The Cuckoo’s Calling | Week 1- Join the Discussion!

One of the two books I’m reading this month for middleSage’s Book Club is “The Cuckoo’s Calling” by Robert Galbraith – the pseudo name for J.K. Rowling. Each Monday in February I’ll post questions to get the discussion started. I’ll answer those questions right along with YOU! So to quote Jackie Gleason…..”and away we GO…..!”

February 3: Prologue – Part 2, Chapter 8

Question 1 - What made you want to read “The Cuckoo’s Calling?”

My Take: This was such a departure from anything I had read of Rowling’s, it piqued my interest. I’ve always found her characters full-bodied and profoundly well-developed. And I love her writing style…it is wonderfully descriptive and flows almost effortlessly. I was curious to read her murder mystery and wondered if she would become part of a genre that included other British mystery writer the likes of Agatha Christie, P.D. James and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Question 2 - What do you think of the characters development? How do you like Strike, Robin, John Bristow, and the secondary characters? Are they believable?

My Take: I like the characters as they are developing. Strike, however, seems a bit of a stereotype…the P.I. rough and bruised, down on his luck, hanging onto the hope of clients coming through the door. With that being said, I like the personal aspect of his character…smart, deliberate, a distant but very likable character. Robin is harder to warm up to but I’ll withhold judgement. John Bristow…I can see him now…smart and a picture right out of the book of Bad British Teeth. I think the characters are believable and developing well.

Question 3 - Is the story holding your attention? How? What are your initial thoughts on Lula’s death?

My Take: Yes, the story is holding my attention and I’m anxious to read more. The plot is interesting and of I’m finding myself going through the thoughts of “he did it…no, she did it…no, they did it…I have no idea who did it” while reading. Not at all sure of how Lula actually died….but I’m eager to keep reading and find out.