Sunset Express

June 2, 1997
PW gave a starred review to this tale of Southern California PI Elvis Cole's run-in with a big-shot criminal defense attorney and the LAPD.

March 1, 1996
If Spenser and Hawk are the forefathers of the double-tough-guy mysteries, then Crais' Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are among their most notable offspring. Here Elvis is hired by high-profile attorney Jonathan Green to investigate the death of Susan Martin, wife of megamillionaire Teddy Green. The defense is basing its case on the Mark Fuhrman^-like theory that evidence was planted at the scene by Detective Angela Rossi, a fallen star in the LAPD who could use a celebrity conviction as her ticket back to the fast track. Elvis and Joe are pleased when their efforts show Rossi worked by the book, but attorney Green puts his own spin on the data. When the people Elvis contacted begin dying, he senses something is terribly wrong. This hip, funny, and thought-provoking novel will delight Crais' growing legion of fans, and the fist-shaking, high-fiving conclu sion offers at least the hope of ultimate justice when our system fails. ((Reviewed March 1, 1996))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1996, American Library Association.)