Review: The Watchman

The book we’ve all been waiting for has finally landed on British shores – The Joe Pike standalone thriller. I’ve read with alacrity Crais’s Elvis Cole series over the years which featured his sidekick, former LAPD maverick, US Marine and ‘the man with few words’ – Joe Pike. I have always wondered if Crais would ever have the audacity to put Pike centre stage, and now I can wonder no more. Pike featured heavily in one of my favourite crime novels of all time ‘L A Requiem’ but I have to say, that ‘Watchmen’ equals that modern masterpiece, because where ‘L A Requiem’ used poignancy as its method, ‘Watchmen’ uses velocity, because this book zips faster than one of Pike’s bullets – I kid you not, because Crais in my opinion writes action sequences that are unequalled.

Fans of Elvis Cole need not fear that Crais has not abandoned his wise-cracking PI, because Cole plays as supporting but crucial role in the proceedings.

The tale begins with wealthy 22 year old playgirl / socialite Larkin Connor Barkley becoming involved in a car accident and now under protection from Joe Pike, in a safe house – because the auto-incident was more than just an accident. Larkin’s father is a multi-billionaire with an empire traversing hotels, oil exploration and airlines. The Department of Justice may have the answer but the puzzle at the novel’s core is why is Larkin being targeted? And what exactly are Alexander Liman Meesh [a known money launderer / murderer] and Property developers George and Elaine King doing in the Mercedes that collided with Larkin’s Aston Martin?

We know that only one man can help Pike as he moves around trying to keep the young woman Larkin alive? And that is - Elvis Cole, but he is recovering from the damage he endured by the psycho from ‘The Forgotten Man’ but Cole is on the case to uncover the links between property developers King, and the wealthy family that Larkin Barkley belongs to.

What for me was the most interesting aspect of ‘Watchmen’ is the backstory and insights into the enigmatic Joe Pike, especially the abuse he suffered from his father, and his time in the LAPD and his travels in Africa. Though I am sure Crais will reveal more because I felt that he enjoyed writing about Pike, because it comes across the page. For me ‘Watchmen’ sits shoulder to shoulder with ‘L A Requiem’ – and that is saying a great deal. A must for all Crime / Mystery fans from the master of the genre – Ali Karim.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Ali Karim - RAM

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.

Book Review: The Watchman

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.