The Cuckoo’s Calling, by Robert Galbraith

JK Rowling’s foray into adult crime fiction is almost as engaging as her Harry Potter books. Private investigator Cormoran Strike overcame his dysfunctional childhood to achieve a successful career in the armed forces as a military police officer. Invalided out, his PI career has not been quite so successful. He is broke and in debt and essentially homeless after the bitter breakup of his long-term relationship. Into his world comes naïve temp Robin and the intriguing case of a celebrity death. Did supermodel Lola Landry jump from her Mayfair balcony or was she pushed? Her brother John has the funds to pay Cormoran to find out. Engaging characters and a fast-paced evocation of inner London help to skate over a plot that runs a little thin at times, as well as some sloppy editing. It is a pity that the denouement goes full Agatha Christie in its groan factor and exposition. Hopefully these elements have been tightened up in subsequent books as this bears all the hallmarks of another successful franchise, with a TV series in the pipeline.