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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)
Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Andreea#17 – Sort of like Murder on the Orient Express? LOL! May"
That's exactly the book I was thinking of. Ha ha!
Striker in my big hairy gorilla pirate. I think it is time he takes a shower - being held up in his office and all. I think it is going on two weeks now?
Sarah wrote: "Striker in my big hairy gorilla pirate. I think it is time he takes a shower - being held up in his office and all. I think it is going on two weeks now?"No he's taking shower on a campus. it has been mentioned at least 3 times so far.
27. It was responsible to make a will. Maybe she wanted to make sure her biological mother had no claim to anything. 28. Denial.
29. I'd get fed up being asked about a father who took no part in my childhood, had only met me twice and is hassling me to pay back a loan.
30. Hoodie guy/girl (can you tell with a baggy jacket?) was seen on bus first then walking towards Lulu's, then running away with someone else. Maybe hoodie is Rochelle? Lulu asked Some to make Rochelle something, maybe he personalized a hoodie which would suit her Street life.
31. Strike will talk to him but not sure where.
32. if the letters have been escalating then he should take them more seriously. I think it's just a side Story and not connected to the main story.
33. loved vashti scene.
Robin has no reason not to take hr job at the moment. Strike cant afford to keep her on (until he gets more clients from solving a high profile vase like this). She doesn't have any other offers yet and this job is the real job she and her fiancé were aiming for (before she met Strike). And a large part of why Strike feels comfortable working with Robin is because she's leaving so I don't think he's ready to offer her anything permanent yet. I think she might take the hr job and help out on the side then work for Strike permanently by the end of the book.
Don't think it was Evan on the phone.
Robin was so in character she didn't realize she was looking seductive. Whats the deal worn Strike that he is always putting up barriers to not let himself find anyone attractive. He wouldn't even look, never met a man like that. ..
34. Don't like Tony. Think he's sleeping with his nephews wife.
Other comments.
I loved Strike playing with his nephew and the paratrooper too. He doesn't hate kids he just never wanted to have any of his own. Probably due to his childhood experiences.
@ Renee#30 – Oh, good point about the runner possibly being female.
#33b – I think you’re right; a large part of why Spike is comfortable with Robin is she’s temporary.
Mod
34. Do you think that John and Tony and/or Lulu really did talk the morning in question (at Lady Yvette Bristow’s flat)? If so, why are they both sticking together on this? Could it only be about the Conway Oates’s account?
35. Why did the photo in the paper distract John Bristow to that degree? Was it really because of his thoughts on Derrick Wilson’s son being in Afghanistan? Or something else entirely?
36. Lulu’s will leaving everything to her brother John can’t be found! Does it even exist? Comments. What did you think of his explanation of why Ciara Porter mentioned it? Could she have another motive?
37. What are your impressions of Spanner (who is given Lulu’s laptop to scan) and his conversation with Spike?
38. In Chapter 7 Strike also recalls his family dynamics, as well as – after her text message – his 15 year relationship with Charlotte. What do you make of it all? All I can figure out is that she does something – that might be self-destructive – repeatedly and it gets worse each time. What that is, I don’t know. Or did you pick up something else?
39. Why was Rochelle Onifade so very frightened when she realized what Strike wanted to talk to her about? Do you think she’s lying about anything? Or just holding back? Did anything she say to Spike stand out to you? Who did she call right after she left? Is she in danger?
40. Lucy visited; I thought Robin was very tactful. You? However, it appears it is a game of boundaries between Strike and Robin. Or are they just feeling their way? Comments.
Questions for Part 3 / Chp. 06-1034. Do you think that John and Tony and/or Lulu really did talk the morning in question (at Lady Yvette Bristow’s flat)? If so, why are they both sticking together on this? Could it only be about the Conway Oates’s account?
It’s very odd. I think John and Tony probably did speak but it might have been about Lula leaving everything to John. Now John thinks that Tony suspects him and John doesn’t want to put himself on the suspect list so he’s keeping quiet. Meanwhile, Tony thinks he’s got away with murder.
35. Why did the photo in the paper distract John Bristow to that degree? Was it really because of his thoughts on Derrick Wilson’s son being in Afghanistan? Or something else entirely?
Maybe or maybe he thought it was a runner. I think he’s clutching at straws.
36. Lulu’s will leaving everything to her brother John can’t be found! Does it even exist? Comments. What did you think of his explanation of why Ciara Porter mentioned it? Could she have another motive?
I think it wasn’t written up, just spoken about. It’s all very strange, I’m not sure what’s happening with the will.
37. What are your impressions of Spanner (who is given Lulu’s laptop to scan) and his conversation with Spike?
Don’t know what to make of him. I’m not sure how important he is though so haven’t given him much thought.
38. In Chapter 7 Strike also recalls his family dynamics, as well as – after her text message – his 15 year relationship with Charlotte. What do you make of it all? All I can figure out is that she does something – that might be self-destructive – repeatedly and it gets worse each time. What that is, I don’t know. Or did you pick up something else?
I pretty much thought the same thing. Nobody in this book is just “normal”, except maybe Robin.
39. Why was Rochelle Onifade so very frightened when she realized what Strike wanted to talk to her about? Do you think she’s lying about anything? Or just holding back? Did anything she say to Spike stand out to you? Who did she call right after she left? Is she in danger?
I think that Rochelle genuinely cared for Lula and knew a lot of Lula’s secrets and just doesn’t want to say the wrong thing that might make Lula out to be a little less perfect than people believed. She needs to come back into the story soon, I think she could have the answers to who killed Lula.
40. Lucy visited; I thought Robin was very tactful. You? However, it appears it is a game of boundaries between Strike and Robin. Or are they just feeling their way? Comments.
I think she was very tactful and I really like her. I think there is a game going on between Strike and Robin and if wither of them get their act together (get over the self-destructive ex and dump the over-bearing fiancé) there could be a lot more feelings involved.
34. Do you think that John and Tony and/or Lulu really did talk the morning in question (at Lady Yvette Bristow’s flat)? If so, why are they both sticking together on this? Could it only be about the Conway Oates’s account?John and Lula didn't but it is possible that Tony and Lula did. But I think all the people Strike has talked to so far are either lying or hiding something ,even John is not telling everything he knows! Hmm I thought about that Conway account and if it had any part in the murder ,I don't think so but it definitely is creating friction between Tony and John.
35. Why did the photo in the paper distract John Bristow to that degree? Was it really because of his thoughts on Derrick Wilson’s son being in Afghanistan? Or something else entirely?
That was weird. I read that paragraph a few time to see if I have missed anything. Why Wilson's nephew could make John react like that? Is he close to Wilson? This really stood out for me.
36. Lulu’s will leaving everything to her brother John can’t be found! Does it even exist? Comments. What did you think of his explanation of why Ciara Porter mentioned it? Could she have another motive?
I don't think the will exist . If it had it simply meant that Lula was prepared to die. I'm thinking Lula meant something else other than her will and Ciara misunderstood . I thought of something else , what if this brother was not John .
