THE BIG EMPTY by Robert Crais

Reviewed by Tracey Devlyn

New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais delivers another knockout with THE BIG EMPTY, plunging readers into a missing persons cold case brimming with mystery and danger. And who better to tackle it than the iconic duo of deadpan Elvis Cole and got-your-back Joe Pike?

Private detective Elvis Cole never imagined he’d barter his sleuthing skills for an endless supply of muffins—until Traci Beller, a social media influencer known as The Baker Next Door, comes calling. Ten years ago, Traci’s father vanished without a trace. While many believe he walked out on his family, Traci isn’t buying it. Determined to uncover the truth, she makes Elvis an offer he can’t resist, even if he suspects the case might be a long shot.

As Elvis digs into Tommy Beller’s last known whereabouts in the dusty town of Rancha, things take a dangerous turn. He’s followed, threatened, and brutally attacked. But Elvis’s partner, the ever-intense Joe Pike, isn’t about to let that slide. While Pike brings his unflinching brand of justice to the scene, the two uncover secrets that lead them into unexpected and chilling territory.

This isn’t just a case—it’s a labyrinth of twists, turns, and danger that might demand more than Elvis’s wit and all the muffins in the world to solve.

THE BIG EMPTY is vintage Crais at its best. Fans will revel in the signature blend of dry humor, gripping suspense, intricate twists, and the unshakable bond between Cole and Pike. With its page-turning thrills, heartfelt moments, and engaging mystery, this twentieth installment solidifies why Robert Crais is a master of the genre.

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USA Today bestselling author Tracey Devlyn once dreamed of becoming the next Dian Fossey and exploring the wilds of Africa—until she met chemistry and calculus. With an enthusiasm for research that fuels the creative (and occasionally disturbing) plot twists her characters must navigate, it’s no surprise that her suspense-laden stories thrill readers and reveal the nefarious nature hiding behind her smile. Despite the emotional rollercoaster she delivers on the page, Tracey enjoys a laid-back, fleece-and-boots lifestyle with her husband and rescue dog in the mountains of North Carolina. Visit Tracey at TraceyDevlyn.com, @AuthorTraceyDevlyn on Facebook, @traceydevlyn on Bluesky, @traceydevlyn on Instagram, @traceydevlyn on Threads, and @traceydevlyn on X.