I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving with your family and friends! My latest read is from Robert Galbraith (aka J. K. Rowling!) and his (her?) latest installment in the Cormoran Strike series, Career of Evil. I have to tell you that I've been waiting for this book ever since I finished the last two, Cuckoo's Calling and The Silkworm. I also have to admit that I forgot that it came out and rushed to Barnes & Noble as soon as I could to get a copy. I don't own too many physical copies of books, but this series is worth going out and buying. Keep reading to see my final thoughts on this book!
Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith Summary
Cormoran Strike is a private investigator (P.I.) based out of London, England. One day his assistant Robin Ellacott is opening up the office for the day when a package arrives. She expects to find invitations for her upcoming wedding inside. What she actually finds is much more terrifying - the leg of a teenage girl. Strike contacts the police and give them 4 names of criminals who still might be holding grudges against the newly famous P.I.. The police decide to focus their investigation on a suspect who has been known to cut off body parts. Strike concentrates his efforts on the other 3 suspects, who are much more likely to have committed the crime. With news of the delivery spreading through London Strike's business loses clients (much to the delight of the true culprit) and he and Robin are able to focus on catching the real killer.
Whodunnit?!
All of the suspects have super seedy pasts, like most of the people Strike comes into contact with. Each one has a legit reason to hate Strike and want to see him crushed and his business destroyed. Their backstories and histories with Strike are very interesting and make it hard to pinpoint the true killer. I actually guessed the killer earlier on and second guessed myself after reading Strike's encounters with the other suspects!
Robin Ellacott - A Heroine is Born
Robin's character has developed and grown right before my eyes (Literally!). She can now hold her own next to Strike, often forcing him to take her seriously as his partner and not his secretary. Her past struggles don't define her and she refuses to rely on any of the men in her life, even as her own is put in danger several times. I love that the book lifted her up and didn't make her a shadow of the man she works with. The relationship between Strike and Robin is very "Will they?" or "Won't they?" at times and it becomes a distracting focal point toward the end of the book.
The Verdict:
I would definitely recommend this book (Or series!) to anybody who loves a great crime thriller with a killer twist. The book starts off kind of slow, but picks up with Strike and Robin's investigations. There are quite a few unexpected twists at the end of the book and the ending sets up room for another sequel in true J.K. Rowling fashion. If you're uncomfortable with rape or child abuse then I would steer clear of this book as the two subjects heavily factor into the plot. The next Cormoran Strike book is a long way off, but I can't wait for it!
Would you read this book? Have any suggestions for my next read? Leave your answers in the comments below!