37. What are your impressions of Spanner (who is given Lulu’s laptop to scan) and his conversation with Spike?
He is my kind guy :D he was straight forward , Strike felt comfortable telling him about Charlotte and he asked how much he'll be paid .
At first I thought Strike was a recluse but it seems he has a lot of good friends and he's just avoiding them because he doesn't want the pity or sympathy
38. In Chapter 7 Strike also recalls his family dynamics, as well as – after her text message – his 15 year relationship with Charlotte. What do you make of it all? All I can figure out is that she does something – that might be self-destructive – repeatedly and it gets worse each time. What that is, I don’t know. Or did you pick up something else?
No I didn't pick up anything else. I'm still thinking either she cheated or lied about a pregnancy. I can't think of anything else.
39. Why was Rochelle Onifade so very frightened when she realized what Strike wanted to talk to her about? Do you think she’s lying about anything? Or just holding back? Did anything she say to Spike stand out to you? Who did she call right after she left? Is she in danger?
Here is another person who is lying. She knows Lula was murdered and she might even know the killer. The way she said Lula was depressed and then said she was normal stood out for me. It seemed that she was just using Lula. I have a theory .I think Rochelle has somehow found Lula a fake brother or a father and this is the same person as the runner .
She doesn't think she is in danger because she trust the killer but I'm not sure if the killer trust her!
40. Lucy visited; I thought Robin was very tactful. You? However, it appears it is a game of boundaries between Strike and Robin. Or are they just feeling their way? Comments.
She was. I like their relationship .One minute they are working in sync and the next they are cold toward each other. They are just getting to know each other and they have a long way to go.
One of the things that stood out for me in this part was how Lucy said "he sounds a bit like Greg" and Strike referred to Lucy's husband as stolid in chapter 8 part 2.
I'm off to read the rest and write up some good Qs!
Questions for Part 3 / Chp. 06-10
34. Do you think that John and Tony and/or Lulu really did talk the morning in question (at Lady Yvette Bristow’s flat)? If so, why are they both sticking together on this? Could it only be about the Conway Oates’s account?
I don’t think it’s about the Conway Oates’s account, but they are hiding something. Why aren’t they just honest about what happened that morning and what they talked about? Maybe it had something to do with Lula’s will and/or her biological family?
35. Why did the photo in the paper distract John Bristow to that degree? Was it really because of his thoughts on Derrick Wilson’s son being in Afghanistan? Or something else entirely?
I don’t think it was about Derrick Wilson’s son, maybe a brother or half-brother of Lula? Or it was something else on the same page of the paper.
36. Lulu’s will leaving everything to her brother John can’t be found! Does it even exist? Comments. What did you think of his explanation of why Ciara Porter mentioned it? Could she have another motive?
See 34. Or the will doesn’t exist and Ciara made everything up to make herself more important.
37. What are your impressions of Spanner (who is given Lulu’s laptop to scan) and his conversation with Spike?
New side-kick? No opinion on him yet, I think he’s just helpful to Strike.
38. In Chapter 7 Strike also recalls his family dynamics, as well as – after her text message – his 15 year relationship with Charlotte. What do you make of it all? All I can figure out is that she does something – that might be self-destructive – repeatedly and it gets worse each time. What that is, I don’t know. Or did you pick up something else?
I don’t know, it seems Strike and Charlotte had an on-again off again relationship and she uses him ill like the start of their relationship. I think it’s good his relationship with her is over, but I’m afraid they might get back together again. They have a toxic relationship.
39. Why was Rochelle Onifade so very frightened when she realized what Strike wanted to talk to her about? Do you think she’s lying about anything? Or just holding back? Did anything she say to Spike stand out to you? Who did she call right after she left? Is she in danger?
Rochelle is definitely lying about what happened on the day of Lula’s death. Most definitely about the phone call in Vashti’s dressing room. I think she called the person who called Lula that day. Rochelle is definitely in danger, I think if another person dies (of unnatural causes) in this book it may just be Rochelle.
40. Lucy visited; I thought Robin was very tactful. You? However, it appears it is a game of boundaries between Strike and Robin. Or are they just feeling their way? Comments.
Robin was very tactful and professional, and sure they are feeling their way Robin only works for Strike for two weeks and I think she’s doing a great job
#34 - Tony is definitely hiding something and I think he did have some sort of interaction with Lula that morning. I think it's something about her past.
#35 - I don't know. Maybe he thought he recognized the guy, or maybe he did actually recognize him. It's still weird that he would be so distraught if the guy was actually Wilson's nephew. Or maybe it is as Imke said, there is something else on that page that caught his attention.
#36 - I think that there is no will.
#37 - He seems kind of stereotypical to me (tech savvy much more interested in technology than people or anything else), but it may be just me.
#38 - Charlotte seems emotionally abusive, twisting facts and situations as she wants. I don't think she did something extraordinary for Strike to break up with her, but rather got Strike to his breaking point by doing a lot of twisted stuff. He might go back to her, as this happens a lot in these kind of relationships.
#39 - Rochelle knows much more than she lets on, probably even knows the killer. Maybe someone is buying her silence (see the 1500 pound jacket that couldn't have been bought by Lula). I agree with Imke, she'll probably die too and Strike won't have another chance to talk to her.
#40 - Robin and Strike have a very interesting dynamic. She really for what details to push and she's not prying into his life. He tries to include her in the investigation and shares details. I think it's very nice and I hope she gets to stay permanently.
#35 - I don't know. Maybe he thought he recognized the guy, or maybe he did actually recognize him. It's still weird that he would be so distraught if the guy was actually Wilson's nephew. Or maybe it is as Imke said, there is something else on that page that caught his attention.
#36 - I think that there is no will.
#37 - He seems kind of stereotypical to me (tech savvy much more interested in technology than people or anything else), but it may be just me.
#38 - Charlotte seems emotionally abusive, twisting facts and situations as she wants. I don't think she did something extraordinary for Strike to break up with her, but rather got Strike to his breaking point by doing a lot of twisted stuff. He might go back to her, as this happens a lot in these kind of relationships.
#39 - Rochelle knows much more than she lets on, probably even knows the killer. Maybe someone is buying her silence (see the 1500 pound jacket that couldn't have been bought by Lula). I agree with Imke, she'll probably die too and Strike won't have another chance to talk to her.
#40 - Robin and Strike have a very interesting dynamic. She really for what details to push and she's not prying into his life. He tries to include her in the investigation and shares details. I think it's very nice and I hope she gets to stay permanently.
39. It does seem like Rochelle is hiding something and Striker seems to think so too, to me Striker has seemed most suspicious about information Rochelle has more than anybody so far. O.K - I loved the scene when Robin gets to the office and Striker has not gotten up and then when he dresses his buttons are uneven and Robin gets to witness Striker's exposed hairy flab of belly. I just crack up at their relationship. At first I thought there might be some sexual tension but I do not think that anymore. I know Robin is not physically attracted to this man, but I think they both have a similar passion and skill for detective work and this is what binds them. I find there interactions at times comical.
