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The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike, #1)
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Previous BRs - Authors; E - H > Galbraith, Robert (J.K Rowling): The Cuckoo's Calling - Start Date October 2, 2013 (October 2013 Adult Anything Goes)

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Lisa Kay (lisakayalicemaria) | 15159 comments Eek! What were you doing a year ago? LOL!


message 52: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
Waiting for his arrival! Lol!


Lisa Kay (lisakayalicemaria) | 15159 comments Did you have everything ready?


message 54: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
Yes. He was overdue and I ended up needing to book a c-section so it was not how we expected it all to happen (planned and surgical!) but all worth it. Once they're out you don't care much about the "how"!


Anima Miejska | 757 comments Karen, that is an amazing experience :), mine were twice five and three years ago (about the same time), huge CONGRATULATIONS for you and your baby, and all the best for birthday!!!


message 56: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
Thanks Anima. So weird to think he is now almost one. Feels like yesterday :)


Anima Miejska | 757 comments I have exactly the same feeling!! I'm still astonished that I have already two kids and they are both in kindergarten, when did it happen?!!!! LOL


message 58: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
:D
I went to a 1st birthday party today and had those thoughts as I saw a lot of kids I haven't seen in a while. Crazy how quickly we humans develop!


Victoria (toria82) I'm in! Don't know how well I'll keep up but I'll try.


message 60: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
Welcome Victoria!


Steven (gallifreyan1218) | 5272 comments Hmmm, I'll try to stick to the schedule... with the readathon on and all haha.

And multiple other buddy reads at the same time. I'm going to have to call out of work and just read a few days hahaha.


message 62: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (last edited Sep 30, 2013 02:19AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
Not long now!

Here are some quick articles on the book if you are interested. These are from my local (Australian) papers so you may not have come across them

Book Review: Prose by any other name

About the 'out-ing' of the Pseudonym JK Rowling Unhappy Robert Galbraith was exposed


message 63: by Bindy (new)

Bindy | 2 comments Bought the book awhile ago but haven't had a chance to read it yet. This will be my first read with a group on Goodreads. I'm looking forward to seeing how this all works. :)


message 64: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
Great, welcome Bindy!


ShoSho  (shoshost) | 446 comments I thought we were going to start on the 1st. now I have to wait another day to start!


Becca (ladybeccaboo) Karen, thanks for the links! Very interesting the JKR wanted to keep it a secret. Her reasoning makes sense. Let the book stand on its own, not coast on her name. Probably very satisfying to see your work succeed on its own when you're that famous.


Anima Miejska | 757 comments Thanks for the links, Karen :)


Cathie (catitude) | 999 comments Anima wrote: "I have exactly the same feeling!! I'm still astonished that I have already two kids and they are both in kindergarten, when did it happen?!!!! LOL"

ROFLMOL!! I'm astonished I have 2 kids and apparently they are 33 and 24, hmpfff, which is impossible as I'm only 29!


message 69: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
I agree Rebecca. All the fuss that happened when she released TCV ; I can understand her not wanting to go through that again.

@Cathie - lol! And you don't look a day over 28 ;)


Cathie (catitude) | 999 comments Karen, that's why you are me friend ~ you always tell the truth, BOLMOL! :-)


ShoSho  (shoshost) | 446 comments I'm going to start in a few!


Kelly (ladykatala) | 5020 comments Ha. It's kinda awesome that I put it on hold at the library 2 months ago and just got to pick it up yesterday. I love good timing.


Lisa Kay (lisakayalicemaria) | 15159 comments Kelly wrote: "Ha. It's kinda awesome that I put it on hold at the library 2 months ago and just got to pick it up yesterday. I love good timing."

Whoa. That was fortuitous, Kelly!


Kristie | 3595 comments I got lucky with the timing too. And I got the audio version!!


message 75: by Rosina (new)

Rosina | 1800 comments just came off hold today at the library so I will chime in....


message 76: by Reed (new) - rated it 3 stars

Reed (reedraab) I bought a copy tonight at my local B&N! Very excited to start reading tomorrow on the train! Woot Woot!


ShoSho  (shoshost) | 446 comments I'm on chapter 4 and hooked


Becca (ladybeccaboo) SS, your time difference throws me off. You're always ahead!


ShoSho  (shoshost) | 446 comments Sometimes I start a day later to be reading at the same time as the rest of you. How long before you start Rebecca?


Becca (ladybeccaboo) I just started. Already really liking it. About to try to get some sleep, but now my mind is so alert. Should have waited until the morning :/


Andreea (magicb) | 0 comments I just got my book and I'm ready to start reading it!


message 82: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (last edited Oct 02, 2013 02:05AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
I had to start last weekend to get ahead as I have a busy week this week. Like you Shosho, I am completely hooked. So hard to stop reading!

