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Robert Crais
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The First Rule (Joe Pike series Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Robert Crais (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 6,946 ratings

'Crais just gets better and better . . . Crais's novels are as appealing as chocolate eclairs and just as satisfying. Trouble is, like cream cakes, I want to eat them all at once' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

'A nerve-racking, switchbacking tale of guilt and redemption...so good it gives you goosebumps' EVENING STANDARD

Joe Pike is out for revenge and no cop, no bad guy, no one alive, is going to stop him.

Frank Meyer had got out of 'the life' safely. He had put an end to his mercenary days, turned over a new leaf and settled down with his wife and children. It had been a hard decision but, encouraged by his boss and friend Joe Pike, he had walked away.

Ten years later, a group of armed men break into his Los Angeles home and brutally gun down him and his family. It's a vicious, cold and professional job. The crew leave no trace behind except the bodies.

But they have made one catastrophic, and almost certainly terminal, mistake - Joe Pike. Because Pike is now determined to hunt down and eliminate everyone involved in the attack, one by one. And it doesn't matter that, as he starts to investigate, he discovers that these criminals are bigger and better organised than he ever could have imagined, because they are about to learn the first rule:

Don't make Joe Pike mad...

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  1. Book 13 of 20
    Elvis Cole and Joe Pike
  2. Print length
    401 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Orion
  5. Publication date
    30 Mar. 2010
  6. File size
    2.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Shop this series

 See full series
There are 20 books in this series.

In this series (20 books)

Kindle Edition

Product description

Review

Crais once mroe proves himself to be one of the finest exponents of the genre in a gripping and complex story. ― HUDDERSFIELD DAILY EXAMINER

A nerve-racking, switchbacking tale of guilt and redemption...so good it gives you goosebumps ― EVENING STANDARD

An adrenaline rush of a novel that's got the laconic verve of Lee Child's thrillers and the plot surprises of Michael Connelly's mysteries ― SmartMoney

Crais writes some of the snappiest procedurals coming out of the States ― EVENING STANDARD

Crais just gets better and better . . . Crais's novels are as appealing as chocolate eclairs and just as satisfying. Trouble is, like cream cakes, I want to eat them all at once ― INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

Ah, the twist. The twist gives the book heart, the twist made me cry at the end. The twist makes this a classic Robert Crais novel and a marvellous Joe Pike story ... this spare book with its emotionally reserved main character is one of the most moving novels I've read this year -- Kristine Kathryn Rusch

About the Author

Robert Crais is the author of the bestselling Cole & Pike novels. A native of Louisiana, Crais moved to Hollywood in the late 70s where he began a successful career in television, writing scripts for such major series as CAGNEY & LACEY, MIAMI VICE and HILL STREET BLUES. In the mid 80s, following his success with the TV buddy genre, Crais created a series of crime novels based around the characters Cole & Pike. In addition, Crais has also written several bestselling standalone thrillers. In 2014 he became a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America. Robert Crais lives in Los Angeles with his wife and family.
Find out more at www.robertcrais.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003FXCSLI
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orion (30 Mar. 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 401 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 6,946 ratings

About the author

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Robert Crais

Robert Crais

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Robert Crais is the author of the bestselling Cole & Pike novels. A native of Louisiana, Crais moved to Hollywood in the late 70s where he began a successful career in television, writing scripts for such major series as Cagney & Lacey, Miami Vice and Hill Street Blues. In the mid 80s, following his success with the TV buddy genre, Crais created a series of crime novels based around the characters Cole & Pike. In addition, Crais has also written several bestselling standalone thrillers. Robert Crais lives in LA with his wife and family.

Here are the Elvis Cole novels in series order:

The Monkey's Raincoat

Stalking the Angel

Lullaby Town

Free Fall

Voodoo River

Sunset Express

Indigo Slam

L. A. Requiem

The Last Detective

The Forgotten Man

The Watchman

Chasing Darkness

Stand-alone novels:

Demolition Angel

Hostage

The Two Minute Rule

The First Rule

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
6,946 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great read with a believable plot and fast-flowing Joe Pike and Cole narrative. They appreciate the character development, pacing, and gripping nature of the story, with one customer noting it's detailed enough to keep the brain occupied. The writing style receives mixed reviews, with several customers describing it as badly written.

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44 customers mention ‘Readability’44 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and entertaining, with one customer noting it's one to read without a break.

"...It really is worth it. The books do stand alone, but to get the most out of them it's best to know the backgrounds of Elvis Cole and Joe Pike...." Read more

"...intend to revisit Elvis' adventures as they were one of the most entertaining I've read, and I read a lot of crime fiction...." Read more

"...I have to admit it was love at first page...." Read more

"...in one sitting but slowly so that I could savour it all, and I enjoyed it very much...." Read more

26 customers mention ‘Plot’24 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, finding it believable and with strong storylines, with one customer noting its fast-moving pace.

