The Cuckoo's Calling cover art

The Cuckoo's Calling

Cormoran Strike, Book 1

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The Cuckoo's Calling

By: Robert Galbraith
Narrated by: Robert Glenister
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About this listen

Now a major BBC drama: The Strike series.

When a troubled model falls to her death from a snow-covered Mayfair balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. However, her brother has his doubts, and calls in private investigator Cormoran Strike to look into the case.

Strike is a war veteran - wounded both physically and psychologically - and his life is in disarray. The case gives him a financial lifeline, but it comes at a personal cost: the more he delves into the young model's complex world, the darker things get - and the closer he gets to terrible danger....

A gripping, elegant mystery steeped in the atmosphere of London - from the hushed streets of Mayfair to the backstreet pubs of the East End to the bustle of Soho - The Cuckoo's Calling is a remarkable audiobook. Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

©2013 Robert Galbraith (P)2013 Hachette Digital
Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction Private Investigators Psychological Thriller Mystery Suspense Exciting

Editorial reviews

The Cuckoo’s Calling is Book 1 of the brilliant Cormoran Strike series written by Robert Galbraith with this unabridged crime thriller audiobook edition narrated by English actor Robert Glenister. A beautiful model falls from a snow-covered Mayfair balcony and suicide is suspected. Private Investigator Cormoran Strike knows better, suspecting as always foul play is at hand. Delving deep into the young model’s past he is unwittingly embroiled in the dangerous web of crime that is rife throughout the city of London. Available now from Audible.

Critic Reviews

"The Cuckoo's Calling reminds me why I fell in love with crime fiction in the first place." (Val McDermid)

"One of the most unique and compelling detectives I've come across in years" (Mark Billingham)
"One of the best crime novels I have ever read." (Alex Gray)

What listeners say about The Cuckoo's Calling

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Top Class Narrator

Credit to JK Rowling for a good story but the stand out was Robert Glenisters narration.

I warmed to this book the more and more it developed.

Rowling is quite clever - an obvious talent - and it’s until the story is over and you reflect that you appreciate it was a very good effort. Enough for me to go searching for both author and narrator.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Gripping

loved it, had me on the edge of my seat, thought the killer was someone else. so looking forward to the next one

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Skilful entertainment

Both RGs have provided a fine exhibition of skill and entertainment. Straight to the next one for me.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Too many stereotypes

I enjoyed it but struggled with the stereotypes and the portrayl of women. Plus there is a lot of swearing which I felt was to show the masculinity of the writer who is in fact female. I was disappointed it was so conventional and not more of a challege to the patriarchal order.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant Narration

Thoroughly enjoyed the story with its twists and turns, loved that its set in London, especially as I’m stuck in Australia

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Thoroughly entertaining and brilliantly read

Couldn’t wait to listen as soon as I got back into my car. Looking forward to book 2.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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This Series Gets Better & Better!

This is the first book of the series (I have read four of the books in this series to date) & it’s a great read! JK Rowling (under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith) has created fabulous characters, good plots & interesting twists & turns in this wonderful detective story which has a delightful under undertow of the blossoming love story between the protagonist (Strike) & the deuteragonist (Robin). I can’t wait for the fifth edition where I hope they finally fall into each other’s arms! 😊

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Classic murder mystery

Murder mystery with interesting lead and supporting characters. Will invest in the series, quite entertaining. Regarding the narrative, sometimes the applied voices varied making it unclear who was taking, but overall quite good.

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Loved it!

Enjoyed this audio book throughly! Well fleshed out likeable characters, plot sound and story tellers voice nailed it! Can't wait to listen to the second book.

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A good old fashioned detective story

I couldn't stop listening to this novel. Great storyline that wasn't stretched in length but the perfect amount of detail. Great characters and read beautifully.

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