This is the third book in the Cormoran Strike series. It's grisly and violent and disturbing. The story begins when Robin receives a woman's severed leg in the mail. I think it's interesting that as Rowling (Galbraith) gets deeper into her stories (both Harry Potter and this one), the events and characters get darker. I love the John Sanford series, and this book reminded me of that. These books are not for the faint of heart.
I enjoyed delving more into Cormoran's childhood. It gave me a better understanding of what makes him tick. Since the books only come out once a year (and I read them farther apart than that even), it's hard to remember all the details of a character's life, but I don't remember learning about the amputation of Cormoran's leg in the previous two books. I certainly didn't know there are people out there that want a part of their body removed! (I don't mean to be misleading there; Cormoran did not want his leg amputated!) Anyway, in this book we learn a little bit about Cormoran's past - his mother, her husband, and a couple of other men that hate Cormoran due to past events. These men are central to the story: Jeff Whitaker (Cormoran's young "step-father"), Donald Laing (whom Cormoran had sent to prison) and Noel Brockbank. All three men are equally creepy. I will admit that I had a difficult time remembering the specifics of each of these men though. Whitaker was the easiest one for me to keep straight since he was married to Cormoran's mother. The other two I never could keep straight.
So, while Cormoran & Robin are trying to keep some clients, young women are dying and they are trying to investigate these men - and stay out of the way of the police. When Cormoran realizes that Robin is in danger, he tries to keep her safe as well, while not telling her he believes she is in danger. In each book, the relationship between Cormoran & Robin develops, even as her marriage to Matthew draws nearer. There is a mutual attraction and closeness between the two of them in this book that wasn't there previously. The ending is certainly mysterious. Not sure what to think of that. (It kind of reminded me of Ross & Emily's wedding in London when Ross says Rachel's name at the altar).
I know I have said this before, but I am a HUGE fan of Rowling's writing - no matter what she is writing. I am hooked on this series. I can't wait to see what happens between Cormoran & Robin - and I am wondering how they revive the business after losing all of their clients. Looking forward to picking up the next one: Lethal White.
Wendy's Rating: ****
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