CAREER OF EVIL (CORMORAN STRIKE #3)
by Robert Gabraith (J.K. Rowling)
Published October 20th 2015 by Sphere
494 pages
Kindle edition
Purchased from Amazon
When a mysterious package is delivered to Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman’s severed leg.
Her boss, private detective Cormoran Strike, is less surprised but no less alarmed. There are four people from his past who he thinks could be responsible – and Strike knows that any one of them is capable of sustained and unspeakable brutality.
With the police focusing on the one suspect Strike is increasingly sure is not the perpetrator, he and Robin take matters into their own hands, and delve into the dark and twisted worlds of the other three men. But as more horrendous acts occur, time is running out for the two of them…
A fiendishly clever mystery with unexpected twists around every corner, Career of Evil is also a gripping story of a man and a woman at a crossroads in their personal and professional lives. You will not be able to put this book down. – GOODREADS
Robert Galbraith Revealed
My Thoughts on CAREER OF EVIL
There are plenty of shady suspects, simmering suspense and a web of great sub plots.
The third Cormoran Strike book is here, complete with the same endearing characters that I’ve grown to love. The ruffled and damaged Strike, and the ever enthusiastic and clever Robin. It’s another hefty book at 494 pages, which was made more obvious when I saw the hardback in the stores. Book size is something that you don’t really notice when reading an ebook.
The drama starts when a mysterious package arrives at Strike’s agency. Instantly he knows that it’s personal, and there are plenty of skeletons in his closet to make a list of suspects. The fact that the package was addressed to Robin is enough for him (and me) to worry for her safety. I know I couldn’t cope if something bad happened to Robin.
Having been to Edinburgh and its famous castle a number of times, I liked how part of the plot was set there. It was easy to picture Strike limping his way on the cobblestones. I was glad to see RG (JK) throw his/her hometown into the mix.
Robin is quite the focus. Her own insecurities, confusing relationships, wedding preparation, and being the target of a nutcase are described brilliantly. In the midst of the main plot, and working on other cases, she always feels that she needs to prove herself. Her inner voice is convinced it knows what Strike is thinking, but is usually way off the mark. IMO she just needs to chill, relax and be confident. She doesn’t give herself enough credit.
The story coasts along in such an engaging way. Each clue is investigated and analyzed. The puzzle slowly but surely builds toward a solution. Strike and Robin have some tough times too. The stresses of life and work culminate in an ultimatum between them. Is she a real partner in the agency, or not? The tension is building. Robin is keen as ever, but Strike worries for her safety
The plot ramps up. The baddie is a sicko. The worst of the worst. In fact, every suspect in the book is a lowlife. I’m not going into details of what they get up to, but there is some pretty heavy stuff that will make your stomach turn. RG/JK is never one to shy away from including such detail.
There’s plenty going on as the tension filled suspense heads to an exciting climax. Strike has a light bulb moment, which is kept just out of our reach until the right time for it to be revealed. If there was anything in this book that I didn’t like, it would be how things panned out for Robin. I wanted her more involved, but that’s as much detail I’m prepared to share.
It’s another great case for Cormoran and Robin. There are plenty of shady suspects, simmering suspense and a web of great sub plots.
It’s another winner.
Check out my other Robert Galbraith reviews:
The Cuckoos Calling (Cormoran Strike #1)
The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike #2)
Buy from Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
Add to Goodreads
More from Robert Galbraith
Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.
S.W. Lothian - Author 
I’d love to hear your thoughts about my post … seriously!