12.30.2013

The Cuckoos Calling

I have two ersatz sisters, both younger, both very bright and both inveterate readers, like me.  Recently, my sister Mary recommended a book called the Cuckoos Calling, written by Robert Galbraith, which is a pen name of J.K. Rowling who has authored the Harry Potter books.

I read it over Christmas, and as a fan of detective novels, this just filled the bill for me.  I wound up loving it and wishing that it would not end quite so soon.  The good part is that Rowling says this will become a series, and I am already looking forward to the second one.

Now, I am not one for disecting a book, or picking it apart to criticize certain parts.  I tend to like most of it and just kind of gloss over any parts I am not so fond of.

This book was right  up my alley.  Rowling is a terrific character developer, the main detective was so well done as was his assistant.
If you are fond of the detective novel, I am betting you will love this book and I am happy Rowling is paying more mind to us grown ups.

Some commentary on this book from Amazon:

"One of the books of the year." (USA Today)

"Robert Galbraith has written a highly entertaining book... Even better, he has introduced an appealing protagonist in Strike, who's sure to be the star of many sequels to come.... its narrative moves forward with propulsive suspense. More important, Strike and his now-permanent assistant, Robin (playing Nora to his Nick, Salander to his Blomkvist), have become a team - a team whose further adventures the reader cannot help eagerly awaiting." (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times)

"Rowling switches genres seamlessly...a gritty, absorbing tale." (People (3.5/4 stars))

"An extravagant, alien, fascinating world for its characters to explore...great pleasures." (Slate)

"I couldn't stop myself from thoroughly enjoying The Cuckoo's Calling... The book's real magic is in Rowling's distinctive descriptive prose." (Carole E. Barrowman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

"THE CUCKOO'S CALLING reminds me why I fell in love with crime fiction in the first place." (Val McDermid, bestselling author of The Vanishing Point) --internet

Visit your local library or bookstore for this one!

Cheers and Happy New Year,

Jo

20 comments:

  1. Happy New Year Jo et al.

    It caused quite a literary stir here in the UK when JK Rowling was revealed as 'Robert Galbraith'. To their credit, several reviewers did note that it was an uncommonly accomplished achievement for a supposed first time author!

    The book is on my list to read, but has not yet reached the top. With your recommendation, I might bump it up a few rows!

    Cheers,
    Gail.

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    1. Gail's recommendation Corvus arrived this morning and I am eager to start it.
      I am a chronic orderer of Amazon used books and this one is a retired library book, nicely wrapped in plastic and in perfect shape!

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  2. Sounds like a good read indeed.
    Have a marvellous Monday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  3. Hey, that sounds great!!!! Thanks for the suggestion - I like detective novels also!

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  4. Mom is always up for a good read so we will tell her to add this to her list. Dad likes detective stories too, hmmmm,maybe he would like it as well.

    Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

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  5. Hi Jo, I've read this one too and loved it. I heard that it was turned down by a couple of publishers before being produced. Bet they're kicking themselves now! Happy New Year to you all. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory) P.S. Rory is coming along slowly. I think there is improvement each day and he seems to be getting stronger. He can walk longer distances (with support) and this is strengthening his muscles.

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  6. I'll definitely put this one on my to-read list. Happy New Year, Jo and friends!

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  7. Calling in to wish you a very Happy New Year guys :-) xxx

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  8. Stopping by to say Happy New Year!!

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  9. hello jo and stella and zkhat its dennis the vizsla dog hay that sownds like a buk dada wood like i wil let him no yoo rekommended it!!! happy noo yeer!!! ok bye

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  10. Thanks for the heads up! :)

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  11. My to do list is one book longer now. Maybe I should wait for the translation.... is it demanding to read (for me)?

    Dear Jo,
    a healthy, peaceful and happy New Year to you and your four legged friends!
    Liebe Grüße,
    Pia

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  12. Hi All, Happy Healthy New Year.
    We are glad you enjoyed your book, we like Detective stories, so we will
    get THE CUCKOO'S CALLING .
    Licks Bobby

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  13. Thanks for the review. I'll give it a read.

    Thank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.

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  14. Just checking in. We have not heard from you all in a while. Hope all is well and that the snows are not keeping you too trapped inside. Know we are thinking of you and sending positive thoughts.

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  15. Howdy Jo, hope is all ok. Just wanted to say hello and thanks for the get well wishes for Rory. Take care and have a good weekend. No worries, and love, Carol and Stella and Rory

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  16. hello jo and stella and zkhat its dennis the vizsla dog hay thank yoo for yore kind wurds and thawts dooring tuckers final ilness it has ben diffikult for us theez last fyoo weeks but the support of all of tuckers frends has helpd us tremendusly!!! ok bye

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  17. I bet all authors wished that reviewers beed like you and mostly noticed the good bits!
    ~Lickies, Ludo.

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  18. I just finished reading this. Really loved it, and looking forward to sequels!
    Now I'm reading The Aviator's Wife, completely different genre (about Anne Morrow Lindbergh), but also very well done.

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  19. Kind of an inviting cover too. Can you judge a book this way?

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