The Watchman

In Robert Crais's thrilling novel, "The Watchman," the enigmatic and formidable Joe Pike steps into the spotlight. When the notoriously reclusive ex-Marine, ex-cop, and ex-mercenary is tasked with protecting Larkin Conner Barkley, the spoiled, rebellious heiress and sole witness to a brutal car explosion linked to a secret federal investigation, he discovers his most challenging assignment yet. Larkin, a self-destructive LA socialite, is pursued by a relentless team of killers, and even the finest security and federal marshals prove ineffective. Pressed into service by a powerful, indebted figure, Pike must guard the uncontrollable Larkin, who seems determined to endanger herself at every turn. As betrayal surfaces within their circle, Pike cuts ties with conventional protection, choosing to operate on his own terms: strike fast, hit hard, and hunt the hunters. With the occasional, invaluable assistance of private investigator Elvis Cole, Pike uncovers a complex web of deceit and corruption reaching into unexpected places. Amidst a rising body count, Pike confronts the dual threat of the professional assassins and Larkin's own self-destructive tendencies, striving not only to keep her alive but perhaps, to guide her towards a path of self-preservation and personal value.