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Original poster

Cormoran Strike books

23 replies

ZoobyZoobyZoo · 31/01/2026 11:32

I've just started The Running Grave for book group, we meet the third Saturday of the month. 1180 pages!! I've read all the previous ones and it's one of my favourite series.

The epigraphs at the start of each chapter remind me of the Susan Howatch books I read in my teens.

OP posts:
mikado1 · 31/01/2026 11:33

I've just finished the 5th one. JK is amazing, they're always so clever. (But I don't read the epigraphs!!)

Latenightreader · 31/01/2026 11:36

I love the books but I also skip the epigraphs. I have a couple as audiobooks and wish I could skip them on that...

My (contraversial) favourite is The Ink Black Heart. She really understands the different angles of online fandom.

Nicecatneighbour · 31/01/2026 11:36

This is probably my favourite of this series along with Troubled Blood. Robin's character really develops and it's quite a nail biter.

Paperwhite209 · 31/01/2026 11:37

I'm a massive Strike fangirl!

The Running Grave is really quite something - you're in for a treat, albeit a very disturbing one in places.

@Latenightreader TIBH is one of my favourites too, along with The Silkworm - another less popular choice!

Original poster
ZoobyZoobyZoo · 31/01/2026 11:41

I love the epigraphs, I go back at the end of each chapter and reread to make sense of it.

OP posts:
Bulbsbulbsbulbs · 31/01/2026 11:44

The Running Grave is the best one I think. I couldn't put it down.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 31/01/2026 13:18

I hate those bleeding epigraphs.

She irritates the hell out of me but I still end up reading them. IIRC the third was my favourite.

Perfidia · 31/01/2026 13:52

Keep this for when you’ve caught up:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/what_were_reading/5402657-spoiler-alert-hallmarked-man-cormoran-strike-and-robin-ellacott?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share

I’d never read any of the series until a few days before THM was published and I saw a thread here. I was so intrigued by all the avid fans taking annual leave to read the new volume I had to join the crowd. Read them all in order and am now amongst those desperate for the next book.

SPOILER ALERT Hallmarked Man (Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott) | Mumsnet

Spoiler thread for posters who have read or listened to The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith (J K Rowling) and would like to discuss it!

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/what_were_reading/5402657-spoiler-alert-hallmarked-man-cormoran-strike-and-robin-ellacott?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share

Foggytree · 01/02/2026 15:25

Currently reading The Running Grave, it is brilliant. I don't read the epigraphs though.

Also loved the The black Heart - thought it was a really good exploration of the online world , loved the bits where online convos were going on at the same time.

Troubled Blood excellent as well.

Original poster
ZoobyZoobyZoo · 05/02/2026 18:40

Foggytree · 01/02/2026 15:25

Currently reading The Running Grave, it is brilliant. I don't read the epigraphs though.

Also loved the The black Heart - thought it was a really good exploration of the online world , loved the bits where online convos were going on at the same time.

Troubled Blood excellent as well.

I'm on page 471 and they mentioned Mumsnet!!

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OnlyFrench · 08/02/2026 22:32

Just finished The Hallmarked Man and think it’s my favourite, probably because she develops the relationships more. I do struggle to keep track of all the characters and sometimes think it would be useful to have a spoiler free family tree!

Original poster
ZoobyZoobyZoo · 09/02/2026 04:45

OnlyFrench · 08/02/2026 22:32

Just finished The Hallmarked Man and think it’s my favourite, probably because she develops the relationships more. I do struggle to keep track of all the characters and sometimes think it would be useful to have a spoiler free family tree!

I finished the Running Grave yesterday and plan to start this tomorrow. I'll buy a copy on my lunch break!

OP posts:
user1486915549 · 09/02/2026 05:27

I think Running Grave is the best of the series.
i must be dim but i can never work out how the epigraphs relate to the book

WeirdyBeardyMarrowBabyLady · 09/02/2026 06:52

I also think The Running Grave is the best. So much so I’ve struggled with the most recent one as I didn’t enjoy it as much.

user1486915549 · 09/02/2026 10:46

WeirdyBeardyMarrowBabyLady · 09/02/2026 06:52

I also think The Running Grave is the best. So much so I’ve struggled with the most recent one as I didn’t enjoy it as much.

I struggled with the latest one too. It took me ages to read it. Too many characters and subplots

mum2jakie · 09/02/2026 21:53

I liked the relationship stuff in the latest book but the actual murder/crimes bored me and I couldn't really keep track of all of the different characters.

Original poster
ZoobyZoobyZoo · 10/02/2026 18:39

I've started the Hallmarked Man on audiobook but I'm struggling as I don't take info in that way. I think I'll wait for the paperback.

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SoftIce · 11/02/2026 14:06

@mum2jakie I'm the opposite, I'm getting really annoyed with the relationship stuff. I think Robin in particular should just stay single.

Original poster
ZoobyZoobyZoo · 11/02/2026 18:16

I'm thinking Ryan could be the kind of guy Robin might consult Mumsnet about

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WonderfulSmith · 11/02/2026 18:20

I love them but only as audio books. They work so well and I can get through a lot more in audio than I do reading.

Foggytree · 11/02/2026 20:12

SoftIce · 11/02/2026 14:06

@mum2jakie I'm the opposite, I'm getting really annoyed with the relationship stuff. I think Robin in particular should just stay single.

Agree just finished The Running Grave, and am not into the relationship stuff.

I do like the brother sister relationship between Strike and Lucy though - that always feels very authentic.

Latenightreader · 11/02/2026 22:50

I find the relationship element frustrating and really wish they could be great friends and strong business partners without it getting in the way. I'd love to see Robin confidently single at the end of the series.

Ryan was a walking red flag in the latest book.

Jux · 01/03/2026 23:03

I do have a weakness for detective novels (as my parents used to say!), and have enjoyed all the Strikes. Finished the latest and have gone back to reread the lot, partly because I have nothing else atm, and also to look at Strike/Ellacott relationship development. How she’s managed to stretch it out for 8books so far……. Nice one, JK!

Am on Lethal White again, btw. But I may not actually be r3ading them in order as my Kindle is a mess and annoying me.

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