Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

Posted December 16, 2015 by shooting in Uncategorized / 18 Comments

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith


Review by Lauren


source: personal copy; all opinions are my own


Official Summary: When a mysterious package is delivered to Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman’s severed leg.


Her
boss, private detective Cormoran Strike, is less surprised but no less
alarmed. There are four people from his past who he thinks could be
responsible–and Strike knows that any one of them is capable of
sustained and unspeakable brutality.

With the
police focusing on the one suspect Strike is increasingly sure is not
the perpetrator, he and Robin take matters into their own hands, and
delve into the dark and twisted worlds of the other three men. But as
more horrendous acts occur, time is running out for the two of them…

Review: First off, for those that still may not know, Robert Galbraith is actually J.K. Rowling. Career of Evil is the third book in her Cormoran Strike novels, and to be honest, it is probably her best one yet! I absolutely cannot wait for the fourth novel.

Strike is a private detective and Robin Ellacott is slowly becoming more of a partner in the business than just a secretary. She helps with the cases, following suspects and keeping track of clients’ wants and needs. However, when she signs for a package one day and discovers a woman’s severed leg inside, things start to change. Strike is obviously worried about Robin and is desperate to keep her away from anything too dangerous. Robin is shaken up but she is also adamant that she will continue her job and not let anything stand in her way of helping Strike figure out who sent the leg and why.

Career of Evil is such a fascinating mystery novel because Strike and Robin follow three different men from Strike’s past that all have very good reason to want to hurt Strike and anyone close to him. There is his stepfather and then two men he knew when he was in the army. These are all despicable men that readers could easily see killing innocent women, but which one is it? Or is it any of them at all? Is Strike letting his past affect what is happening in the present, and will it get him or Robin in trouble? These are all questions that you wonder about throughout the book, as it keeps you in suspense, turning the pages as fast as you can to find the answers.

This is definitely a dark and gruesome novel, but it is so well-written and fascinating, that I would recommend it to all who are interested. Definitely start with the first book though. You’ll want to know Strike and Robin as well as you can, as well as all the details that lead to the circumstances in Career of Evil. These books are told in third person point of view, allowing the story to follow and get into the head of various characters, even the killer in Career of Evil. Despite having the killer’s point of view, I kept jumping from suspect to suspect throughout the book. This is one that will surely keep you guessing!

18 responses to “Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

  1. Yet to read anything by this author other than Harry Potter. Despite the fairly positive things I'm hearing about this series and my liking mysteries for some reason it just doesn't appeal to me at all.

  2. I have this one on my bookshelf, but haven't had a chance to read it just yet. I am OBSESSED with Rowling-as-Galbraith's writing – just brilliant. Cannot wait to delve into this one!

    xx

  3. I've not really had any desire to read these other books by JK Rowling, but the way you describe it, I think my mom would love this type of mystery. I just can't tell her who the real author is. 🙂 Great review!

  4. I must admit, as much as I loved the Harry Potter films, I didn't like the book series nearly as much. It was well written, but not really for me. I knew she moonlighted as Robert Galbraith, but had no idea how incredible this series really was. I'll add it to my to buy list now. Hopefully I have more luck with these. Awesome review Lauren and thanks for sharing <3

  5. "Robert Galbraith is actually J.K. Rowling." Wait, so you're telling me that J.K. Rowling is writing under the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith? Why? I'm really curious! In any case, I love mystery novels and seeing how J.K. Rowling is an exceptional writer, I may just check this one out; thanks for sharing this Lauren, I honestly would not have known otherwise 😉

  6. Oooh… sounds like an intriguing read! I didn't realise Robert Galbraith is actually J.K. Rowling… I can see why she wanted a pen name because this series is a lot different from HP! I like the sound of the mystery element! Great review!

  7. I completely forgot that this author was actually J.K. Rowling. I'm really only intrigued because of that and well your high remarks might end up having me put the first book in my sights 😀 I don't know if I'm into this much dark and mystery right now, but I'll keep it in mind.

  8. I knew this was JK Rowling, but I heard mixed things about her adult books, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to read them. This one does sound good though, with those three suspects and how it keeps you guessing who did it.

  9. Yes!! I kept jumping from suspect to suspect, too. That's how you know it's good 🙂 And it's not just the excellent mysteries, it's the characters too. I really can't wait to read what's next for Strike and Robin!!

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