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Original poster

Is this the best Strike book ever?

59 replies

heathspeedwell · 29/09/2023 18:33

I know they have all been good, but I've just finished the latest Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling) book and I really think it's the best one so far. Who agrees? (At this point I think we need to avoid any spoilers but surely we can say how much we have enjoyed every single second of it).

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Pinkglobelamp · 29/09/2023 18:34

I'm slowly making my way through it and am enjoying it more than any, except the first!

Original poster
heathspeedwell · 29/09/2023 18:36

Probably should have said it's called Running Grave and it's a Robin and Strike book. Especially since part of the reason it's such a page-turner is that a lot is devoted to Robin being under cover.

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Original poster
heathspeedwell · 29/09/2023 18:38

@Pinkglobelamp I feel exactly the same! I have enjoyed all of them, but apart from the first one this has had me more gripped than anything I have read in years.

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Sorrytomoan · 29/09/2023 18:39

I've not read any of the books but I've watched most of them on telly and loved them. Are the books standalone?

jeaux90 · 29/09/2023 18:39

Oooh this is on my list to buy for my holiday in November. Exciting!

BonneMamanIsMyJam · 29/09/2023 18:40

Yes! Loved it so much! But what a cliffhanger

devildeepbluesea · 29/09/2023 18:40

I’ve just finished part 1 and loving it. Trying to go as slowly as possible!

I thought the last two were superb so she’s definitely on an upward trajectory.

Original poster
heathspeedwell · 29/09/2023 18:45

@Sorrytomoan you can definitely read each book as a standalone treat, but for maximum pleasure I would read them in order.

My dh has started reading the latest book this morning (as his introduction to the series) and he's hooked, so you definitely don't need to read them in order.

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Applecrumbleyum · 29/09/2023 18:47

I’ve not managed to finish Ink black heart on audible, I was finding it so hard to listen to. Is it worth trying again or actually reading it instead to keep going?

MargotBamborough · 29/09/2023 18:47

Sorrytomoan · 29/09/2023 18:39

I've not read any of the books but I've watched most of them on telly and loved them. Are the books standalone?

They're standalone in the sense that each one focuses on a different case but I wouldn't read them out of order because there is a lot of back story and character development in each one.

Sorrytomoan · 29/09/2023 18:47

Thank you.
I love it on telly so I guess I might know some of the stories? I watched the most recent series and another earlier one. Can't remember that one though!

MyJetNowAirlines · 29/09/2023 18:50

I’ve just started it (on audible). I’m at the very beginning of chapter 4, so far so good. I hated Ink Black Heart but stuck with it out of stubbornness, good to hear this is considerably better.

Original poster
heathspeedwell · 29/09/2023 19:08

I think a lot of people found Ink Black Heart quite challenging, so I was prepared for this book to be hard work in places, and instead it has just been hours of pure bliss.

It was so enjoyable that I now feel a bit lost at sea because Robin and Strike feel like friends I wont get a chance to see for months. I'm thinking I might start to read all the books again from the start.

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Scarydinosaurs · 29/09/2023 19:11

I agree - best one yet. Though I found the Robin/Strike scenes more edge of my seat in Troubled Blood, the actual story of this one was even better.

I finished it this afternoon and now feel lost.

Misstabithabean · 29/09/2023 19:14

I'm working my way slowly through the Strike books - about to start number 3. Glad to hear the latest is a good read!

Fifireee · 29/09/2023 19:15

It’s outstanding. Not finished but I’m loving it.

ClaribelLowLieth · 29/09/2023 19:19

LOVING IT!!

Theyre such a treat - perfect to get lost in at this time of year. I really look forward to going to bed early and engrossing myself in this world for an hour or so

blotchyredanditichy · 29/09/2023 19:20

I really liked Ink Black Heart- the subject was so completely new to me I thought it was fascinating.

Original poster
heathspeedwell · 29/09/2023 19:22

Obviously there's a feeling with every book that you enjoy that you never want it to end, but I would remortgage my house to get my hands on the next book and find out what is happening!

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ShedHermit · 29/09/2023 19:23

Yes I think it’s the best of the series, with Troubled Blood a very close second! And they are so much more than just detective fiction, although they are certainly page-turners, there’s also so much food for thought on a reread.

Justme10 · 29/09/2023 19:24

100% the best one yet and that's saying something, I have loved them all!

With every new book I am more in awe of J K Rowling with the dedication and research that goes in to each book.
I can't begin to imagine how she comes up with these stories.

JennyForeigner · 29/09/2023 19:28

I agree. Still super long, but this time it felt very coherent and well-paced. The pages flew by.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 29/09/2023 19:29

Ooh thanks for the tip - read the rest of the series a year or so ago- will have a look out .

Original poster
heathspeedwell · 29/09/2023 19:31

@Justme10 that's exactly how I felt - the phenomenal hours of research that must have gone in to this book are staggering.

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JustKen · 29/09/2023 19:35

Hated the Ink Black Heart, the text-speak was difficult to follow. But The Running Grave is so much better. Looking forward to book 8!