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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A bit gruesome in parts, but riveting. Loved that the character of Robin is further developed! On to #3!
This was just an okay read. Not bad; not great. I expected more from it, based on Galbraith's previous work.
"The Silkworm" by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling), the second entry in the Cormoran Strike series, is an engaging and thrilling mystery that builds upon the established narrative from "The Cuckoo's Calling." The book delves deeper into the lives of Strike and Robin, while unfolding an intricate plot within the gritty underbelly of the publishing world full of jealousies, secrets, and unfulfilled ambitions.
The central mystery in this book centers around a controversial novelist, Owen Quine, whose grotesque and slanderous manuscript throws several lives into disorder and inevitably leads to his gruesome murder. The concept is morbidly fascinating, the crime's metaphorical layering with the content of the manuscript is an intriguing twist that drives the plot forward effortlessly.
Though the plot might not be as tightly-knitted as its predecessor, what makes "The Silkworm" noticeable is how Galbraith deepens the character development of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. Their relationship evolves, vacillating between professional, personal, and potential romantic involvements, keeping readers invested in their journey. The tension between Robin's aspirational detective work and her engagement with Matthew adds a tinge of relatability and drama to the narrative.
In terms of the investigative aspects, Strike's doggedness and astute deductions continue to shine, proving his mettle as a fascinating protagonist. His determination to exonerate Leonora Quine while meticulously sifting through a circle of eccentric, selfish suspects is engaging. The final reveal, pivoting on an unexpected villain, is cleverly crafted and adds a satisfying conclusion to the investigation.
Galbraith also successfully emphasizes the unseen, cutthroat side of the literary world. The interplay of failed ambition, professional rivalries, and the desperation to succeed paints a dark picture of a seemingly sophisticated industry.
Contrary to expectations, "The Silkworm" sees Robin taking on a more active role compared to the first novel, both encouraging and signaling her growing professional trajectory in Strike's agency. The conclusion, specifically Robin's enrollment in investigative training courses by Strike, lays promising groundwork for upcoming books in the series.
"The Silkworm" is a worthy follow-up to "The Cuckoo’s Calling” - a contemporary detective novel that blends an intriguing mystery with engaging character development. Galbraith artfully entwines grotesque crime, deft detection, and the behind-the-scenes plotting of the publishing world into an enthralling narrative that leaves readers anticipating the next Cormoran Strike adventure.
The central mystery in this book centers around a controversial novelist, Owen Quine, whose grotesque and slanderous manuscript throws several lives into disorder and inevitably leads to his gruesome murder. The concept is morbidly fascinating, the crime's metaphorical layering with the content of the manuscript is an intriguing twist that drives the plot forward effortlessly.
Though the plot might not be as tightly-knitted as its predecessor, what makes "The Silkworm" noticeable is how Galbraith deepens the character development of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. Their relationship evolves, vacillating between professional, personal, and potential romantic involvements, keeping readers invested in their journey. The tension between Robin's aspirational detective work and her engagement with Matthew adds a tinge of relatability and drama to the narrative.
In terms of the investigative aspects, Strike's doggedness and astute deductions continue to shine, proving his mettle as a fascinating protagonist. His determination to exonerate Leonora Quine while meticulously sifting through a circle of eccentric, selfish suspects is engaging. The final reveal, pivoting on an unexpected villain, is cleverly crafted and adds a satisfying conclusion to the investigation.
Galbraith also successfully emphasizes the unseen, cutthroat side of the literary world. The interplay of failed ambition, professional rivalries, and the desperation to succeed paints a dark picture of a seemingly sophisticated industry.
Contrary to expectations, "The Silkworm" sees Robin taking on a more active role compared to the first novel, both encouraging and signaling her growing professional trajectory in Strike's agency. The conclusion, specifically Robin's enrollment in investigative training courses by Strike, lays promising groundwork for upcoming books in the series.
"The Silkworm" is a worthy follow-up to "The Cuckoo’s Calling” - a contemporary detective novel that blends an intriguing mystery with engaging character development. Galbraith artfully entwines grotesque crime, deft detection, and the behind-the-scenes plotting of the publishing world into an enthralling narrative that leaves readers anticipating the next Cormoran Strike adventure.
Not as good as the first one. The descriptions are extremely repetitive and the story line just wasn't as good as it should have been.
J.K Rowling releases a novel under a pseudonym? Then announces that said novels sequel is already written and will be released in 2014??
This is how I imagine she looks right now.
Edit Feb 2014: We have a name, release date AND a synopsis?!?! Bloody hell!
This is how I imagine she looks right now.
Edit Feb 2014: We have a name, release date AND a synopsis?!?! Bloody hell!
Absolutely loved it. Even better than the first. I absolutely cannot wait until she writes another. The character development is fantastic and the mystery is always intriguing even though you never know what's going on.
Darn school has gotten in the way of reading this one. Having read it in bits, felt like I was missing hints that I'd have caught if I'd read it in one sitting. Still an excellent read. Still happy with the characters, though I wish Robin and Matthew would just call it quits already, he's annoying.