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Original poster

Is it too early to start an Ink Black Heart thread? (No Spoilers)

272 replies

BobinogBobbleHat · 29/06/2022 12:41

I tried to hold back until July so I could say 'next month', but apparently the cover design and back cover blurb will be released tomorrow.

Anyone have thoughts and/or predictions they'd like to obsess over for a couple of months?

OP posts:
ArticSaviour · 11/08/2022 17:44

Can I join in? Really looking forward to this!

the80sweregreat · 11/08/2022 17:53

The Cuckoo's calling is my favorite book of all time ! I must have read it three times
I should read TB again before the new one comes out.

ButchersGirl · 12/08/2022 16:27

Really looking forward to this!

Just finished reading TB though and now a bit worried about the new starter at the agency, Michelle Greenstreet - is she going to be the latest thing that keeps Strike and Robin apart now Matthew has fully disappeared?

MaryasBible · 12/08/2022 16:29

I preordered this in February. Really looking forward to it. And not to make anyone jealous… but it’s arriving during a weeks leave I have booked. Needless to say I am keeping the week free!

Battlecat98 · 12/08/2022 16:36

I have never really got into this series. Is it worth trying again? I love this style of book. Is the main character good? I hate the typical perfect detective who everyone fancies and achieves everything he sets out to.
I am looking for a new series and saw this thread.
What is good about this series? Are the characters and plots believable?

Original poster
BobinogBobbleHat · 12/08/2022 20:55

I don't think anyone on this thread is going to say the series is anything other than brilliant!

I think they're excellently plotted, and Rowling explores her themes incredibly well.

Other people are more invested than I am in the relationship between the two main characters but the way that relationship is described and developed is also done well and is an interesting exploration of personal development and growth after various traumas and toxic relationships.

To be honest I love every word.

OP posts:
AnOwlAtAJubilee · 12/08/2022 20:56

MaryasBible · 12/08/2022 16:29

I preordered this in February. Really looking forward to it. And not to make anyone jealous… but it’s arriving during a weeks leave I have booked. Needless to say I am keeping the week free!

Where's the 'envy' emoticon gone?

the80sweregreat · 12/08/2022 20:59

The books are very good, they are long and complex and Strike isn't the typical detective, but the dynamics between them both is great
I think that new girl Michelle might throw a curved ball into proceedings!

fruitstick · 13/08/2022 10:58

I've just had a lovely chat with the man in the book shop.

He says it's over 1000 pages!

Best alert the nearest and dearest.

the80sweregreat · 13/08/2022 11:52

The last book was long, this one is even longer.

Walkingtheplank · 13/08/2022 12:13

Such a shame it's being released the day after the bank holiday weekend. Would have been great to have the long weekend to get stuck in, especially as it's so long. I've got a busy few weeks at work early September including evenings so it's going to take ages to read it.

The teenager will probably snaffle it out of my room whilst I'm at work!

WandaWomblesaurus · 13/08/2022 12:14

Audible book.
So well read and so evocative.

LovelaceBiggWither · 13/08/2022 12:23

Battlecat98 · 12/08/2022 16:36

I have never really got into this series. Is it worth trying again? I love this style of book. Is the main character good? I hate the typical perfect detective who everyone fancies and achieves everything he sets out to.
I am looking for a new series and saw this thread.
What is good about this series? Are the characters and plots believable?

I found the first two to be longwinded, dull and just not gripping in any way. But then I also don't like Harry Potter so I was never her target market.

the80sweregreat · 13/08/2022 12:28

It is definitely the dynamic of their relationship which keeps me hooked . Apart from cuckoo I'm not that invested in the actual murder story lines , although they are beautifully woven around other clients they have as well ( they don't just solve murders!)
Strike is a complex character, but Robin is my favorite and I can feel her pain at times as she swims against the tide of how her parents feel she should be : she is fast becoming her own woman and I hope this continues.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 13/08/2022 12:42

Just realised we have a few days away the week after publication! Fantastic. Can really get stuck in on the train. Must start the weight training in preparation. (Not an e-reader fan - printed books only here.)

bellinisurge · 13/08/2022 13:07

I preordered this. Can't wait

ChuckItBucket · 13/08/2022 13:20

Battlecat98 · 12/08/2022 16:36

I have never really got into this series. Is it worth trying again? I love this style of book. Is the main character good? I hate the typical perfect detective who everyone fancies and achieves everything he sets out to.
I am looking for a new series and saw this thread.
What is good about this series? Are the characters and plots believable?

They’re incredibly long winded at certain points and can become - dare I say it - dull. It’s worth having another go at it because they’re mostly engaging and interesting but some bits do feel ever so slightly like a bit of a slog

KittenKong · 13/08/2022 13:25

I have it in order. Not long to go…

the80sweregreat · 13/08/2022 13:26

I found TB a little bit boring at times ; I felt that Jean's death ( when he was going back for the funeral ) could have been cut down a bit and the whole perfume saga annoyed me as I can't wear any perfume ! I stuck with it and glad I did as it draws you back in again quickly enough and I love JK a lot , so I can forgive a few meandering pages to get to the really good bits.
I hope that he makes up with Lucy properly in this one too

IllDoItButOnlyForTheAttention · 13/08/2022 14:12

the80sweregreat · 13/08/2022 11:52

The last book was long, this one is even longer.

I can't wait Grin

I've learned from my mistake last time and ordered this one on Kindle. The hardback was too heavy for weedy me to read lying down in bed, which is where I do most of my reading.

BestIsWest · 13/08/2022 14:17

I loved the bits in TB about Jean’s funeral. I had not long lost my DF and they really resonated with me. I loved the perfume saga too. I much preferred TB to the previous one.

Tlolljs · 13/08/2022 15:20

I’m counting down the days now. Ordered this in March.

the80sweregreat · 13/08/2022 17:54

I wasn't criticizing TB, but some parts I thought did drag a bit. Still loved it though
Can't wait for some new reading from her !
Strike and Robin are great characters

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 14/08/2022 12:01

Hot news about Troubled Blood TV adaptation - Susan Tully, the director, just said on Radio 4, that she's not allowed to say when it will be on, but it will be pretty soon, as she's just putting the finishing touches to the editing. Huzza! The casting has been spot on so far. Hoping this continues.

Tlolljs · 14/08/2022 14:28

Ooh shouldn’t be long then. Not August bank holiday that’s too soon. But might not have to wait until Christmas.