Reviews

My rating is more like 4.5, but I'm rounding up because, despite its flaws, I enjoyed every minute of this book. I didn't even care that it's 650 pages, much too long for a detective novel--I like Strike and Robin so much that I'll spend as much time with them as J.K. Rowling gives me (admittedly, knowing that Rowling created them is at least part of the reason I have so much affection for them). "Lethal White" has the most complicated Strike plot yet, and, though a few aspects seemed like a bit of a stretch to me, I loved speculating as I read and watching it all come together at the end.

Random note: Matthew Cunliffe has moved up to third on my list of most despicable Rowling characters, behind only Voldemort and Umbridge. I wish he weren't quite so terrible, as he becomes a bit of a caricature.

Spoiler

I hope that his and Robin's breakup means we'll see less of him in the future novels.

catherine_hopper's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars. I enjoyed the main story line and writing, but not all of the relationship drama in this one.

katiegilley's review against another edition

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4.0

I am delighted by these mysteries. This one was intricately plotted and left me stumped until the very end. I love how the author can let us know that the mystery has been solved by her detectives, yet still leave the reader scratching her head.

And Cormoran and Robin are some of the best characters in the literary world. I enjoy their relationship and am looking forward to seeing what happens to them next.

I didn't give this 5 stars because this felt a little too long. The mystery was fantastic, but I didn't feel invested in it until about 300-page mark. Perhaps some of the lead-up could have been condensed?

spookedonbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

I don’t think JKR could ever write a bad story; her capacity for complex plotting is amazing and her range of characters and descriptions of places and things is impressive. I was for most of the time swept along on the narrative current until the gripping and, to me, totally unexpected denouement. But the book is a bit long and at times rambling.

ladyphoenixqueen's review against another edition

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3.0

Having an amputee best friend, there are some details in these books that seem to not have been researched well, if at all. It's not that difficult to consult real amputees on how they make accommodations, so I'm disappointed it wasn't done. There were also some mistakes missed during the editing process.

Aside from those things, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Definitely recommend!

alukemartin's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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