The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith aka J.K. Rowlings - Aug. 2016

[Sandra]

Yes, Namz! I feel like Matthew belittled Robin's dreams/aspirations. I think he talked "down" to her.

[Jonetta]

Very much so. His dreams and aspirations were a higher priority than Robin's.

[Mara]

Nanita,

In all 3 books I wanted crawl in and shake some sense into Matthew.

[Mara]

I don't think that Robin wanted a conventual 9 to 5 job. With Cormoran she gets to flex her intelligence and finds answers on the Internet for Cormoran.

[Jonetta]

Exactly, Mara!

[Mara]

I know I will be skewered for this, but I don't a flying horse about HARRY POTTER, etc. Let Ms. Rowling move on. Every time she does, she gets sucked back into the HP hullabaloo.

[Erin]

With respect to Robin and Matthew, I also felt Matthew experienced some jealousy that Robin's work with Cormoran took time away from him. Cormoran gave Robin freedom to think creatively on her feet - and a normal secretarial job - while steady - wouldn't have been quite as exciting. Robin's creativity throughout impressed me.

[Sandra]

What are your thoughts on Strike? What drives him to continue seeking the truth? Does his personal life (being at a low point) affect your perception of him? There are several references to the pain in Strike's leg stump...Why do you think his character was written with a disability/prosthesis? How does it affect his investigation skills and/or his relationships with others? Did it cause you to feel any differently about him? What do you think of Strike's investigative skills?

[Sheri]

I really liked strike. for someone who was so down on his luck and in pain....he worked hard to find out the truth. I never even suspected the brother for her murder. I liked his way of investigating.

[Jonetta]

At first I thought he was just going to be another down on his luck, sort of tragic detective/private investigator. He's anything but.

Strike takes his war injury in stride, just a byproduct of serving in the war. He doesn't feel sorry for himself nor feels like an invalid, even when he's forced to deal with his limitations. He's street smart and well educated. He's just as comfortable operating in the underbelly of the city as well as among the social elites. There's a lot to admire about him, even his shortcomings.

Love this character.

[Mara]

I think that Cormoran would have stayed in the military had he not had his leg blown by an IUD.

Since begin an military investigator, he chose to become a PI, to support himself.

[Sandra]

How important is the setting to the story? How would the story have been different if it was set in the USA? Or elsewhere?

[Mara]

I think if THE CUCKOO'S CALLING had been set in the U.S. Cormoran would have been written more morosely and be a drug addict & alcoholic. He would have at least one or two ex-wives that have nothing nice to say about, and one or two very precocious children he doesn't see often.

Cormoran understands he has problems and baggage, but he doesn't cling to it as his counterpart in the U.S. would.

[Sandra]

What do you think of Robin? What do you feel her character brings to this story?

How does the author portray the culture and world (& the characters) of the ultra rich & famous?

[Sheri]

I really liked Robin. I think she is going to be really good for Cormoran.

[Mara]

Love Robin.

She brings computer skills, mothering nature, cleanliness, and order to Strikes office. She also makes sure the the little things like coffee, tea, and biscuits(cookies) are on hand for clients.

I think the author points out the dirty little secret of fame and becoming rich and not wanting to own up to your responsibility or know your old friends.

Okay, C's mom was a piece of work and had her own issues about life and maybe wasn't the best parent, but she was all C and Sally had. Until their aunt & uncle stepped in for awhile and gave them real home.

Had C's dad been a man, he would have stepped up to the plate and either settled with C's mom so she could have the money to raise C, or paid her a monthly. Or C's mom could have gone for the British equivalent of monthly child support from CPS to get the money out of his for his welfare.

[Sandra]

Why do you think Bristow hired a Private Investigator?

Who were you first suspicious of in this story? Were you surprised at the ending?

[Mara]

Who knows.

I suspected the uncle or her real mom.

[Sheri]

the uncle was the main what that I suspected. but always thought that it was to easy so knew it wouldn't be him. I never suspected the brother at all

[Sandra]

What significance do you attach to the title, "The Cuckoo's Calling"? Who & What does it refer to?

[Jeanette]

Still making my way through the book.... A bit behind schedule so I'll have to catch myself up with the discussion in a day or two. So glad I read this one though!

[Susan]

I think Matthew was only looking out for Robin's interests in the beginning but as the book progresses realizes this is her interest and is going to deal better with this decision of hers. She does not just let him bowl her over. she stands her ground.

[Lauren]

Mara wrote: "And if Cormoran were honest he sort of needed a keeper, and Robin fit the bill.."

So true! The man is a menace to himself! Lol!

[Lauren]

Re Matthew - I don't want to punch him ... I want to strangle him... my bloodthirsty nature goes into overdrive whenever he puts in an appearance.

