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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:
the80sweregreat · 18/08/2022 20:20

The cuckoos calling is the first one
It is fab.

Original poster
BobinogBobbleHat · 18/08/2022 20:31

I cracked and listened to that clip of the beginning that was released. It was lovely.

<says nothing more for fear of spoiler-ing>

On the synopsis, I also thought that there's massive potential in this plot line with the online harrasment/stalking angle. Let's face if, JKR knows whereof she speaks on this.

My prediction is that there's some exploration around MRA/incel/manosphere stuff.

OP posts:
howmanyseas · 18/08/2022 20:40

I can't wait for this! I discovered this series in the very first lockdown and think each book was better than the previous. I absolutely loved Troubled Blood (why don't I remember anything about a Michelle at the agency, though?? I'd better reread it!)

On Strike and Robin: this might be controversial but I hope they don't end up together. I think Robin should meet a nice man who's confident enough in himself not to be threatened by Strike. He'd be a well off IT consultant who works from home part time while stay-at-home-dadding, allowing Robin to get on with her work, and not be bothered about the unsociable hours and have her tea on the table no matter when she gets home.

Meanwhile Strike would grudgingly admit that he's a good bloke, and turn up at their house every now and then with his latest girlfriend.
I may have given this more thought than is normal Blush

MaryasBible · 18/08/2022 21:06

howmanyseas · 18/08/2022 20:40

I can't wait for this! I discovered this series in the very first lockdown and think each book was better than the previous. I absolutely loved Troubled Blood (why don't I remember anything about a Michelle at the agency, though?? I'd better reread it!)

On Strike and Robin: this might be controversial but I hope they don't end up together. I think Robin should meet a nice man who's confident enough in himself not to be threatened by Strike. He'd be a well off IT consultant who works from home part time while stay-at-home-dadding, allowing Robin to get on with her work, and not be bothered about the unsociable hours and have her tea on the table no matter when she gets home.

Meanwhile Strike would grudgingly admit that he's a good bloke, and turn up at their house every now and then with his latest girlfriend.
I may have given this more thought than is normal Blush

I’m a bit conflicted here. I just want Robin to be happy and I wonder how JKR is going to achieve that? Would she decide not to have children and be happy and secure in that? Would she decide to casually date but not commit? Rich man who’ll look after the kids is likely but does it feel a bit safe? Also giving this way too much thought

I read the first Strike book last November and have read them all now. I don’t want to listen to the first chapter but will I resist?!?

the80sweregreat · 18/08/2022 21:10

Michelle was only mentioned in the last chapter of TB I think as the other guy was sacked and she wanted a job away from the met police.
Vanessa recommended her I believe?

Original poster
BobinogBobbleHat · 19/08/2022 18:21

Me, in a relatively new job: this flexi system is great; I'm going to make sure I always have time in hand for child related medical stuff.

Also me: I'm taking flexi on the 30th and coming in late, because by the time I finish work the bookshop will be closed.

OP posts:
BestIsWest · 19/08/2022 18:46

God I miss flexi. Best thing ever.

Robostripes · 19/08/2022 18:54

There’s a teaser trailer released today for an interview with JKR where she answers some questions about the book:
robert-galbraith.com/the-ink-black-heart-q-and-a/

What she says about Strike and Robin is very interesting!

KittenKong · 20/08/2022 19:49

FairyCakeSprinkles · 17/08/2022 22:13

The first audible chapter is available on TottenhamStrike Instagram. I'm resisting temptation.

I’m being thick - how do I find this?

FairyCakeSprinkles · 21/08/2022 20:07

@KittenKong, search for 'tottenhamstrike' on Instagram. It's a fab site and the first audible chapter is on there as a preview. I'm still resisting though!!

instagram.com/tottenhamstrike?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Graffittiunderpass · 26/08/2022 23:23

The Times have posted a review. It's got spoilers.

Be warned!

WandaWomblesaurus · 27/08/2022 03:11

So near and yet so far....

Southeastdweller · 27/08/2022 08:10

I read the review In The Times and one of the themes in the book has put me off a bit - online gaming.

BaconAndAvocado · 27/08/2022 13:57

Can’t wait to read this.
I agree that each book gets better going through the series.
This and the new Kate Atkinson are going to be my first Autumn reads.

MrsWooster · 27/08/2022 14:09

I’ve just reread the lot (stuck in hospital) and got my timings slightly wrong so am champing at the IV tube waiting for the 30th!

I ordered it months ago in hardback but I’m a bit too feeble to wrangle 1000 pages so I’ll add it to the kobo app - not quite as lush, but Good Enough.

Original poster
BobinogBobbleHat · 29/08/2022 07:28

IT'S TOMORROW!

OP posts:
AnImaginaryCat · 29/08/2022 07:47

As I'm a hideously slow reader I've not reread the other Strike books - can someone tell me where I can get decent recaps of them?

If this book is over 1,000 pages I will be back in 2 months to tell you what I thought of it 😄.

(Must add, as much as I enjoy JK's books, I think her editor needs to be a bit more ruthless with the red pen.)

KittenKong · 29/08/2022 09:05

I’ve pre ordered it but haven’t got delivery/collection details yet. Grr

theveg · 29/08/2022 09:56

I am so so excited about this. Going to be refreshing my audible asap in the morning!

MaryasBible · 29/08/2022 11:12

KittenKong · 29/08/2022 09:05

I’ve pre ordered it but haven’t got delivery/collection details yet. Grr

I have also preordered from Amazon who often send me helpful notifications the day before a delivery is due but I haven’t heard anything yet Sad

I can’t wait!

KittenKong · 29/08/2022 11:35

I can’t see the book on Amazon. I preordered mine on wokey Waterstones (it’s but even highlighted on their website as upcoming releases) but nada.

OneLastWanderer · 29/08/2022 11:42

Ordered my from Waterstones as had gift card. They say don't go to store to collect until you get the email but sod that, I'm going down first thing tomorrow!

KittenKong · 29/08/2022 11:44

I’ll be rocking up to scare the blue hairs at my local one 😈

Robostripes · 29/08/2022 12:37

My Amazon says “Arriving by 11pm tomorrow”. It had better be well before 11pm! I’ve got to work tomorrow but I very much hope it’s there when I get home about 6 as I intend to spend the whole evening on it!

AlternativelyWired · 29/08/2022 13:43

Just ordered mine 😃