Book of the Week: J.K. Rowling’s latest novel
The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
eBook
J.K. Rowling has been revealed as the author of a recently released crime novel. The Cuckoo’s Calling was released in April, published under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. The well-received novel raised suspicion. Some reviewers noted that the book was more polished than one could expect from a debut novelist and found it odd that the male ex-military policeman “author” was so good at describing women’s fashion.
The Sunday Times was suspicious enough to investigate and discovered that Galbraith and Rowling share the same publisher and editor. On Sunday, Rowling admitted that she and Galbraith also share an identity. She enjoyed her experience as an unknown writer. “It has been wonderful to publish without hype or expectation, and pure pleasure to get feedback under a different name,” she said.
2 thoughts on “Book of the Week: J.K. Rowling’s latest novel”
But there are so many amazing first novels. Two that spring to mind: Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow, and The Last Refuge by Chris Knopf. Or, Mallory’s Oracle by Carol O’Connell. Perhaps you could do a posting that reviews a selection of “polished” first novels in the mystery genre (or any genre)?
There are a lot of impressive debut novels. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson was one of the most popular books of the year and was in contention for a number of awards, as well. Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith is another one that springs to mind. It’s a great debut. I loved last year’s Edgar First Novel winner The Expats by Chris Pavone.
Of course, a couple of Canadian mystery writers deserve a mention, too. Louise Penny’s first novel Still Life and Alan Bradley’s The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie were both published to great acclaim.
You’re right. This would make a good blog post.