Elvis Cole and Joe Pike Books in Order
QUICK ANSWER
Start with The Monkey's Raincoat (1987), which is book 1, and read in publication order. The mysteries mostly stand alone, but Elvis's and Joe Pike's friendship and history build from book to book. Newest: The Big Empty (2025).
- 1.
The Monkey's Raincoat(1987)
Start here - 2.
Stalking the Angel(1989)
- 3.
Lullaby Town(1992)
- 4.
Free Fall(1993)
- 5.
Voodoo River(1995)
- 6.
Sunset Express(1996)
- 7.
Indigo Slam(1997)
- 8.
L.A. Requiem(1999)
- 9.
The Last Detective(2003)
- 10.
The Forgotten Man(2005)
- 11.
The Watchman(2007)
- 12.
Chasing Darkness(2008)
- 13.
The First Rule(2010)
- 14.
The Sentry(2011)
- 15.
Taken(2012)
- 16.
The Promise(2015)
- 17.
The Wanted(2017)
- 18.
A Dangerous Man(2019)
- 19.
Racing the Light(2022)
- 20.
The Big Empty(2025)
Newest
Frequently asked questions
What order should I read Elvis Cole and Joe Pike in?
Start with The Monkey's Raincoat (1987), which is book 1, and read in publication order. The mysteries mostly stand alone, but Elvis's and Joe Pike's friendship and history build from book to book.
How many books are in Elvis Cole and Joe Pike?
20 main books, published 1987–2025.
What is the latest Elvis Cole and Joe Pike book?
The newest book in our reading order for Elvis Cole and Joe Pike is "The Big Empty" (2025).
Can I read Elvis Cole and Joe Pike out of order?
It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.