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The Cuckoo's Calling
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Galbraith, Robert (J.K Rowling): The Cuckoo's Calling - Start Date October 2, 2013 (October 2013 Adult Anything Goes)
Comments and questions for Prologue-Part 1/ Chp. 01-071. 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.
They probably didn't rush their conclusions but they didn't put that much effort into it it either. Carver didn't seem like the kind of person who would cooperate with a PI. He'll make it hard for Strike if he can be bothered to do anything
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?
I thought it was her childhood dream to become a PI or do investigation or something close and it was a sign for her.
She was happy that day and nothing could change that , not the state of the office nor the big hairy PI!
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 like him so far.He seems like a decent person .I'm thinking he thought Charlotte was pregnant but she had lied and it seems like a big thing for him so I'm OK with him being a bit unprofessional
4. What do you think about the writing style and the changes of POV between Robin and Strike?
I like it , I just wish it would toggle less between the POVs . it changes in every paragraph
5. And how about the case? The "evidence" compiled by the brother? The retelling of events doesn't strike nothing unusual. Any guesses?
I don't think we have met the killer yet . it could be the security guard or the runner guy or it could be someone else and those two know and saw the killer. but I'm really suspicious of the runner being out at that time of the night. and I'm thinking either the security is the killer or saw the killer because his illness at exactly that time is too much of a coincidence .
It seems I'm not the only one with the pregnancy theory.
Comments and questions for Prologue-Part 1/ Chp. 01-071. 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 definitely did rush to conclusion it felt like he had already made up his mind before he even arrived on the scene. I think Warble is much more open minded, but he is subordinate to Carver and doesn’t have much say in the proceedings. I think Warble will cooperate, but only after much prodding. I think he also feels there is more to what happened to Lula. Carver will probably do everything he can to make Strike back off.
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?
Well, she’s still in engagement heaven. I think the proposal and her engagement ring and everything to do with her future wedding has a very strong effect on her sort of like a happy pill. Maybe working with a detective is a dream job for her. It does have some attraction to people.
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.
He’s very self-centered. He’s not making sense to me he gets cash for investigating Lula’s death and he spends it in the pub instead of paying of his depts. He just gets himself into more trouble.
4. What do you think about the writing style and the changes of POV between Robin and Strike?
I love the writing style and the effort taken into describing the different characters. The descriptions are all little character studies. I like changes in POV, it gives you a chance to see the other characters from different eyes and you can get to know them better. The style does remind me a little of the casual vacancy (specially the character descriptions) although for me this story flows much better. With the casual vacancy had some trouble getting into the story, with this book it just takes off and sucks you in.
5. And how about the case? The "evidence" compiled by the brother? The retelling of events doesn't strike nothing unusual. Any guesses?
No guesses so far. The evidence compiled by the brother does not convince me that she was murdered, it all feels like he’s just not accepting things the way they are and he probably never will. I think he’s obsessed. I’m not sure the CCTV footage is evidence of murder. I think there is something in the testimony of the neighbor who heard fighting prior to Lula’s fall.
@Sarah:1.Same here.
2.:)
3.There is definitely more to his relationship with Charlotte, but I think there is also something strange with his past, like how did he loose part of his leg and has to walk with a prosthetic now.
@Rebecca:
1.I agree with you.
2.That’s what I thought too, I think her engagement has a lot to do with the way she reacts to what’s happening to her at this moment.
3.Yes his preoccupation with the Charlotte situation is understandable, but his way of handling his financial situation is not and that has been going on for longer than the breakup. I don’t understand why he didn’t send Robin away, he doesn’t have the resources to pay for her services.
@Karen:
2.I think so too, I think she’s going to be a great help to Strike in the future.
3.I’m not sure I like him yet, I don’t like the choices he makes, but there is more to him and I can’t wait to find out.
@Christina:
2.I think the breast grabbing was just an accident, I didn’t get a feel of sexual tension there, Robin is thinking too much about her engagement.