@ IMKE - I was just thinking I would describe Charlotte and Striker's relationship as toxic - so dido.
I got my questions for part 4 ready. Do you want them now or later?
ShoSho wrote: "I got my questions for part 4 ready. Do you want them now or later?"Now is fine with me, ShoSho.
Questions for Part 4 / Chp. 01-0441.Am I the only one that thinks Rochelle is already dead? Or do you think she’s added Strike to her ”do not answer “ list and she is ignoring his calls? I got the vibe that Rochelle was only after Lula’s money and it seems Guy Some and Marlene Higson agree on this. What do you think? And why do you think Some said “Lucky for her, as it turned out…” what did she get from Lula’s death?
42.Guy is the only person so far that seems to be telling the whole truth and not lying or omitting anything. He’s also the only one calling her Cuckoo , can you guess the reason behind the title “The Cuckoo’s calling”?
43.There were a few thing that caught my interest in the interview with Guy Some. What Strike thought of himself “a woolly mammoth attempting to blend in amongst capuchin monkeys “ the T-shirt with Princess Diana on it(not related just interesting ), the creepy Mr.B and the attempted rape and Some’s comment(??!!) to Trudie after Strike has left but the most important thing was that John had told her to “get out of the closet”, what do you think that meant?
44.Who deleted those photos? Tony? Is the killer in them?
45. Could professor J.P.Agyeman be Lula’s father? Her password was his last name,so he was someone important to her , that’s the only thing I can think of. Do you have ideas why Lula was interested in this guy? Strike underlined the words Malmasion hotel Oxford(that’s where Tony stayed the night of Lula’s murder) and circled J.P.Agyeman name. Could these two be related?
46. I liked how strike was feeling close to Lula in her apartment. He’s putting everything he’s got into finding the killer and I think he knows something or at least can guess who the killer is . It seemed he was expecting Wilson to reveal something new and wasn’t surprised to hear about the water on the stairs .
47.OMG .His father is a jerk ! He doesn’t have a relationship with his father , I wonder why he borrowed the money from him?!
48.In strike’s interview with the biological mother , she mentioned her other sons , do you think they were found? I’m thinking the new security guy could have been one of them! Do you think she could be right and Lula’s will was destroyed by Tony?
@ Victoria#35 – Ah! I didn’t think about it being one of the runners.
#36 – Me, either. Totally clueless with regards to Lulu’s will.
#38 – LOL!
#40 – Ah. So, you’re in favor of a romance between them?
@ ShoSho#34 – Yes, I’m suspecting Uncle Tony and Lulu had words. I don’t think John wanted to contradict what Tony said – at least in front of Tony! I’m not sure about the Conway account, either, but I suspect you’re right; it is what is creating friction.
#35 – I read it twice, too! LOL!
#36 – O.M.G! You are so clever. I hadn’t even considered that.
#37 – Yes, it did show Strike trusted him. Very true; Strike is just currently playing hermit.
#38 – Yeah, I got nothing!
#39 – I was hoping Rochelle was going to be a true friend to Lula, but now I’m thinking she was lured away to betray her by this mysterious person on the phone. Interesting theory! Ditto! I think she, herself, is being used and I have a bad feeling about her safety.
Missed that comment by Lucy.
@ Imke#35 – It might be something else on the same page of the paper; that is what I thought at first. But now Victoria has me wondering if it was one of the runners.
#38 – Toxic indeed!
#39 – I concur!
@ Cristina#36 – Yes, why would he be taken out of the conversation like that, if it was Wilson’s nephew, unless he’s more compassionate than I thought or he met the nephew.
#37 – I was wondering if he was a bit stereotyped.
#39 – Yes, she was lying about that jacket. Someone, probably the killer, bought it for her.
@ SarahYes, I don’t think there is sexual tension between Strike and Robin, other than the normal between young, healthy people. A common passion can be attractive to the opposite sex. Yes, I like their developing relationship, too.
Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Victoria#40 – Ah. So, you’re in favor of a romance b..."
I'm just a hopeless romantic. What can I say? I'm always hoping for people to fall in love & I don't like Matthew.
Victoria wrote: "I'm just a hopeless romantic. What can I say? I'm always hoping for people to fall in love & I don't like Matthew."That's "hopeful romantic," not hopeless. ☺
Mod
41. I hadn't even considered that. Ah I am such a bad sleuth! lol! I just figured she gave him the number, but then decided to block calls from unknown numbers or dumped the phone. But I think your version makes more sense
42. Yes I wondered about this too with the title. I like Guy even if he is totally full of himself. He just seems to be one of the only people who really cares about her death
43. lol! and no idea about that comment
44. Seems to be the killer and everything is pointing to Tony which makes me think he is too obvious. Perhaps she gave her key to someone - the same someone she was meeting that night?
45. I'm not sure if those two things are related, but yes, I think she believed him to be her father
46. Yes. what is with the water?!
47. I would love to know this too
48. I keep thinking this whole trying to find her family connection has something to do with it all, but I just don't know how. Maybe the raper is one of the sons?
@ Karen#48.The rapper can't be Marlene's son because the other 2 sons were white.
Questions for Part 4 / Chp. 01-04
41.Am I the only one that thinks Rochelle is already dead? Or do you think she’s added Strike to her ”do not answer “ list and she is ignoring his calls? I got the vibe that Rochelle was only after Lula’s money and it seems Guy Some and Marlene Higson agree on this. What do you think? And why do you think Some said “Lucky for her, as it turned out…” what did she get from Lula’s death?
I think she's dead too. I don't think she was a good friend to Lula and she may be more involved in her death than we think.
42.Guy is the only person so far that seems to be telling the whole truth and not lying or omitting anything. He’s also the only one calling her Cuckoo , can you guess the reason behind the title “The Cuckoo’s calling”?
Even though he was over the top, I liked Guy Some and I think he genuinely cared for Lula and suffered a lot when she died. Still, I can't figure out the reason for the title.
43.There were a few thing that caught my interest in the interview with Guy Some. What Strike thought of himself “a woolly mammoth attempting to blend in amongst capuchin monkeys “ the T-shirt with Princess Diana on it(not related just interesting ), the creepy Mr.B and the attempted rape and Some’s comment(??!!) to Trudie after Strike has left but the most important thing was that John had told her to “get out of the closet”, what do you think that meant?
Some's comment to Trudie was kind of hilarious. I may misunderstood, but I thought the "get a life, get out of the closet" comment was made by Some when referring to John because Jonh was always on Lula's case. And then, Guy makes a comment about John's girlfriend about her having a beard. I think he's implying than John Bristow is gay.
44.Who deleted those photos? Tony? Is the killer in them?
Tony makes the most sense. But why would Tony try to conceal the killer? I think he's trying to cover something else.
45. Could professor J.P.Agyeman be Lula’s father? Her password was his last name,so he was someone important to her , that’s the only thing I can think of. Do you have ideas why Lula was interested in this guy? Strike underlined the words Malmasion hotel Oxford(that’s where Tony stayed the night of Lula’s murder) and circled J.P.Agyeman name. Could these two be related?
