I just went to re-read my review for book 2 and I realized that I haven't done one yet. Then I considered writing it before this one, but I realized I would put too many thoughts from this book into that review. So I'll do this one first, then go back and do a short one for The Silkworm. 
 This book contains a lot of frustrating details pertaining to Cormoran's and Robin's respective relationships. Cormoran is stuck in another dead end relationship with a too pretty too wealthy woman who doesn't really interest him intellectually. Robin is ramping up to her wedding, still having issues with her fiance's feelings toward her job. Based on reviews by other Goodreads readers that I've read, I am the only person in the world who does NOT want Cormoran and Robin to leave their significant others and hook up themselves. But I happen to love the friendship that they are building. It is the kind of friendship that could last a lifetime. Could it happen with a sexual relationship or marriage? Sure. But - well, maybe I'm crazy, I don't know, but - it is so much more satisfying when the connection between two people is simply of the mind, and not explained away by some animal urges. 
 Set amidst the backdrop of the royal wedding and the killing of Bin Laden in 2011, this book winds its way through England and Scotland as Strike and Ellacott search for the madman who is killing women and cutting them to pieces. Strike has been able to narrow down the suspect list, with the least likely culprit being a mafia boss. The other three suspects are all people from Strike's past who have reason to hold a grudge. The pieces of the puzzle are all presented, and when Strike figures it out at the end, you know you've missed them. I had a half right half guess about the culprit, but I'm still stunned by the way Galbraith builds the story.