3.Same here.
@ShoSho:
2.:)
I couldn't put down Carrie last night, so I'm behind on this one by one chapter... hoping to catch up tonight... but with the auditors here most of the month, I dunno if my brain will function once I leave the office haha!
Is the Carrie group read going on right now?
OK on to the next part - then I need to start
. @ Sho Sho
5- My guess was the security gaurd too, maybe
I think you mentioned the PI as hairy too - we are like on the same page.
Rebecca wrote: "Is the Carrie group read going on right now?"Yes Rebecca. You can join the discussion here
Something else I have learned that may be important - the security guard has a bad case of the runs at the time of Lula's death.
Does anyone after finishing part one thinks that it was a suicide?
Sarah wrote: "OK on to the next part - then I need to start . @ Sho Sho
5- My guess was the security gaurd too, maybe
I think you mentioned the PI as hairy too - we are like on the same..."
That was the first thing I noticed about him :p
Mod
@ShoSho - I have a bit of an open mind. There doesn't seem to be much of a motive or suicide or murder right now. I have to assume it was murder or it won't make for an interesting book if she really did commit suicide... lol
Karen wrote: "I have to assume it was murder or it won't make for an interesting book if she really did commit suicide... lol "
yes I'm with you on this!
Comments and questions for Prologue-Part 1/ Chp. 01-071. 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.
I found it odd they never talk about anything they find upstairs in the apartment like if the balcony door was closed or the dead bolt was drawn, things of this nature. I think Carver is going to be tough in the investigation; he’s more seasoned than Warble and doesn’t want to be bothered.
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?
It definitely is weird but maybe she’s still on that adrenaline rush of just being proposed to. Or she might be used to Strike’s type of behavior, maybe she’s been around the block a few times and this is nothing new.
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.
Strike has been with Charlotte for years but how long have they been engaged for? It seemed like a pointless thing to do--ask her hand in marriage--when he knew it wasn’t going to work out in the first place. Maybe he’s suffering from PTSD and this is just how he deals with things after being in the war? Though the way Rowling describes him physically, I can’t stop picturing a really hairy John C. Reilly…which irks me.
4. What do you think about the writing style and the changes of POV between Robin and Strike?
I find it easy to follow and I like that it switches back and forth. I like to know what’s going on in all the characters’ heads not just one main guy. It gives it more depth to the story.
And kudos to ShoSho for catching the POV mistake in Chapter 3!!
5. And how about the case? The "evidence" compiled by the brother? The retelling of events doesn't strike nothing unusual. Any guesses?
I feel like John harbors some guilt for his sister’s death and in a way wants to make amends by finding out what truly happened. Plus he’s a lawyer so he’s super thorough and something isn’t adding up for him so it makes sense he would want to get to the bottom of this.
Reed- OMG!!! Yes! He is totally john c Reilly in my head!
@Rebecca- I really like your assessment of Robin! And I'm also with you on the fake pregnancy. He kind of hinted about it at the end there.@Lisa Kay- Interesting...the brother's girlfriend. She was a bit curt about the whole thing...
@Cristina- I am totally with you on the boob grabbing incident. Who the hell grabs a boob?! I'd imagine it would be really hard to get a good grip on it in order to yank her back from falling. I'd imagine her arms pinwheeling, much easier to grab a limb than a boob, unless of course she's like a triple H or something.
@Imke- That bothered me too when he went straight to the pub to drink away some of that money. You're right, he's definitely a little selfish.
@ShoSho- I'm leaning towards a murder rather than suicide but who knows, we may go through this entire story only to end up at the beginning like, oh yeah, it was a suicide all along!
Hey Maybe she slipped and fell off the balcony? Probably not.
@Reed#3. Now you put that image in my head too!!!!I prefer my own image. It was a big hairy handsome man!
