Robert Galbraith (J.K.Rowling)

When I first learnt that J.K. Rowling is writing under a pseudonym, I was rather hesitant to read these books as my impression of Harry Potter series remained quite strong. Nonetheless, when I started reading ‘The Cuckoo’s calling’, I was in for a surprise. Being an ardent Agatha Christie fan, my expectations of a ‘whodunit’ detective fiction were relatively high. However, I found Robert Galbraith’s (I would rather call the author J.K. Rowling) style was indeed refreshing.

The story is set in London and the characters are well etched. The detective, Cormoran Strike is not a typical caricature. He has a past and a story. So does his assistant Robin Ellacott! Their stories are interwoven in the narrative, without hampering the flow. Strike comes across as a vulnerable, struggling private detective, who is physically handicapped. He is intelligent and methodical given his military police background. 

Strike tries to find out whether the death of super model Lula Landry is indeed a suicide. The story unfolds through Strike’s interaction with other characters. The suspense is kept alive almost towards the end. This is not the run-of-the-mill detective fiction. Though the narrative style is different, the author maintains the tempo. One is greatly relieved that the reader is saved from unnecessary gore. The intelligent unveiling of the mystery, layer by layer is most appealing. J.K. Rowling has proved once again that she is a master story teller, be it a detective fiction or a magical fantasy. 

I would recommend this book, if you are a ‘whodunit’ fan and enjoy Rowling’s narrative style. However, I intend to read the next book ‘Silkworm’. 

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