In a network of lines that enlace

J.K Rowling isn’t an author I’d say I adore. I did, like most people my age, adore Harry Potter growing up, and the novels did play a large part in my childhood. Appropriately, The Deathly Hallows was published the summer before I left for university; so while I do have a place in my heart for Rowling’s writing, I would never add her to my top ten list.

I also deeply disliked The Casual Vacancy, so hadn’t considered trying Cuckoo’s Calling, until two people I trust recommended it to me. Combined with seeing it on sale for £2.50, I decided to give it a go. And it’s more than worth it.

Characters are her forte. Everyone in this novel is incredibly well-rounded and visual. You don’t necessarily like anyone in this story; Strike being too brash yet easily manipulated, Robin too stuck in her routines and overly excitable. But they are human, and I found myself connecting to their story because their actions seemed plausible.

The story is intriguing, and grips you from the start. I wanted to know what happened to Lula, and the reveal was well done. I only guessed who her killer was just before the end, and even then I couldn’t tell you exactly how it was done. She’s an excellent crime writer, it must be said.

The second in this series will soon be bought!