52 pages • 1 hour read •
The Cuckoo's Calling
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2010s
2013
Mulholland Books
Adult
18+ years
940L
Super Short Summary
The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith, set in modern London, follows war veteran-turned-private detective Cormoran Strike and his new secretary Robin Ellacott as they investigate the apparent suicide of young model Lula Landry, whose adoptive brother believes she was murdered. Their inquiry, involving interviews and gathering evidence, uncovers hidden truths, leading to a shocking resolution. This novel contains depictions of substance use disorders, violence, warzone-related trauma, racism, and emotional manipulation, and references mental health conditions, suicide, sexual assault, and financial manipulation.
Mysterious
Dark
Gritty
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
670,305 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith has received overall positive acclaim, praised for its engaging and intricate plot, realistic dialogue, and well-developed characters, particularly detective Cormoran Strike. Critics appreciate the detailed London setting but note that the story’s pace can be slow at times. Some feel the book is formulaic within the mystery genre.
Who Should Read The Cuckoo's Calling?
A reader who enjoys gritty detective novels and complex characters will find The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith captivating. Fans of Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep will appreciate its intricate plot and engrossing narrative.
670,305 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Robin Ellacott
Robin Ellacott
Initially employed as a temporary secretary, she proves herself an invaluable partner to Strike with her intelligence and initiative. Her engagement and career aspirations create personal tension as she grows into the detective role.
John Bristow
John Bristow
Lula's adoptive brother who seeks Strike's help to investigate her death. His polished appearance contrasts with the deeper secrets he holds as the plot unfolds.
Lula Landry (Bristow)
Lula Landry (Bristow)
A successful model adopted into the Bristow family, whose tragic death is central to the story's mystery. Her complex background and struggles with fame and identity are echoed throughout the narrative.
The Cuckoo's Calling is the debut mystery novel by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, initially published in 2013 before Rowling's authorship was revealed.
The novel received positive reviews for its compelling plot and character development, and after Rowling's identity was made public, sales reportedly surged by over 150,000%.
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Time magazine listed the book as one of the top ten fiction books of the year in 2013, highlighting its classic detective novel style.
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480
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2010s
2013
Mulholland Books
Adult
18+ years
940L
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