The Cuckoo's Calling

Cormoran Strike, Book 1

By: Robert Galbraith

Narrated by: Robert Glenister

Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

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 audiobook. Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

©2013 Robert Galbraith (P)2013 Hachette Digital

Critic reviews

" The Cuckoo's Calling reminds me why I fell in love with crime fiction in the first place." (Val McDermid)

"One of the most unique and compelling detectives I've come across in years" (Mark Billingham)

"One of the best crime novels I have ever read." (Alex Gray)

Brilliant and gripping!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was thrilling and gripping and kept me captivated for the full length of the story. robert Glenister narrates beautifuly and his tones, accents and portrayal of women's voices was very good.

The overall story was exciting and plausible and was a really good detective story.
Worth the read!

3.5 stars for an above average outing

I enjoy the odd crime novel and this one was no exception.

NARRATOR – The narrator does a good job with this book. His voice differentiation is great so there is no confusion. His accents are appropriate and inflections keep the story moving along without being overly dramatic. Well done.

STORY - I would not say this story held any real surprises for me, but I enjoyed it anyway. The characters were great and the suspects numerous. However half way through the book one in particular started to seem a bit more “fishy” than the others and almost gave the game away for me.

I would recommend this book to readers of light mystery books. I would listen to another if this was part of a series.

surprisingly good

when I heard this was written by JK Rowling I went off the idea of reading it but decided to persevere which I'm glad I did, The characters were great and multidimensional. The story line was full of twists and turns. The reader was also excellent. well worth a listen.

Great story

What made the experience of listening to The Cuckoo's Calling the most enjoyable?

Great charcters from JK, there will be more to come I'm sure.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Cuckoo's Calling?

Nice pace of story telling.

What does Robert Glenister bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Robert Glenister is excellent.

Really loved it, a true surprice, look forward to

Reading this book was an interesting experience. It came up as a suggestion in Audible, as I finished the last one before. I decided to select it even though I had no idea who the author was. After I started reading it, I realized who the real author was.
I almost gave up on this book through the first 1/4 of the book ( at that time I expected to give it 2-3 stars ). As I was getting through the middle of it, it was growing on me ( expecting to give it 3-4 stars ), as often with books by this author the end tends to reach a climatic end. When going into the last quarter of this book, I definitely was having difficulties stopping to read it and was visualizing to give it 4-5 stars.
If you are expecting a lot of action, you will be disappointed. This book is a traditional private eye book, reminded me of something like the Philip Marlowe PI books. A lot of discussions as you are beginning to become familiar with the characters, no high speed action of any sort.
If you are expecting something similar to the Harry Potter books, you will be disappointed. Nothing magical here. This is an old fashion detective novel, describing the shallow world of super models and the fashion world. I really liked it, and I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.

Brilliant thriller!

I never write reviews but i have to say the combination of story teller and plot was brilliant. Had me captivated for two solid days. Not good for productivity but if you are going on holiday I thoroughly recommend this title.

Well-manicured detective novel.

A very well written novel with loads of literary gems and wonderful prose. The plot was exquisite and planned to perfection. This was a breath of fresh air in a world littered with hastily and sloppily constructed books of late. Outstanding narration as well.

Very enjoyable indeed

Would you listen to The Cuckoo's Calling again? Why?

It is a mystery novel - once you know the mystery there is no point in listening to it again - although it is narrated beautifully

What other book might you compare The Cuckoo's Calling to and why?

The Silkworm - same series

Have you listened to any of Robert Glenister’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first - fantastic

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No but it is a very decent length and do provide hours of excellent entertainment

Any additional comments?

A beautifully written story like only a true master like J K Rowling can do

Great ending.. a little long on detail!

What did you love best about The Cuckoo's Calling?

Let's face it, a whodunnit is best when it has a twist at the end... this delivered that.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No it didn't - it dragged a little. But it was worth persevering.

What does Robert Glenister bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I liked the accents.

Who was the most memorable character of The Cuckoo's Calling and why?

The main character was excellent.

Any additional comments?

A good middle of the road thriller. I'd recommend it and I will no doubt read more of these characters.

Great story!

Robert Galbraith is a fantastic word-smith. The story kept me captivated from the first chapter. Thank JK. Robert Glenister's voice was a perfect choice.