The Silkworm

By: Robert Galbraith

Narrated by: Robert Glenister

Length: 17 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Private investigator Cormoran Strike must track down a missing writer - and a sinister killer bent on destruction - in this "wonderfully entertaining" mystery (Harlan Coben, New York Times Book Review) that inspired the acclaimed HBO Max series C.B. Strike.

When novelist Owen Quine goes missing, his wife calls in private detective Cormoran Strike. At first, Mrs. Quine just thinks her husband has gone off by himself for a few days - as he has done before - and she wants Strike to find him and bring him home. But as Strike investigates, he discovers that Quine's disappearance is no coincidence. The novelist has just completed a manuscript featuring poisonous pen-portraits of almost everyone he knows. If the novel were published, it would ruin lives - meaning that almost everyone in his life would have motives to silence him. When Quine is found brutally murdered under bizarre circumstances, Strike must race against time to understand the motivation of a ruthless killer, a killer unlike any he has encountered before...

A compulsively readable crime novel with twists at every turn, The Silkworm is the second in J. K. Rowling's highly acclaimed series featuring Cormoran Strike and his determined young assistant, Robin Ellacott.

©2014 Robert Galbraith (P)2014 Hachette Digital

better than the cuckoo's calling

as a listener much more than a reviewer, i can summarize by telling you that it's definitely worth listening to. the stories in this series seem to end neatly,; though, they are a bit anticlimactic. The performance was excellent, and i enjoyed this story even more than the first. got a bit confused with the volume of names and characters to keep up with; but, the number wasnt too overwhelming, and the actions explained the characters within a few phrases. closer to 5 stars than 4 in the ratings; but i would not put it in my " best" category. well worth a credit and a listen, i doubt that you'll be disappointed.

An old fashioned page-turner

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes.

What did you like best about this story?

Galbraith is a natural storyteller and master of the craft - characters are well-developed and interesting; the tightly-woven plot evolves against a backdrop of richly-detailed local color.

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

The narrator tells the story in an almost-conversational tone, immediately drawing the listener in with his portrayals of each character and the narrative.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I often found myself sitting in my car to listen to this tale after I had arrived at my destination - at times I was literally on the edge of my seat.

Entertaining murder mystery<br />

This book kept me listening. A good mystery with interesting and well rounded characters masterfully read by an incredible narrator.

Series is a Winner

I really enjoyed The first book in this series and this was just as satisfying. The detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant, Robin Ellacott are characters that really come to life.

The writing is good, the narration is excellent. I was sad when this came to an end and can't wait for the next installment. One of the best reads on Audible. Highly recommend.

One tiny thing I didn't like. Each chapter begins with a quote from another book. I found them annoying. If I were reading the book, I could choose to read them or not and to possibly peek back at the end of the chapter to see how they were pertinent. In an audio book, they take on too much weight and didn't make a lot of sense to me. Minor annoyance.

Main Character and Narrator are Phenomenal

Would you consider the audio edition of The Silkworm to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the print version because I love the narrator Robert Glenister too much to not listen instead.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character Cormoran Strike and his sidekick Robin are back at it again and I can't wait for the 3rd, 4th and 5th one. Gory murder with lots of interesting characters. I love their interaction and the slight possibility of a future more intimate relationship. Not there yet but maybe a kiss in book 3?

Which scene was your favorite?

Confronting the killer in a snowy outside scene was written exquisitely. I could see it, feel it, and feel the tension build.

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

I never listen in one sitting but take as long as I can to enjoy this series, sometimes going back and listening to chapters again for the sheer pleasure of the reading...

Brilliant narration of a great book

A first class detective story, good strong characters and a clever plot; on their own I'd give this 4 to 5 stars. Yet the narration by Robert Glenister elevates this to an audible joy. 5 stars somehow don't seem enough for what he does to this novel. Brilliant!

Great Characters, Strong Story

What made the experience of listening to The Silkworm the most enjoyable?

The narrator did a great job of distinguishing the different characters with slight changes in accent and cadence. He brought Cormorant Strike alive for me, in both books.

What other book might you compare The Silkworm to and why?

This book is reminiscent of Red Sparrow for me as there are a number of characters to keep track of, but both books are compelling, interesting and have fabulous main characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were so many! But I would have loved to have seen the interview at the publisher's house and the final confrontation scene on film. I also adore the relationship between Cormorant and Robin - their respect for each other, love for their work, and unwitting attraction makes for great listening.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

An intriguing mystery with great characters. A must "see".

Any additional comments?

This second novel is as strong as the first in my opinion. We learn a little more about Strike and Robin's pasts and the mystery is well developed. A GREAT listen!!!

Understandable!

So often the accent is difficult to understand. So glad I did not have that problem. It was a page turner-couldn't put it down. I guess that term shouldn't apply to audible books:)

Great

Great listen! I love the narrator, he brings a great range of accents and styles to the characters.

Cormoran and Galbraith (JK Rowling) are back! YEA!

His leg is giving him more gip. This time he has a mystery to solve about a missing husband who has written a novel that has pissed off many people.

Robin Ellacott is back with her intended...he still doesn't like Cromoran which causes Robin to bend the truth or omit data that might make him more upset. She still wants to be her boss's assistant more than his secretary and indicates so by putting herself in situations to prove it...like her driving skills that shock Cormoran when she saves them from a nasty accident.

About this writer; his wife hired Cormoran. They have a child with developmental problems which may be why our PI continues to work the case even though he has no idea if he who will pay him or if anyone. Again the author adds a cast of characters that are very colorful while still being plausible.

I love Ms. Rowling's writing! Not only are the characters clearly defined, so is the atmosphere around them...even when Cormoran finds a mutilated body that makes you want to cringe! When she is describing the weather, I am back on my one trip to wintering England.

Robert Glenister again does a brilliant job narrating the written words.

If you like a good mystery with a flawed PI in charge, you will really like this second edition of the series! Even if you are reading instead of listening to words.