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A Good Read The Cuckoo’s Calling – Robert Galbraith


Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months, then you will know that there is actually no such person as Robert Galbraith: Galbraith is really JK Rowling. Much has been made in the press of Rowling’s ‘secret’ authorship of a crime novel. The key question, however, should be ‘is it any good?’ And the answer is a resounding ‘yes’.


While Rowling was understandably angry that her cover was blown by some careless gossip, the fact that this shot the book to the top of the bestseller charts undoubtedly widened its potential audience. Even before this, however,


the story had been critically acclaimed by a range of fellow crime writers, and it is easy to see why. Cormoran Strike, the central character, fits well alongside the range of eclectic private detectives that populate the genre. An army veteran, with a chequered past, physically and mentally scarred by his experiences, he is believable and likeable from the start. We know enough to keep us guessing, but never fully get inside his head. The supporting characters are equally well drawn – Robin, his receptionist and almost-assistant, acts as an ideal foil – and the setting is given careful treatment. By chance, I read the book whilst staying in London, close to Strike’s fictional office on Denmark Street, and was almost able to trace his steps at times.


The novel itself is well plotted – again, no surprise – and moves at a strong pace as Strike investigates the death of Lula Landry, model and style icon. Strike’s own past is explored through hints and flashes, which contrast with the celebrity haunts of Landry and her associates, adding an interesting counterpoint.


Many reviewers have claimed that Rowling’s authorship is obvious here, but I would disagree, and had I not known, I would not have guessed. In any case it is immaterial. Cormoran Strike is a million miles away from Harry Potter, and the audience for each book is completely different. This is crime fiction, well plotted, engaging and leaving you in immediate hope for a return of Strike. What more can we ask?


Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Fun Facts & Silly Stories 2


Once again, Ripley’s Publishing astonishes young readers with many intriguing facts and anecdotes—many of which are laugh-out-loud funny—in this second instalment of the Fun Facts & Silly Stories series.


It is targeted toward readers ages seven through ten. It captures their attention right from the bright yellow cover boasting adorable knitted jockeys that are racing pigs. The compact square shape and size of the book is also a bonus for this age group—it is easy to hold and equally as easy to toss into a backpack to share the fun with friends. The pages are filled with engaging photographs of everything from the bizarre (seriously ugly bugs close up) to the outrageous (twenty-one people squashed into a Mini car) to the adorable (seven baby pandas having a sleepover). The Ripley’s team has done a fine job making sure there is something to pique every child’s curiosity and humour. Big bold headings, speech bubbles and short bursts of text offer insight and background to the images... before you know it you’ll be wondering if you too can possibly lick your elbow.


This is a great choice for reluctant readers, kids with a serious sense of curiosity, and stuffing into holiday stockings or just placing on a table in any room to induce some impromptu reading time and solid fun.


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