LETHAL WHITE (CORMORAN STRIKE #4) – Robert Gabraith (J.K. Rowling)
Kindle edition | Published 18 September 2018 | 656 pages | Purchased from Amazon
An unsettling cold case investigation ensnares Cormoran Strike and his partner in a web of dangerous secrets in this #1 New York Times bestseller — “Rowling’s wizardry as a writer is on fulsome display” (USA Today).
When a troubled young man named Billy asks Cormoran Strike to help him investigate a crime he witnessed as a child, the private eye is left deeply troubled. While Billy is obviously mentally distressed and cannot remember many concrete details, there is something sincere about him and his story. But before Strike can question him further, Billy bolts from his office in a panic.
Trying to get to the bottom of Billy’s story, Strike and Robin Ellacott — once his assistant, now a partner in the agency — set off on a twisting trail that leads them through the backstreets of London, into a secretive inner sanctum within Parliament, and to a beautiful but sinister manor house deep in the countryside.
And during this labyrinthine investigation, Strike’s own life is far from straightforward. His newfound fame as a private eye means he can no longer operate behind the scenes as he once did. Plus, his relationship with his former assistant is more fraught than it ever has been; Robin is now invaluable to Strike in the business, but their personal relationship is much, much trickier than that. – AMAZON
Cormoran Strike is not your normal private investigator. He doesn’t fit the mold that has been set over the years by Hollywood. That’s one of the compelling things about him, he seems more real and believable.
J.K. Rowling (aka Robert Galbraith) has created a great character in Strike that by now, regular readers of the series have bonded with his roughness and vulnerability. This latest book in the series, Lethal White, is another riveting case full of murder, intrigue, and multiple motives.
Lethal White is set in London (2012) before the London Olympics. What starts out as a random case initiated by the foggy memories of a troubled man, soon transforms into a web of deceit and secrets from the rural towns of England to the corridors of power in the Houses of Parliament. My favorite character, Robyn, excels as usual, as she continues to learn the ropes and tries to dodge danger when she goes undercover.
This series continues to be driven by solid characters and intricate details waiting to be discovered, it’s that understated style that I think makes it so compelling. Red herrings, manipulation, grudges, secrets, money, the plot has it all. With so many threads weaved together as one, the case is like an itchy London sweater waiting to be unpicked.
We bear witness to the progress of Robyn’s relationship with Matthew, from their marriage to more dramas and whatever lays beyond. And whilst we’re entangled in the throes of the case, even more of Strike’s own troubled life is revealed. By now, Strike fans already know much of their history, but we learn a little more with each book and our connection to them grows. It will interesting to see how things pan out in the future for this pair of opposites who work together so well. I’m hoping for triumph, not tragedy.
Having been such a fan of the books, I was thrilled when I heard the BBC were making them into a series. The problem for me was that here in Australia I didn’t have access to the shows. But luckily for me, that all changed this year due to Covid. My streaming tv service gave me extra channels for free to cope with the trials of home isolation. The series covers books 1 to 3 and they are really well done – understated and compelling – just like the book. And now I have faces for Strike and my favorite character, Robyn.
Do yourself a favor … If you’ve read the books, give the series a go. And if you’re not a reader, I suggest the series is a great way to go. Check out the trailer, below.
Here’s some news that Strike fans already know. TROUBLED BLOOD (Cormoran Strike #5) is almost upon us. The book is due for release September 15, 2020, and comes in at a whopping 944 pages. It seems that each new book in the series gets bigger than the last.
AND the BBC have announced that filming for 4 new episodes covering LETHAL WHITE started in 2019 and will be on our screens in August 2020. Can’t wait!
For those of you inclined to pre-order TROUBLED BLOOD, click to PRE-ORDER HERE.
This is another worthy book in a great series. RG (JKR) has created another enthralling crime novel full of twists, charm, and vibrant characters. I’d sum up Lethal White as ‘understated and compelling’. Strike fans will love it, and I urge others to jump on board.
New York City has a secret hidden beneath its surface.
If you’re in search of your next read, look no further than this incredible New York City thriller. SUBWAY | PALLIATOPIA is full of unexpected twists, edge-of-your-seat action, and addictive suspense. Hunger Games and Maze Runner fans love it!
Each year, more than 20,000 people go missing in New York City. Of these, 6,500 are runaways and 12,700 are found alive. But 1,400 are never found. What happens to them?
“Readers of The Hunger Games and Scott Westerfeld’s novels will like this YA dystopian. The writing is superb.” – Amazon
Palliatopia is the place you don’t want to be, and the place you can never leave.
They will take your life.
They will take your dreams.
They will take your future.
Look up from your feed … before it’s too late
S.W. Lothian - Author 
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