LOL Sarah, that would be the icing on the cake. They did say it was a cold night and that there was snow on the ground...And sorry if I spoiled the image for anyone--I tried, I really tried to picture someone else but it just kept going back to Reilly!
Reed wrote: "LOL Sarah, that would be the icing on the cake. They did say it was a cold night and that there was snow on the ground...And sorry if I spoiled the image for anyone--I tried, I really tried to pi..."
:D That's OK
Mod
#3. Now you put that image in my head too!!!!I prefer my own image. It was big hairy handsome man!"
Same here! Ah! :D
I have to come back and agree with everyone about the boob grab. It was weird when I first read it and the more everyone mentioned it, the more it bothered me. Maybe he was trying to grab both her arms or shoulders and managed one arm and a boob? Though I would think it would have been described differently. Skipping to part 2, end of chapter 3... (view spoiler)
Rebecca wrote: "Skipping to part 2, end of chapter 3."Yes , I thought the same , Rebecca !
Comments and questions for Prologue-Part 1/ Chp. 01-071. 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.
It's hard for anyone to admit a mistake. Especially if it's a high profile case that they were pressured to close early either because it was high profile or because they (or the person doing the pressuring) was pushing for it. I can't imagine either would be helpful.
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?
It could be all part of the mystery to solve. It does seem surprising that she's a temp but I suppose that could just be the market. Not all good people get jobs.
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.
He doesn't seem like he's had a very easy life so I imagine that plays into his attitude quite a bit.
4. What do you think about the writing style and the changes of POV between Robin and Strike?
At first I was worried because it felt a lot like The Casual Vacancy writing style but it's a bit better (or better for me I should specify). I don't mind POV switching as long as I can tell who I'm supposed to be reading as relatively quickly.
5. And how about the case? The "evidence" compiled by the brother? The retelling of events doesn't strike nothing unusual. Any guesses?
I'm guessing the brother didn't do it because why reopen a case that's closed if you did it. I'm guessing someone else in the family did it or maybe even his girlfriend since no one else is interested in the truth or they're all willing to accept the suicide.
I personally think the boob grab was simply him reaching out to grab her quickly and it was a simple accident - it just happen to be what he caught hold of. I thought is was written in to be a little comical.
Mod
And I agree with Sarah - I think it was just for comedic value and to show his character being large, not suave in anyway, just kind of barreling through the door
I was waiting for the next set of Qs before continuing but I couldn't help myself . I just finished chapter 8 in part 2.
Lots of interesting stuff in part 2 ch 1-7. I have a lot more highlights than usual to keep for reference later
Mod
Karen wrote: "I'm at the same point as you ShoSho. But it is the 4th in my time zone so I figure I can go through to chapter 11 today ;)"Me too! I'm in AU too!
I didn't stop ,I'm reading chapter 10
1. I do think Carver seemed over eager to pronounce suicide. I don’t think he’ll cooperate with the investigation 1) because he probably doesn’t have any more patience for PI’s than he did for the press and 2) he won’t want to be proven wrong. 2. I believe Strike actually says (or thinks, I can’t remember) something along those lines himself about her being too good to be a temp. As for not being phased by anything, it’s made pretty clear that she is riding a natural high due to her engagement and life in general seems to be going her way. It’s also possible that as a temp, she’s probably dealt with other odd situations and behaviors and is used to taking it in stride. I assumed her excitement over working for a PI was because its something she’s interested in, and therefore likely to be good at. I’m assuming she’s going to be around longer than the 1 week promised to her.
3. The complete opposite of Robin, Strike has everything going badly for him (relationship, finances, job), so of course he’s not going to be at his best. I’m not sure I’d be very professional if I were in his shoes either.
4. I think it’s interesting because the 2 characters have been set up to be in completely opposite situations in their lives
5. I don’t have many ideas on the case other than that I think whatever breaks the case is going to be something weird/obscure that you can’t blame the police for missing. It’s been stated several times how over-examined the case was due to the victim’s fame, so I doubt it’s going to be anything too obvious.