He might be her father, or a relative of her father. I don't think these two are related. Agyeman was dead at the time of Tony's conference, so they couldn't have met there. Strike probably underlined these words because he wanted to find more about them.
46. I liked how strike was feeling close to Lula in her apartment. He’s putting everything he’s got into finding the killer and I think he knows something or at least can guess who the killer is . It seemed he was expecting Wilson to reveal something new and wasn’t surprised to hear about the water on the stairs .
Strike probably knows who the killer is, but just needs to get enough evidence. The water drops on the stairs were weird. I just kept wondering where did they come from?
47.OMG .His father is a jerk ! He doesn’t have a relationship with his father , I wonder why he borrowed the money from him?!
Awful father. Borrowing money from him was probably a last resort. I'm glad he stood up to that guy who called him.
48.In strike’s interview with the biological mother , she mentioned her other sons , do you think they were found? I’m thinking the new security guy could have been one of them! Do you think she could be right and Lula’s will was destroyed by Tony?
It's possible that her half-brothers found Lula maybe, after Marlene was in the newspapers. I don't know if the security guy was one of them. Maybe because he was pretty young.
I don't know what to say about the will. Doesn't the lawyer who drafts it keep a copy of it? Or you don't need a lawyer in UK?
41.Am I the only one that thinks Rochelle is already dead? Or do you think she’s added Strike to her ”do not answer “ list and she is ignoring his calls? I got the vibe that Rochelle was only after Lula’s money and it seems Guy Some and Marlene Higson agree on this. What do you think? And why do you think Some said “Lucky for her, as it turned out…” what did she get from Lula’s death?
I think she's dead too. I don't think she was a good friend to Lula and she may be more involved in her death than we think.
42.Guy is the only person so far that seems to be telling the whole truth and not lying or omitting anything. He’s also the only one calling her Cuckoo , can you guess the reason behind the title “The Cuckoo’s calling”?
Even though he was over the top, I liked Guy Some and I think he genuinely cared for Lula and suffered a lot when she died. Still, I can't figure out the reason for the title.
43.There were a few thing that caught my interest in the interview with Guy Some. What Strike thought of himself “a woolly mammoth attempting to blend in amongst capuchin monkeys “ the T-shirt with Princess Diana on it(not related just interesting ), the creepy Mr.B and the attempted rape and Some’s comment(??!!) to Trudie after Strike has left but the most important thing was that John had told her to “get out of the closet”, what do you think that meant?
Some's comment to Trudie was kind of hilarious. I may misunderstood, but I thought the "get a life, get out of the closet" comment was made by Some when referring to John because Jonh was always on Lula's case. And then, Guy makes a comment about John's girlfriend about her having a beard. I think he's implying than John Bristow is gay.
44.Who deleted those photos? Tony? Is the killer in them?
Tony makes the most sense. But why would Tony try to conceal the killer? I think he's trying to cover something else.
45. Could professor J.P.Agyeman be Lula’s father? Her password was his last name,so he was someone important to her , that’s the only thing I can think of. Do you have ideas why Lula was interested in this guy? Strike underlined the words Malmasion hotel Oxford(that’s where Tony stayed the night of Lula’s murder) and circled J.P.Agyeman name. Could these two be related?
He might be her father, or a relative of her father. I don't think these two are related. Agyeman was dead at the time of Tony's conference, so they couldn't have met there. Strike probably underlined these words because he wanted to find more about them.
46. I liked how strike was feeling close to Lula in her apartment. He’s putting everything he’s got into finding the killer and I think he knows something or at least can guess who the killer is . It seemed he was expecting Wilson to reveal something new and wasn’t surprised to hear about the water on the stairs .
Strike probably knows who the killer is, but just needs to get enough evidence. The water drops on the stairs were weird. I just kept wondering where did they come from?
47.OMG .His father is a jerk ! He doesn’t have a relationship with his father , I wonder why he borrowed the money from him?!
Awful father. Borrowing money from him was probably a last resort. I'm glad he stood up to that guy who called him.
48.In strike’s interview with the biological mother , she mentioned her other sons , do you think they were found? I’m thinking the new security guy could have been one of them! Do you think she could be right and Lula’s will was destroyed by Tony?
It's possible that her half-brothers found Lula maybe, after Marlene was in the newspapers. I don't know if the security guy was one of them. Maybe because he was pretty young.
I don't know what to say about the will. Doesn't the lawyer who drafts it keep a copy of it? Or you don't need a lawyer in UK?
Questions for Part 3 / Chp. 06-10 34. Do you think that John and Tony and/or Lulu really did talk the morning in question (at Lady Yvette Bristow’s flat)? If so, why are they both sticking together on this? Could it only be about the Conway Oates’s account?
Conspiracy theory, everyone is hiding something.
35. Why did the photo in the paper distract John Bristow to that degree? Was it really because of his thoughts on Derrick Wilson’s son being in Afghanistan? Or something else entirely?
Strike lost his leg in Afghanistan, John might know more to that story than we do. Who was in that picture, maybe it was someone he recognised who was involved, or maybe he saw the other article on the page.
36. Lulu’s will leaving everything to her brother John can’t be found! Does it even exist? Comments. What did you think of his explanation of why Ciara Porter mentioned it? Could she have another motive?
Maybe it's on the laptop, maybe it was stolen by the killer/runner? Maybe Ciara wanted it to look like John had motive to kill his sister.
37. What are your impressions of Spanner (who is given Lulu’s laptop to scan) and his conversation with Spike?
I like Spanner, gotta love nerd to the rescue. he will uncover some vital information that the police didn't even look for.
38. In Chapter 7 Strike also recalls his family dynamics, as well as – after her text message – his 15 year relationship with Charlotte. What do you make of it all? All I can figure out is that she does something – that might be self-destructive – repeatedly and it gets worse each time. What that is, I don’t know. Or did you pick up something else?
Strike and Charlotte had a toxic relationship. She used him repeatedly. He had a few crisis in his life that drove her to leave him - putting the army first, losing his leg etc. Strike also had a serious relationship (with his previous secretary, I think while on a break from Charlotte) that ended because Strike never wanted shildren, which was something he had in common with Charlotte, so that's why I think he left her because of a fake (or real) pregnancy.
39. Why was Rochelle Onifade so very frightened when she realized what Strike wanted to talk to her about? Do you think she’s lying about anything? Or just holding back? Did anything she say to Spike stand out to you? Who did she call right after she left? Is she in danger?
I dont think Rochelle really thought Lulu was suicidal. She said Lulu didn't have Deeby's number and it didn't come up on Lulu's phone records, but I think Lulu used Rochelles phone to call him from the change tent and that's who Rochelle called after meeting Strike.
40. Lucy visited; I thought Robin was very tactful. You? However, it appears it is a game of boundaries between Strike and Robin. Or are they just feeling their way? Comments.
