Robert Galbraith is J.K. Rowling. I’m still reading her books — though disgusted with how she has made trans people miserable, driving some to suicide.
This is her legacy.
I haven’t cancelled J.K. Rowling as she’s not ALL bad. She’s donated much to charity. And may even be a good person who somehow stumbled into this issue, getting it way wrong.
She’s caused a lot of harm.
The Hallmarked Man (2025) is the 8th novel in the Cormoran Strike detective series, and a return to form.
Themes explored in the plot involve Freemasonry, human trafficking, the silver antiques trade, corruption in the media, secrecy surrounding the military and intelligence services, mental health issues …
That said, the book is too long, as are most of her books in this series.
The relationship between Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott is agonizing and stupid. I can’t believe so little has progressed over 8 books.
I used to be sympathetic for Robin, as Strike is such an asshole. But she’s just as bad.
The only person to cheer for is Office Manager Pat. 😀
Worse — perhaps — is the plot. WHY did they take on a case to identify a mutilated corpse? WHY spend so much time and manpower on this case?
Who cares?
Story line convoluted and hard to follow. At the end, I read some explainers ➙ and still can’t be bothered to understand the plot.
IF you can get past those flaws, I actually enjoyed this book.
It’s skillful, without question.
I actually like the pretentious epigraphs at the start of each chapter.
Worst in the series was Ink Black Heart (2022). I couldn’t finish that one. This one I can recommend.
BUT — for me — the Strike (TV series) is better than the books.
Rick McCharles 