A classic crime with great characters
Bewertet mit 4 Sternen
When Lula, a troubled model, falls to her death from a balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. But her brother has his doubts and calls in private investigator Cormoran Strike. Strike, is a war veteran, wounded both physically and psychologically, and his life is in disarray. The more Strike delves into the young model’s complex world, the darker things get and the closer he gets to danger.
Opinion
Writing:
I really liked the writing. It was easy to read and there was imagery and detailed descriptions which made me feel like I’m standing right next to the characters throughout the story. The book is written in third person point of view with lot’s of dialogues. I think round about 40 percent of the book is written in dialogues.
Story and Charachters:
The prologue was gripping. It begins with the young model Lula Landry falling to her death form the balcony. She has a history of mental instability and the police decided it was suicide. After that, the story goes on three months later, when Robin arrives at Strike’s office to take up a position as a temporary secretary. And now we meet Strike himself. He’s large, overweight, hairy, unfit. And he’s homeless because he just split up with is girlfriend Charlotte. He live’s in his office on a camping-bed and has serious money problems. But then he gets lucky because the brother of the model Lula doesn’t think it was suicide and will pay Strike well to investigate.
The plot was entertaining but slightly predictable. It’s standard in structure and reminded me of classic crime novels á la Sherlock Holmes. It’s not packed with action or blood or anything like that but with investigation, talking to suspects and witnesses and solving the puzzle. What really made the book special for me are the characters, not the story itself. Comoran and Robin are so great. I really had fun with them. All the characters have individual personalities and quirks. Even side characters had distinctive personalities that set them apart form everyone else. There were lots of characters in the story but all where extremely important and stood out through their statements. One great example is Guy Somé. J.K. Rowling painted a really good picture in my head.
“Dont’t you ask questions? Or do you just sit there looking scary until someone blurts out a confession?” (Page 306).
Conclusion
If you’re expecting a gripping story with high speed, the Cuckoo’s Calling is not the right book for you. If you like to read classic crimes, where character’s and their development and the solving of crime is important, than the books is perfect for you. Not the plot itself makes the book special, but the characters with their quirks and distinctive personalities. The book was fun but sometimes predictable.