What do folks think of writer Robert Crais?
 

I've read a lot of detective books over the years, but have just recently discovered this guy. I've read 3 of his Elvis Cole books in the last 2 weeks. I can't put them down! I have yet to come across a character I did not want to read about. Even the bad guys! I think what I like about Cole is that he has flaws and he is not a smartass 100% of the time. I have gotten really tired of know-it-all detectives who insult everyone. The 3 books I read are "Voodoo River", "L.A. Requiem", and "Last Detective". I hope the other 7 in the series are just as good.

What's the setting for the stories?

Most of the stories are set in L.A. I don't know anything about the geography there, but that hasn't mattered.

i've read a few of his. short books, but pretty good.