The Big Empty
By Robert Crais
- Release Date: 2025-01-14
- Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
Description
Winner of the 2026 Edgar Award for Best Novel
Elvis Cole and his enigmatic partner, Joe Pike, race to find a terrifying, unidentified killer in this twisting, unpredictable thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais.
Traci Beller was thirteen when her father disappeared in the sleepy town of Rancha, not far from Los Angeles. The evidence says Tommy Beller abandoned his family, but Traci never believed it. Now, ten years later, Traci is a high-profile influencer with millions of followers and the money to hire the best detective she can find: Elvis Cole.
Elvis heads to Rancha where an ex-con named Sadie Givens and her daughter, Anya, might have a line on the missing man. But when Elvis finds himself shadowed by a gang of vicious criminals, the missing persons cold case becomes far more sinister.
Elvis calls his ex-Marine friend, Joe Pike, for help, and they follow Tommy Beller's trail into the depths of a monstrous, hidden evil. The case flips on its head, victims become predators, predators become prey, and the question becomes: Can Elvis Cole save them all from this nightmare?
Reviews
Enjoyable read.
4By WoodokieI enjoyed this read. I like the style and had quite a few laughs from comments made. Relatable maybe. On to the next one.The Big Empty
4By Halsterx4/5 stars Read it in one day. Very entertaining. Interesting characters. Twist and turn plot that was unpredictable. Some humor sprinkled in to brighten the characters. Would recommend to family nd friends. Hal R - Troy, MIAnother great book in an excellent series
5By Ron MerlotOutstanding read, the characters are great as always and a healthy dose of Joe Pike!Great Pace!
5By nicknametaffyFirst time I’ve read a book with these characters of Joe Pike and Cole Elvis. I’ll be looking for more !GOREY
3By deimaggiJust too much human horror. Unreal ending!The Big Empty
5By Blacksheep 5Could not put it down!Wow!
5By HeinmiGreat story!Twists and turns galore
5By geauxvintageAmazing prose about the rural sprawl of LA. Engrossing, fast paced, highly recommend.Great Book!
5By DenverTwinThis is a book that I thought I could just read a few chapters at night. I finished it at 8:30 this morning. Thank goodness it’s a weekend! The characters were well written. The plot was excellent. Mr. Crais is one of the few authors that I don’t guess the ending, before the end. I can’t wait to read the next one!A Tour de Force!
5By CaptainPratt SparrowI have read everything Robert Crais has written, but this outing clearly solidifies his claim as the rightful heir to John D. McDonald. The maturation of Elvis Cole will move you to years by the end of. Only Crais could take such a sordid subject and turn it into such a human experience thanks to Elvis and Joe. Couldn’t put it down!Another winner
5By Drift MasterEvery one of his books are amazing. I don’t believe there is a better author on the planet. Thank you for writing such great books with such great charactersSuperbly written
5By WGCJrA truly perfect crime/mystery tale.Too Good to Put Down
5By WardlawkmThis book reads fast. There are exciting twists and turns. Such a great book.Classic Craig’s
4By Battery223Classic Elvis and Joe burning through the bad guys. Crais keeps writing good novels. Looking forward to the next one.Gripping, brutal, riviting.
5By KatybensThis book had me on page 1! Couldn’t put it down. The story goes in different directions with one common thread!Good, If Not His Best
4By RJSam77Crais is still the best out there, taking over for Robert Parker, but this book wasn’t quite as fun or engrossing as his other books. It was more predictable than most of his books, somewhat more difficult to suspend disbelief about a few of the plot twists. Still a good read, just not at the usual Crais level of brilliance.Great Read
5By C. KreuzSad but upliftingBig empty
5By avenal60Good interesting characters. Have read most of his novels. This is one of the best. D campbellGreat read!
5By no teleportingLoved this book. Best I’ve read in a while. I’ve missed a. Purple of the Craig’s books so going back to catch up. He writes exactly how I like to keep my interest and be entertained.

