The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

I listened to this story via audiobook narrated by Robert Glenister. Glenister’s narration was extremely enjoyable, and he did a fantastic job of narrating each character in a way that provided a little extra glimpse into their personality. I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook version, but let’s get down to business on the book review.

Okay, first of all, I hate to be “that person” but is anything ever going to live up to Harry Potter? The answer is no. But did J.K. Rowling (excuse me… Robert Galbraith) take a hell of a stab at a mystery novel? Let’s just say, “She did the damn thing.”

J.K. Rowling has always been a master at character development (Snape, Dumbledore, THE Harry Potter… need I say more?), and man, did she nail her characters in the Cuckoo’s Calling. It was by far the biggest strength of the book. Cormoran Strike’s persona was written artfully, and all of the supporting characters were so unique and distinct. I thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to a new personality every chapter along the way, and spending some time with each character to really get to know them.

However, where Rowling won me with her characters, she lost me with the length. Don’t get me wrong, I love a long novel…. when the story calls for it. I found at times, when a new character was introduced to the storyline, it was as if the entire background story was rehashed again and again. There were times when I found my mind drifting, as I thought to myself, “Haven’t we already heard this?”

But in the end, I enjoyed the overall feel of the book, and liked the story line. Did I think it was absolutely genius? No. But will I read/listen to the rest of the Cormoran Strike series? Likelihood, high.

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