The Cuckoo's Calling

Cormoran Strike, Book 1

By: Robert Galbraith

Narrated by: Robert Glenister

Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Now a major BBC drama: The Strike series.

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....

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 audiobook. Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

©2013 Robert Galbraith (P)2013 Hachette Digital

Critic reviews

" The Cuckoo's Calling reminds me why I fell in love with crime fiction in the first place." (Val McDermid)

"One of the most unique and compelling detectives I've come across in years" (Mark Billingham)

"One of the best crime novels I have ever read." (Alex Gray)

Still the best in the series

The narrator was excellent, however, later in the series with more elaboration on the characters, it become clear that he slightly overdid Robin and Strike's accents.

This series is cementing the fact that Rowling is far more than a children's writer. Her ability to create characters is unparalleled.

Going on this journey with an incredibly realistic and non-holmes-like detective and coming to the final satisfying conclusion to the murder makes it one of the best crime series out there.

A great story with a fantastic storyteller

What made the experience of listening to The Cuckoo's Calling the most enjoyable?

The realistic and contemporary storyline, which was entertaining and suspenseful right to the last chapter. The narrator was brilliant.

What other book might you compare The Cuckoo's Calling to and why?

Any number of contemporary detective stories in the genre, however Comoran Strike is a less conventional central character which makes it unique.

What does Robert Glenister bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A fantastic narrative which brings alive all of the individual characters, giving them texture and dimensions which can't be achieved when you read.
The relationships are real, and motivations are more believable as a result of Mr Glenister's skill and talented performance.

If you could rename The Cuckoo's Calling, what would you call it?

The name is entirely appropriate.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this audiobook, and look forward to more adventures with Cormoran Strike and Robyn.

A great story, very well read. One perfect novel.

Robert Galbraith is actually JK Rowling, so expect a well written, cleverly devised mystery plot, with plenty to keep you interested from the first moments. This novel introduces Cormoran Strike, London detective and veteran from the armed forces, who is hired to investigate the death of top model Lula Landry (a fascinating mix reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Kate Moss in her troubled personal life and turbulent relationship). Strike is assisted by his extremely capable temp secretary Robin.

Robert Glenister reads this novel perfectly, capturing all the characters with personality and charm.

Well worth a listen, you won't be disappointed.

A story writer is not necessarily a crime writer

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book. It’s well written and performed and it’s easy and compelling to listen to. The character development is pretty good and it’s well paced. It’s not a book you will regret purchasing

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Well no..... Okay so the book follows a linear timeline and you follow the movements of the protagonist and his sidekick. Theres heaps of detail so you basically see everything as it unfolds so when it comes to the ending... well it all sort of fails. Theres the predictable "twist" but while it fits into what you learnt along the way its all a bit lame. Theres no cleverness, no anticipation, no wow moments. With most crime and thriller type books theres always some cloak and mirror type writing to conceal things from the reader to tease us and this lacks that.

Absolutely Loved It

Wow, what a novel.

I really struggle to find anything to critise about this production.

The storyline moves along at a good pace yet there is plenty of charecter development. The narration by Robert Glenister really brings them to life.

I found this really difficult to put down and always wanted to listen to what happened next.

I will definetly be listening to more from this author and narrator.

Robert Galbraith is a master

It is an unlikely setting for a penniless PI to work his way through the maize of details so clearly set out.
Most enjoyable and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Very Good Book But A Bit Drawn Out.

I must admit I bought this book when I learned that J.K. Rowlings wrote it. I wanted to see how she would write a mystery. I have to also admit that I have never listened any of her books and I was buying on her amazing reputation. With that said, I really liked the book, but did not love it.

What I loved about it.
* Fantastic job on character development (but would you think anything less?) I got to know and love Strike and Robin right from the beginning and warmed up to all the other cast very shortly.
* The story was a good mystery.
* I liked that the ending gave way to a sequel to this book as I am interested where Strike's business and personal life take him.
* I loved Strike's crazy ex girlfriend and hope to see/hear more of her in future books as she was just briefly mentioned in the beginning and snippets throughout the book.

What I didn't....
*The book was OVERLY long. At almost 16 hours it dragged at times. She is an amazing descriptive writer but at times it just went on and on and I just wanted her to get on with it.
* As in the above sentence, it took ages, sometimes chapters to wrap up a small part of the story line. Perhaps I like books that move faster.
Having said that I still could not put the book down despite some frustrations.

All in all a good solid listen and something you would expect from this caliber of writer. I looking forward to the next installment of the series.

Robert Glenister was fantastic with the delivery of the story.
Worth a credit, very much yes from me.

Just brilliant.

Gripping story with well developed characters presented in vivid colours.
Thoroughly enjoyable both in content as well as delivery of the reader. Strongly recommend

A wonderful experience from start to finish

If you could sum up The Cuckoo's Calling in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, gripping, fun

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked both leads.

Have you listened to any of Robert Glenister’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. His narration was perfect.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I kept finding all sorts of excuses to start listening (I have never cleaned and ironed so much!). Haven't had so much fun reading a book in a long time.

Any additional comments?

I'm so glad JK wrote this after her bad one, The Casual Vacancy (couldn't get past chapter 3). This is a modern mystery with characters I could totally believe are real. I hope there's another in the works.

Cuckoo's not calling Harry Potter

Where does The Cuckoo's Calling rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would say somewhere in the middle. It is an excellent story skilfully told. The end fizzled out a bit and it was rather predictable two-thirds into the story.

What did you like best about this story?

It was a fresh story, new plot and some really interesting characters. It has left us with many questions about the characters and I see a next instalment.

Have you listened to any of Robert Glenister’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but he is very good!!!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The biggest surprise was that it was written by J.K. Rowling. Totally different. I loved the main character. Her best book (including Harry Potter).

Any additional comments?

I am not a writer but I would advise J.K. to work on her endings (with respect).