Comments and questions for Prologue-Part 1/ Chp. 01-071. I feel like when that story merges with Strike's, it will end up being a hassle to Strike for sure.
2. I think we just haven't seen her reactions yet! :P
3. I think he's definitely dealing with a lot of emotional baggage, not the least of which is PTSD from war and losing a limb. Throw in an on-again-off-again girlfriend/fiancee who is crazy (according to him), a failing career, and a rough childhood... and you've got a mess of a man, struggling to pull himself together.
4. I am enjoying it a lot. :)
5. I think it's definitely going to end up being foul play (I mean, would we have a story otherwise? Maybe I guess, but probably not)... and I think before we know it, Robin will be in trouble and Strike will have to save her. Just a guess though. LOL
Mod
6. Who is this “ordinary girl” that was in rehab with Lulu? Will she be found? Be of help? Have any insight into Lulu’s state of mind?
7. Did anyone in the funeral pictures or videos grab your attention? Is there significance in Deeby Macc sending that particular flower arrangement? Impressions of him?
8. Strike’s worries about Charlotte (if he returned for his things) were a bit appalling, right? Or would you use another word?
9. What of the evidence of no ‘foreign DNA’ in Lulu’s apartment? Did they miss something? Or did someone just clean-up really well?
10. Interesting effect Robin’s engagement ring has as a “STOP” sign to Strike and in increasing his comfort with her. Comments. Yet he hasn’t told her about his leg and how he lost it. Will he?
11. What of the neighbors, the Bestiguis? Does Freddie Bestigui’s profession of film producer pique you suspicions?
12. Was someone already in Lulu’s apartment? Was the doorman, Derrick Wilson, paid off to look the other way, or did someone just gain access during that quarter hour? What of the back alley, Serf’s Way?
13. Oh! What of Matthew jealousy? He is right, though; Strike is a little weird. True?
14. Rock Star Jonny Rokeby is Strike’s father? Comments. How did you feel about Strike’s interaction with Mrs. Hook and his and Robin’s handling of her?
15. Well, I was pretty sure Robin would somehow continue to work for Strike. You? Do you think she’ll take another permanent job, or continue to work for him?
16. Do you buy Derrick Wilson’s reasoning for not taking a weapon up to the apartment? What of his suspicions of Evan Duffield, Lulu’s boyfriend? Your impression of Wilson?
17. Also, it sounds like there were a lot of places someone could have hidden, until they made their escape later. Right? Are the knocked-over vase and flowers – and the problems that arose later because of that – anything to focus on? And the security alarms just happened to be serviced that day? Suspicious, right?
18. Kieran Kolovas-Jones, Lulu’s main driver, was chauffeuring for Deeby Macc that night. He also didn’t like Duffield. And he auditioned for Freddie Bestigui. Anything else stand out to you in Strike’s interview with him?
I have nothing to add to these questions. I just have no idea and can't speculate at the moment. I do think we need to learn more about the girlfriend from rehab. Also the chauffeur has access to the building through the bottom garage and could get somebody in.Then there is Robin and Striker. I think she will somehow stay on permanently. Maybe this will cause problems with her and Mathew ultimately. And if Striker solves this case I am sure business will pick way up - this is a high profile case, he would get lots of publicity.
I do think there are possible holes in the story with the doorman as well - he seemed friendly and straight forward and honest but Striker noted his responses were almost too easy and natural. Also he wasn't supposed to be on shift that night, strange, because then he is in the John with the turds while everything goes down.
Sarah wrote: "...Also he wasn't supposed to be on shift that night..."Yes, but did someone switch with him because they knew what was going down? But then, that doesn't go along with it being an act of "spur of the moment."
I don't know anything. Just thought it was strange.
I think these chapters were a bit slow, and not adding too much to the story.
#6 - The girlfriend from rehab will be found probably and she will reveal info that Lula's was fine. I don't think Lula met with her that day, but with someone else, maybe someone who was blackmailing her.
