The Cuckoo’s Calling

by J. K. Rowling
The Cuckoo’s Calling cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Technical
  • ID: 5120
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
lukeharkness.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
excellent 4.50

The Cuckoo’s Calling is a gripping mystery with a compelling protagonist in Cormoran Strike. The intricate plot and well-developed characters make it a standout in the genre, though some may find the pacing slow at times.

The Cuckoo’s Calling is a masterfully crafted mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The protagonist, Cormoran Strike, is a complex and intriguing character whose personal and professional struggles add depth to the story. The plot is intricate and well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, adding layers to the narrative. However, some readers might find the pacing a bit slow in certain sections, but the overall experience is highly rewarding. The book’s exploration of themes like identity, class, and redemption makes it a thought-provoking read beyond just a typical mystery novel.

Quick quotes

    The protagonist is a complex and intriguing character whose personal and professional struggles add depth to the story.

    The plot is intricate and well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end.

    The book’s exploration of themes like identity, class, and redemption makes it a thought-provoking read beyond just a typical mystery novel.

literaryelephant.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
excellent 5.00

The Cuckoo’s Calling is a gripping murder mystery with well-developed, flawed characters and a compelling plot. The dynamic between the detective and his secretary is engaging, and the psychological tension adds depth to the story. The book is a strong start to a series, showcasing high-caliber writing and a captivating narrative.

The Cuckoo’s Calling is a standout murder mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows private detective Cormoran Strike and his resourceful secretary, Robin, as they investigate the suspicious death of a celebrity. The characters are beautifully flawed and realistic, making them relatable and intriguing. The dynamic between Cormoran and Robin is particularly engaging, as they work together without the distraction of a romantic entanglement. The plot is well-paced, with a psychological tension that adds depth to the mystery. The contrast between the lives of the celebrity victim and the underpaid detective and secretary adds an interesting layer to the story. The writing is of high quality, and the narrative is captivating, making it a strong start to a series. The book is a testament to Robert Galbraith's (J.K. Rowling) ability to create compelling adult fiction that is as engaging as her beloved Harry Potter series. The reviewer highly recommends this book and is excited to continue with the series.

Quick quotes

    She consulted her watch. Having allowed her usual margin of time for getting lost, she was a quarter of an hour early. The nondescript black-painted doorway of the office she sought stood to the left of the 12 Bar Cafe; the name of the occupant of the office was written on a scrappy piece of lined paper taped beside the buzzer for the second floor. She checked her watch again, then decided, in a burst of euphoria, to go up early and show herself keen for a job that did not matter in the slightest.

    I love discovering at the end of a great story that there’s more.

    I’m giving 5 stars, and I’m excited to see what the second Cormoran Strike book has in store for me.

thegothiclibrary.com · Unknown · 2017-01-16
engaging 4.25

The Cuckoo’s Calling is a lengthy but engaging crime thriller with a compelling protagonist in Cormoran Strike. The book's strength lies in its well-developed characters, particularly Strike's backstory, which keeps readers invested despite a somewhat slow start and a plot that feels stretched at times.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith is a crime thriller that stands out for its intricate character development, especially the protagonist Cormoran Strike. The book's length might be a deterrent for some, but the depth of Strike's personal struggles and the memorable supporting characters make it a worthwhile read. The plot, while engaging, feels a bit drawn out at times, and the initial pacing is slow. However, once the story gains momentum, it becomes clear why the series has been so successful. The characters, from Strike's temporary secretary Robin to the eccentric personalities he encounters, add layers of entertainment and intrigue. The book could have benefited from some trimming, but overall, it's a compelling start to the series that leaves readers eager to follow Strike's journey further.

Quick quotes

    Rowling has a fantastic ability of writing great characters

    Strike’s personal struggles are a highlight of this first novel and the substance that will keep me reading the story.

    The actual plot/crime involved was a little hit and miss but did introduce us to some great personalities and characters who kept me incredibly entertained.

clairehuston.co.uk · Unknown · 2015-12-08
solid 3.00

The Cuckoo’s Calling is a solid detective novel with excellent characterisation, particularly of the lead detective, Cormoran Strike, and his assistant, Robin. The mystery is well-plotted, but the book is overly long and features irritating stylistic quirks, such as unnecessary obscure vocabulary and attempts to write accents, which disrupt the immersive reading experience. Despite these flaws, the story picks up and offers a satisfying conclusion.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith is a solid detective novel that offers a compelling mystery and well-developed characters. The protagonist, Cormoran Strike, is a complex and fallible detective with a rich backstory, and his assistant, Robin, is equally engaging. The supporting cast is diverse, ranging from clueless to despicable, and the descriptions of London add depth to the narrative. The mystery is well-plotted with enough suspects and red herrings to keep readers guessing until the end, which provides a satisfying conclusion. However, the book suffers from being overly long, with a slow build-up that tests the patience of readers. Additionally, the stylistic choices, such as the use of obscure vocabulary and attempts to write accents, can be jarring and disruptive to the immersive reading experience. These flaws make the book feel less polished than it could be, but overall, it is a worthwhile read for fans of the genre. The story picks up momentum as it progresses, and the character development is strong enough to keep readers invested. While the stylistic issues are noticeable, they do not overshadow the strengths of the novel, making it a solid addition to the detective fiction canon.

Quick quotes

    The characterisation is excellent and I’d read the next book in the series just to find out what happens to Robin and whether she realizes her fiancé is clearly not right for her.

    Unfortunately this book is 100 pages too long.

    The excessive length and words like this make me suspect, perhaps unkindly, that once the editors at the publishing house found out who wrote this book, they bottled out of taking the red pen to the manuscript.

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