Reader with a Cause discussion

Our first book pick is The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling).

Who has picked up and/or started the book? Any initial thoughts or reactions to share?

I was finally able to get into this book over the long weekend (anybody else have the day off yesterday?).

I am really enjoying it thus far! I am intrigued - not sure where it's going to go.

Robin & Strike make an interesting crime-solving pair. I hope he can afford to keep her around for the whole book!

I'm about 60% done with the book and I'm still wondering who did it. Hoping I can finish it this week and finally KNOW!!

It's common to pair a jaded, worldly individual with a young, wide-eyed companion in mystery stories - do you think Galbraith's use of this trope was tired or did it feel fresh this time around?

For me, two things keep this pairing interesting. One is that they don't know each other very well, so they don't know what to expect from each other. The other is the suspense about whether or not they will continue working together. I hope they do. I really like them both as characters.

This is the best mystery story I've read (not saying much since I've only read a few). I like the feel of the modern setting, London, and the interesting characters. Galbraith's writing style is fun. I am curious to see where this goes!

I wonder how the story and "murder" would be different had Lula Landry been a famous male model. With Lula as a woman, there seems to be a focus on her mental instability and less than savory male companion/possible perp.

I loved the book, it was easy to read and digest and I felt relaxed about J.K. Rowling being the author, as opposed to the way I felt when I was reading "The Casual Vacancy"(which was, thank God, J.K. wrote again!) I would like to chat about the ending, once folks have reached that point! I hate the fiance. I want to be Strike's friend.

I finally started it this weekend. I didn't want to put it down. So far so good. I love the characters also. I agree with Janet regarding the pair being interesting.