Order of Cormoran Strike Book Series

The "Cormoran Strike" series, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, follows the gripping adventures of private investigator Cormoran Strike. Set in contemporary London, the series masterfully blends elements of traditional detective fiction with modern themes, exploring the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of criminal cases.

Strike, a former military police officer turned private investigator, grapples with his own personal demons—having lost a leg in service and struggling with a tumultuous past. Equipped with keen observational skills and an unrivaled intuition, he tackles a variety of challenging cases, often unraveling dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of society. Each book in the series presents a new mystery, ranging from the suspicious death of a famous author to the disappearance of a young woman, all while deepening the reader's understanding of Strike's character and his partnership with the tenacious and resourceful Robin Ellacott.

As Robin transitions from secretary to a vital partner in Strike's investigations, their evolving relationship adds layers of emotional depth to the narrative. Rowling's intricate plotting, profound character development, and rich prose immerse readers in a world where every clue counts and nothing is quite as it seems. The "Cormoran Strike" series is not just a tale of solving crimes; it's a compelling examination of friendship, resilience, and the quest for truth in an often murky world.

Order of Cormoran Strike Series

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1The Cuckoo's Calling
By: Robert Galbraith
2013Amazon.com
2The Silkworm
By: Robert Galbraith
2014Amazon.com
3Career of Evil
By: Robert Galbraith
2015Amazon.com
4Lethal White
By: Robert Galbraith
2018Amazon.com
5Troubled Blood
By: Robert Galbraith
2020Amazon.com
6The Ink Black Heart
By: Robert Galbraith
2022Amazon.com
7The Running Grave
By: Robert Galbraith
2023Amazon.com
8The Hallmarked Man
By: Robert Galbraith
2025Amazon.com

Cormoran Strike Series Books Description

The 'Cormoran Strike' series, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, follows the story of private investigator Cormoran Strike. The series features a blend of mystery, crime, and character development as Strike solves various cases while dealing with his personal and professional challenges. Below is a brief description of each book in the series up to October 2023:

  1. The Cuckoo’s Calling (2013): The inaugural novel introduces Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned private investigator, who is hired to investigate the apparent suicide of renowned supermodel Lula Landry. Strike navigates the world of fashion and celebrity, uncovering hidden truths and secrets while battling his own demons.

  2. The Silkworm (2014): In the second book, Strike is tasked with finding a missing author, Owen Quine, whose unpublished manuscript is said to be deeply scandalous. As Strike delves into the literary world, he discovers a web of deceit, jealousy, and revenge that leads to murder.

  3. Career of Evil (2015): When a severed leg is delivered to Robin Ellacott, Strike's assistant, the investigation takes a personal turn. Strike must confront dark aspects of his past and track down a menacing adversary while working against the clock to protect Robin.

  4. Lethal White (2018): This novel begins with a troubled young man, Billy, who seeks Strike's help to uncover the truth behind a crime he witnessed in his youth. The investigation becomes entangled with the political world, involving a potential murder and family secrets.

  5. Troubled Blood (2020): Strike takes on a cold case from 1974, involving the disappearance of a female doctor, Margot Bamborough. As he and Robin dig deeper, they uncover a complex narrative involving multiple suspects and intriguing twists, all while exploring their own evolving relationship.

  6. The Ink Black Heart (2022): This entry features Strike and Robin delving into the world of online fandom and social media harassment after the creator of a popular animated series is found dead. The investigation touches on themes of identity, anonymity, and the darker sides of the digital age.

  7. The Running Grave (2023): In the latest installment, Strike and Robin confront a cult following linked to a high-profile case. The investigation reveals deeply held beliefs, manipulative leaders, and the challenges of leaving such groups behind, leading to a high-stakes situation for the pair.

The series has been well-received for its intricate plots, character development, and exploration of contemporary issues intertwined with classic detective work. Each book builds on the complex relationship between Strike and Robin, highlighting their personal growth and professional dynamics.

