Have to read Cuckoo's Calling first?

[kris]

This one sounds really interesting, but I wasn't quite as interested in the plot of the Cuckoo's Calling. I know some crime/mystery series like this can be read out of order (like Agatha Christie's Poirot series), so I was wondering if the Cuckoo's Calling has to be read before this one. If I read this one first, will everything make sense? Will it spoil the first book?

[Tarri]

I am glad I read the first one first, it gave a good introduction to the main characters.

[Kylie]

You don't have to read it first, and it is written so that it doesn't give everything about the first away, BUT I think that the first book builds up a lot of relationship with the characters which makes it all a more meaningful read.

The first really is a very good book, if you like crime/mystery, then it is worth it even if you think that the crime doesn't sound that interesting.

[Kressel]

Ditto to what Kylie said. The Silkworm is better than The Cuckoo's Calling, but The Cuckoo's Calling will let you get to know and love protagonist/detective Cormoran Strike and his able assistant Robin.

[Jennifer]

I just was asked this same question by my father and I strongly recommended that he (in his case) listen to The Cuckoo's Calling first. Like many detective or thriller series, it isn't a necessity, but I think you'll get so much more out of reading them in order.

[Elsie]

I read cuckoo first, but I think you could read either one first. You will get the background for Cormoran's and Robin's relationship in cuckoo. Can't wait for the next one'

[kris]

Thanks for all the suggestions, y'all! I think I'm going to go ahead and read The Cuckoo's Calling first, since it seems to give background on characters and such.

[Mary]

I listened to this on audio and I think the narrator's voice added a lot to the story for me. I also think you should read the first one, because there is a lot of pack story.