A new novel from author Robert Crais is a cause for celebration. Unlike other more prolific novelists, his literary output is rather modest at only 16 novels in 23 years. In that period Crais has written eleven Elvis Cole novels where Joe Pike has served as a background character and two novels centering on Joe Pike with Elvis Cole serving as the subsidiary character. The two Joe Pike novels are only recent literary outings to match his growing popularity with this one being the second and latest after the publication of "The Watchman" in 2007. As much as two years can pass between editions, which makes it difficult for rabid fans like myself. In this instance, I was so excited about the publication of this novel that my wife and I drove up to Milwaukee to meet the author. Now that was a memorable evening!

Unfortunately, meeting the author was more memorable than this new Pike novel. This is an interesting read, but, I am sorry to say, not one of Crais' best. The plot is certainly complex enough with twists and turns and double crosses galore, but the story ends up reading like a police procedural. There is no sparkle, and little wit to the writing. It is too much like Pike himself, always moving forward with few moments of humorous banter and guy talk to add piquancy and character interest to the story. Crais needs to be reminded that we don't come back for the exploits, as good as they are, but for the characters who are involved in having these exploits. This novel needed quiet time to make it more enjoyable to spend our moments reading about the lead characters. 

Furthermore, Crais commits what I believe to be a huge error in his characterization of Joe Pike. Pike has always been written as fearsome, but not as being invulnerable. In this novel Crais has written Pike as being so far ahead of everyone else that he is almost a demigod on steroids. Nothing is a challenge for him; nothing is a threat to him. He is almost omnipotent. At one point, for example, he simultaneously subdues six murderous Serbian thugs. All by himself. With a baby in his arms or nearby. Give me a break. Since nothing and no one proves to be a challenge for him, then reading about his exploits lacks the requisite drama because we never get the feeling that he is any real danger. 

"The First Rule" refers to "The Thieves' Code" which has been adopted by the criminal gangs that have sprung up in the countries that used to make up the former Soviet Union, in this case, Serbia. Their code translates as: "A thief must forsake his mother, father, brother, and sisters. He must not have a family - no wife, no children. We are his family." But the First Rule for Joe Pike and Elvis Cole is that you protect and take care of your own. This fierce loyalty was developed during their years of combat duty. Now in civilian life, but conducting what might easily be termed covert operations, this deeply felt bond of loyalty still applies. In addition, it descends upon their clients who depend upon them for their well being and even their very lives.  

The theme of this book is what happens to that loyalty to your men when a member of your team has voluntarily relinquished his duties to return to civilian life. Such is the case with "Frank the Tank" Meyer, one of Joe Pike's valued operatives. Frank Meyer had fallen in love with Cindy while he was serving as a mercenary under the command of Pike. Her demand was that he leave his covert operations behind and return to civilian life. The other men accused Frank of wimping out, but not Joe. Pike told him that if this is what he really wanted, then go for it. 

Frank Meyer left Joe's team at the end of his mission and at the end of his contract. He turned out to have been the only member of Pike's team to transit successfully to civilian life. Joe has driven past Frank Meyer's nice home in Westwood and marvels that he found a new life for himself. They haven't spoken in ten years as Cindy wouldn't have approved. All Pike knows is that Frank is a clothing importer, and from every indication he seems to have gone straight. 

Then one day a notorious home invasion crew comes in and murders the entire Meyer family, five people including the nanny. This is their seventh hit, and the previous six hits have all been against known drug dealers and mob members. While investigating the crime scene, the cops discover Meyer's previously unknown link to Joe Pike when they see that he sported forward facing arrow tattoos on his deltoids as does Pike. Pike had not been aware of this. Neither had he known that Frank had named his youngest son "Joey."

The LAPD cops think that Frank must have been "dirty" or he wouldn't have been hit, but Pike isn't so sure. He cannot believe that Frank had turned dirty in his civilian life. He knew this man's character inside and out. It just wasn't possible, was it? Pike intends to find out. 2010, 308 pages, G. P. Putnam's Sons.