This Chick Read: Troubled Blood (Cormoran Strike #5) by Robert Galbraith

Cormoran was visiting his sick Aunt when he was recognized and approached by a woman who’s mother had gone missing 40 years ago. Intrigued by her story, he agree’s to take a year to look into Margot Bamborough’s disappearance. Coincidentally at the same time as a serial killer was stalking the section of town where her office was located. As he and his partner Robin Ellacott dig into the mystery they discovered the previous investigator had a breakdown and compromised the investigation, filling his notebook with astrological signs and mutterings. Do Strike and Robin have any success in unraveling this mystery? Well, considering this is a detective novel, the answer is yes. However, there were many surprises unveiled!

Despite this author’s personal shortcomings, J.K Rowling writing as Robert Galbraith writes amazing pieces of fiction. The Cormoran Strike novels are deftly written and filled with twists and turns. In fact, I was again surprised by the ending which just keeps me coming back for more.

If you were looking for an update or further advancement of Cormoran and Robin’s relationship the book is riddled with insecurities. I’ll admit, I’m one of those who are rooting for this couple to get together despite the possibility of it hurting their business partnership, so I was a little frustrated, however there was a rather sweet upside to their relationship that keeps my heart going pitter pat, even as they are solving murder and mayhem.

If you are looking for a mystery with a good hook and lot’s of emotional ups and downs, this cold case will certainly fit the bill. If you’ve never read one of the books in this series, I don’t think you needed it to follow this plot, however for those that love a hint of romance you’ll get more out of the series if you start at the first novel, Cuckoo’s Calling.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase! Troubled Blood (A Cormoran Strike Novel, 5)

Copyright 2020 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you were to purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (11/2/2020)

As we approach the election here in the US I’m diving into TV shows, movies, and books to try to escape from all of the negativity. Gosh, I can’t wait until this is all over and I hope America votes for decency, empathy, and kindness. On to books! I did get one read and have one I have really been looking forward to up next! Can’t wait!

This post originated over on Book Date, so thanks for the idea and letting me continue on the discussion about what books I am reading.

JUST FINISHED

The best in the series to date! I liked how these two had real life conflicts that they worked through. It was interesting and fun. I enjoyed this one!

JUST STARTED

Despite this author’s predilections for stupidity, I do love this series! I can’t wait to start this one tonight! How are Cormoran and Robin going to solve the next murder, and will they or won’t they finally act on their feelings for each other?

Yes, I am daring to branch out into a mystery with some much beloved characters! I am hoping it will be a distraction from the big day on Tuesday. What are you reading to get you through this week?

Have a good one!

Deb

This Chick Read: Lethal White (Cormoran Strike #4) by Robert Galbraith

Lethal White was one of my most anticipated novels of 2018 and it did not disappoint! After catching a serial killer both Cormoran and Robin are recovering both physically and emotionally, their new partnership strained and a little uncomfortable. When Cormoran receives a visit from a disturbed man insisting he saw a girl being strangled when he was young he’s intrigued. He casually makes a few inquiries and through this mystery he and Robin start to repair their friendship.

Why is Cormoran Strike, the ex-military amputee who drinks a bit too much such a great hero? Through his current and past relationships we see how emotionally stunted he can be hiding from his own thoughts at times by having another pint. Robin’s relationship with her fiancee/husband Matthew offers the reader a comparison and allows us to see Comoran’s strengths. As Robin navigates her tumultuous new marriage I wallowed in what should have been’s between she and Strike. It was only the intricately wrought mystery that diverted my attention and allowed me to put those bitter feelings on simmer. What is it about these two characters that make me want them to be together so much?

There were many twists and turns to this mystery. What started with the young disturbed man in Strike’s office turned into political subterfuge. Without giving anything away I will say that I was surprised at the who dunnit and went back and forth through that journey of discovery trying to figure out how and when Strike figured out what was going on because I sure as hell didn’t figure it out!

If you love British crime mysteries you need to read this series. It gets better with each book and the tension between Cormoran and Robin keep you coming back for more. Will they ever get their relationship figured out? Who knows? But I sure do enjoy watching them tiptoe around their feelings for each other. Oh, and the mysteries are great too! For those of you who don’t know this, Robert Galbraith is a pseudonym for J. K. Rowling. It’s amazing that the same person who wrote the Harry Potter books wrote these novels. She’s one talented lady! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Opinions from around the Blogosphere

‘Overall, I would say that this book interested me more because of Cormoran and Robin’s personal lives than because of the mystery storyline. I truly believe this novel could’ve been like 50% shorter and the result would’ve been the same. And that’s a pity because I really like JK Rowling, and I love Robin and Cormoran, but unfortunately, this was not a favorite of mine.’ The Misstery

‘Despite this book being wrapped in a bewilderingly atrocious cover, this book is a solid entry in the series, though not really my favorite. Long-winded or not, fans of the series will probably forgive the extra bloat of the book to enjoy its complicated and tangled mystery. It’s a ferocious Gordian Knot, just waiting to be patiently picked apart.’ The Bibliofile

Lethal White

Click this link to purchase!*

Copyright 2018 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate