A review by qamaara
The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith

4.0

Definitely a time investment! I recommend listening to the audiobook if possible, which is excellent as always. The storyline is quite complex and layered, with the usual tension between the main characters of this series. I really appreciated how she delved a bit more into some of the minor characters’ backstories, and the way she finessed some final conclusions in others.

The book is intense. Sometimes it almost felt like there was a story within the story, because of how intricate and involved the main investigation became.

The fear is palpable and the suspense (and sometimes horror) is real. Not in a gory sense, but in truly horrifying circumstances. I think she did an excellent job portraying the confounding environment and psychology of the “church”; allowing the reader to gain an understanding of how and why some people become involved with these types of groups, and the complicated reasons that compel them to stay. It is mind boggling, and will feel unfathomable to most. However, I don’t find the book exploitative (obviously it’s fiction but might as well be based on a true story!) or even slightly unbelievable. These cults are real.

ALL the trigger warnings!!