The Cuckoo's Calling cover art

The Cuckoo's Calling

Cormoran Strike, Book 1

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The Cuckoo's Calling

By: Robert Galbraith
Narrated by: Robert Glenister
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About this listen

Now a major BBC drama: The Strike series.

When a troubled model falls to her death from a snow-covered Mayfair balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. However, her brother has his doubts, and calls in private investigator Cormoran Strike to look into the case.

Strike is a war veteran - wounded both physically and psychologically - and his life is in disarray. The case gives him a financial lifeline, but it comes at a personal cost: the more he delves into the young model's complex world, the darker things get - and the closer he gets to terrible danger....

A gripping, elegant mystery steeped in the atmosphere of London - from the hushed streets of Mayfair to the backstreet pubs of the East End to the bustle of Soho - The Cuckoo's Calling is a remarkable audiobook. Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

©2013 Robert Galbraith (P)2013 Hachette Digital Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction Mystery Private Investigators Psychological Thriller Thriller & Suspense Crime Exciting Suspense

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Editor reviews

The Cuckoo’s Calling is Book 1 of the brilliant Cormoran Strike series written by Robert Galbraith with this unabridged crime thriller audiobook edition narrated by English actor Robert Glenister. A beautiful model falls from a snow-covered Mayfair balcony and suicide is suspected. Private Investigator Cormoran Strike knows better, suspecting as always foul play is at hand. Delving deep into the young model’s past he is unwittingly embroiled in the dangerous web of crime that is rife throughout the city of London. Available now from Audible.

Critic reviews

"The Cuckoo's Calling reminds me why I fell in love with crime fiction in the first place." (Val McDermid)
"One of the most unique and compelling detectives I've come across in years" (Mark Billingham)
"One of the best crime novels I have ever read." (Alex Gray)
All stars
Most relevant  

Would you listen to The Cuckoo's Calling again? Why?

Not only was this an enthralling easy to listen to novel. it gave me the freedom to just lie back in my armchair and really listen to the great narration.

What other book might you compare The Cuckoo's Calling to, and why?

The characters are really well drawn and engaging but I take each new novel on its own merit, I don't make comparisons!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

When I began to listen I didn't know what to expect but it drew my full attention and pulled me in to the plot. I would have read it all at one sitting if I could but had interrupt my pleasurable listening time for more mundane activities - soon to return to my book I may add!

Any additional comments?

This was my first audio book and I really didn't know what to expect. I love my Kindle, I love the feel of books so to listen was new. Well I loved it! I suppose it took me back to being read to so often as a child ,, I could just listen and be transported into a different story with clearly drawn believable characters.

My first audio book - Loved it!

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What made the experience of listening to The Cuckoo's Calling the most enjoyable?

Robert Glenister did a fantastic job on this. He really brought the characters to life.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved the characters. I loved the good guys and I loved the bad guys too. In the end I was disappointed that there was no other Cormorant Strike book available. Honestly... I was gutted! - So come on Mr Galbraith & Mr Glenister... get moving on it!

Brilliant - I want more of Cormorant Strike!

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Has you on the edge of your iPod. Great book well read.

Any additional comments?

Great suspense. Well read and very enjoyable

Totally absorbing.

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A pleasure to read and well founded characters that I'd like to know better. Delighted to discover there are more titles!

Cracking good yarn

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Having listened a few times to all Galbraith's Strike's books, I still think this is by far the best!!! Excellent reading by Glennister as well.

The Cookoo's Calling

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The characters are fully rounded and believable as are the streets of London. However I often find myself wishing they would talk to each other instead of assuming what the other is thinking, just like in real life. I highly recommend not only this book but the series!

JK Rowling is a skilful author,I love all her work. The tones used reflect the character of Richard Galbraith as if he really exists. No wonder she chose to write under a pseudonym!

Life and circumstance, offer paths of choice

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The first of my obsessions.
Give it a listen you won’t be sorry you did.
Apart from having to keep listening again and again.

Fabulous just fabulous

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Great narration although sleepless nights as I didn't want to stop listening to hear what happens next although already knowing the story

Great narration

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Fantastic book, great narrator, phenomenal author!

As expected, so much more detail than in the show.

Fantastic Murder Mystery.

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I listened to this over 2 days. It was easy on the ear and the narrator effortlessly breathed life into the voices of the many characters encountered along the way. It unfolds like a classic murder mystery - one which doesn’t cheat the reader and gives the armchair sleuth plenty to chew over. There is an abundance of clues and diversions along the way which are knitted together properly by the final denouement. The relationship between the detective, Cormoran, and his brand new sidekick secretary, Robin, is charming and feels very authentic, so much so that I was just as invested in their evolving relationship as I was in the central murder. I am now waiting for my next credit to arrive so I can keep following my new favourite detecting duo.

My new favourite detectives

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