"...Great books. Strong story lines, often dark but with a lot of humour too. I really like the characters - you get drawn into their lives...." Read more

"...writing style – fast-moving plots often featuring in-depth investigation of one main crime rather than a new stiff with every chapter...." Read more

"I liked everything about this novel . The plot , the characters and the dialogue just kept me turning the pages" Read more

"...Not mind blowing,a bit formulaic but a good adventure story" Read more

9 customers mention ‘Pace’9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pace of the book, describing it as a fast-flowing Pike and Cole read.

"...I really like Robert Crais writing style – fast-moving plots often featuring in-depth investigation of one main crime rather than a new stiff with..." Read more

"Does exactly what it says on the tin. Another fast flowing Pike and Cole read. Not his best but always very enjoyable." Read more

"...with Joe Pike, its always an enjoyable book with these guys with a fast moving and well written plot. You wont be disappointed" Read more

"Good for passing the time on a long haul flight. Fast with lots of action, detailed enough to keep your brain occupied but not an..." Read more

8 customers mention ‘Character development’8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...I really like the characters - you get drawn into their lives...." Read more

"...with a softer side to pike making him a much more diverse an believable character. Be great to see more of a story of stone." Read more

"...A fast paced thriller, taut and edgy, using Crais favourite characters.good read.keeps you guessing till the end.i enjoyed it" Read more

"great plot, loved the characters which I hope pop up again in other books...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Pacing’5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one mentioning it keeps them engaged from the very beginning, while another notes it's detailed enough to keep the brain occupied.

"...are not usually complicated and this one has enough to keep you asking questions throughout. Read it in two days. Look forward to the next one." Read more

"This gets five stars as it kept me engaged from the very beginning. I haven't read any others in the series, yet...." Read more

"...Fast with lots of action, detailed enough to keep your brain occupied but not an overcomplicated plot. A good read." Read more

"Good read and kept you wanting to turn the page." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Grip’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book gripping.

"A great read. gripping and fast pace story. I Would reccommend. Love Cole and Pike who are a great team, they are really great characters." Read more

"Gripping, brilliant read! The plot begins from page 1. Couldn't put it down." Read more

"As gripping as always - long may Robert Crais continue to write!" Read more

"Gripping...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Edginess’3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's edginess, with one describing it as fabulously cool.

"...pike is fabulously cool and menacing all at the same time and elvis cole well you just so would!!..." Read more

"...A fast paced thriller, taut and edgy, using Crais favourite characters.good read.keeps you guessing till the end.i enjoyed it" Read more

"Great looking forward to date next love his style .I most catch up with his other books .cold and cool" Read more

5 customers mention ‘Writing style’3 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style of the book, with several finding it badly written and dull.

"...I have to admit it was love at first page. I really like Robert Crais writing style – fast-moving plots often featuring in-depth investigation of..." Read more

"Dull, dull, dull. No real denouement, no ratcheting up of excitement. And so badly written, as if by a machine...." Read more

"...excelant condition ahead of the date predicted ,very good book ,very good author" Read more

"I have only read 3 or 4 books, but i honestly think they are very poor reads. In fact when i think about it they are pretty terrible. Steve" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Dee Strachan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dee/Devon
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 October 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Though this is in the 'Elvis Cole' series by Robert Crais, it's mainly about Joe Pike, and that's absolutely fine. When I started reading this series in the middle, and then went back to the first book (highly recommended) it makes Joe Pike more understandable. I absolutely love the whole series and thoroughly recommend it. The First Rule is a great book, but if this is your first of the series, do start at the beginning. It really is worth it. The books do stand alone, but to get the most out of them it's best to know the backgrounds of Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. Great books. Strong story lines, often dark but with a lot of humour too. I really like the characters - you get drawn into their lives. Passed this one on to my husband who loved it and will recommend the whole series to my son who lives in the USA when I visit soon.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Sharon-E
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pike loses top spot to Lee Child's Reacher
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2010
    Verified Purchase
    In my house I have a shelf set aside for Elvis Cole and I intend to revisit Elvis' adventures as they were one of the most entertaining I've read, and I read a lot of crime fiction. I've been waiting for a new Elvis outing for years having been immersed in more serious tales from messrs McBride, Robinson and others. Elvis, along with Harlen Coben's Myron Bolitar is one of those characters that has a serious story but enough humour to lighten the daily trip to work on the tube.