#8 - Being in a very messed up relationship gets to you, so I think Striker needs time and space away from Charlotte to regain himself. Although, we'll probably see more from Charlotte.
#11 - Freddie Bestigui seems to be at least a sociopath. Worrying about roses, when you're neighbour is dead on the pavement in front of the your building?
#14 - I almost forget about all this. It wasn't really that intersting
#18 - I think he's hiding something, he seemed too nervous when walking to the car
#6 - The girlfriend from rehab will be found probably and she will reveal info that Lula's was fine. I don't think Lula met with her that day, but with someone else, maybe someone who was blackmailing her.
#8 - Being in a very messed up relationship gets to you, so I think Striker needs time and space away from Charlotte to regain himself. Although, we'll probably see more from Charlotte.
#11 - Freddie Bestigui seems to be at least a sociopath. Worrying about roses, when you're neighbour is dead on the pavement in front of the your building?
#14 - I almost forget about all this. It wasn't really that intersting
#18 - I think he's hiding something, he seemed too nervous when walking to the car
Sarah wrote: "I don't know anything. Just thought it was strange."I don't know anything, either, Sarah. Just thinking out loud. Or... is that thinking in cyberspace?
message 142:
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Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Oct 04, 2013 01:53PM)
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rated it 4 stars
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6. Well Lulu dones't seem to have any friends, so this person should be able to help to atleast give her state of mind at the time?
7. There is more about him and the significance of him not taking that apartment, and the flowers etc. Not sure what yet
9. I wonder about this. How easily can you clean up *all* your DNA? So if she was killed, must've been someone who would normally be there
10. I'm glad, I don't really want a love triangle! I don't think his leg is any of her business right now as she is just a temp ;)
11. Yes, I wonder if he had been hassling Lulu and his wife was too high on coke to realise
12. I think it is someone already in the building. My bet goes to Mr Bestigui right now
13. Yes, but the girl has to work! I think he is over reacting
14. Interesting development of Strike's character. I wonder how this will play out. I loved how Robin handled that situation
15. Of course she will stay :)
16. Something not quite right about him and that whole situation. I can't put my finger on it yet
17. Yes, there were alot of distractions/opportunities
18. So funny how all of these things happened on that night. Was it just all coincidence? I have a feeling something about all of this was pre-meditated
@ Cristina#6 – Ah! Interesting; could be.
#8 – Yes, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Charlotte.
#11 – I agree; sociopath.
#18 – I missed that; I had to re-read. Thanks.
@ Karen#6 – I hadn’t really thought about it, but you’re right; Lulu doesn’t seem to have many friends.
#9 – Yes. I’m not sure what to think about the DNA.
#10 – Yeah, kind of freeing. ☺
#11 – He seems the type to hassle anyone who is a celebrity for he can use them in one of his films.
#12 – Really? I was pretty sure it was him at one point. But really, I’m still bouncing all over the board, from suspect to suspect.
#13 – Very true. Matthew totally handled it wrong, too. And I want to change my description of Striker from “weird” to “off beat.”
#14 – Yes, I found the scene insightful, as to their characters.
#18 – I think it was pre-meditated, too. However, I’m conflicted, as I think Striker was right when he said it smacks of a “spur of the moment” act.
Oh boy, I'm so far behind on this one! Glad we have a "catch up" day scheduled in. :)
6. Who is this “ordinary girl” that was in rehab with Lulu? Will she be found? Be of help? Have any insight into Lulu’s state of mind?I think she will be found otherwise what's the point of mentioning her?!
7. Did anyone in the funeral pictures or videos grab your attention? Is there significance in Deeby Macc sending that particular flower arrangement? Impressions of him?
Don't like him , suspicious character !
10. Interesting effect Robin’s engagement ring has as a “STOP” sign to Strike and in increasing his comfort with her. Comments. Yet he hasn’t told her about his leg and how he lost it. Will he?
