Play Book Tag discussion

My latest read is the seventh of the Strike crime novel series, and longest clocking in at 960 pages, by J.K. Rowling writing under the nom de plume, Robert Galbraith. I have enjoyed reading this series from its beginning and experiencing the growth of the Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott, partners in a growing London detective agency. The sexual frisson continues to grow between the two partners; however, each hesitant to take the next step for fear of jeopardizing their friendship and business. The world of Strike and Robin is so nuanced with back stories, troubled romances, family squabbles, detailed supporting characters that you easily find yourself transported to its reality.

When the detective agency is contacted by Sir Colin Edensor, a weathy former civil servant, for aid in extricating his son from the Universal Humanitarian Church (UHC), Robin volunteers to enter the cult. Through Robin, the reader is receives an accurate depiction of cult incorporation, including social ostracism and corporal punishment for improper behavior, neologisms (e.g., "spirit bonding"), isolation from the natural family, and difficulty in leaving the cult. Some may discriptions within the cult disturbing; I know I did; however, I was eager to turn the page to see how Robin handled certain circumstances. I wondered how much J.K. Rowling's experience with the woke mob influenced her writing in this book.

If you have not read any book in this series and hesitant to do so because of number written thus far, don't. There is enough background in this book to ensure understanding. However, the ride is much more enjoyable if you begin reading from the first. I have found this series as entertaining as I did the Harry Potter series.

Nice review John! I have this on the kitchen counter, begging to be read once dragons give it some room. Looking forward to it even more now

I loved this book. The content in this series is often darker than I would choose, but I adore both Strike and Robin (good name!) This one was so engrossing, I stayed up late listening (it was on audio, which is terrific) and kept trying to sneak away during the next day to hear more.

I think it's best to read the whole series in order, as the personal and professional life of the main characters undergoes multiple shifts. The ending of this one is actually an emotional cliffhanger!

Robin P wrote: "I loved this book. The content in this series is often darker than I would choose, but I adore both Strike and Robin (good name!) This one was so engrossing, I stayed up late listening (it was on a..."

I agree with the emotional cliffhanger!