While I first saw The Cuckoo's Calling as a Kindle deal awhile back, I didn't consider reading it until I found out the author was actually J. K. Rowling. Having read the Harry Potter novels several times each, I was disappointed by A Casual Vacancy in that the characters were all so unlikeable. Rowling crafts excellent characters that seem to point out the ever present yick in society regardless of gender, class, profession, or area of residence. If Casual Vacancy was a peek at Rowling's view of small town life in England, Cuckoo is her noirest take on the big city. In this case, however, I found all the characters entertaining more than depressing (though this is likely due partly to the lively voice talent of Robert Glenister who gave each character a distinctive flavor). Whodunits are compelling reads, and Cuckoo is no different. The story follows private investigator Cormoran Strike as he seeks to understand the events that led to model Lulu Landry's death. Whether navigating a hoity-toity lunch date, storming a film studio, or searching a homeless shelter, Strike's story seems so....British (the voice actor, I know) and urban. It's a fast, enjoyable, well-written read even without any magical creatures. I'd highly recommend the audiobook if you have access to it!