things are happening. Evidence and file pages are missing...and so are former witnesses. Could someone working to bury the truth in this case, perhaps the police investigating the murders? If so, why?
Chasing Darkness is a riveting page-turner, in the tradition of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. Fans of the Cole and Joe Pike books will enjoy revisiting the familiar characters, but the book also stands alone well to readers new to the series. The novel has lots of subtle clues and more than a couple of plot twists--just the recipe for a good thriller.
Chasing Darkness, from Simon & Schuster, will be published on July 1 (2008).
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 14 previous novels, including the 2007 The Watchman and 2001's Hostage, which was made into a 2005 movie with Bruce Willis. He lives in Santa Monica with his wife, three cats, and 1000s of books.
Other Recommended Thrillers
- The Watchman by Robert Crais
- Where are you Now? by Mary Higgins Clark
- The Chameleon's Shadow by Minette Walters
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