This second outing for Rowling writing as Robert Galbraith continues the story of Cormoran Strike, an intrepid detective and war hero, and his assistant Robin.
This story is much darker than THE CUCKOO’S CALLING and filled with cruelty and foulness. A failed and failing writer is murdered in a heinous way. Strike and Robin combine to discover who among the many literary folk did the murder and why. The many characters are introduced and their stories filled out nicely. Each of the characters has a possible motive and you will be kept guessing until the final pages. Rowling writes with clarity as she fleshes out each possible murderer. The plot is intricate and you will need to pay attention if you are to solve the mystery before Strike and Robin.
Strike’s physical infirmity becomes a defining part of the story and Robin is forced to step up in ways that make her fiancé unhappy. That portion of the book offers insight into each of the main characters and will allow Rowling to continue the series with continued conflict between Robin, her fiancé and Strike.
A well written, engaging mystery that drags just a bit in the middle when much time is spent defining the characters.
4 of 5 stars

Really like the first "Cormoran Strike novel,, but was little disappointed with this one. Had an interesting story line ... but found this "Cormoran Striker" novel to be pessimistic & pathetic at times.

The second Strike detective novel was suspenseful, twisted, dark, funny, and insightful. The reader gets a glimpse into the world of publishing, and sees the darker side of the literary world.
Our book club enjoyed the novel, liked the characters, and loved the chance to compare JKR\\\'s work through the years.