Genre: Novel
Grade: A-
Notable People: Robert Galbraith
Title: The Cuckoo’s Calling
Review –This is a the first novel in a series (three to date) by the author who is really J.K Rowling of Harry Potter immortality. Why she is using a pseudonym and still telling everybody who she is – is one of those literary world secrets or inside jokes I guess. So, first off I am not a Potter fan. Tried the books once, but did not really take, and have not seen the movies (my kids were already grown when the books were the rage). That said, she/he is a brilliant writer- these books are very well written and the stories are pointedly told, and she has a great ear for dialog. Cormoran Strike is a down on his luck private detective in London, who has lost his leg in Afghanistan and his heart to a tigress. He is also the estranged bastard son of a famous rock star- and is called on, very mysteriously, to investigate the apparent suicide of a super model. This one is filled with wild goose chases and greedy, manipulative characters. London is well portrayed. I’m going out and get the next two.