    So to our beloved Mr.Pike. As another reviewer comments, Pike's silence is one of his strengths and these solo excursions have taken a bit of the polish for me in the character. As the wife of a (minor) crime novellist myself (see Max Jones) I can appreciate both the passion in the characters, and the need to deliver to the publisher. In the absence of any more of Elvis I will 'get by' with further pike outings. However, Reacher (Lee Child) has been cemented as my no.1 strong silent type ahead of Pike and unless Mr.Crais delivers some more Elvis stories I am sorry he won't regain the top spot.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • GJ Morrison
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another cracker from Robert Crais
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 July 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I discovered Robert Crais through Amazon quite recently and have been working my way through his Elvis Cole – Joe Pike series ever since. I have to admit it was love at first page. I really like Robert Crais writing style – fast-moving plots often featuring in-depth investigation of one main crime rather than a new stiff with every chapter.

    The First Rule gave me the opportunity to study Joe Pike in more detail as he often plays the second character to Elvis Cole. It is a story of revenge and retribution. If, like me, you have read the other novels in the series you will know that it is a bad idea to mess with Joe Pike’s friends. So when of them is killed in the first chapter, you know that it is going to end badly for the protagonists – and it certainly does.

    A great continuation of the Cole-Pike franchise.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Roger Drew
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another perfect thriller from Robert Crais
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 February 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I liked everything about this novel . The plot , the characters and the dialogue just kept me turning the pages
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  • Gaynor Thomas
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pike is the main man!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 March 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I am a huuuge fan of Robert Crais and LA Requiem, Pike's first solo outing, is probably my favourite of his Cole/Pike books (although it is a close call because I like them all and I think I am in love with Elvis). In this book Pike is once again the main character, although Elvis plays a bigger part in this story than he does in LA Requiem. I read the book in one sitting but slowly so that I could savour it all, and I enjoyed it very much. I do agree that Pike probably works best as Elvis' strong silent sidekick and perhaps doesn't have enough depth to his character to sustain a second book all about him. Essentially he is a simple man who lives by simple rules about loyalty and friendship and there is only so much you can write about that, but I thought there were enough other characters peopling this book to make it work as a whole. And, call me soppy, but I loved the baby stuff. What a man!
    One person found this helpful
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  • A. Grundy
    5.0 out of 5 stars cracking book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 September 2024
    Verified Purchase
    any book featuring joe pike is a must for me
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  • Celia Johnson
    3.0 out of 5 stars Card problem
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 February 2017
    Verified Purchase
    On ordering this book it was at first declined as I had had a new credit card, same number but a new expiry date! At first I could not think where I was being declined, none of the suggestions mentioned new expiry date but I did then sort it out and re-ordered the book. Since then 3 have arrived, really annoying, so I will be returning 2 to get my money ak, what a faff!!! The book outsell is fine and arrived quickl as did the other 2!
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  • October Rose
    5.0 out of 5 stars More more more!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 May 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I came across Robert Crais by accident, I just fancied reading something a bit different (I'm usually a hearts and flowers sort of girl).
    I thought I'd give it ago and I'm so glad I did, within a few minutes I was hooked. Now I would concider myself addicted, I cant get enough of his Joe Pike novels. Joe's a been there done it sort of chap, guns, bullets & fists flying everywhere. He always gets the job done no matter what it takes and he's a thoroughly decent guy to boot - if your bad you cop it. It makes me laugh when I imagine myself in the fight as he beats the brown stuff out of two or three baddies at a time - great stuff (but don't tell anyone it's most unladylike)
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Kindle Customerjames sunseri
    5.0 out of 5 stars The First Rule
    Reviewed in the United States on 7 March 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great story line eith Joe Pike in the lead. Vrry good character building with Joe. We get to see a human sidd to him as he becomes a real person. Enjoy.
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  • PaddyMac
    5.0 out of 5 stars As Good as Ever
    Reviewed in France on 24 July 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I will always read Elvis and Joe books and I am never let down or disappointed. If you do not know the series I urge you to get on board; they are exciting clever and involving novels.
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  • Katrina Cronin
    5.0 out of 5 stars quality
    Reviewed in Australia on 12 March 2021
    Verified Purchase
    great read- book good quality and delivered in good time
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  • Omnimancer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Getting to know Joe Pike
    Reviewed in Canada on 28 January 2011
    Verified Purchase
    One thing I like about the series of Robert Crais novels is that each one has an innocent client that we come to care as deeply about as our protagonist does.

    The client Pike adopts as he goes about the business of finding out who killed his old friend, and why is what makes this book so good. This book is much more than a simple detective tale.
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  • Anne Mohr
    5.0 out of 5 stars absolut spannend
    Reviewed in Germany on 25 June 2013
    Verified Purchase
    nicht nur spannend sondern auch wirklich gut geschrieben. Man legt das Buch nicht gerne aus der Hand so fesselnd ist die Geschichte dargestellt.
    Report

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