Reviews with content warning for Gore - The Silkworm

The second in the Cormoran Strike series is a scathing view of the cut-throat publishing industry. It’s another clever, intricate, convoluted plot that is clear in retrospect. Galbraith / Rowling has put together a fascinating mystery of rejection and vengeance, showing herself to be a master of plot and character development. I find the ever-evolving relationship between Strike and Robin to be the most compelling part of the series. Excellent storytelling.

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jselliot's review against another edition

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dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Another solid, and arguably better than the first book after the ground-laying introductions of reoccurring characters were out of the way. The process leading up to the killer and the reveal was riveting.

Matthew and Charlotte, however, I feel they'd be perfect for one another. I did feel bad for Nina in this book, though. She has every right to feel a woman scorned, and ideally Strike doesn't repeat that behavior on someone else. As it is, I suspect he'll have damaged his friendship with her brother.

And as an aside, I found the meta-commentary on the publishing world to be rather entertaining. I've known plenty of male writers like the ones displayed within the pages of the book, and the comparison is not particularly flattering. Woe is me and the neglected genius tropes are fraught and frequent among self-perceived artistes who worry more about their glory than telling a good story.

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imogenreads_'s review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I've watched the Strike TV series and although I'm usually a 'you must read the book first/book is always better!!' type person... I think the TV series is better. This was interesting, the pace worked because I kept wanting to read it even though it's huuuuge, but I prefer my mysteries a bit snappier & am probably only reading the books because I want to find out more about Robin & Strike's day-to-day relationship. I'd pick up the next in the series in a charity shop but it's not going on my TBR list!

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