Cuckoo's Calling

J.K. Rowling. That sneaky Brit. She went all covert on us and published as Robert Galbraith, and I get it Miss Rowling. Sometimes you want people to assess your work, not based on what you’ve already done. The Cuckoo’s Calling was getting great reviews before the world knew J.K. Rowling was the writer, and for good reason. Now I could make some references to Rowling’s Harry Potter series, but I’m going to respect her new book, which could turn into a series for what it is: different than her other writing.

Cormoran Strike is a down on his luck ex-military private investigator. He is struggling with debt, just got out of a relationship, living in his office, and his amputated leg is causing him pain. At the moment his sole client is a woman spying on her husband, not exactly riveting or well-paid work. Then Robin, the new secretary sent by a temp agency, shows up along with an old friend’s brother, John. Robin turns out to be an expensive blessing in disguise and soon becomes Strike’s daily human contact and a fantastic secretary. Then there’s John, a wealthy lawyer, who shows up at Strike’s office with a new case and a pocket full of money. Lula Landry, the famous super model, committed suicide not too long ago, and John, her brother, thinks there’s foul play and insists on having Strike re-investigate. What follows is a who’s who of London. Strike maneuvers his way through the bold and beautiful seeking the truth to who pushed Lula Landry over her balcony.

Rowling wrote a number of compelling characters with great back stories. Strike was a likable character with some skeletons in his closet, a messy family, and a strong work ethic. Robin is one of the first characters introduced to us. She is newly engaged, peppy, smart, and clever. Although working for Strike is supposed to be temporary, she finds herself yearning to stay on and learn the PI trade. Strike and Robin are characters I look forward to reading more about in the future.

A lot of suspects are put on the chopping block throughout the investigation. Strike keeps his cards close, so I was never sure who the killer was. Rowling kept her audience guessing by presenting new evidence, rehashing old evidence, and interviewing witnesses and friends. I enjoyed hearing about Strike stalking around London to seek out testimony. The book deals a lot with the idea of celebrity and the problems Lula had to deal with as a super model. Trusting people was hard because even her “friends” sold her secrets. Then there is the paparazzi who stalk her, fans who think they know her, and a dysfunctional family. Rowling must know a lot about this world and it was interesting to get a small peak inside a life of luxury and the costs it comes at.

I’m not a detective mystery reader, but I enjoyed this novel. The two things I have to say against it are too much detail, and too stuck in the past. The author had paragraphs that made me think “I would just cut this out if I were her editor. That’s completely unnecessary”. I’d skip over sentences and just keep moving. Now since I don’t usually read detective mysteries like this, I don’t know what is typical. This novel was stuck in the past a lot. Strike’s investigating a potential murder meaning he dredges up the past through people’s evidence as to what happened when Lula Landry died. On top of that, however, he reminisced about his newly ended relationship, he thought about the war and his time in the military. Although it was making progress forward, I kept hoping for new events to keep the book from back sliding.

Altogether, I found the book engaging and I very much wanted to hear more about Strike and figure out who the killer was. If you’re a fan of this book or want more like it, try these novels:

• Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. A British PI investigates three separate cold cases and discovers tangled family histories and startling connections.
• The Little Sister by Raymond Chandler. Philip Marlowe’s beautiful new client gets him caught up in the dangerous world of Hollywood.
• Tonight I Said Goodbye by  Michael Koryta. The wife and daughter of an alleged suicide victim go missing. Now PI Lincoln Perry and Joe Pritchard must pursue the truth and hope to find the family.

Michael Caine in written form

I love Michael Caine. He seems like a down-to-earth, funny guy who appreciates a good time and a good conversation. I was excited about finding his new autobiography on the shelf a couple months back and immediately added it to my requests at my local library.

The book is rather general. Caine doesn't go into much detail about events, movies, friends, or reflections on his life, so the whole book felt a little surface level. To me that was a bit disappointing. Some of his reflections seemed cliche, but then again, I suppose many life experiences and our thoughts on them become cliche. As is expected with a Hollywood actor, he name dropped...a lot. Some of the instances felt unnecessary. Why did he need to include a part about talking to Julia Roberts on the phone? I don't know.

I was a little disappointed by the lack of insight and detail in the book. I would like to know more about his experiences in the '60s or some depth about what it's like to work on a film set. Caine is not a writer, however, so I feel I can't judge too harshly. He tries and he does a pretty good job. I can feel his personality shining through the pages, which I very much appreciate. It's an easy read and it is pretty fun, but it just isn't deep. I still love the man and I feel like I better understand him. If you like Michael Caine, give it a read. Just expect a fluff piece.

Searing order of pessimism with a side of humble pie

You got to give it to Anthony Bourdain, the guy can break people down. No one is safe from his scalding tongue, yet sometimes that's just what I need. In "Medium Raw", his latest book, he is beginning to mellow out. Although still critical of upscale dining, food critics, and chefs alike, he takes the time to apologize for past injuries he may have inflicted and enjoy life around him.

If you like Tony's show "No Reservations", then you'll enjoy his writing. He writes like he speaks, which I find enjoyable. I could hear his voice in my head (I'm not schizophrenic I swear!) reading me line for line.  At certain instances I found myself lost when he started naming off different food world people and places.

I like Bourdain. He's cynical and sometimes it seems like nothing is good enough for him, but this guy knows his shit (potty mouth inspired by Tony). He loves food and he loves the people who put their heart into their work. I can appreciate that. Obviously when Tony doesn't like you, watch your ass. But his brass balls are refreshing. He's giving it to the man, something I could never do and it's nice to know that 10 course meals and overpriced fare are not all the bee's knees. Just because something has a high price tag or was made by someone famous doesn't mean it will be spectacular. Maybe that's obvious, but I always need reminding that everything that glitters ain't always gold!

I enjoyed reading this book for the most part. There were instances I felt the need to put it down and read something more cheery. Still it was an easy read, and out of my typical scope of reading. Again, if you're a Bourdain fan, give it a go. If you're a foodie, this is for you. If you know nothing about cuisine or Bourdain, maybe leave this one be.