Both want to maintain boundries and avoid intimacy but both keep pushing the boundries by accident because they are both comfortable with each other.
Questions for Part 4 / Chp. 01-04
41.Am I the only one that thinks Rochelle is already dead? Or do you think she’s added Strike to her ”do not answer “ list and she is ignoring his calls? I got the vibe that Rochelle was only after Lula’s money and it seems Guy Some and Marlene Higson agree on this. What do you think? And why do you think Some said “Lucky for her, as it turned out…” what did she get from Lula’s death?
Rochelle is dead. I think she knew what happened to Lula before her death and maybe who killed her, which was probably the person she was talking to after her interview with Strike. I’m not sure if she was just after Lula’s money, I think she just wanted the attention Lula got. I got the feeling Rochelle was very lonely.
42.Guy is the only person so far that seems to be telling the whole truth and not lying or omitting anything. He’s also the only one calling her Cuckoo , can you guess the reason behind the title “The Cuckoo’s calling”?
I think he did care for her, sort of like a brother. Her nickname has a lot to do with the title but the reason behind it???
43.There were a few thing that caught my interest in the interview with Guy Some. What Strike thought of himself “a woolly mammoth attempting to blend in amongst capuchin monkeys “ the T-shirt with Princess Diana on it(not related just interesting ), the creepy Mr.B and the attempted rape and Some’s comment(??!!) to Trudie after Strike has left but the most important thing was that John had told her to “get out of the closet”, what do you think that meant?
The woolly mammoth statement was one that caught me to, I think Sarah will like that statement too. There are a few Diana references in this book, not just the T-shirt, a few characters made a statement along the lines of the press drove her of the balcony or the paparazzi are to blame for her death. I think Somé meant for John Bristow to come out of the closet, not John for Lula to come out.
44.Who deleted those photos? Tony? Is the killer in them?
I don’t know if it was the killer who deleted the photos, but it was definitely someone from the family or connected to the family.
45. Could professor J.P.Agyeman be Lula’s father? Her password was his last name,so he was someone important to her , that’s the only thing I can think of. Do you have ideas why Lula was interested in this guy? Strike underlined the words Malmasion hotel Oxford(that’s where Tony stayed the night of Lula’s murder) and circled J.P.Agyeman name. Could these two be related?
He could be, or maybe he was someone who helped her with her search for her father. I feel her father is closer to home than we think.
46. I liked how strike was feeling close to Lula in her apartment. He’s putting everything he’s got into finding the killer and I think he knows something or at least can guess who the killer is . It seemed he was expecting Wilson to reveal something new and wasn’t surprised to hear about the water on the stairs .
I liked this part too. I think Strike was trying to make Wilson relive the night of Lula’s death to see if he forgot something.
47.OMG .His father is a jerk ! He doesn’t have a relationship with his father , I wonder why he borrowed the money from him?!
Maybe he really needed that money at the time, it’s not very fatherly to act like a bank. I did like Strikes reaction to his father’s lawyer.
48.In strike’s interview with the biological mother , she mentioned her other sons , do you think they were found? I’m thinking the new security guy could have been one of them! Do you think she could be right and Lula’s will was destroyed by Tony?
No I don’t think they were found, I think maybe family from Lula’s biological father’s side may have something to do with it. I don’t think there was a will. But I do suspect money does have something to do with motive. Strike was researching stock prices for the shares of her adoptive father’s company.
Btw I really didn't like Lula's biological mother, she's the one who was after the money.
Questions for Part 3 / Chp. 06-10 34. Do you think that John and Tony and/or Lulu really did talk the morning in question (at Lady Yvette Bristow’s flat)? If so, why are they both sticking together on this? Could it only be about the Conway Oates’s account?
It seems strange that if there was something John was hiding that he'd try to get her death solved.
35. Why did the photo in the paper distract John Bristow to that degree? Was it really because of his thoughts on Derrick Wilson’s son being in Afghanistan? Or something else entirely?
Maybe it reminded him of something to do with Wilson?
36. Lulu’s will leaving everything to her brother John can’t be found! Does it even exist? Comments. What did you think of his explanation of why Ciara Porter mentioned it? Could she have another motive?
I suppose it's possible that someone stole it, you think they'd replace it with one that spelled out what they wanted though. I wonder who it reverts to as default? Probably the mother if no husband or children. Either that or there was no will. She didn't seem like a very well planned person.
37. What are your impressions of Spanner (who is given Lulu’s laptop to scan) and his conversation with Spike?
He seems mostly like a geek without many social skills.
38. In Chapter 7 Strike also recalls his family dynamics, as well as – after her text message – his 15 year relationship with Charlotte. What do you make of it all? All I can figure out is that she does something – that might be self-destructive – repeatedly and it gets worse each time. What that is, I don’t know. Or did you pick up something else?
It seemed like her whole relationship was mainly to get back at another guy. Not a good groundwork.
39. Why was Rochelle Onifade so very frightened when she realized what Strike wanted to talk to her about? Do you think she’s lying about anything? Or just holding back? Did anything she say to Spike stand out to you? Who did she call right after she left? Is she in danger?
I'm sure she's lying about something. The coat is a pretty big giveaway. Who wears a super expensive coat when they can't eat. Maybe Guy is in on it somehow or she stole it from Lulu.
40. Lucy visited; I thought Robin was very tactful. You? However, it appears it is a game of boundaries between Strike and Robin. Or are they just feeling their way? Comments.
It would have been nice of Strike to just tell her what to do. She seemed to handle it well enough in my opinion.
Questions for Part 4 / Chp. 05-0849.Whoa Charlotte is engaged and she is nasty !The way she left that message for Strike ,she must have known its effect on him. As some of us predicted it was a pregnancy thing that was the last straw for Strike. And with this fast engagement it seems she’s been cheating on him all along. Does she want him to rescue her (like Strike thinks)? What did you think of his reaction to the news?
50.Robin Lied to Mattew , I would have lied too but it doesn’t bode well for their relationship. I was so impressed with how she took care of him. And wow for that note the next morning. It was so thoughtful .They are a good team. Comments?
51.Bryony knows about the blue note but she’s not telling , she is a nosy person , she must have looked but if she is honest about being dyslexic , she doesn’t know what was written on it. But why isn’t she telling?
52.Wasn’t that thing Ciara said about his mom offensive? He took it well it seemed.
53.We have seen a lot of bad things being said about Mrs. Bristow things like crazy and over protective and possessive . Do you believe it? What do you think she is really like and how was her relationship with Lula?
54.Did you realize that the last name Owusu was Guy’s real name and it was one of the names he checked with the biological mother. Does Strike think Guy is her brother?
55.They keep talking about those goodies and flowers Some and Mr.B sent to Lula and Deeby Mac’s apartments , do you think they are significant in what happened that night?
56.Now that we have met Evan , do you think all the people are right about him or is he alright and he really loved and cared for Lula? What did you think of the commitment ceremony?
