Robert Galbraith, aka JK Rowling, adds a literary element to her mysteries. I like how she includes a quote at the beginning of each chapter that ties in with the chapter itself. It's an obscure clue about what's happening next. Her characters are extremely intelligent and knowledgeable.
I continue to love Strike and Robin. They are not perfect people by any means. Strike is overweight, eats a lot of McDonald's when on the road, and pines after a woman who is certainly not good enough for him! He focuses on her outer beauty rather than her inner ugliness. You would think that after 16 years he could let her go! I was thrilled that he didn't cave to her texts to him on her wedding day. Good riddance. And Robin, she didn't cave either! How awesome that she stood her ground with Matthew. She could have continued to sneak around and tell half-truths or lie through omission, but she just layed it on the table. I admit that Matthew surprised me by trying to accept Robin and her passion for detective work, rather than giving her an ultimatum of "it's me or your job". All three made progress in this book from The Cuckoo's Calling!
Strike spent most of the novel in pain, both physically and emotionally. He seems to be the better for it though. As for the murder of Quine, everything about it was complex. Solving the mystery of who killed Quine was more about delving into these unique characters and how they related to Quine, rather than an "ah-ha" moment. Strike had his "ah-ha" moment, but the reader doesn't share it. We just have to wait until the story unfolds. I thought it was interesting that Strike tells Robin to watch Michael Fancourt's interview until she figures out what was weird about it. Then when she does figure it out, we never get to hear about it from her. We don't know until Strike mentions it to Fancourt himself.
Other than Strike and Robin, the characters aren't that "likeable". Everyone has an edge to them - or something incredibly quirky or selfish - or sometimes they are just moody. I love joining Strike and Robin on their "journey" with these unique individuals. To me, it wasn't the solving of the mystery that was ultimately satisfying, it was watching Strike and Robin follow their instincts as they figured it all out.
I will continue to read whatever RG/JKR puts out. I just hope it's soon!
Wendy's Rating: *****
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