The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike, #1)

by Robert Galbraith

absconded

Leave hurriedly and secretly typically to avoid detection of arrest for an unlawful action such as theft

exigencies

An urgent need or demand

jettisoning

Throw or drop something from an aircraft

mythomania,

An abnormal or pathological tendency to exaggerate or tell lies

laconically.

Using or involving the use of minimum words; concise

venal,

Showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery

anodyne,

Not likely to provoke dissent or offense; inoffensive

contemporary

unassailable

Unable to be attacked, questioned, or defeated

cram...

pedantically,

Gives too much attention to formal rules or small details

histrionic

Overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style

besotted

Strongly infatuated

predilection

A preference or special liking for something

visceral

Relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect

snookered.

Trick, entice, trap

coquettish.

Behaving in such a way as to suggest a playful sexual attraction; flirtatious

conciliatory

Intended or likely to placate or pacify

soused

Drunk

anathema

éclat

raiment

Clothing

desultory

Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm

anaphrodisiac

Inhibiting or discouraging sexual behavior

bunions