Cormoran's character reminds me of Rake in many ways. Rough around the edges and totally broke, possibly a rule breaker. I just love how JKR writes characters.
Anyway I guess I should shut-up and wait for Sonia's questions... lol


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Sonia (darktalynn) | 11599 comments You should. However, Sonia's question will be late today... because my street was without light when I arrived home last night and my nexus's battery was low. So no charging and no starting reading *cries*

If you prefer not to wait, Karen, you can do today's questions and I'll do one of your days.


message 84: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
Oh poor you :( I just realised my Kindle is pretty low on juice too.

Anyhow, it's ok, I'll get some more reading done tonight, but I'm off to bed soon. I'll see your Qs in the morning :)


Clare Butler | 294 comments I'm in as well!


Lisa Kay (lisakayalicemaria) | 15159 comments Absolutely loved what I've read so far. I started last night before I went to bed... and had a hard time stopping where we are supposed to.


Sarah | 3273 comments Chapter 1 I think.
Striker called his secretary, Robin, Saundra on accident? I wonder what that is all about. Both times I have read I am like half asleep, tired, and I feel like I am not following. I may be confused.


message 88: by [deleted user] (new)

@Sarah, yes, he calls her Sandra on accident. He explains later why (I think in chapter 5).


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Sonia (darktalynn) | 11599 comments Comments and questions for Prologue-Part 1/ Chp. 01-07

1. The initial crime scene gives us some glimpses about the detectives Warble and Carver. While Warble seems dealing well with the press, Carver seems eager to pronounce the death as suicide and get out of there. Do you think they rushed their conclusions? Will they cooperate with the PI investigation? It looks to me that Carver will make Strike's investigation harder.

2. Robin seems young, intelligent and way too competent to be a temp. I'm wondering why she got so excited when she found out she was working for a PI. She goes to a new job. Gets bumped, twice, is hurt in the process, and still does her job. No reactions to Strike's behavior. No thoughts about it, nothing. Isn't that weird?

3. Thoughts about Strike? He runs over Robin, calls her Sandra, is more preoccupied with Charlotte's outbursts than the case and the image he's passing... not a professional one.

4. What do you think about the writing style and the changes of POV between Robin and Strike?

5. And how about the case? The "evidence" compiled by the brother? The retelling of events doesn't strike nothing unusual. Any guesses?



Renee (reneeconoulty) | 3309 comments Hi. I've been wanting to read this book for a while. I thought I might have to do some catch up reading but then realised I'm a day ahead in Australia and can join in now.


ShoSho  (shoshost) | 446 comments In chapter 3 there is a paragraph from strike's pov and he thinks of her as Robin and that's before he asks her name.


Sarah | 3273 comments Yes got that figured out.

So my biggest observation so for - Striker has very hairy hands! I wonder if this could come into play somehow?


Sarah | 3273 comments Comments and questions for Prologue-Part 1/ Chp. 01-07

1. The initial crime scene gives us some glimpses about the detectives Warble and Carver. While Warble seems dealing well with the press, Carver seems eager to pronounce the death as suicide and get out of there. Do you think they rushed their conclusions? Will they cooperate with the PI investigation? It looks to me that Carver will make Strike's investigation harder.

That is what I thought, Carver just went with the suicide and seemed like it sounded good and he was done with the whole thing. He sounds like an arse.

2. Robin seems young, intelligent and way too competent to be a temp. I'm wondering why she got so excited when she found out she was working for a PI. She goes to a new job. Gets bumped, twice, is hurt in the process, and still does her job. No reactions to Strike's behavior. No thoughts about it, nothing. Isn't that weird?

Maybe she pushed Lula or is it Lulu ? from the balcony and now wants to cover her tracks so she can have Mathew all to herself. No probably not.

3. Thoughts about Strike? He runs over Robin, calls her Sandra, is more preoccupied with Charlotte's outbursts than the case and the image he's passing... not a professional one.

I think he has very hairy hands. There is definitely some mystery behind the secrets that he thinks Charlotte kept from him. I don't think it would be infidelity, that would be too obvious. Probably will be revealed later - I hope it is some juicy stuff.

4. What do you think about the writing style and the changes of POV between Robin and Strike?

I don't know yet what I think about this writer yet.

5. And how about the case? The "evidence" compiled by the brother? The retelling of events doesn't strike nothing unusual. Any guesses?

The doorman and the brothers wife. Don't think it's the black dude - killing a superstar, a possible car theft - I mean come on - always the black guy. I also don't think it would be Charlottes dush bag boyfriend.


Sarah | 3273 comments Aaaahhh man - my kindle needs juice. Now I can't read.


Lisa Kay (lisakayalicemaria) | 15159 comments @ Sarah

#1 – I agree with you, Sarah. Carver was cold, tired, hungry, jealous, and an arse. He wanted the investigation over with.

#2 – Do you mean Bristow’s girlfriend, Alison here? Yes, I think she was a bit jealous of Lulu. I noticed at the end of Chapter 4 it was written: She was almost as tall as Bristow, largeframed, with a surly expression and big, mannish hands. So, strong enough to push Lulu over the balcony, certainly.

#3 – Again, I agree with you; Charlotte’s secret was something other than infidelity.


