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)

A great story, very well read. One perfect novel.

Robert Galbraith is actually JK Rowling, so expect a well written, cleverly devised mystery plot, with plenty to keep you interested from the first moments. This novel introduces Cormoran Strike, London detective and veteran from the armed forces, who is hired to investigate the death of top model Lula Landry (a fascinating mix reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Kate Moss in her troubled personal life and turbulent relationship). Strike is assisted by his extremely capable temp secretary Robin.

Robert Glenister reads this novel perfectly, capturing all the characters with personality and charm.

Well worth a listen, you won't be disappointed.

A story writer is not necessarily a crime writer

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

I would recommend this book. It’s well written and performed and it’s easy and compelling to listen to. The character development is pretty good and it’s well paced. It’s not a book you will regret purchasing

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

Well no..... Okay so the book follows a linear timeline and you follow the movements of the protagonist and his sidekick. Theres heaps of detail so you basically see everything as it unfolds so when it comes to the ending... well it all sort of fails. Theres the predictable "twist" but while it fits into what you learnt along the way its all a bit lame. Theres no cleverness, no anticipation, no wow moments. With most crime and thriller type books theres always some cloak and mirror type writing to conceal things from the reader to tease us and this lacks that.

Absolutely Loved It

Wow, what a novel.

I really struggle to find anything to critise about this production.

The storyline moves along at a good pace yet there is plenty of charecter development. The narration by Robert Glenister really brings them to life.

I found this really difficult to put down and always wanted to listen to what happened next.

I will definetly be listening to more from this author and narrator.

Robert Galbraith is a master

It is an unlikely setting for a penniless PI to work his way through the maize of details so clearly set out.
Most enjoyable and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The Cookoo's Calling

loved it very enjoyable. well read, was emerged until the end, look forward to the next book

Great story and mystery!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, extremely well narrated!! The mystery was held until the very end! I'm usually very good at picking the killer, but not this time!

Surprised, but pleasantly

Really good narration made this well penned thoughtful story a joy to listen to, bringing the characters to life and delivering the nuances that were cleverly written. From the early chapters I was engaged on all levels. Great work. Only complaint were the Latin epigraphs - could not understand why they were there. Seemed affected.

Really excellent book

Wonderful character depth and an outcome you couldn’t pick from the getgo. I cannot rate it highly enough

Fantastic ....

I really enjoyed all the characters in this book. Intriguing story and now I am just awaiting the next in the series. Very atmospheric book...I felt that I was there. The characters are so real and I didn't want to leave them when the story was finished.

A Great listen

If you could sum up The Cuckoo's Calling in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, clever, well written

What did you like best about this story?

the plot flowed well

What about Robert Glenister’s performance did you like?

Fantastic! Really Great

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Quite a few

Any additional comments?

A great listen for you mystery buffs