The Promise, Crais - B +

                                               This novel is the sixteenth in the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series. Unlike many of the other very good suspense writers, Crais takes his time. By my reckoning, it's been two-and-a-half years since his most recent book. His are all set in southern California, like Connelly's, and that is a sweetener for me these last four years. Joe is retained by a woman who is concerned about the erratic behavior of a work colleague, who appears to have fallen in with some odd, different and dangerous folks. Along the way, Cole crosses paths with Scott James, the K-9 officer , who was featured in Crais' last novel. Pike is his usual spooky very silent self. Throw in Homeland Security, the LAPD, and a fine twisting plot and you have a  great read.