The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

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.

A war veteran, wounded both physically and psychologically, Strike's 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 debut. Introducing Cormoran Strike, it is a classic crime novel unlike any other book you will read this year.

My Review:

Where to begin? I felt this book was quite similar to the ebb and flow of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, in that it was very factual. The story was very slow and the investigation even slower with not much evidence to go on. Admittedly, the only reason I stuck it out was because I felt it was more true to nature in relating actual investigations. It would be nice if mysteries wrapped themselves up quickly and with a nice little bow, although I doubt that is the exception rather that the norm.

I enjoyed the characters of Robin and Strike, and was a little perturbed with Matthew, but could I really blame his attitude? The story really started to pick up about 75% of the way, and by then I couldn't put the book down. Another huge similarity I saw between this book and the one I mentioned earlier is that the last person you'd expect, a person showing great concern for the possible murder were the actual murderers, and brother as well.

I did enjoy this book, especially as the story progressed. I also feel the overall view of the book has brought what I thought was going to be a solid 3 stars up to 4.

Favorite Quotes:

“The dead could only speak through the mouths of those left behind, and through the signs they left scattered behind them.”

“A lie would have no sense unless the truth were felt as dangerous.”

Read from April 07 to 21, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery/Crime, Adult, Thriller
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews