Wow. When I heard about this book, it was probably after many popular magazines had already done reviews of it, but before anyone realized that JK Rowling had written it. In her defense, it doesn't surprise me that she would write in an anonymous pen name, as many people can only see her as "that lady who wrote Harry Potter and is wealthier than the queen of England." But I'm here to tell you, do not. let. it. phase. you.
The one thing that is known by all people: she is an amazing storyteller. The way she introduces you to charcters and makes you feel like you immediately love or loathe them is so surreal. This book is really no different. She introduces you to a plethora of characters in this book too, but you will have no problems keeping track of them, as they are weaved so intricately through the story that you can easily keep up.
The story begins with the police outside of Lulu Landry's flat, with her body laying on the ground below her balcony. It seems to be an apparent suicide, but why would the popular and famous supermodel want to commit suicide? The police do their investigation and determine that for whatever reason, the beautiful Lulu did kill herself by jumping off the balcony.
We are quickly introduced to Cormoran Strike. He is a previous English military vet and is currently living his life as a leg amputee in England and a private investigator. The other thing which makes "Strike" so interesting is that he is the bastard son of an old rock and roll star.
Robin has been searching for work after moving with her fiancé and is placed in Strike's PI office as the receptionist. She is mostly intrigued about what Strike's life is like, mainly because as she first enters the office, she is welcomed by a screaming female who is aiming her rage at Strike. She looks around the office and notices that his clothes and other "belongings" are in the office as well. Does he live there? Who was that girl?
John Bristow suddenly enters Strike's office and wants Strike to investigate the death of his supermodel sister Lulu, as he is convinced that it was not a suicide, but a murder. Strike thinks that Bristow may be a bit on the crazy side, as the police already did extensive research to determine this a suicide. But with little money to his name, bills piling up, a receptionist he can barely afford, and a large money advance offer from Bristow-he could not afford to decline.
The story then goes on to follow Strike investigating the death of Lulu to determine whether the police missed critical information to determine whether this was indeed suicide or an actual murder. It also follows Robin, the receptionist, as she is quickly pulled into the allure of investigative work. And Strike and Robin's relationship is a backdrop to the entire storyline, but never feels forced or out of place.
The thing about this story is that I was guessing who or what I thought the final chapter would bring. But I can honestly say that she does such a remarkable job keeping you on your toes and guessing as you are introduced to each character and what their relationship to Lulu was. The ending I never saw coming, and it was one of those moments I was left thinking, "Huh......now THAT is the way to turn a story."
I hate to reveal too much because honestly, I think it could take away from the sincerity of the mystery. A great mystery is only great when you get to travel the path along with the author and characters. Therefore, I will stop here and just say this, great mystery is done well by so few authors, but I am happy to add her to the likes of so many others I have enjoyed in the past and I cannot wait for her next installment as author Robert Galbraith.
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