Scan barcode
A review by joyematt
The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
There wasn't really a reason this book needed to be 900 pages. I'm sorry, but there could have been some editing for sure. The whole Bijou plot felt unnecessary. The first person JK thanks in the acknowledgements is her editor, but they could have done a bit more editing for sure.
The cult aspect of the book was well done, though I did skim a bit of the more jargon-heavy parts, just having a feeling they wouldn't really matter in the end. Reading Robin's chapters really got to me and I did dread reading some of them just from the descriptions of the abuse and all the disturbing stuff. I did find myself feeling a lot of anxiety for her.
One of the main things I like about this series is the Strike and Robin relationship which was missing a bit from this one for obvious reasons. We did get them back together, which was nice, but a little too late for me.
Overall, the world building of the cult was extremely well done. The book was very readable, despite being too long. The mystery was good and unpredictable, in my opinion. Main characters were good; I'm glad we got more Pat in this one.
I used to love this series. I still do, I guess, but JK makes it really hard to separate her from her writing. I have only gotten books of hers in recent years from the library or second-hand. Really trying not to give her any more money.
The cult aspect of the book was well done, though I did skim a bit of the more jargon-heavy parts, just having a feeling they wouldn't really matter in the end. Reading Robin's chapters really got to me and I did dread reading some of them just from the descriptions of the abuse and all the disturbing stuff. I did find myself feeling a lot of anxiety for her.
One of the main things I like about this series is the Strike and Robin relationship which was missing a bit from this one for obvious reasons. We did get them back together, which was nice, but a little too late for me.
Overall, the world building of the cult was extremely well done. The book was very readable, despite being too long. The mystery was good and unpredictable, in my opinion. Main characters were good; I'm glad we got more Pat in this one.
I used to love this series. I still do, I guess, but JK makes it really hard to separate her from her writing. I have only gotten books of hers in recent years from the library or second-hand. Really trying not to give her any more money.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Suicide, Child death, Adult/minor relationship, Physical abuse, Murder, Stalking, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Suicide, Child abuse, Trafficking, Self harm, and Sexual assault