57.I really like to see other people reactions to Strike and Ciara photos, To Charlotte it’s a kind of revenge for what she did to him. Robin’s reaction should be interesting too. What did you think of him and Ciara spending the night together? Did you see that coming?
@ Cristina #43 .I have to read that part again.
#48 .Yes I thought you need a lawyer to make a will official! but what do I know?!
@Imke
#48. Good catch!
#49 - I think the engagement thing is meant to hurt Strike and suck him right back in that dysfunctional relationship. I don't know if she was really pregnant (she did lose the pregnant pretty quick) or if it was a hurtful way to show him she's cheating. I think it was awful for Strike to find about the engagement through a message and no wonder, he felt the need to get drunk. He really loved her (or at least, thought that), so seeing her moving on so quickly was painful.
#50 - Like I said before, they have an amazing dynamic and it's a lot of fun to read their interactions. Robin is an amazing character. As for lying to Matthew, I personally don't like him, but we haven't seen enough of him, so maybe he's not such a jerk as it seems. Maybe Robin didn't reveal that her boss is drunk, because she's still hoping Strike will offer her a permanent job, and doesn't want Matthew to have arguments to convince her not to take it. I do wonder if they will get married though. But probably that's left for the sequel.
#51 - That was weird. But probably, Byrony doesn't know what was written on the note or maybe she didn't have a good glimpse at it.
#52 - I think Strike tried to be professional.
#53 - Mrs Bristow was probably a bad mother. Too many people say that. She probably tried to control a lot of aspects of Lula's life.
#54 - Yeah, I think Guy tells Strike his real name. Strike is being through I guess. He probably wants to find if there is another reason behind Guy's protectiveness.
#55 - There is one thing about the goodies that stayed on my mind. One of the hoodies Guy sent to Deeby Mac had lyric on the back and the runner was wearing a GS hoodie with something written on the back. I don't know if it's relevant, but I found it odd.
#56 - I think that the commitment ceremony was sweet, but both Evan and Lula were pretty imature and didn't communicate very well. But I think he really cared for her.
#57 - Haha, I was kind of hoping for them to hook up after Guy's comment. Strike needs some good distraction for the whole Charlotte debacle. I can't wait to read Robin's reaction.
#50 - Like I said before, they have an amazing dynamic and it's a lot of fun to read their interactions. Robin is an amazing character. As for lying to Matthew, I personally don't like him, but we haven't seen enough of him, so maybe he's not such a jerk as it seems. Maybe Robin didn't reveal that her boss is drunk, because she's still hoping Strike will offer her a permanent job, and doesn't want Matthew to have arguments to convince her not to take it. I do wonder if they will get married though. But probably that's left for the sequel.
#51 - That was weird. But probably, Byrony doesn't know what was written on the note or maybe she didn't have a good glimpse at it.
#52 - I think Strike tried to be professional.
#53 - Mrs Bristow was probably a bad mother. Too many people say that. She probably tried to control a lot of aspects of Lula's life.
#54 - Yeah, I think Guy tells Strike his real name. Strike is being through I guess. He probably wants to find if there is another reason behind Guy's protectiveness.
#55 - There is one thing about the goodies that stayed on my mind. One of the hoodies Guy sent to Deeby Mac had lyric on the back and the runner was wearing a GS hoodie with something written on the back. I don't know if it's relevant, but I found it odd.
#56 - I think that the commitment ceremony was sweet, but both Evan and Lula were pretty imature and didn't communicate very well. But I think he really cared for her.
#57 - Haha, I was kind of hoping for them to hook up after Guy's comment. Strike needs some good distraction for the whole Charlotte debacle. I can't wait to read Robin's reaction.
@ Karen#42I liked Guy Somé, too; however, I ‘m still suspicious of him. LOL!
#44 – Oh! I hadn’t thought of a key.
#46 – Yes, somehow the water is important.
#48 – I concur! It has something to do with Lulu trying to find her biological family.
@ Cristina#41 – Yeah, I’m pretty sure she’s dead.
#43 – I thought Guy Somé’s closet remark was referring to John, too.
#47 – Yes, loved it when Strike told that guy off. LOL!
#48 – I’m 99.9% sure the lawyer would keep a draft. Of course, Tony and John are lawyers… I can’t remember; is Alison?
@ Renee#36 – You’re like me… lots of ‘maybes.’ ☺
#39 – Man! I didn’t even think of Lulu using Rochelle’s phone.
@ Inke#41 – I agree; she’s dead and she wanted the attention more than the money. But, the extravagant lifestyle didn’t hurt.
#42 – All I can think of is her phone calls.
#43 – Yes, I imagine JKR can relate to the whole fame/paparazzi issue.
#45 – Ohhhhhhhhhh!
@ Kelly#34 – I’ve wondered the same thing.
#38 – True. Sad.
I fell behind a bit, but I've caught up and answered the latest questions:Questions for Part 4 / Chp. 01-04
41. I actually hadn't considered that she would already be dead. She was talking to someone on the phone when she left him, so maybe someone decided she had to be silenced. Interesting.
I was wondering what Some meant by that too. I have NO clue. It sure didn't seem like she got anything to me.
42. I think Guy is the only person in her life that truly loved and cared about her. Even her brother seems to feel an obligation toward her, maybe because of his brother who died.
43. The rape was certainly interesting. The payoff too. Hoping Strike will investigate that. Mr. B is a crazy shady, creepy guy.
Guy was saying that when talking about John, saying he should get out of the closet. Which seemed weird. But guy is very critical of everyone in Lula's life.
44. The pictures are interesting. The pictures seem to have nothing important, but obviously they must be. Who would delete it though? Very curious. It must have been the killer or someone covering up for the killer. But why would they bother doing it after the police had decided it was a suicide and no one was looking into it any further? Maybe out of rage?
45. Yeah, I wonder what the underlining and circling was about. Maybe he suspects Tony confronted Agyeman? I have no clue.
46. Yeah he seemed to react to the water as if he had suspected there would have been water there. Which seems odd. I wish we could get a little more of a clue as to what he's got going in his head. He has suspicions that we aren't hearing about.
47. Yeah, if he never sees or interacts with his father, why does he owe money to his dad? That is super weird. But at least we know now who keeps calling about money.
48. I don't think Lula ever said anything about giving anything to her mother. It seems she was more interested in using her mother as a way to get to her father. She probably saw her mother for what she was - an opportunist. Lula hadn't seen her mother in a while. I don't think Lula made a will at all.
Questions for Part 4 / Chp. 01-0441.Am I the only one that thinks Rochelle is already dead? Or do you think she’s added Strike to her ”do not answer “ list and she is ignoring his calls? I got the vibe that Rochelle was only after Lula’s money and it seems Guy Some and Marlene Higson agree on this. What do you think? And why do you think Some said “Lucky for her, as it turned out…” what did she get from Lula’s death?
She doesn't really seem like a good friend. Everyone he talks to seems to think their the only good friend Lulu has but then everyone else tells stories of horrible things they've done. I'm surprised that if she knew something critical she wasn't killed in the beginning.
