The Cuckoo’s Calling: a new genre from a familiar face

J.K. Rowling’s latest novel provides a new perspective from London’s elite

In the glamourous world of London’s famous model Lula Landry, everything must be questioned.

The Cuckoo’s Calling, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, explores the suicide of Lula Landry through the eyes of an impoverished private detective hoping to save his career by solving the case.

Initially, J.K. Rowling wrote the novel under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, a fictional ex-army and security agent. However, on July 9, a partner of the Russell’s law firm leaked via Twitter to a Sunday Times reporter that it was Rowling who wrote the book.

Each character in Cuckoo’s Calling is fully developed with many flaws and personal problems. Landry herself is given new life throughout the case as she goes from a larger than life, flawless model, to a suicide victim with problems as well as redeeming qualities. Cormoran Strike, the detective investigating Landry’s case, is portrayed as a man once at the top of the food chain now struggling to make a living. With clients dwindling, Strike must call in favors from old friends to get his information and experiences frequent death threats.

Although the character development was superb, the conclusions that Strike draws are from seemingly nowhere, with very little or circumstantial evidence. The reader is expected to trust Strike’s assumptions as the case progresses.

Overall, the book explores the depths of the world of London’s elite as it portrays a convoluted free-for-all where there are no consequences for any actions. The Cuckoo’s Calling is an easy read, and becomes impossible to put down after the first page. It is a good option for fans of J.K. Rowling’s previous books, as well as those who enjoy the crime literature genre.