Who's got their copy of Robert Galbraith's (JKR) latest?

Might be reaching a bit, but given her love of Blue Oyster Cult, she may have named Lucy in tribute to their song 'Nosferatu' (which is based on Dracula)?

Please can someone explain the origin of why Tunnocks teacakes relate to MN? I have seen Tunnocks mentioned on previous FWR threads but never understood the in joke.

Yes. I tried reading The Casual Vacancy and it put me off trying the Strike novels until the combination of my admiration for J K Rowling personally and Cuckoo’s Calling turning up at the local bus stop library got me over it. Really glad I gave them a chance because they are now amongst my favourite crime/detective novels.

I read A Casual Vacancy when it first came out and didn’t enjoy it. I hated every character in it. I do love the Strike books though and mainly because you grow to care for the main characters (not just Strike and Robin). And the plots are excellent.

Is this with a read for somebody who did not enjoy a casual vacancy? I’ve always tended to avoid her adult writing after that, I enjoyed Harry Potter when I was younger, but I think it might have just landed at the right time for me!

I’m in hospital in my own room so I have it on audio. Everyone that’s been it to do things has asked about it. I didn’t realise it would be so sweary though! I have to quickly pause it at times. I only have three hours left so will finish today.

Probably been mentioned, (still trying to get my head around the new Mumsnet layout and finding navigating threads tricky) but I really want Robin to take some time out, to be by herself and have some therapy. She may even realise that though she loves Strike, they aren't suited, he is happy with a Spartan existence and she may want home comforts...
Also a lot of characters in this one, I had to make notes and refer back to work out who was who and what was going on!
But loved it all of course. Can't wait for the next corker!

Lucy’s dad is still around, (had to look this up. His name is Rick Fantoni). Maybe he had input into Lucy’s name.

I can see a point of view that they're worried about her, but it's an excellent depiction of a) how women aren't supposed to do what men do and it's seen as odd when they do, and b) what families still quietly expect for women, in that we'll settle down into a wifely world of maternity and caring for others.

My concern is that it will be even longer. Stop buggering around on TwiX woman and WRITE!

Just finished it!
Aghhhhhhhhh, do we really have to wait a year for the next instalment?!?!

This is similar to what Strike thinks at her wedding in Lethal White. They never recognise her for the strengths that actually make her exceptional, just keep trying to find the qualities they think a nice girl should have. It’s partly why she loves Strike, because he does value these parts of her.

True. it's like House having the opportunity to cure every super-rare disease that somehow ends up in his hospital 😂

finished the book a couple of weeks ago but still mulling it over. I have been trying to put my finger on what bothers me about Linda, Robin's mum. I get that she worries about Robin, but it's the fact that she never says she's even a little bit proud of her. What Robin did in The Running Grave, pretty much single handedly bringing down that cult...if that wouldn't make you proud of your daughter then what the heck would?

Robin is an extraordinary person. she's overcome so much and then gone onto achieve so much. would it blinking well kill her mum just once to say 'well done'?

It occurred to me when reading the bit about Leda’s original name being Peggy that she’s quite unlikely to have called her daughter something as ordinary as Lucy.

I wonder if it’s short for something, or if Lucy renamed herself?

I listen while working out at the gym, or when I’m doing housework / crochet.

It’s just me & the cat though, which probably makes it easier!

I’ve just started reading these (currently on The Silkworm) and I wondered about the famous father. Then I realised it’s plot purposed. There is no way an ex army investigator would’ve got to interview all the famous people in the first book - unless he’s somehow part of that world.

He’s Somebody’s Son, so you take him seriously and help him out, because you never know if you might need a favour from Somebody.

Likewise in the second book he’s developing a well-heeled clientele- and it’s partly because he’s now famous himself, but also because he’s seen as being part of their world. Again, he’s Somebody’s Son.

Really well-observed.

I must say I’m surprised Robin and Murphy can afford to rent on their own in London on their salaries.

It’s how I get myself to do the cleaning.

any tips on how to listen to a meaty audio book besides bed time? I don’t drive you see

I got a dog so I could get take it for walks and listen to podcasts in peace 🤣

I’m listening to it but keep falling asleep so end up listening to the same chapter over again. Which is just as well really as there are so many different people in it. I do fancy Strike I must admit. I don’t want them to get together.

any tips on how to listen to a meaty audio book besides bed time? I don’t drive you see.

Just finished. I think I understand why only half the Tunnocks was eaten - he didn't deserve it.

The next book is certainly going to be juicy isn't it 😆

I am loving it!
Halfway through and really don’t want it to end.
I couldn’t give a monkey’s about the body in the vault…..Strike and Robin all the way!!

I feel bereft.
I eeked it out on audible for 10 days but have just finished it.
That was fantastic. As good as The Running Grave, and that really was gripping.

Wow, that was amazing! I just finished it today. Personally I didn’t find it to be overly complicated. I’m bemused as to why people say she doesn’t have an editor when she thanks him in the acknowledgment?