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faithx5's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
the_procrastinating_ace's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book felt way too unnecessarily gory and graphic. I also feel it was way too slow at times, and while it may be attributed to the fact that the author wanted to establish the characters properly, it just dragged on a lot at certain points. I went in with high expectations and was let down a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, and Violence
bickleyhouse's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the second of the Cormoran Strike novels, and I do believe I enjoyed it quite a bit more than the first one. If I recall, I wasn't sure if I would continue in the series, but I'm glad I did.
The writing style of "Robert Galbraith" is quite different, in my opinion, from that of the Harry Potter series. It resembles more the style in The Casual Vacancy. The tone is dark and, at times, depressing. The characters tend to go through their lives with little hope or expectation, or else, the frequently have those shattered.
Strike, himself, the detective, is single, with a failed relationship behind him, and, in this tale, has to deal with his ex getting married. Obviously, he still has feelings for her. He is practically homeless, living downstairs (or is it up?) from his office. But he's a good detective.
Robin, his assistant, wants to also be a detective. There some excellent writing in this book as the two of them deal with expectations that they both have (or don't), and it is quite delightful when Robin finally asserts herself and clears the air.
The crime, itself, in this one is quite gory in detail, and the writer kept me guessing all the way through. I never did figure out "whodunit," in this case. I had some ideas, but they were all wrong. But it's very Agatha-Christie-like, in that almost everyone involved in this one seems to have both motive and opportunity.
it's a great story, and I will definitely find time to continue on. I know it is still going, because we have the latest installment on our new book shelf at the library where I work.
The writing style of "Robert Galbraith" is quite different, in my opinion, from that of the Harry Potter series. It resembles more the style in The Casual Vacancy. The tone is dark and, at times, depressing. The characters tend to go through their lives with little hope or expectation, or else, the frequently have those shattered.
Strike, himself, the detective, is single, with a failed relationship behind him, and, in this tale, has to deal with his ex getting married. Obviously, he still has feelings for her. He is practically homeless, living downstairs (or is it up?) from his office. But he's a good detective.
Robin, his assistant, wants to also be a detective. There some excellent writing in this book as the two of them deal with expectations that they both have (or don't), and it is quite delightful when Robin finally asserts herself and clears the air.
The crime, itself, in this one is quite gory in detail, and the writer kept me guessing all the way through. I never did figure out "whodunit," in this case. I had some ideas, but they were all wrong. But it's very Agatha-Christie-like, in that almost everyone involved in this one seems to have both motive and opportunity.
it's a great story, and I will definitely find time to continue on. I know it is still going, because we have the latest installment on our new book shelf at the library where I work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Murder
liliya_klein's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cormoran is a big guy. He’s ex-military, proud, intelligent and people-smart. He also has a complicated relationship with an ex that is very toxic.
Robin is his sidekick. She’s Cormoran’s pretty secretary with a host of skills administrative skills and street smarts. In this book, we learn that she is an expert driver. She’s engaged to a guy who doesn’t seem to really understand her although he does care for her.
They work together as a private detective duo taking on mostly surveillance cases and occasionally some biggies (on which the series focuses on).
The storytelling is slow and the reveals are drawn out. But it’s keeping me engaged and invested in these characters lives. And I hope to watch the series too, so I’m trying to get through the books.
Robin is his sidekick. She’s Cormoran’s pretty secretary with a host of skills administrative skills and street smarts. In this book, we learn that she is an expert driver. She’s engaged to a guy who doesn’t seem to really understand her although he does care for her.
They work together as a private detective duo taking on mostly surveillance cases and occasionally some biggies (on which the series focuses on).
The storytelling is slow and the reveals are drawn out. But it’s keeping me engaged and invested in these characters lives. And I hope to watch the series too, so I’m trying to get through the books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
ladythana's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Cancer, Infertility, Terminal illness, Excrement, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
tessabessa's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Car accident, and Murder
cottagefairynatalie's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Torture, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Murder, and Classism
jselliot's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Murder
Minor: Pedophilia and War
imogenlj's review against another edition
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Violence, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail