Career of Evil (A Cormoran Strike Novel, 3)

Back in the day, the Earth anticipated every Harry Potter book. They were events. They single-handedly supported large chains of book stores, which failed after the series was completed. Those children's book, at first written by a single mother on relief, riveted the planet. How could it be so? Astonishing talent joined with phenomenal industry in the Earth's favorite author who created the Earth's favorite series. Today, the Rowling Facebook page and the internet remain consumed with Harry Potter, but Rowling has moved on. For her adult crime novels Rowling sensibly is using a different authorial name. The Cormoran Strike series is a phenomenal crime series from the second authorial persona of my favorite author. Toto, we ain't in Hogwarts any more. The greatness of this book can be examined in several different ways. As an entertainment, it is riveting from the first page. As an exploration of the realities in relationships between men and women, it is spot on. As a deep dive into the darkest depths of reality, it achieves a black magnificence. The adventures of Cormoran Strike and Robin are as entertaining as any storyline in contemporary fiction. They are fully developed and highly sympathetic characters. Their occupations as an investigation partnership plausibly place them in deep peril, and watching them work their way through their adventures is very entertaining. The insights of Rowling into relationships elevate this work. Robin isn't really that into her fiance, it seems, and he comes across as a very limited guy compared to Cormoran Strike. Yet, the momentum of her relationship with the annoying Matthew carries them along towards the altar and the gulf between her life and Cormoran's, which seems to vanish as they work together, is brilliantly exposed as massive in the end. A man and woman working together closely and bonding as they do in danger and hardship, leads to complicated feelings. Yet they could not come together easily, and perhaps never could be together at all. The series continues. Stay tuned. I see comments critical of a story line in which Robin remains in her relationship with Matthew, along the lines of why would she? Only because that's what people really do. Rowling has been around the block a few times, and she writes truth when it comes to the relationships of her main characters. It's unclear that Robin and Matthew have a prayer of working out long-term, in part brilliantly demonstrated in a humorous scene near the end of the novel. Yet it's difficult to see how Robin would avoid being carried along deeper and deeper into that mistake. It's also unclear that Matthew is a mistake, all-in-all. As for Cormoran Strike and Robin, because every aspect of their background and even private behavior is ill-suited to one another, how they work out going forward is unknowable, including perhaps to them at the end of this novel. It seems clear though, that they have a long way to go together still. The world is filled with darkness as much as with light. These are not children's books, nor romantic suspense books with pillow-soft sensibilities. Rowling is an astonishingly talented author, and she has the ability to bring the darkness in a way that can be all-enveloping and even overwhelming. Personally, at times while reading this book I felt sick to my stomach. At other times, I worried about this author with two authorial personas that I love - J.K. Rowling and Galbraith. She can write so very dark that it made me worry about her, but of course it's just that she is very, very good at what she does. Rowling's unflinching examinations of murder, pedophilia and abuse ring of truth. These are not the most pleasant topics, but the advantage of Rowling's chosen genre of hard-boiled detective fiction is the perspective it gives on the cesspools. In sympathy with the protagonists, we can stand to look into the blackness because we are safely removed from it, in sympathy with decent people who are battling against it. Our lead characters remain unsullied and admirable, if unconventional. In my humble opinion, with just three books in the hard boiled detective genre Rowling has risen to become the top author all-time. Rowling surpasses them all with her insights about the human condition, including the depths of depravity.

The Robert Galbraith/Cormoran Strike novels combine two of my absolute favorite things: mysteries and writings by J.K. Rowling. Honestly, if she rewrote the dictionary, I'd read and love it. I can just imagine: wallet - (noun), a trivial little item, sometimes small and sometimes large where one ought to look if he had any interest in buying anything I love the main characters--Robin and Strike. They are both so good and brave (hard core Gryffindors the both of them) and their characterizations, in typical Rowling style, are almost unfairly compelling. We've been given partial insight into their personalities up to this point and I'm pleased to say that in this installment, we get to see a little bit more into Robin's past and find out exactly what's contributed to making her want to be a semi-professional detective. It's always been like this by the way, even back to the Philosopher's Stone days: you know there's more to the story than what you're being told, more to the characters than what is immediately obvious about them, but little bits get revealed along the way and once you meet the characters, you're hooked. You can't stop reading until you understand what makes them tick--and you can't help but empathize. Highlights of book three in the Stike series include: growing tension (of the romantic kind) between our maybe/maybe not star-crossed main characters, body parts turning up in the mail, insight into the mind of a psychotic serial killer (and trust me, this part is not romanticized--he's no Dexter!), and enough clues laid out along the way that you can definitely solve the puzzle (or at least form a very strong theory early on), but still remain interested enough to continue reading and find out the exact details. I will say I found this to be the most graphic of the books so far in the series. I first met Mary Higgins Clark books when I was 11 (when I probably ought to have been reading Nancy Drew) and they left a rather *ahem* lasting impression on me due to the gruesome nature of most of the crimes. Fifteen years later I am reminded of some of the more gory ones, particularly when we're given Robin's perspective: the strong heroine, mystery solver (who sometimes lands herself in danger while she's investigating) rang very strongly back to the Clark books. And I apologize very profusely to my literary idol J.K.Rowling for this next bit (I'm sure she would not appreciate it): but I just have to say it: I can't get over the f***s she sends flying about in the name of authenticity. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with them by the way. I certainly don't think they detract from the overall quality of the writing--and it's not even that they're spewed about every fourth word. It's only that--well, here's why I'm apologizing to JKR by the way, because I'm pretty sure this is exactly why she concocted the persona of Robert Galbraith--I can't just forget she wrote Harry Potter. Every time Cormoran walks down Charing Cross Road, I wonder if he's walking by the cafe where Harry fought with Death Eaters--if maybe he'll pick up on some odd folks walking around the Leaky Cauldron (because he's definitely the sort who'd notice). It's a little bit like watching Bob Saget do stand up (just a little bit, sorry!!). On the whole though, I highly recommend the Cormoran Strike novels to any and all Mystery lovers (who are at least in their teens, because this is not suitable for kids). The writing style is undeniable: every comment clever, every detail placed carefully for the readers' perusal. Career of Evil is violent at times and frankly a bit frightening. But the characters in the series will stick with you. And I cannot wait for the next one!

The third Cormoran Strike book is here, complete with the same endearing characters that I've grown to love. The ruffled and damaged Strike, and the ever enthusiastic and clever Robin. It's another hefty book at 494 pages, which was made more obvious when I saw the hardback in the stores. Book size is something that you don't really notice when reading an ebook. The drama starts when a mysterious package arrives at Strike's agency. Instantly he knows that it's personal, and there are plenty of skeletons in his closet to make a list of suspects. The fact that the package was addressed to Robin is enough for him (and me) to worry for her safety. I know I couldn't cope if something bad happened to Robin. Having been to Edinburgh and its famous castle a number of times, I liked how part of the plot was set there. It was easy to picture Strike limping his way on the cobblestones. I was glad to see RG (JK) throw his/her hometown into the mix. Robin is quite the focus. Her own insecurities, confusing relationships, wedding preparation, and being the target of a nutcase are described brilliantly. In the midst of the main plot, and working on other cases, she always feels that she needs to prove herself. Her inner voice is convinced it knows what Strike is thinking, but is usually way off the mark. IMO she just needs to chill, relax and be confident. She doesn't give herself enough credit. The story coasts along in such an engaging way. Each clue is investigated and analyzed. The puzzle slowly but surely builds toward a solution. Strike and Robin have some tough times too. The stresses of life and work culminate in an ultimatum between them. Is she a real partner in the agency, or not? The tension is building. Robin is keen as ever, but Strike worries for her safety The plot ramps up. The baddie is a sicko. The worst of the worst. In fact, every suspect in the book is a lowlife. I'm not going into details of what they get up to, but there is some pretty heavy stuff that will make your stomach turn. RG/JK is never one to shy away from including such detail. There's plenty going on as the tension filled suspense heads to an exciting climax. Strike has a light bulb moment, which is kept just out of our reach until the right time for it to be revealed. If there was anything in this book that I didn't like, it would be how things panned out for Robin. I wanted her more involved, but that's as much detail I'm prepared to share. In a nutshell It's another great case for Cormoran and Robin. There are plenty of shady suspects, simmering suspense and a web of great sub plots. It's another winner. Note: I don't claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.

