BOOK REVIEW: The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

When a troubled model falls to her death from a Mayfair balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. However, her brother has his doubts and calls in private detective Cormoran Strike to investigate.
Stike is a war veteran- wounded both physically and psychologically- and his private life is in disarray. The case gives him a financial life line but it comes at a personal cost: the more he delves into the young model’s world, the darker things become and the closer he gets to terrible danger…

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 550

After binge-watching the TV adaptation, I have been meaning to read the books and I’m so glad that I did as I loved The Cuckoo’s Calling. Writing under the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith, J.K. Rowling introduces us to the character of Cormoran Strike. Ex-military police, Strike is now working as a private detective. But he is not having much luck in his private or professional life. His highly toxic relationship seems to have come to an end and he is sleeping in his office, an office that he will no longer be able to use if he doesn’t pay his overdue bills. Strike’s luck may well be about to change; firstly his new temp Robin Ellacott arrives and she is not like the others. Bright, assertive and genuinely interested in the job, Strike finds her presence refreshing. Secondly, a new client comes knocking; John Bristow wants Strike to investigate the death of his supermodel sister Lula Landry. A verdict of suicide has been recorded but Bristow is convinced she was murdered. Strike is not so sure but Bristow is willing to pay handsomely for his services  and Strike is no position to refuse. As Strike and Robin begin investigating Lula’s death, they discover a dark web of deceit that puts Strike in great danger yet he is determined to get to the truth.

Robert Galbraith is a fantastic storyteller and I know that this is a series I will enjoy and re-read many times. The characters are fantastic and the plot is well paced. I have a total crush on both Strike and Robin and I mostly enjoyed their interactions as they work each other out.

Even though I knew the outcome due to watching the TV programme, I still could  not put the book down. I would highly recommend The Cuckoo’s Calling, I can’t wait to read book two!