The first novel in the Cormoran Strike series had me spellbound for quite some time. Firstly, using the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith, J.K Rowling has done a wonderful job of writing a mystery.She has shifted her genre from fantasy to detective mysteries which is pretty amazing. True, it has a classical touch,has highly detailed conversations and situations. Sometimes,it was a bit tedious for me. But nevertheless, the ending was worth the patience and wait. 
 The story starts with the suicide of a very famous model, Lula Landry. Only it wasn't. Private detective Cormoran Strike is hired to investigate the cold-blooded murder. Strike is a retired army officer with SIB, injured during war and in turn,losing a leg. His private practice is not going very well,landing him in huge debts. Also,he is recently out of a live-in relationship,which forces him to eat and sleep in his own office. This case comes along as a boon to him. As the story progresses, we are introduced to the high-class society,their unruffled attitude,their reckless lifestyles, 
 (here I mean Lula's friends),their relationship with Lula, each having highly complex and equally mysterious characters, each having a secret of their own.It was difficult to figure out who the killer was,after-all. And when I did find out, it managed to surprise me. 
 Cormoran Strike is not the handsome,charming detective but he is a complete gentleman ,and likable .Although my favourite character is, undoubtedly,Robin. She is smart,intelligent and handles situations very well. I loved that about her. I would definitely read the next book by the talented author. 
 Would have been a five-starer novel for me,if only the conversations & descriptions were not long, and the number of characters less. Looking forward to The Silkworm :)