42.Guy is the only person so far that seems to be telling the whole truth and not lying or omitting anything. He’s also the only one calling her Cuckoo , can you guess the reason behind the title “The Cuckoo’s calling”?
Everyone in the book is nuts!
But really, I'm guessing it has to do with the bird because it's described "a largely grayish-brown European bird (Cuculus canorus) that is a parasite given to laying its eggs in the nests of other birds which hatch them and rear the offspring". Maybe the real mother is the problem and she aimed to have her kid be successful by having another family raise her?
43.There were a few thing that caught my interest in the interview with Guy Some. What Strike thought of himself “a woolly mammoth attempting to blend in amongst capuchin monkeys “ the T-shirt with Princess Diana on it(not related just interesting ), the creepy Mr.B and the attempted rape and Some’s comment(??!!) to Trudie after Strike has left but the most important thing was that John had told her to “get out of the closet”, what do you think that meant?
Guy seems like he has a split personality a lot of the time. It kinda felt like fake sympathy where people act like they're affected tragically to get attention.
44.Who deleted those photos? Tony? Is the killer in them?
Maybe the mom? Though she seems pretty sick. Maybe it was something that would ruin her reputation of all the kids she's collected.
45. Could professor J.P.Agyeman be Lula’s father? Her password was his last name,so he was someone important to her , that’s the only thing I can think of. Do you have ideas why Lula was interested in this guy? Strike underlined the words Malmasion hotel Oxford(that’s where Tony stayed the night of Lula’s murder) and circled J.P.Agyeman name. Could these two be related?
I'm guessing he's either her father or someone trying to help her find him.
46. I liked how strike was feeling close to Lula in her apartment. He’s putting everything he’s got into finding the killer and I think he knows something or at least can guess who the killer is . It seemed he was expecting Wilson to reveal something new and wasn’t surprised to hear about the water on the stairs .
I think he's reaching critical mass on clues where he has enough to keep the ball rolling.
47.OMG .His father is a jerk ! He doesn’t have a relationship with his father , I wonder why he borrowed the money from him?!
Maybe he couldn't borrow it from anyone else? Since this appears to be a series, I'm guessing it's going to be one of the running issues that doesn't get resolved in this book.
48.In strike’s interview with the biological mother , she mentioned her other sons , do you think they were found? I’m thinking the new security guy could have been one of them! Do you think she could be right and Lula’s will was destroyed by Tony?
Seems incredibly unlikely that they'd happen to meet by chance. If he did meet, I'm guessing he was looking for her.
Questions for Part 4 / Chp. 01-0441.Am I the only one that thinks Rochelle is already dead? Or do you think she’s added Strike to her ”do not answer “ list and she is ignoring his calls? I got the vibe that Rochelle was only after Lula’s money and it seems Guy Some and Marlene Higson agree on this. What do you think? And why do you think Some said “Lucky for her, as it turned out…” what did she get from Lula’s death?
Maybe she got paid off for information to help set up the murder (the designer coat. Not sure if she's dead or has just ditched her phone so she cant get tracked down.
42.Guy is the only person so far that seems to be telling the whole truth and not lying or omitting anything. He’s also the only one calling her Cuckoo , can you guess the reason behind the title “The Cuckoo’s calling”?
I like Guy. I think the author got him to call her Cuckoo so that we know thats who the poem at the start of the book was refering to.
"Why were you born when the snow was falling?
You should have come to the cuckoo’s calling,"etc
The poem is saying Lulu was born at the wrong time and died at the wrong time.
43.There were a few thing that caught my interest in the interview with Guy Some. What Strike thought of himself “a woolly mammoth attempting to blend in amongst capuchin monkeys “ the T-shirt with Princess Diana on it(not related just interesting ), the creepy Mr.B and the attempted rape and Some’s comment(??!!) to Trudie after Strike has left but the most important thing was that John had told her to “get out of the closet”, what do you think that meant?
Some told Lulu that John should get out of the closet, Some thinks John is gay and that Johns girlfriend (who is in love with Tony) is just a cover for John to look straight.
44.Who deleted those photos? Tony? Is the killer in them?
I think the killer is in the photos and someone linked deleted them.
45. Could professor J.P.Agyeman be Lula’s father? Her password was his last name,so he was someone important to her , that’s the only thing I can think of. Do you have ideas why Lula was interested in this guy? Strike underlined the words Malmasion hotel Oxford(that’s where Tony stayed the night of Lula’s murder) and circled J.P.Agyeman name. Could these two be related?
Lulu was trying to find her father and I think Agyeman was claiming to be her father, but don't know if he really is.
46. I liked how strike was feeling close to Lula in her apartment. He’s putting everything he’s got into finding the killer and I think he knows something or at least can guess who the killer is . It seemed he was expecting Wilson to reveal something new and wasn’t surprised to hear about the water on the stairs .
I think I trust Wilson more now, I don't think he was in on the murder. The water on the stairs has something to do with the big vase that was knocked over in appartment 2 on the night of Lulu's murder.
47.OMG .His father is a jerk ! He doesn’t have a relationship with his father , I wonder why he borrowed the money from him?!
If Strikes needed money to start up his business, he might not have been approved by the bank so turned to his Dad to borrow money.
48.In strike’s interview with the biological mother , she mentioned her other sons , do you think they were found? I’m thinking the new security guy could have been one of them! Do you think she could be right and Lula’s will was destroyed by Tony?
If Lulu had found her half brothers she would have told her biological mother. But they might have found herbecause she was famous and details about her biological mother were in the news.
Oh man, guys... I stopped paying attention and kept reading through to ch 10... It's gotten GOOD. Oh it hurts to stop, but I have a hard time doing discussion on past sections if I know what happens later. But DAMN
Rebecca wrote: "Oh man, guys... I stopped paying attention and kept reading through to ch 10... It's gotten GOOD. Oh it hurts to stop, but I have a hard time doing discussion on past sections if I know what happen..."After I finished chapter 8 and did Qs ,there was no way I could stop. I finished it last night!
I can't wait for the new questions as I've read the next chapters until Part 5.
I checked about the will. In UK, you can make a will without a lawyer, you just need to write, sign it in the presence of 2 other witnesses who also need to sign it.
I checked about the will. In UK, you can make a will without a lawyer, you just need to write, sign it in the presence of 2 other witnesses who also need to sign it.
ok. I give up! I've had the busiest most hectic week & am falling behind so I'm not going to look again until I'm done. i hope it's a good ending and you guys all enjoy the book.
Victoria, I'm right there with you. I'm behind too!! :D
Cristina, that's helpful. I figured she didn't make one bc that would have been a lot of forethought, getting a lawyer, but if you don't need one, that's a different story.
Questions for Part 4 / Chp. 05-0849.Whoa Charlotte is engaged and she is nasty !The way she left that message for Strike ,she must have known its effect on him. As some of us predicted it was a pregnancy thing that was the last straw for Strike. And with this fast engagement it seems she’s been cheating on him all along. Does she want him to rescue her (like Strike thinks)? What did you think of his reaction to the news?
