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)

Wow What a Story

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

I am getting ready to listen to this book again and I have only just finished it.

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

The way this book has been structured there isn't one moment that isn't memorable

What about Robert Glenister’s performance did you like?

Robert Glenister gives a superb performance of this book. He is now my second favourite reader on Audible.com

If you could take any character from The Cuckoo's Calling out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Definitely Robyn and Cormoran Strike.

Any additional comments?

I am aware who has written this book under a different name now and I am absolutely of the opinion that the books to come from this series, and I hope there will be more, will be as much awaited as those this writer has penned before. With the exception of the last book under the writer's real name that I didn't enjoy. I don't want to spoil it for those who don't know who it is but there is so much detail in The Cuckoos Calling combined with the research and style in which the book is written makes it impossible to put it down. I can't wait for more to come.

A New Detective Series to Read

I can understand why JK decided to write it under a pseudo name, but if I hadn't known it was her I probably wouldn't have picked it up for quite awhile, but I am glad that I did! I really enjoyed it and look forward to more in the series. It kept me guessing and wondering all the time.

I would have given it 5 stars all around, except for the language. Although it was used in context of the characters, because I don't speak like that, it could be a bit jarring at times.Thankfully it wasn't over the top or used excessively. (And Strike even apologizes for it! :-) )

Excellent read!

Met all expectations and more. A brilliant detective story. And beautiful narrated. I would recommend this book. Will be looking for the next in the series.

Entertaining

Would you consider the audio edition of The Cuckoo's Calling to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version so cannot comment.

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

The surprise ending

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

This is the first time I have listened to Robert Glenister but will look out for future performances.

Excellent Read Great Story

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

Wow I have finished the book and feel a little sad. The story kept me guessing right to the end. Robert Glenister told the story so well and made the characters come alive. I cannot wait for the next in in the series J K.( Robert) please hurry!!

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

Yes it did I could not guess what had happened and loved the characters each giving their version of the other characters and events

Which character – as performed by Robert Glenister – was your favorite?

Strike himself!! He is such a well drawn character and the author has a wonderfuk creation here and can develop him as the series progresses.

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

Kept me on the edge of my seat if that is possible when you are walking

Any additional comments?

Next Book Please

Great new series.

At turns a compelling mystery, an insightful character study and often laugh out loud funny. Never boring.

Robert Galbraith Does Not Disappoint!

Beautiful prose, well woven plot, compelling character development. I am waiting for #2 in the series.

Really Enjoyed it, great new Detective Character

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

I liked the lead and the sidekick...it just works!

I liked Cormoran Strike, a cranky flawed man, but who knows he is, but on the quiet is a good man.

Really liked Robyn, who knows what she wants, but finds it hard to get there.

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

It is a detective novel...so Detective books.

Which character – as performed by Robert Glenister – was your favorite?

Cormoran Strike, really well developed character, I look forward to learning more about him as the series continues.

Any additional comments?

As everyone knows by now, this is JK's Book and it is really well written and enjoyable. It develops and intertwines the characters really well. I will definitely look forward to the next one.

An entertaining mystery

A well written, well crafted story. I enjoyed the fact that the ending, while not unusual, was sufficiently obscured to keep the book entertaining to the last word.
The use of profanities was liberal but also in keeping with the characters being portrayed in my opinion.

Great writing and a good plot

I enjoyed this book greatly thanks to fabulous narration. Also, the writing - elegant sentences and acute, rich vocabulary. There are some unbelievable aspects in the plot - like why would you awake the sleeping dogs for no good reason - and Cormoran's guesses are always accurate, but .... nothing is perfect. Overall I'd recommend it to lovers of a good whodunnit novels - although I predicted it from the start.