No he won't tell her intentionally but she'll find out in a dramatic way.
11. What of the neighbors, the Bestiguis? Does Freddie Bestigui’s profession of film producer pique you suspicions?
Again suspicious characters,they know more than they told the police
12. Was someone already in Lulu’s apartment? Was the doorman, Derrick Wilson, paid off to look the other way, or did someone just gain access during that quarter hour? What of the back alley, Serf’s Way?
I'm think someone was either already in the building or came through the parking and I think Wilson knows a bit more than he's saying
13. Oh! What of Matthew jealousy? He is right, though; Strike is a little weird. True?
I like Strike , he is weird in a good way.
15. Well, I was pretty sure Robin would somehow continue to work for Strike. You? Do you think she’ll take another permanent job, or continue to work for him?
I think they'll be a team . Did you know that there is a book 2 coming in 2014? so my guess is Robin will stay on permanently
16. Do you buy Derrick Wilson’s reasoning for not taking a weapon up to the apartment? What of his suspicions of Evan Duffield, Lulu’s boyfriend? Your impression of Wilson?
He was not straight with his retelling of the story. He is lying or not telling something important
17. Also, it sounds like there were a lot of places someone could have hidden, until they made their escape later. Right? Are the knocked-over vase and flowers – and the problems that arose later because of that – anything to focus on? And the security alarms just happened to be serviced that day? Suspicious, right?
I think there is a huge clue in that flat and fact that the security alarm was serviced that day and it was a new guy
18. Kieran Kolovas-Jones, Lulu’s main driver, was chauffeuring for Deeby Macc that night. He also didn’t like Duffield. And he auditioned for Freddie Bestigui. Anything else stand out to you in Strike’s interview with him?
It made me suspicious of Deeby Macc. I'm thinking he was in the building that night.
Questions for Part 2 / Chapters 1 - 7 6. Who is this “ordinary girl” that was in rehab with Lulu? Will she be found? Be of help? Have any insight into Lulu’s state of mind?
I'm sure she'll end up being found. There was a lot of foreshadowing for that. Maybe she got told whatever secret Lula was keeping.
7. Did anyone in the funeral pictures or videos grab your attention? Is there significance in Deeby Macc sending that particular flower arrangement? Impressions of him?
It seemed suspicious that the guard was away from the front desk several times for chunks of time. Also, couldn't the killer have ducked into another apartment? Maybe the killer broke the roses.
8. Strike’s worries about Charlotte (if he returned for his things) were a bit appalling, right? Or would you use another word?
I'm not sure what to make of that whole situation.
9. What of the evidence of no ‘foreign DNA’ in Lulu’s apartment? Did they miss something? Or did someone just clean-up really well?
I'm not sure how you can possibly have no foreign DNA in an apartment... There's cleaners and delivery people and previous tenants and things from stuff that was bought. Someone must have cleaned up or they didn't search very well. Maybe they were just talking about their being no blood splatter or obvious stuff like chunks of hair.
10. Interesting effect Robin’s engagement ring has as a “STOP” sign to Strike and in increasing his comfort with her. Comments. Yet he hasn’t told her about his leg and how he lost it. Will he?
Not sure it matters much on the leg thing. He's only known her a week and it's a strange topic to bring up out of the blue.
11. What of the neighbors, the Bestiguis? Does Freddie Bestigui’s profession of film producer pique you suspicions?
He just seems like a jerk to me, but if it's anything like her other book then every character you meet will somehow be in on the murder.
12. Was someone already in Lulu’s apartment? Was the doorman, Derrick Wilson, paid off to look the other way, or did someone just gain access during that quarter hour? What of the back alley, Serf’s Way?
Someone must have been in, or lived in the building too. Would be kinda depressing to finish the book with the conclusion that she did commit suicide.
13. Oh! What of Matthew jealousy? He is right, though; Strike is a little weird. True?
Matthew seems like a jerk now for making fun of a job she's enjoying. Not a good way to start a marriage.
