Series: Cormoran Strike #1
Pages: 550
Publisher: Little Brown
Publication Date: 13th April 2013
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3/5
Review: The Cukoo's Calling introduces us to private detective Cormoran Strike, and his new temporary secretary, Robin. That I begin this review with these characters, rather than the mystery itself, demonstrates exactly where I felt the strength of this book lies. That's not to say that the mystery wasn't good, but that it was the characters that made this book for me.
Cormoran is an ex-military cambridge drop-out, and has just broken up with his gorgeous but difficult wife. Sleeping in his office where he has worked as a private detective since losing his leg in Afghanistan, and hounded by a major debtor, things seem to be falling apart for this scruffy, slightly overweight thirty-something. That is, until a distraught but wealthy client offers a double rate to invesigate the alleged suicide of his famous sister.
Cormoran's new assistant, Robin, has just got engaged to a man who seems like a bit of a dud. He is a litle jealous and suspicious of her work with Cormoran, and it isn't clear if that's because of a suspicion that Robin might be attracted to the man, or because she is actually finding this work fulfilling-- in either case, it's a threat to him taking the number one spot in her life. Like many readers, I'll be waiting for the break-up, and keeping my fingers crossed for a Robin/Cormoran relationship in later books!
The mystery itself never really felt that exciting or interesting, though the explorations of fame, as experienced by the victim, and those of her acquaintance, are really insightful, creating a sympathetic portrait of the not-always-likeable characters in the music and fashion worlds. The lifestyle of fame and glamour was captured well, and the humanity really came through beneath all the surface glitz.
I would recommend this more for the characters and their relationship drama than for the mysery, but it was still a good read, and I hope to read more books in the series at a later date.
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