Title:	The Cuckoo's Calling
	Author:	Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
	Published:	2013, Mulholland Books
	No. of Pages:	455
	Cover Price:	$26.00 Hardcover, $18.00 Paperback, $13.00 Kindle

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Writing as Robert Galbraith, J.K. Rowling has introduced a new detective series. The Cuckoo's Calling is the first installment, and while totally different from the Harry Potter Series, Rowling's writing expertise is evident, as she tells the story of Cormoran Strike, a down and out private detective, who is hired to investigate the death of a supermodel who allegedly jumped from a balcony. Strike's client, a brother of the victim, is convinced that his sister did not commit suicide even though it was ruled as such by the authorities. Strike's investigation takes readers through the world of high fashion and the lives of the wealthy.

Strike is a unique protagonist, and Galbraith's (Rowling's) expertise in character descriptions makes him real. In fact, all of the characters are believable. One drawback for readers who prefer not to read books with overt profanity, is the copious use of the F-word throughout. The way the characters use the word is most likely indicative of real-life persons who are in the fashion world, and definitely indicative of lower-class real people; it is Galbraith's way of characterizing without obvious laundry-list descriptions, and readers who are offended by this type of language may want to skip this series. Just saying.

As is in any good suspense novel, there are constant twists and turns; it seems that there is an underlying impression throughout that Strike and others are in danger, but it is never definitive, and keeps readers on the edge. The ending is highly unexpected, and it brings out some very interesting psychological issues. Since the series takes place in the UK, there are cultural differences in the characters' lifestyles that are charming and fun.

Thriller fans who appreciate J.K. Rowling's skillful and unique writing style will definitely want to read The Cuckoo's Calling, and will look forward to the subsequent Cormoran Strike novels. For anyone looking for a new series with a very unique protagonist, this is one to consider.

This book was purchased with personal funds and no promotion of the book was solicited by the author or publisher.

This book may be purchased at Amazon:
The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike) Hardcover
The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike) Paperback
The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike) Kindle