I ended up re-reading L.A. Requiem by mistake -- audible had a 2-for-1 sale, and I thought it was a different Elvis Cole novel. But this book is one that improves on re-reading. The first time through, I was disappointed that Crais never really gets into what makes Joe Pike, Cole's enigmatic partner, tick. We get a few scenes from his point of view, but they don't really form a portrait.
This time around, knowing not to expect those things, it's more clear how much Crais expanded his palette for this novel. His characters are richer, Elvis is more believable (and less snarky). and it's overall one of the best in the series. This is still light reading, but it's got enough weight that it doesn't just blow away.
Quick addendum -- I've moved on to reading Denise Mina's Slip of the Knife, and the contrast makes it clear how light-weight L.A. Requiem really is.
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