Play Book Tag discussion

b>The Running Grave - Galbraith/Rowling
Audio performance by Robert Glenister
5 stars

This is the second book about a toxic cult community that I’ve read in recent months. I didn’t plan it that way. I’ve always been a person who reacts negatively to peer pressure, and the thought of mind control or blind obedience frightens me. This book disturbed me. As a young person I was very unlikely to be seduced into a cult, but I watched it happening to others. Rowling’s done her research. Her description of the Universal Humanitarian Church (UHC) was entirely believable and thoroughly terrifying. As with her last book, I feel I should mention potential triggers. While realistic, her descriptions are not overly graphic. However, the Strike and Ellacott Detective Agency (mostly Ellacott) uncovers evidence of child abuse, sexual abuse, and torture.

The book disturbed me. It kept me up at night. I couldn’t stop turning the pages. For much of the book there were parallel story lines as Robin goes undercover with the UHC while Strike continues with day to day work of the agency. (It puts the sexual tension between the two protagonists on a back burner, but I think it’s clear that Rowling is in no hurry to move that relationship along.) There’s a lot going on and nothing happens quickly. The kindle version of this book has 960 pages and the audio is 34 hours long. I make no complaints. I don’t want the author to cut out a single word. The nail biting rescue/escape scene is one of the best I’ve ever read.

I am completely invested in the lives of these characters. I loved Pat’s personal revelations and the addition of her husband and his racing pigeons to the story. I liked the details of Strike's less combative relationship with his sister Lucy and the growing relationship with his half sister Prudence. Robin’s mother reminded me so much of my own mother that I couldn’t wait to ship her back to Yorkshire. It’s very hard to leave these people behind when I’ve read the last page. If the next book came out today, I’d be ready for 1,000 more pages.

Jgrace wrote: "b>The Running Grave - Galbraith/Rowling
Audio performance by Robert Glenister
5 stars

This is the second book about a toxic cult community that I’ve read in recent months. I didn’t plan it that w..."

Yes!!! My sentiments exactly. I was haunted by this book while reading it and ever since, but in a good way, even though there are very dark elements. I would have gone on forever also. I listened to the audio and had to stay up late during a crisis part. I wish I could find other series that are as good. Kind of sorry this author spent so many years writing for children (just kidding!!) before starting this series.

This is my next read and looking forward to reading it. Each of the books can be read as a standalone; however, I found reading this from the first lets the reader appreciate the development of the characters over time.

What a fantastic review! I'm only on the 3rd in the series so will be a long while before I get to this but I already know the subject matter is going to 'bother' me. It likely will bring up memories of someone I knew (those not a close friend) who was lured into the local french chapter of one of these cults when we were all spending our junior year abroad in college.

But I don't care. This series is brilliantly written.

Thank you.

One thing that impressed me was how Rowling keeps the tension high even though the events in this book take place realistically over fairly long stretches of time. There's a high level of danger, but also a great deal of tedium as the agency gathers the evidence that's needed to make a valid case(s). I wouldn't object to another book with details of the court cases that would have to come after the conclusion of this book. I really wanted to see the evil villians get everything that was coming to them.