CAREER OF EVIL (a Cormoran Strike novel Book 3) by Robert Galbraith. Robert Galbraith is a pen name of JK Rowling The previous books in the series are CUCKOO’S CALLING and SILKWORM. A woman’s severed leg is delivered to the detective agency’s office addressed to Robin. Why? Who? Cormoran and Robin are determined to find the answers. I dusted off my copy of CAREER OF EVIL (published in 2015) and reread it, so as to ‘prepare’ for 2018’s release of Robert Galbraith’s newest Cormoran Strike novel Book 4, LETHAL WHITE. This is a great book; part of a great series with unforgettable characters and plots, and it rekindled my interest and admiration for the series. The characters are so detailed. I feel very connected to both Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. Robin seems a bit more emotional in this title. Filled with great trepidation about her upcoming marriage to Matthew, she is deeply troubled about this decision. We also glimpse her grisly and terrifying panic attacks that she experiences from a sexual assault and rape that happened years earlier. Strike is also a bit more ‘fleshed out’. Both characters make for very absorbing reading. The sense of place is excellent. (One of my great reasons for and joys of reading.) The plot is very compelling, complex and suspenseful. The minor characters and ‘bad guys’ are well-written but hard to take at times. The Blue Oyster Cult song lyrics are interesting; an interesting idea, but they open every chapter. And there are 62 chapters! BIID stands for Body Integrity Identity Disorder. Really? (I looked it up and it is a real ‘disorder’ but so disgusting, I could hardly stomach reading about it.) Now that I have reread CAREER OF EVIL, I feel ready to delve into the dark and shadowy detective world of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott in their latest series of cases.

What I like about Robert Galbraith’s Cormoran Strike series is that while it is a crime mystery novel, most of the novel’s focus is centered around Cormoran and Robin both character wise and their relationship (professional and personal). From the first book, The Cuckoo’s Calling, you got bits and pieces of Cormoran’s and Robin’s background as an introduction and as you read through the second book, The Silkworm and through this one you get more and more of their story, getting to know them making you become invested into who they are and their circumstances. With this 3rd book in the series, Career of Evil, you get an even more of Strike’s and especially Robin’s past which plays a major role into the overall mystery of the book. Unlike the previous books, with this one the crime revolves around Strike. The personal nature of the crime gives us a means into learning more about Strike and his early years with his mom Leda. Coupled with what you have learned previously in the prior books, you get a more complete picture of how Strike got to be where he was now, both professionally and as a person. The same can be said with Robin. I have enjoyed reading the evolution of her character through these 3 books. She has become more than what you initially thought of her upon first meeting her in The Cuckoo’s Calling. As you read through the books, you get a more insight into who she is, especially with this installment and eventually, like Strike, you become aware of how much of an important role she’s played. In Career of Evil, you get a clear picture of why it seems Robin worked so well within Strike’s world. It’s that aspect of the story that made Career of Evil really enjoyable for me. The series doesn’t work if Strike and Robin weren’t compelling and complicated characters and the fact you get to learn more about them in this installment than in the previous books makes this book more character driven. It enables us to learn more about the pair and develops their relationship further, so by the end of the book you’re wondering how the dynamics are going to be with the next book. The writing is great with a good pace that quietly grabbed me and kept me hooked. I’m looking forward to what Galbraith has in store next for this duo.

Another good addition to the series. There's a lot to like about Career of Evil but, unfortunately, a few major shortcomings. Without spoiling anything, this time out our hero is trying to nab a serial killer with a taste for dismemberment. It might be one of three suspects Strike has a history with, or perhaps another unknown killer. The plot has been detailed by others at length, so I'll just offer some thoughts about the pluses and minuses: The Good: - Robin, one of the most interesting and likable characters JKR has ever created, co-stars in the novel and her identity is superbly defined - Strike's backstory is addressed in more detail, and it's very compelling - The settings are vividly depicted, with excellent descriptions of sites all over seedy and posh London and Northern England - Heavy topics like rape, child abuse, and mental illness are thoughtfully considered and woven into the narrative without being overly preachy - The relationship between Robin and Strike continues to develop in a complex, unpredictable way - The dialog is consistently excellent and realistic - Much less emphasis on Strike's disability, which plagued the last novel - The reveal, unlike the first two novels, is not an endless explanatory monologue -- it's thankfully short and sweet **These positives far outweigh the following negatives, definitely making Career of Evil a worthwhile read. Nevertheless... The Bad: - Many of the characters are one-dimensional. While Strike and Robin are increasingly depicted as complicated, multifaceted protagonists, most others are portrayed without any significant depth. The bad guys are REALLY bad; the victims are hopelessly innocent, others just occupy space. Some, like Matthew and Whittaker, are cartoonishly described and Detective Carver is, to put it bluntly, Vernon Dursely - Someone needs to pluck up the courage and let the author know she needs an editor. The book is downright plodding at times. - The basic premise of the plot is forced and improbable (BIID? Really?) - Each chapter leads with lyrics from a Blue Oyster Cult song. These lines figure into the story (sort of), but this silly gimmick gets old fast - The violence (and there is quite a lot) is gratuitously over the top, as if JKR is determined to identify herself as an adult writer - The comic element featured in the first two novels is largely absent in the third The Ugly: - The book features intermittent passages shown from the killer's perspective which are eye-rollingly bad. I hate to say that but it's true. Think of every serial killer you've ever seen in a movie or read about in a book, and that's the stereotype you get -- right down to the killer's referring to a woman as "It" a la Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs. These sections are so subpar, so cliched, and so unimaginative that it's hard to believe that JKR wrote them. I suppose they are included to give the narrative an additional angle but, rather than compliment the story's trajectory, they dumb it down. Despite its drawbacks, Career of Evil is a very good read. Slow at times, but enjoyable. As said above, the positives outweigh the negatives. In particular, the maturing of Robin's and Strike's characters is a leap forward. I wouldn't be surprised if this book is regarded as the most popular one in the series so far, although the hyper-violent and cliched serial killer may be off-putting to some.

"Career of Evil" is the third book by Robert Galbraith, JK Rowling's post-Harry-Potter alter-ego. In my opinion, it's the best of the series so far. The book begins with Cormoran Strike's partner, Robin, receiving a mysterious package that contains a severed leg. As the bodies start to pile up and business dwindles, Strike and Robin must team up to identify the killer who's hell-bent on bringing their business to the ground. This book is definitely darker than the other two. There's more darkness, more violence, and more bad people in the world -- but we also get much more backstory on the villains, our two protagonists, and the people in their lives. It's also a more complex book than the other two, with more red herrings and smoking guns than I can recall in the others combined. If it hadn't been for yesterday's midterm, I would've stayed up all night reading it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the mystery genre. The books are fast-paced, well plotted, and well written; although they aren't "serious reads" (as literary snobs would say), they are thoroughly enjoyable, and Galbraith provides a rich story with multifaceted characters. I really loved it, and I can't wait for the next one. I would not recommend it for people who are wary of reading about gore (severed limbs, serial murder) and sexual assault. Both are prominent subjects in the book. Finally, although it's a stand-alone novel, I would highly recommend reading the first two books ( The Cuckoo's Calling (A Cormoran Strike Novel) and The Silkworm (A Cormoran Strike Novel) ); the background to the protagonists' relationship is half the reason I loved this book so much. If you read either of the first two and aren't sure about continuing, I reiterate that this one was definitely my favourite.

