Goodreads Reviews: Cormoran Strike #1 - The Cuckoo's Calling

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

J.K. Rowling now writes mystery?

How interesting!

And yet, how intriguing these mysteries are!

Cormoran Strike, an army veteran who lost his leg in an explosion, is now a private investigator, however, his own life is just as dark and twisted. The son of a famous rocker, Johnny Rokeby, and a super-groupie/model, Leda Strike; Cormoran spent most of his life in poverty, pulled around by an inept mother who subjugated both of her children to some of the worst living conditions imaginable. The army is what saved Strike and he rose quickly through the ranks to become an investigator for the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch. Strike was exceptional at his job, but when he lost his leg and was discharged, he decides to continue his career as a civilian. Yet, he might need a little help..

Enter Robin Ellacott. Bubbly, beautiful and happily engaged to her college sweetheart, Robin is ready for a challenging job. So when she is sent to Strike's office by Temporary Solutions to apply as a secretary, she has no idea what is really in store for or even he temporary boss.

After the suicide of a famous supermodel, Lula Landry, Strike is called upon by Lula's brother who believes that Lula was actually murdered. Strike sets off to investigate the possible murder and unexpectedly finds a trusty aid in his new secretary. Robin's sharp perceptions, quick thinking and natural investigation skills become essential in finding Lula's killer.

And not only does Robin help find the killer, she also saves Cormoran's life. Elevating her to becoming a possible partner in his agency.

What makes this story great isn't necessarily the mystery itself, but the characters. Both Strike and Robin are well written characters that are complex and broken, but not without hope either. I loved learning more about Strike's background (especially his mother) and meeting his wide variety of friends--Shanker being my favorite. Robin is undeniably sweet, but also possesses a toughness that not everyone sees. People tend to see her pretty face and not realize that she's stronger and more intelligent than they give her credit for. No one gets this more than Strike.

Strike and Robin, despite their polar opposite differences, get each other. Both have been through personal pain and injury in their lives. And due to that pain, they make an unlikely investigative team than seem determine to take on whatever crime comes to their door.