An Evening With A Dangerous Man

Book, notebook, pen, and keyboard - tools

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 I decided to ride STICKII (my Victory Cross Country motorcycle) over to Vroman’s Book Store and thus, my reasoning for posting this write-up on my motorcycle centric blog. Deal with it. I think Elvis would have said the same while the corner of Joe’s mouth would have twitched.

The occasion was a visit with my favorite author, Robert Crais, as he presented his latest book, A Dangerous Man, a Joe Pike and Elvis Cole story. This one is from Joe’s perspective as the primary character with a captivating heroine. I arrived early though not early enough for a front row seat. This is okay by me because with my height I tend to stay on the aisles and back a few rows so as not to block anyone’s view. I picked up my copy of the book there at Vroman’s and had it ready for Mr. Crais to sign. There are only three authors I would do that for and Sue Grafton passed away late in 2017 so I’m down to two.

I’ll confess that, like most of the folks there and especially those 25 or so who were earlier than me, it is nearly as much about the characters as it is about the writer. As a wannabe author there are many parts of Robert’s writing I try to emulate, if it’s okay to be so familiar with his name. The big bonus for me on this night was hearing him talk about his writing, his process, and how he loves what he does.

Robert led off his talk by relating his previous day where he’d spent eight hours solid doing a raft of satellite radio interviews and having his jug at the ready. No breaks – the interviews fell like well-placed dominoes, something you’d see on a weird science program for kids. It was grueling for him and required self-control at hearing many of the same inane questions all while some of the interviewers made it more about them than the author or the book. It’s one of those things he does for the loves of his life; Joe, Elvis, and their stories. It would be just fine with me if you applaud him right here.

About the time Robert finished up this part of his talk a man’s chair collapsed under him. Genuine concern on Robert’s part for the man’s wellbeing led to a humorous request for the gentleman to join the book tour. It broke the ice and we went on to listen like a bunch of folks hearing to our friend talk about the coolest thing to happen to him in ages.

After reading a couple of sections of the book Robert answered questions from the gathering. Here are a few answers in no particular order: Kim Stanley Robinson is a school mate in the best-of-friends’ category. Robert gets his military information by research. He loves all his books and has no particular favorite. Maggie will be back but sans Joe and Elvis. He does not have a favorite author, reads more non-fiction these days, and reads broadly. And finally, I won’t spoil the next book by revealing a certain character, but he/she will make an appearance. Buy it, read it yourself.

Now, about those readings by the author – though he said acting is too hard when asked why he doesn’t read for his audio books, Robert’s reading is infectious. The love he has for his characters is evident in his reading and it is contagious. I clearly heard his voice in my head as I read the book, especially the two sections he read for us. I had fully intended on completing this post before reading A Dangerous Man but with the disarray that has engulfed my writer’s life I simply could not wait to give it a read. For the first time ever I will reread a book back-to-back. It is that good, that much fun.

Mr. Crais signs his books with a personal note for each person. He thanked me for my kind words which was me thanking him for all the work and all of himself that he puts into his writing. Kindness does not have to be complicated; a simple thank you in my case. Or for Joe Pike in A Dangerous Man, simply being true to himself and getting involved. Pike’s kindness runs simple and deep. “You good?”

Jerry ‘Shakespeare’ White

Postscript notes:

The ‘Shakespeare’ is my ride-name given to me by my rocket scientist (he really is one) friend Tim who set a bar so high I routinely walk right under it. And without much fuss.

“You good?” is a simple and kind inquiry Joe Pike has used in a couple of stories. His use of it to small tot inspired me to use it with my grandkids. It works just fine for us.

I finished my reread and was ready to go for round three but my wife seems to think she should have a chance to read the book first.

Our first encounter at "An Evening with Michael Connelly and Robert Crais" from the Santa Monica Public Library, February 7, 2012

Robert at the 2018 Writer's Digest Novel Writing Conference delivering the keynote address