Robert Galbraith, The Cuckoo's Calling

Like everybody else, I purchased a copy of The Cuckoo's Calling when the news broke that it had in fact been written by J.K. Rowling. I probably would not have picked it up otherwise. The cover is off-putting, and I've seen the book described as noir, which holds no appeal for me. From what I understand of the definition of "noir," however, The Cuckoo's Calling isn't it. Which is a good thing. I'm very glad I picked up this book after all. The book introduces one-legged private eye Cormoran Strike. He's a good character, but better yet—what makes the book so good, in my opinion—is Strike's relationship with his new office temp, Robin. There's something charming and, in my reading experience at least, unusual about their interaction. In the end I was left wanting more, and I'm happy that Rowling intends this to be the first in a series.

Apparently, linguistics experts compared the prose in this book with sections from Rowling's The Casual Vacancy and with books from other crime writers, and stylistic similarities suggested that Rowling was indeed the author. But had I not known as much, I'm quite sure it would never have occurred to me that she was the author. I would, however, have found it unusually good for a book allegedly written by a first-time author and former military man.

In short, I loved the book, and I'm delighted that Rowling continues to surprise. I'll be pre-ordering the next installment in the series as soon as it's announced.