The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

A model falls to her death, but her brother refuses to believe she took her own life. He employs private detective Cormoran Strike to investigate further to seek out the truth. But Strike has troubles of his own, including a physical disability, debts and nowhere to live since he split with his long-term partner.

But Strike is resourceful, teaming up with temp Robin, who soon has his office and affairs organised. She’s tactful, smart and eager to learn, proving to be a useful and imaginative assistant. Strike is soon interviewing the main players and witnesses, picking apart their testimony and recollections. Little by little, he starts to piece together what happened on the fateful night, knowing it will bring him into direct conflict with the killer for a dramatic climax.

The characters, settings and situations are drawn in great detail by the author. The pace is considered, but maintains the suspense and tension needed to pull the reader along. Strike’s a fascinating and likable character, flawed and damaged by life and his army service in Afghanistan. Robin, who enters his world as a temp, is equally well-portrayed and has issues of her own with an unsympathetic fiancé.

However, as good as the writing is, there was too much detail for my liking. It slowed the pace at times and gave me far too much information to keep in my head. Strike’s progress and suspicions were largely kept from the reader until he explains how it all fits together in the final confrontation with the killer.

But overall, it was an enjoyable murder mystery that sustained my interest to the end.

Description

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.

Strike is a war veteran – wounded both physically and psychologically – and his 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 . . .