Play Book Tag discussion

This series has really grown on me. The second book was better than the first, and this one is better even than the second. Cormoran Strike is barely managing to keep his detective agency afloat when his assistant Robin receives a package at work that turns out to be a dismembered leg. The notoriety of this causes his clients to desert him until only two are left. Strike believes he is the real target of the killer, as several clues allude to his past involving his mother, and he has 3 prime suspects.

Rowling has really come into her own in this genre. The reader is occasionally shown the murderer's point of view, but cleverly done so that his identity is never clear until she chooses to finally reveal him (at least it wasn't to me!). The secondary storyline is Robin's relationship with her fiancee Matthew, as they are constantly quarreling when their wedding is only a few months away. This is the only annoying part of this series, as I can't stand Matthew and wish Robin would just dump him. However, their relationship has a very real ring to it. Rowling seems to be toying with her readers, teasing us with the possibility of a more intimate relationship between Robin and Strike, but I doubt it will be resolved any time soon. I don't particularly care whether or not they do get together, but I'm hoping Robin will come to her senses eventually and get rid of Matthew who is just an ass.

Rowling has firmly established herself as a mystery writer. As long as she can keep up the quality of writing, this series will stay on my list of favorites.

I agree about Matthew. But at least I understand why Robin sticks with the guy now. It made sense after Rowling filled in her traumatic back story. Of course the relationship won't work, but it's bound to complicate the plots of future books. Anyway, I hope so.

I do like how none of her characters are black and white, they have flaws and are very human. I have a particular distaste for the type of man Matthew is, having had a fiance that cheated on me, though at least he wasn't as condescending as Matthew. But yes, I can see why Robin would stick with it, I stuck with my ass**** for a total of 10 years before I finally broke free. LOL it does make for an interesting story, and it helps to keep the tension between Robin and Strike, which is developing quite nicely. They are becoming like friends to me, as a reader I have become quite invested in their friendship, and in particular Robin's development.

annapi wrote: "it does make for an interesting story, and it helps to keep the tension between Robin and Strike, which is developing quite nicely. They are becoming like friends to me, as a reader I have become quite invested in their friendship, and in particular Robin's development. .."

I love how their relationship is playing out, it hasn't gone where you would think in these type of storylines. But there is something there for sure.

Very helpful review for me. I read the first two and was uncertain over continuing. Robin seems a lot more complex and interesting than Strike and hope she continues to evolve.

Michael wrote: "Very helpful review for me. I read the first two and was uncertain over continuing. Robin seems a lot more complex and interesting than Strike and hope she continues to evolve."

Glad it helps, Michael! I would definitely recommend you continue reading, at least till this book. We'll have to see where she goes next and whether or not she can keep it up! But I kind of felt the same as you, and it took me awhile to finally pick up this book. If not for this tag, I might have delayed reading this, and I was surprised and pleased to find that this is the best of the series for me so far.