Should I read Ink Black heart before The running grave?

[2023usernameNew]

Hello,

I bought The Running Grave at Waterstones yesterday by mistake.

I didn’t know a new book had come out and since it was half price off I assumed it was the previous one, which I never got round to reading .

It feels so odd to have it at home and not read it, but I don’t know if I should read Ink Black Heart first in terms of how their relationship progresses (if it does…)

should I read the previous one before?

thanks!

Trying not to spoil, but tbh I don’t think it will make any difference.

Yes. And get a paper copy because the audio book and kindle versions are not reader-friendly.

I've just finished the newest one and don't think it'll make much difference.

Interested as I started Ink Black Heart on audio and sent it back as it was very difficult to listen to.
However, I’d love to know the bits that happened between Strike and Robyn before starting the new one.

I definitely would.

@FormerlySpeckledyHen Feelings. Lots of them.
What is more important to ask is what happens to Strike’s stump in IBH? Without spoilers I can tell you it’s a WILD OLD RIDE.
#chafing

Mixed responses… I mentioned it to my husband and I think my in laws have BIH so I’m going to go round to theirs and read it first.

I recently decided to go back to the days I worked in publishing and read a book a week, although it sounds like I may have to give myself a few extra days for that one.

The new one is huge too…

No.

Or just skim read ink black heart. Running Grave was 100% more enjoyable for me. I get it that you need to read I order though.

If you’re just interested in the case then that’s fine, but for character development & the Robin / Strike plot line you really need to know what happens in IBH.

I struggled with IBH, it was the twitter/game chat I found difficult. I am not reading RG, much easier, but I am worried about Robin!

Yes IBH was challenging with the moderator chats. I wasn't sure whether to read down all in one go or do a page at a time! I'm halfway through RG and finding it troubling but compelling.

I loved IBH and do think you should read it before RG for the ‘feelings’ as well as the background of Strike’s stump injury.
I managed to get a paperback version of IBH for £5.50 in Asda (and it’s even longer than RG).

If you’ve got the time and inclination but I don’t think it’s essential. I found IBH a bit of a slog to be honest, RG so much better.

Just dropping in to say I loved IBH, but it does have to be read in book form. It'll also mean you have 2 new Strike books to read. Lucky you!!!!

Loved IBH. Agree that the layout of the moderator chats was challenging though; I would end up reading one chat all the way through and then turning back to read the next one al the way through, got confusing otherwise.