14. Rock Star Jonny Rokeby is Strike’s father? Comments. How did you feel about Strike’s interaction with Mrs. Hook and his and Robin’s handling of her?
I'm guessing he's not real tight with his dad based on the number of different wives the dad had and the fact that he wasn't even married to Strike's mom. Strike doesn't have much of an emotional connection to things.
15. Well, I was pretty sure Robin would somehow continue to work for Strike. You? Do you think she’ll take another permanent job, or continue to work for him?
I think she'll continue to work for him or become a partner.
16. Do you buy Derrick Wilson’s reasoning for not taking a weapon up to the apartment? What of his suspicions of Evan Duffield, Lulu’s boyfriend? Your impression of Wilson?
Her boyfriend doesn't seem to get a good rap from anyone. I feel like Wilson is still hiding something. There were a lot of pauses during the interview so he wasn't inclined to tell the truth on things automatically. He might be innocent though and just used to being discrete.
17. Also, it sounds like there were a lot of places someone could have hidden, until they made their escape later. Right? Are the knocked-over vase and flowers – and the problems that arose later because of that – anything to focus on? And the security alarms just happened to be serviced that day? Suspicious, right?
Yeah. Interesting timing though, they said it happened every 6 months so you wonder if it was a 6 month mark and the perp waited or if they added an additional check.
18. Kieran Kolovas-Jones, Lulu’s main driver, was chauffeuring for Deeby Macc that night. He also didn’t like Duffield. And he auditioned for Freddie Bestigui. Anything else stand out to you in Strike’s interview with him?
He seemed like he might do anything he needed to if he thought it would get him ahead. Maybe someone offered him something he wanted for help doing something.
@ Kristie - Yes, love those “catch-up” days. ☺
@ ShoSho#6 – I thought so, too, but then I kind of like Cristina’s theory in Post #140.
#10 – Really?
#11 – Yes, I’m very suspicious of them as a couple.
#12 – We are on the same page here; I think someone was already in the building or parking lot.
#12 – I thought that at first, but now I don’t know.
#13 – I concur! I’m liking Spike the more and more I read.
#15 – **gasp!** There is? Great!
#16 – Intentionally not telling, or just doesn’t know he missed it?
#17 – Man-oh-man, ShoSho! We are thinking alike again! **hee hee**
#18 – Oh, yes. I’m about 99% sure he was in that building that night.
@ Kelly#6 – True. There was a lot of foreshadowing. (See how easily I change my mind? LOL!)
#7 – Yes, I think that is where the middle flat comes into play.
#9 – I agree. Something is amiss here.
#13 – I agree. Matthew’s not too smart.
#14 – His sister, maybe, but he’s keeping secrets from her, too. You know, now that I think on it, I think that is why he warmed up to Robin so quickly; she’s not asking those type of questions.
#16 – Yes, he did pause a couple of places. He certainly paused over the weapon question. Though, Spike thought he gave a good interview – that he wouldn’t have to go back and re-question him. Or does that mean he was just well rehearsed?
#17 – Whoa. I didn’t think about that. Good one.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Cuckoo's Calling (other topics)The Silkworm (other topics)
Rebecca (other topics)
Rebecca (other topics)
The Cuckoo's Calling (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Robert Galbraith (other topics)Robert Galbraith (other topics)
J.K. Rowling (other topics)
2. I thought that the breast grabbing scene was weird. I don't know what's the purpose for the awkward sexual tension between Strike and Robin, but I'll wait to see how it plays out.
3. Odd guy, probably messed a lot previously. He might be competent, we'll see how he conducts the investigation. I wonder what's the deal with Charlotte.
4. I liked the multiple POVs. Maybe we'll get another POV in the next parts (maybe Bristow or one of the detectives)
5. The runner thing it's odd, but I doubt he did it. Alison also seems too obvious. Maybe Lula's friend, the one who spent the day with, did it?