The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike, #1)

by Robert Galbraith

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

Reviewed by Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews on

3 of 5 stars

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First Impressions

I was a Harry Potter connoisseur growing up. Hence, it only seemed natural for me to venture into Robert Galbraith's Cormoran Strike series beginning with The Cuckoo's Calling.

Impressions on Detective Work

There weren't as many twists and turns as I had been hoping for and had suspicions of my own as to who murdered Lula Landry. Therefore, while Cormoran was a top-notch private detective and was very thorough with his research there was a spark that was missing.

Robin, his assistant I enjoyed more. She has great potential and at times felt like she was better on her feet than her boss. I am glad that Rowling/Gabraith has decided to keep her on and develop the character further.

Impressions on Narration

Robert Glenister did a marvelous job bringing the characters to life. He threw his voice appropriately and made The Cuckoo's Calling highly listenable. I could see myself listening to something narrated by him again.

Final Impression

Overall, I think The Cuckoo's Calling held potential for future novels in the series and can see myself continuing it. For this Harry Potter fan, the novel was a decent departure from Hogwarts and miles above The Casual Vacancy. However, it did take a while for the mystery to get on a roll. Therefore, a person with a short attention span may have difficulty with its lackluster beginning. Although, if the reader sticks with it they will be rewarded by a dubious conclusion that is worth the time.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 8 September, 2016: Finished reading
  • 8 September, 2016: Reviewed