Silkworm

The Silkworm

by Robert Galbraith

★★★

 

Cormoran Strike is back with his assistant Robin, searching for a missing author of a controversial book. I read this at a similar time as Broken Harbor and I think it suffered a bit in comparison. Cormoran is a great character. He's a gruff, lumbering man, but his heart is big and his intimidating bulk can be deceptive for those who underestimate a sharp intelligence. In so many ways Strike has been broken, through his ex fiancé, the war, his famous fathers neglect, etc. but his vulnerabilities are well hidden from the general public. 

 

I like that we are getting to know his history a little better as the series progresses. The writing can be overly descriptive and indulgent at times and I think for that reason it works better as an audiobook. Strike's assistant Robin had a chance to prove herself a bit more in this book. The tense relationship between her boss and fiancé hasn't improved, but she's taking a stance for what she wants of her career.

 

The plot of this one wasn't as strong in my opinion. It's a decent mystery, but it took a turn into some unnecessarily morbid and nasty areas. It was relevant to the characters lives, but it didn't need to be in there, nor to be taken quite as far in my opinion. It felt like Rowling was just trying to prove that she could write something graphic and not just a Harry Potter style content. I felt like she had already proven her skill as a mystery writer with “The Cuckoo's Calling” so that element in this book was completely unneeded. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: I like both Cormoran and Robin as characters and so I'll still plan on reading the next book in the series. But if it sinks into the same level of grossness I will probably stop there. I'm hoping this one's content had more to do with this particular case with the direction of the series has a whole.

 

 

*Read as part of the R.I.P. Challenge hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings.

The Cuckoo’s Calling

The Cuckoo’s Calling

by Robert Galbraith

★★★★

Before word got out that this noir novel was written by the beloved author of the Harry Potter books it was almost unknown. The few people who had read it seemed to be giving it pretty good reviews. I can't help but feel a bit sad for Rowling because she obviously wanted to see how her book would do without her name behind it. Granted this just means more money and sales, but I understand the desire for anonymity when you're already successful.

The novel tells the story of Cormoran Strike, an Afghanistan vet who became a private investigator after getting injured in the war. His love life is in shambles, his personal history is a complicated mess and nothing seems to be going his way. A temp agency assigns him a new secretary and an unexpected case comes his way all in the same day. The case is an investigation of a supermodel’s suicide. The secretary is a clever girl named Robin. I love the relationship they develop. He quickly learns not to underestimate her intelligence and to rely on her intuition.

I tend to love a good mystery though this one didn't move as fast as I would've hoped. It's a great character study and I really loved Cormoran and Robin. I think the author does a really great job revealing bits and pieces of the main characters past instead of giving it to us all at once. The mystery itself is interesting and like any good detective novel it introduces us to a half dozen interesting characters, all potential villains, along the way.

BOTTOM LINE: A solid P.I. novel from an author who creates memorable characters no matter where the book is set. A bit slow in parts, but worth it in the end. Do NOT go into this expecting Harry Potter. Read it if you like old school detective novels and aren’t stressed out if it runs a bit long.

I read this for the R.I.P. Challenge hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings.