The Cuckoo's Calling
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | April 4, 2013 |
| Founder | J. K. Rowling (as Robert Galbraith) |
| Products | Crime fiction novel |
The Cuckoo's Calling is a crime fiction novel authored by British writer J. K. Rowling, who published it under the alias Robert Galbraith. This book marks the debut of the Cormoran Strike detective series and was released on 4 April 2013. The series progressed with subsequent titles: The Silkworm (2014), Career of Evil (2015), Lethal White (2018), Troubled Blood (2020), and The Ink Black Heart (2022). The seventh installment, The Running Grave, was made available on 26 September 2023.
The problem
Cormoran Strike, a disabled veteran of the Afghan War and a private detective, has recently ended his long-term relationship with Charlotte Campbell and works out of a modest office where he also sleeps on a cot. Robin Ellacott, who is newly engaged, is assigned to him as a temporary secretary through an agency. Strike is approached by John Bristow, the adoptive brother of Strike’s childhood friend Charlie. John suspects foul play in the death of Lula Landry, their adopted sister and supermodel, whom the police have declared a suicide. Although initially doubtful, Strike takes on the investigation to repay a debt owed to his biological father, rock musician Johnny Rokeby. Impressed by Robin’s capabilities, he keeps her involved in the case.
Together, Strike and Robin question Lula’s acquaintances including friends, family members, her chauffeur, the doorman at her upscale Mayfair residence Kentigern Gardens, and a fashion designer who had given her the nickname "Cuckoo." Their inquiries uncover suspicious details surrounding Lula’s demise. Particularly significant is Tansy Bestigui, Lula’s downstairs neighbor who reported hearing an argument before Lula’s death but was dismissed by police due to triple-glazed windows. It emerges that Tansy had been locked out on her balcony during the event and was pressured into providing false testimony about what she heard.
Soon after, Rochelle Onifade—one of Lula’s friends—is discovered drowned in the Thames just hours after meeting with Strike. This leads Strike to deduce that Lula’s murder was connected to her search into her biological family roots and that Rochelle’s death is linked to the same perpetrator.
The conclusion
Strike confronts John Bristow at his office, accusing him of killing Lula, Rochelle, and Charlie—the latter’s death having previously been considered accidental. Driven by anger over Lula finding her biological brother Jonah Aygeman and jealousy over her success, Bristow committed the murders to protect his standing. He attempted to frame Jonah since Lula’s will left her estate to Jonah instead of the Bristow family. Rochelle had been blackmailing Bristow with knowledge of the will, which led to her murder as well. When confronted, Bristow tries to stab Strike but is overpowered once Robin arrives.
Later on, as Robin prepares to leave for a permanent position elsewhere, Strike presents her with an expensive dress obtained during their investigation. Despite financial difficulties and his romantic feelings toward her, they agree that she will continue working with him.
Major characters
- Cormoran Strike: a financially struggling private investigator with few clients and significant debts. Recently separated from his partner, he sleeps in his Denmark Street office. He lost a leg serving in the Afghan war.
- Robin Ellacott: Strike’s temporary secretary who recently moved from Yorkshire. Engaged before events begin, she is intelligent, resourceful, and passionate about detective work.
- Lula Landry (Lula Bristow): a model who died from a fall three months prior; authorities ruled it suicide. John Bristow hires Strike to investigate further.
- John Bristow: Lula’s adoptive brother and client of Strike.
- Charlie Bristow: John’s brother and Strike’s childhood friend who died after falling into a quarry at around age nine or ten; approximately six years older than Lula.
- Alison Cresswell: John Bristow’s partner and secretary at the law firm Tony Landry and Cyprian May.
- Tony Landry: maternal uncle to Lula and John who disapproved of Lula’s lifestyle and adoption; maintains a difficult relationship with his sister.
- Lady Yvette Bristow: adoptive mother of Lula and John; terminally ill during the story; had strained ties with Lula.
- Sir Alec Bristow: late husband of Lady Yvette who founded electronics company Albris. Unable to have children biologically, he adopted John, Charlie, and Lula following Charlie’s death. He died suddenly from a heart attack.
- Cyprian May: senior partner at the law firm where John works.
- Ursula May (Chillingham): sister of Tansy Bestigui and wife of Cyprian May.
Lula's social connections
- Evan Duffield: Lula’s intermittent boyfriend, an actor with a history of substance abuse; media allegations were disproven by a verified alibi.
- Rochelle Onifade: a homeless acquaintance Lula met during outpatient treatment.
- Guy Somé (Kevin Owusu): a fashion designer and close non-romantic friend who affectionately calls her 'Cuckoo'.
- Deeby Macc: an American rapper who was scheduled to occupy the apartment beneath Lula’s on the night she died.
- Kieran Kolovas-Jones: Lula’s personal chauffeur who also aspires to act.
- Ciara Porter: a model and friend within Lula’s circle.
- Freddie Bestigui: film producer and neighbor, currently undergoing a divorce from his wife Tansy.
- Tansy Bestigui (Chillingham): Freddie’s spouse, who claims to have overheard events on the night of Lula’s death; sister to Ursula May.
- Bryony Radford: Lula’s makeup artist, who saw her on the day she passed away.
Lula's biological relatives
- Marlene Higson: Lula’s birth mother, financially less well-off than Lula's adoptive family; has lost custody of two sons to social services.
- Dr Joseph 'Joe' Agyeman: Lula’s deceased biological father, an academic expert in African and Ghanaian political studies.
- Jonah Agyeman: Lula’s biological half-brother, serving in the British Army stationed in Afghanistan.
Friends and family of Cormoran and Robin
- Lucy: Strike’s younger half-sister; their relationship is close but frequently tense.
- Jonny Rokeby: Strike’s well-known pop star father, with limited involvement in his life.
- Leda Strike: Strike’s mother, who died from a heroin overdose when he was 20; he suspects his stepfather may have been involved.
- Charlotte Campbell: Strike’s wealthy and unpredictable former fiancée.
- Matthew Cunliffe: Robin’s fiancé, an accountant who doubts Strike’s integrity.
Additional characters
- Eric Wardle: detective sergeant leading the investigation into Lula Landry's death.
- Roy Carver: detective inspector and Wardle’s superior officer.
Background
For several years, Rowling had shown interest in crafting crime fiction. Rumors about her working on a detective novel emerged in 2007 but were initially denied. Speculation persisted until her debut in the genre was officially announced.
Publication
The manuscript was submitted under anonymity; it faced rejection from various publishers including Orion Books before Sphere Books, part of Little, Brown & Company—her previous publisher—accepted it.
Identification
In July 2013, The Sunday Times uncovered Rowling as the author through linguistic analysis combined with investigative journalism. The leak originated from a law firm linked to Rowling, leading to legal proceedings and charitable compensation. Rowling stated that publishing anonymously allowed her to create without the pressure of publicity.
Editions
The initial UK edition had a print run of at least 1,500 copies and featured endorsements from crime writers Val McDermid, Mark Billingham, and Alex Gray. The pseudonym Robert Galbraith was portrayed as a cover identity with military background ties. Later printings were updated to acknowledge Rowling following the revelation of her authorship.
Sales and reception
Before Rowling’s identity was disclosed, the book experienced limited sales, moving roughly 1,500 physical copies alongside about 7,000 digital and audio versions since its release in April 2013. Following the announcement, sales escalated sharply, propelling it to become Amazon’s top-selling novel. Collectible signed first editions commanded prices ranging between $4,000 and $6,000.
The critical response after the reveal was predominantly favorable. Critics commended the intricate storyline, well-developed characters, and innovative take on the crime genre. While some reviewers pointed out minor issues related to pacing or stylistic choices, they still recognized Rowling’s adept narrative abilities. A handful of assessments mentioned familiar tropes or raised questions about character arcs. The book earned the 2013 Los Angeles Times Book Prize in the Mystery/Thriller category and was honored with the 2021 Nielsen Bestseller Platinum Award.
Sequels
Rowling announced intentions to expand the series under the Galbraith name. Follow-up novels include The Silkworm (2014), Career of Evil (2015), Lethal White (2018), Troubled Blood (2020), and The Ink Black Heart (2022), all featuring ongoing cases led by detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott.
Television
The BBC One adapted the novels into a television series titled Strike, which was revealed in December 2014 with Rowling serving as executive producer through Brontë Film and Television. The scripts were crafted by Ben Richards and Tom Edge, with Michael Keillor and Kieron Hawkes directing episodes.
Tom Burke portrays Cormoran Strike, while Holliday Grainger plays Robin Ellacott. The ensemble cast includes Leo Bill, Elarica Johnson, Martin Shaw, Tara Fitzgerald, among others. The adaptation has been praised for its faithful representation of the novels’ professional investigative narrative and character relationships.