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A review by kchessrice
The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Confucius says… Life leads the thoughtful man on a path of many windings. Now the course is checked, now it runs straight again. Here winged thoughts may pour freely forth in words, There the heavy burden of knowledge must be shut away in silence. But when two people are at one in their inmost hearts, They shatter even the strength of iron or of bronze.”
Robin and Strike are back and better than ever! Another tough case for the detective pair which this time involves rescuing a vulnerable young man from a highly dangerous religious cult. To get the evidence they need to take to the police to get the cult shut down and rescue their client's son, Robin must go undercover in her most perilous mission yet.
This is a long book at 945 pages, however the storyline keeps up a good pace and the cliffhangers kept me turning the pages, eager for more! The manipulation of people through fear and lack of food alongside the darker undertones of sexual abuse are hard to read. I think that Galbraith has handled it sensitively and [spoiler] the baddies get what's coming to them!
The cult is based in the countryside of North Norfolk and I was thrilled that Cormoran Strike spends some time in Cromer as part of his investigation! Although he wasn't overly impressed with the charms of the Hotel de Paris it was great to see Cromer brought to life on the page. I recently discovered that Arthur Conan Doyle was so impressed with Cromer Hall (on a visit to the town to play golf in 1901) that he used the exterior as the basis for Baskerville Hall! So, whilst small and unassuming, Cromer has had a big part in some very famous literature!
The most compelling element is, of course, the will they-won't they partnership of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. Galbraith has teased us over the last couple of books with some fiery scenes between the two - but going by the ending there might be no going back...
Robin and Strike are back and better than ever! Another tough case for the detective pair which this time involves rescuing a vulnerable young man from a highly dangerous religious cult. To get the evidence they need to take to the police to get the cult shut down and rescue their client's son, Robin must go undercover in her most perilous mission yet.
This is a long book at 945 pages, however the storyline keeps up a good pace and the cliffhangers kept me turning the pages, eager for more! The manipulation of people through fear and lack of food alongside the darker undertones of sexual abuse are hard to read. I think that Galbraith has handled it sensitively and [spoiler] the baddies get what's coming to them!
The cult is based in the countryside of North Norfolk and I was thrilled that Cormoran Strike spends some time in Cromer as part of his investigation! Although he wasn't overly impressed with the charms of the Hotel de Paris it was great to see Cromer brought to life on the page. I recently discovered that Arthur Conan Doyle was so impressed with Cromer Hall (on a visit to the town to play golf in 1901) that he used the exterior as the basis for Baskerville Hall! So, whilst small and unassuming, Cromer has had a big part in some very famous literature!
The most compelling element is, of course, the will they-won't they partnership of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. Galbraith has teased us over the last couple of books with some fiery scenes between the two - but going by the ending there might be no going back...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Child death, and Gun violence