Becca (ladybeccaboo) Comments and questions for Prologue-Part 1/ Chp. 01-07

1. The initial crime scene gives us some glimpses about the detectives Warble and Carver. While Warble seems dealing well with the press, Carver seems eager to pronounce the death as suicide and get out of there. Do you think they rushed their conclusions? Will they cooperate with the PI investigation? It looks to me that Carver will make Strike's investigation harder.
Carver is a total ass. I just kept thinking throughout this scene: "Do your job!" And he's got such a terrible opinion about his partner. He definitely has something else going on. Not sure what. Carver will definitely make the investigation harder. He seems like the kind of cop who would take personal offense to the possibility that he could have been wrong in his assumptions, and would go to great lengths to make sure that isn't the conclusion, whether that's right or wrong. Too much pride.

2. Robin seems young, intelligent and way too competent to be a temp. I'm wondering why she got so excited when she found out she was working for a PI. She goes to a new job. Gets bumped, twice, is hurt in the process, and still does her job. No reactions to Strike's behavior. No thoughts about it, nothing. Isn't that weird?
In Chapter 1, it says that Robin has "proper interviews" set up now, so I think the fact that she is overqualified is acceptable here. She's been temping while she settles in, and now that she is going to be in London permanently, she is looking for a job more suited to her qualifications.
As for why she's excited, I'm imagining she has a natural imagination and curiosity toward crime solving. Maybe she enjoys reading mystery novels (boy, I can't relate to THAT… :D) and watching crime shows on TV. I can imagine being excited about being around that environment myself.
As far as no reaction to Strike's behavior, I do find that odd. I'm thinking it's just unimportant, or maybe she is too caught up in her new engagement to care too much about it.


3. Thoughts about Strike? He runs over Robin, calls her Sandra, is more preoccupied with Charlotte's outbursts than the case and the image he's passing... not a professional one.
I think that his preoccupation with Charlotte is reasonable. The breakup JUST HAPPENED, and apparently its was dramatic. I think most people would find their thoughts returning to that in the days following a breakup.
His image is definitely unprofessional. But I can sympathize. He just found out something big about Charlotte lying and breaking it off with her, is newly homeless, and is super broke. The things that make him seem so unprofessional are probably the last things on his mind. His world has basically fallen apart up until this case comes in. Now… as far as what happened with Charlotte… I want to put out a prediction. I'm betting it's a pregnancy that she faked or lied about. It would explain why he would suddenly feel like her deceit has gone too far when it hasn't been enough in the past. Just a hunch.


4. What do you think about the writing style and the changes of POV between Robin and Strike? I like the POV changes. It's especially helped me to see Strike in a less critical light.

5. And how about the case? The "evidence" compiled by the brother? The retelling of events doesn't strike nothing unusual. Any guesses?
I think it's going to be the brothers girlfriend. She doesn't want this to be looked into any further. Very suspicious. Maybe the runner is involved as a red herring, but I think it's definitely the brothers girl.

It's been a while since I've read a non-romance book, and I'm loving it!


Renee (reneeconoulty) | 3309 comments Rebecca, I was thinking along the same lines as you, so I won't write it all our again. I immediately thought fake pregnancy too, wait and see. I thought maybe Robin had wanted to be a private detective from her excitement, then thought maybe in the police from her comment that the filling system might be like the police use.


Lisa Kay (lisakayalicemaria) | 15159 comments @ Rebecca

#1 – Yes, it will be interesting to see what Galbraith/Rowling does with the character of Carver. And what Wardle (his partner) will say about his attitude.

#2 – I agree; people often take temporary jobs while waiting for a “proper” interview or job. Love that she sealed the death threat. LOL! I would have done the same thing. She’s young and in love and newly engaged; I think this is why she isn’t analyzing Strike’s behavior, though she did noticed the kitbag in Chapter 6 and respected his privacy. She’s observant, shows initiative, but staying within personal boundaries.

#3 – Excellent point; the break-up with Charlotte just happened. Interesting theory about the pregnancy. We’ll have to remember your prediction. He seems to be methodical and systematic about the case in Chapter 7.

#4 – I agree with you here, too. I’m glad it isn’t all from Cormoran Stike’s POV. Plus, I like Robin.

#5 – That’s what I’m thinking. But, I didn’t know if Alison’s too obvious a suspect. I thought it was subtle at first (when I read it), but then I listened to it on audio, so now I’m wondering.


Lisa Kay (lisakayalicemaria) | 15159 comments @ Renee

Yes, Robin definitely is entranced by the mystic of private investigation.


message 100: by Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado (new) - rated it 4 stars

Karen ⊰✿ | 16593 comments Mod
Prologue-Part 1/ Chp. 01-07

1. I agree. I wonder if it is an intentional 'cover up'?

2. She is so great, right? And very flexible! At this point I think she is just super keen and there isn't any other hidden meanings

3. I really like him. Such a change from the last detective we read with this group (Poirot!)

4. I'm enjoying it, but I prefer mutiple POVs and character writers so this suits me perfectly.

5. Nothing yet. I found this part of the book was more about setting up the characters than really getting into the mystery. I'm keen to know more :)


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