Private investigator Cormoran Strike has three suspects for this case. He can think of three men who are bad to the bone and would be happy to wreck his life. And someone certainly wants to harm him, as well as harming others. It starts with the delivery by messenger of a package addressed to his partner Robin. Inside the box is a woman's severed leg. Eventually the rest of the woman turns up. And the killer goes on to kill and mutilate other women. By rights Strike should leave a serial killer to the police. But he can't. Not when the case gets into the hands of an incompetent detective -- and the killer keeps making it look like Strike has to do with the crimes. Worst of all, the killer is obsessed with Robin. He's stalking her and getting closer all the time... This is the most suspenseful novel of the series so far. The dread that this nasty psychopath might get hold of Robin keeps building. And we learn more about Robin in this book than ever before. She's a complex character with a trauma in her past and serious conflicts in the present. She loves investigative work, but her fiancé wants her to get a safe, unexciting job. Should she really be marrying this stuffed shirt? Then there's the attraction between Robin and Cormoran that simmers but never surfaces... In this book Robin exhibits unexpected resourcefulness in the face of danger, while Strike loses his cool more than once. Strike continues to be one of my favorite fictional detectives. This big hairy irascible ex-boxer with one leg has a lot of charm. The plot is really intricate because of the multiple suspects. There's also some creepy stuff going on in cyberspace that's quite fascinating. Some fictional characters become as real to me as people I know. Cormoran Strike is like that. Robin too. I hope this series goes on and on...

待てど暮らせど新刊が発売されず…気付くと何年も経っていたので、思い切って購入しました。自分の英語力は高校英語で止まってますが、英和辞典とiPhone片手に読み進めるだけ進んでいこうと思います。

Dévoré à la suite des deux précédents et toujours pas déçue. L'un des meilleurs tandems de détectives du polar actuel. L'intrigue est rusée, la langue est malicieuse, les héros attachants et les méchants abjects comme il se doit. On voit un peu moins Londres dans celui-ci, mais pour compenser, on se promène dans des coins d'Angleterre où ça ne viendrait à l'Idée de personne d'aller passer la journée. À lire après les deux premiers. Un régal pour amateurs de polars.

Great read. Plots fast & involving several suspects but manageable. If anything the extra side roads and stories just add to the excitement. A wonderful roller coaster ride…

This is an intense, atmospheric and compelling addition to the Cormoran Strike series. Where it really excels is in characterisation with in depth backstories of Cormoran and his history with the three main suspects in this story and his relationship with Shanker, his offbeat and eccentric friend. Robin's traumatic history is revealed, as is the reason why working as a PI is so heartbreakingly important to her. She comes across as emotionally fragile, compassionate, tenacious and highly skilled as a investigator. As for the three main suspects in the story, I think the author stood in front of the mirror, asking Who is the foulest of them all? I can see her having great fun creating the depraved, brutal, and ruthless monsters that are Whittaker, Laing and Brockbank. Those three are truly scraping the bottom of the barrel of human scum. In a well constructed story, we encounter the extreme mental health issues of people who would voluntarily amputate body parts, seek paralysis etc.. It all begins with Robin receiving a girl's leg in a parcel. This has significance for Cormoran and he identifies 4 suspects. The police focus on who Cormoran feels is the least likely suspect, so he and Robin investigate the others. There are references to Blue Oyster Cult songs and lyrics throughout which are connected to Strike's dead mother, Leda. The investigation takes Cormoran and Robin all round the country as more murders take place on what is a dangerous trail. It becomes abundantly clear that a clever and twisted killer wants to destroy Cormoran and killing Robin is a priority in his plan. Under the microscope is Cormoran and Robin's relationship as they get closer whilst Robin's wedding plans continue to gather pace. Her fiance, Michael, is clearly a ghastly secondary character just waiting to be written out. Cormoran's relationship with the Police remains a minefield that he has to negotiate delicately whilst taking out insurance. There is much mileage left in this ever improving and engaging series. It is tightly plotted to build the maximum level of tension and suspense with a fast paced narrative. I found it an entertaining, gripping and absorbing read. Cannot recommend it enough. Robert Galbraith is an assured and accomplished writer. I understand the BBC are going to film the series, I look forward to seeing what they make of this series!

El desarrollo de personaje es grandioso, ciertamente se ocupa un poco haber leído los anteriores pero una gran novela y un gran misterio.