I think she just likes stringing multiple guys along, something with stroking her ego. I think it probably helped him finally get over her.
50.Robin Lied to Matthew , I would have lied too but it doesn’t bode well for their relationship. I was so impressed with how she took care of him. And wow for that note the next morning. It was so thoughtful .They are a good team. Comments?
I suppose it was kinda a work emergency. It would be nice of him to give her the benefit of the doubt, if he can't trust her how is it going to work either.
51.Bryony knows about the blue note but she’s not telling , she is a nosy person , she must have looked but if she is honest about being dyslexic , she doesn’t know what was written on it. But why isn’t she telling?
Maybe she's learned not to stick her nose in things that could get her blacklisted from the scene?
52.Wasn’t that thing Ciara said about his mom offensive? He took it well it seemed.
I imagine he's used to hearing stuff like that by now though, he seems to let all the parental stuff go.
53.We have seen a lot of bad things being said about Mrs. Bristow things like crazy and over protective and possessive . Do you believe it? What do you think she is really like and how was her relationship with Lula?
Hmm. It's hard to tell. A lot of parent's are possessive over the kids lives when they think they're making a mistake so it doesn't make her unique or especially bad.
54.Did you realize that the last name Owusu was Guy’s real name and it was one of the names he checked with the biological mother. Does Strike think Guy is her brother?
That seems really coincidental to me.
55.They keep talking about those goodies and flowers Some and Mr.B sent to Lula and Deeby Mac’s apartments , do you think they are significant in what happened that night?
Not sure, it does seem like he sends that kind of stuff all over as advertising.
56.Now that we have met Evan , do you think all the people are right about him or is he alright and he really loved and cared for Lula? What did you think of the commitment ceremony?
Seems strange to do a commitment ceremony right after you get back together. I suppose I don't really see him killing her at this point, he's a bit scatterbrained to pull it off with no evidence anyway.
57.I really like to see other people reactions to Strike and Ciara photos, To Charlotte it’s a kind of revenge for what she did to him. Robin’s reaction should be interesting too. What did you think of him and Ciara spending the night together? Did you see that coming?
Heck, you're single and annoyed at your ex and a pretty model comes onto you.... I can't think much of a fight would have been put up with by anyone.
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58. Robin gets information on Professor Agyeman including a photo which Cormoran seems to recognise there is a significance to. He died 5 years ago and his son is in the Army. Is it a resemblance to Lula that he sees in the photo, or is there something else that he recognised?
59. So Tony Landry stayed at the Malmaison when he was meant to be at a conference, and also apparently at his mother's house. Alison confirms she was also sent there to check he was there (we assume as there was suspicion he was having an affair with Ursula May). What do you make of all of this?
60. Did you like the scene with Robin and Strike when she realised he must've slept with Ciara? Did you notice Strike referred to Robin's "detective training"
61. So it was Rochelle in the morgue. It seems she was killed after leaving Strike. The scene at the police station was pretty frustrating! Carver just doesn't beleive him
62. What did you think about the story of Strike's mother (Leda)?
63. Freddie Bestigui is a piece of work! Will he come forward with the truth after all?
64. Why do you think Strike wanted to go to the funeral? And why did he want to take Robin? what is the significance of Brian Mathers to this?
65. I was surprised Bristow went to Rochelle's funeral. Were you? So sad that there were only 7 people there
66. Strike makes the observation/comparison about the statues at Queen's gate looking identical, but one being male and one female. Theories on this? Is it that the two hooded figures on the CCTV was one male and one female?
67. Now we are getting to the point end! Ah! Can you stop reading??! So if it wasn't Tony at his mother's house that day, who was it? Do you have any theories on how this is all going to end or are you just enjoying the story?
Questions for Part 4 / Chp. 05-08
49.Whoa Charlotte is engaged and she is nasty !The way she left that message for Strike ,she must have known its effect on him. As some of us predicted it was a pregnancy thing that was the last straw for Strike. And with this fast engagement it seems she’s been cheating on him all along. Does she want him to rescue her (like Strike thinks)? What did you think of his reaction to the news?
Strike’s reaction was understandable, but he shouldn’t have done it. I think Charlotte wants Strike to “rescue her” and I really hope he doesn’t. In the end it’s Robin who rescues Strike, but she doesn’t make a big deal out of it and leaves him be.
50.Robin lied to Matthew , I would have lied too but it doesn’t bode well for their relationship. I was so impressed with how she took care of him. And wow for that note the next morning. It was so thoughtful .They are a good team. Comments?
It says a lot about what kind of person Robin is, I’m starting to really like her. At first I thought she was a bit weak minded when reading about her reaction to her engagement and her upcoming job interviews. But she’s showing great strength of character and perseverance, she’s very intelligent and has a great sense of humor. She and Cormoran are very well suited at least in a work relation.
51.Bryony knows about the blue note but she’s not telling , she is a nosy person , she must have looked but if she is honest about being dyslexic , she doesn’t know what was written on it. But why isn’t she telling?
I don’t know maybe she’s blackmailing someone.
52.Wasn’t that thing Ciara said about his mom offensive? He took it well it seemed.
I don’t think Strike had the best relationship with his parents and I think he thinks the same. He knows who his mother was. He said quite a few offensive things about his own mother, I think he just doesn’t care.
53.We have seen a lot of bad things being said about Mrs. Bristow things like crazy and over protective and possessive . Do you believe it? What do you think she is really like and how was her relationship with Lula?
I think what people are saying about Lady Bristow may be right. I think she had a strained relationship with Lula.
54.Did you realize that the last name Owusu was Guy’s real name and it was one of the names he checked with the biological mother. Does Strike think Guy is her brother?
55.They keep talking about those goodies and flowers Some and Mr.B sent to Lula and Deeby Mac’s apartments , do you think they are significant in what happened that night?
I think the handbags that were sent to Lula have an important role, he aksed Ciara about the removable lining, maybe Lula hid the note on blue paper in one of the handbags, behind the lining. And I now think that the note is Lula’s will. Maybe Rochelle and the driver, with the long name which I can’t remember right now, signed it as witnesses.
56.Now that we have met Evan , do you think all the people are right about him or is he alright and he really loved and cared for Lula? What did you think of the commitment ceremony?
I don’t think he is alright, but he did seem to love Lula although I think their relationship may have been just as toxic as Cormoran and Charlotte’s relationship was.
57.I really like to see other people reactions to Strike and Ciara photos, To Charlotte it’s a kind of revenge for what she did to him. Robin’s reaction should be interesting too. What did you think of him and Ciara spending the night together? Did you see that coming?
My first reaction no,no,no,no,no. But are they really going to spend the night together????????????? I’ve got to keep on reading… And people’s reactions to the photos, they’ll probably think he’s security. I am curious about Robins reaction, it may not be good.
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)
#28 – Good point about the weather.
#30 – Oh! Could be.
#33a – Absolutely.
#33b – Very possible.