[Lauren]

I love Strike's character. It is so easy to empathize with him because he is so down to earth and human with many flaws that make him all the more engaging.

[Lauren]

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Why do you think Bristow hired a Private Investigator?

Who were you first suspicious of in this story? Were you surprised at the ending?"

I also suspected the uncle for a long time but Bristow was always in the back of my mind.

IIRC, he hired Cormoran because he needed him to find Lulu's real brother who was her actual heir and didn't want to make it too obvious.

[Lauren]

Re the title - wasn't Cuckoo a nickname given to Lulu by Guy?

In any case, it refers to the fact that Cuckoo birds lay their eggs in other birds nests. Lulu was adopted and Bristow resented her and their other sibling for taking attention he believed was rightly his.

[Sandra]

The Cuckoo's Calling - Cuckoo was a nickname for Lulu. What do you think "Calling" refers to?

What are Strike's thoughts on fame? How does he handle people mentioning his own father?

Which characters did you find most entertaining (other than Strike & Robin)? Was there a character that surprised you?

[Mara]

He doesn't think much about it. To C his father was a sperm donor.

I don't think he thinks much about about it.

[Mara]

I liked the computer tech that C had recover Lulu's computer stuff.

[Namita]

C doesn't much care for his father, he was just a sperm donor. I liked the cop that worked with C.

[Jeanette]

Finally! I have caught up and finished this awesome mystery! I loved it!
1. I have not read a broad amount of different authors or genres. The fact that this was based in London was a slightly challenging read for me. The different places, vocabulary, etc. took some getting used to.
2. I felt like Robin's character is kinda like my own. She was so excited to have a job she could make her own. She initiated some of the research and jumped to helping C be more efficient.
3. My fiancé has a friend who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident. He tends to have a low self-esteem and a hard time dealing with it. It reminded me of him as I read about Strike and how his character is developed. I actually was pulling for him since the beginning; with hopes that his professional relationship with Robin would bloom.
4. I had been bothered by John's character all along but didn't really suspect him. I suspected Tony.
5. I thought maybe they would reveal her brother to be Guy Some before the fact about her brother being in the Army.

I seriously need to check into the others in this series!! :-)

[Mara]

I am in love with all three books. I want book 4 after all of the HP hullabaloo dies down. We who are Cormoran Strike/Robin Ellicott fans want to know what happens next.

[Susan]

In the beginning of this discussion I stated it started out too slow for my liking but forged ahead until I finished it. Glad I did as now I am reading the second book. Really Like Strike and the way he thinks and always remembers everything. So glad to have picked up a new book series that keeps you guessing

[Erin]

I just finished the second book in the series and cannot wait to read the third. I love the dynamics between Robin and Strike - especially the tension. Strike shows himself to be a very resourceful individual - and uses his intelligence to make up for some of his physical restrictions. I feel like I practically devour these books and have to remind myself to slow down because I feel a little sad when I have finished one.

[Namita]

Mara wrote: "I am in love with all three books. I want book 4 after all of the HP hullabaloo dies down. We who are Cormoran Strike/Robin Ellicott fans want to know what happens next."

I agree Mara. I was screaming at the end of the 3rd book. Not Fair Rowling, not fair!!!

[Susan]

I know I started out hating how slow this book was but turned out loving it. now am at the third book and still loving this series. If anyone knows or hears when book 4 will be written I would appreciate a heads up. thanks everyone for making this a BOTM

[Jonetta]

Nothing yet, Susan, but I suspect it will be in the first quarter of 2017.

FYI, they're developing a BBC TV series based on the books! Here's the link to more info.

The Strike TV Series.

[Susan]

thanks I will keep looking

[Mara]

Probably not until all of the HULLABALOO of the new Harry Potter book or play is over with.

I have been waiting for book 4 in this series for almost 2 years.

[Susan]

Mara hopefully Jonetta is correct in that it will be in 2017. lets keep our fingers crossed

[Namita]

Jonetta wrote: "Nothing yet, Susan, but I suspect it will be in the first quarter of 2017.

FYI, they're developing a BBC TV series based on the books! Here's the link to more info.

The Strike TV Series."

That's awesome news Jonetta. I would totally watch it.

[Kirsten]

Mara wrote: "Kirsten, I am Anglophile also. I just didn't care for CASUAL VACANCY."

I can see why someone might not. It just appealed to me.

[Kirsten]

♑Namita♑ wrote: "Aptly described Mara. I too felt it, Robin is just the sort of person/friend Cormoran needs around him.

I do want to punch Matthew. Anyone else feel this way?"

I think Robin is the best character in the book, IMHO.

[Jonetta]

♑Namita♑ wrote: "That's awesome news Jonetta. I would totally watch it...."

I'm definitely going to.