Play Book Tag discussion

Lethal White - Galbraith/Rowling
5 stars

This book began with a prologue that completed a scene set at the end of the last book in the series. It was emotional, humorously ludicrous, and completely satisfying. I turned the page ready for more and read the intro to chapter one.

ONE YEAR LATER.

I laughed out loud. Damn! This woman can write. She knows how to grab an audience. This is the only similarity that I see to the Potter series; the crafting of characters and the meticulous timing of the plot. Yes, at 650 pages it is long for a detective story. But, this isn’t a typical detective series. It’s not a cozy mystery. The protagonists are complex people who make mistakes in their very messy lives. Not always admirable, but realistic.

To my relief, this book was less bloody than the last one. The investigation ranges from the House of Commons to the sordid, low income, shared flat of a socialist dissident. I love the way these books showcase all levels of society, highlighting the disparity. Rowling exposes the hypocrisy and selfish motivation of characters at both ends of the social spectrum, but I think she had some fun poking at the upper echelons in this book. (There was a rude comment about Prince Harry…..)

In addition to the partial amputee, hero detective, Cormoran Strike, the book has a number of disabled characters. Although, part of the mystery features the paralympics, misuse of a charity’s funds, and a blind Member of Parliament, the book isn’t about disabilities. It simply includes disabled characters living their lives. Some attention is paid to Robin coping with PTSD, and Cormoran ignoring his limitations. The earliest incident in the mystery introduces a schizophrenic character. Authors rarely depict psychotic characters realistically or sympathetically. Rowling got it exactly right. Billy is delusional, filthy, agitated, scary, and pathetic when he is introduced to the story. It was good to see him medicated and in contact with reality at the end.

I rarely read contemporary detective fiction. I’m more of an historical fiction fan. I need something above the average to take me into this genre. This series provides that and more. Where else would I be able to find epigrams from Ibsen at the beginning of each chapter?

I have never picked these up, because like you it is just not my genre, and has to be fabulous for me to want to read it-your review makes me think that I should give it a try!

Not a genre I read much of either, but I love these.