The Cuckoo's Calling is an intriguing, well written, noir-style mystery that keeps you hooked from the start. Or, at least, it kept me hooked. I loved the development of the mystery, how as Strike uncovers more and more pieces that don't add up, the reader follows the breadcrumbs and clues with him to the end, searching for the truth in a tangled web of lies. 
 Not only is the plot well developed and wonderfully written, the characters are a colorful, intriguing lot. Each is well developed and three dimensional, including Lula Landry, who's story is uncovered to reveal who she is beneath the mask of celebrity. 
 Strike and Robin are quite the dynamic duo, and the development of their relationship is beautifully handled. They are awkward with each other, understanding of each other, and they work well together as they navigate both the case and personal issues. I'd have to say their relationship is probably my favorite thing about this book. 
 I did have one big problem, however: written out accents. I can't stand them to begin with, so maybe I'm biased, but I felt like they weren't necessary most of the time. Plus, it frequently took me a few minutes to figure out what the person was supposed to be saying, which adds to the frustration. 
 That being said, as a fan of detective novels and noir novels, The Cuckoo's Calling has earned a place as one of the best.