The Cuckoo's Calling
Cormoran Strike Book 1
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4.0 • 116 Ratings
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- €6.99
Publisher Description
***The 7th novel in the Strike series, THE RUNNING GRAVE, is coming in September 2023. Pre-order now and be the first to read it***
'The Cuckoo's Calling reminds me why I fell in love with crime fiction in the first place' VAL MCDERMID
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Now a major BBC drama: The Strike series
When a troubled model falls to her death from a snow-covered Mayfair balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. However, her brother has his doubts, and calls in private investigator Cormoran Strike to look into the case.
Strike is a war veteran - wounded both physically and psychologically - and his life is in disarray. The case gives him a financial lifeline, but it comes at a personal cost: the more he delves into the young model's complex world, the darker things get - and the closer he gets to terrible danger . . .
A gripping, elegant mystery steeped in the atmosphere of London - from the hushed streets of Mayfair to the backstreet pubs of the East End to the bustle of Soho - The Cuckoo's Calling is a remarkable book. Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.
*** The latest book in the thrilling Strike series, TROUBLED BLOOD, is out now! ***
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PRAISE FOR THE STRIKE SERIES:
'One of the most unique and compelling detectives I've come across in years' MARK BILLINGHAM
'The work of a master storyteller' DAILY TELEGRAPH
'Unputdownable. . . Irresistible' SUNDAY TIMES
'Will keep you up all night' OBSERVER
'A thoroughly enjoyable classic' PETER JAMES, SUNDAY EXPRESS
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This droll, absorbing mystery became a bestseller when it was revealed that the book’s author, Robert Galbraith, was actually a pseudonym for Harry Potter-creator J.K. Rowling. Wounded veteran turned private investigator Cormoran Strike is hired to investigate the apparent suicide of supermodel Lula Landry. Aided by his sharp new secretary, the down-on-his-luck detective delves into the garish world of London’s nouveau riche to discover the shocking truth about Lula’s last days. Rowling’s crisp prose, colourful characters and dark humour make The Cuckoo’s Calling an irresistible detective story.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In a rare feat, the pseudonymous Galbraith combines a complex and compelling sleuth and an equally well-formed and unlikely assistant with a baffling crime in his stellar debut. When office temp Robin Ellacott reports for work, she's unprepared for the shabby office or the rude greeting she receives from London PI Cormoran Strike. Soon after, John Bristow arrives and asks Strike to look into the putative suicide of his adopted, mixed-race sister, supermodel Lula Landry. Strike reluctantly agrees, even though the police have concluded a high-profile investigation. A decorated Afghan vet with an artificial lower leg, Strike begins a meticulous reinvestigation that leads him into a world of celebrities and wannabes, as well as deep into Landry's sad rollercoaster life. The methodical Strike and the curious Ellacott work their way through a host of vividly drawn suspects and witnesses toward an elegant solution. Readers will hope to see a lot more of this memorable sleuthing team.
Customer Reviews
Familiar gumshoe plot excellently handled
This is quite a surpise from the creator of the world’s most famous boy wizard, writing under a pseudonym. The ptotagonist is a down-at-heel private eye who sometimes has to sleep in his office and isn’t sure he can afford to pay his secretary. The plot doesn’t stray far from the usual fare but the situations are vividly imagined and memorable and the characters compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Disappointing
Written well enough but slow and unexciting story line
Bored
Almost 140 pages into it and at this stage couldn't care what happens to the lot of them. Maybe will be surprised, so will soldier on, one leg and all.