Who are the main characters of Cormoran Strike Series

The "Cormoran Strike" series, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, features several main characters who play significant roles throughout the books. Here are the primary characters:

  1. Cormoran Strike: The protagonist, Strike is a private investigator and a former military police officer. He is a war veteran, having lost part of his leg in Afghanistan, which adds complexity to his character. Strike is known for his keen observational skills, intelligence, and determination to uncover the truth, often despite personal challenges. He has a complicated personal life, including a tumultuous family background and struggles with relationships.

  2. Robin Ellacott: Initially Strike's temp secretary, Robin quickly proves her worth and becomes his indispensable partner. She is intelligent, resourceful, and ambitious, aspiring to become a detective herself. As the series progresses, Robin develops significantly, facing various challenges in her professional and personal life, including her engagement and her struggle for independence in a male-dominated field.

  3. John Bristow: A significant character in the first novel, "The Cuckoo's Calling," John is the brother of the deceased supermodel Lula Landry, whose death Strike investigates. His character embodies themes of loss, family dynamics, and the impact of tragedy.

  4. Lula Landry: Although she is deceased at the start of the series, Lula's life and death drive the narrative of the first book. She is a famous model and a figure of fascination, embodying the often harsh realities of fame and the darker side of the fashion industry.

  5. Matthew Cunliffe: Robin's fiancé, who navigates his own challenges throughout the series. His relationship with Robin evolves and is tested as her career progresses and as she grows closer to Strike.

  6. Charity Strike: Cormoran's estranged mother, whose troubled past and relationship with Strike add depth to his character. Their interactions reveal much about Strike’s background and the family issues he grapples with.

  7. Cormoran's Clients and Suspects: Each book introduces a variety of characters who contribute to the mysteries Strike investigates. These characters often add layers of intrigue and complexity to the plot, reflecting the multifaceted nature of each case.

Throughout the series, Rowling explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships, all through the lens of crime and investigation.

Interesting facts about Cormoran Strike Series

The "Cormoran Strike" series, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, features a private detective and has garnered significant attention since its debut. Here are some interesting facts about the series:

  1. Origin of the Series: The first book, "The Cuckoo's Calling," was released in 2013. Rowling chose to write under a pseudonym to explore her passion for crime fiction without the expectations that come with her fame.

  2. Surprise Revelation: The true identity of Robert Galbraith was revealed in July 2013, shortly after the release of "The Cuckoo's Calling." The announcement generated significant media attention as Rowling had managed to maintain her anonymity for several months.

  3. Inspiration: Rowling has stated that the character of Cormoran Strike was inspired by her experiences with detectives and her fascination with the criminal mind. She also drew from her own life experiences, including her time working in the arts and her observations of various individuals.

  4. Rich Character Development: The series features a deep exploration of its main characters, particularly Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott. Their evolving relationship and individual backstories are central to the narrative across the books.

  5. Settings and Locations: The series is primarily set in London, featuring various well-known locations. Rowling's detailed descriptions bring the city to life, with each setting often reflecting the mood of the story.

  6. Cultural References: The books contain numerous cultural and literary references, showcasing Rowling's extensive knowledge of literature, art, and even the social issues of contemporary Britain.

  7. Critical Acclaim: The series has received positive reviews from both readers and critics, often praised for its intricate plotting, well-drawn characters, and Rowling's adept storytelling abilities.

  8. Television Adaptation: The books have been adapted into a television series titled "Strike." The adaptation has been well-received, with Tom Burke starring as Cormoran Strike and Holliday Grainger as Robin Ellacott.

  9. Multiple Installments: As of October 2023, the series consists of seven novels, with each book presenting a new case for Strike and Robin. The series has seen growing complexity and depth in its narratives as it progresses.

  10. Themes of Identity and Trauma: The series explores various themes, including trauma, identity, and societal issues. Both Strike and Robin deal with their pasts and personal challenges throughout the stories, adding emotional weight to the mysteries.

The "Cormoran Strike" series showcases J.K. Rowling's versatility as an author, allowing her to explore different genres while maintaining her signature storytelling prowess.