The Running Grave: Cormoran Strike Book 7 Hardcover – 26 Sept. 2023

I first read Strike Book 1 four weeks ago. I am not generally a huge fan of the crime genre, but I adore the writing of JK Rowling ( here under pen name Robert Galbraith). I love everything about the characterisation and plotting in the Harry Potter books and have used her work extensively when teaching English creative writing. Characters like Snape, Lupin, McGonagall , Sirius Black, Beatrix Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy , Molly Weasley and a host of others will stand the test of time . She has the most incredible ability to draw her readers in to her world and make us care.I was lucky enough to take a school group to hear her read from The Order of the Phoenix with Stephen Fry at The Royal Albert Hall immediately after its launch. She was immensely likeable, modest and generous. Since that time she has proved to be remarkably courageous in dealing with threats and abuse online. I hold her in the highest regard both as a person and a writer so I finally decided I should investigate the Strike series in spite of my usual avoidance of crime fiction in general.I was hooked from the very first book and have devoured all Seven in the series in four weeks. Now I am desperate for the next title !The Running Grave was a triumph and the best so far in my opinion. It was truly horrifying, hugely disturbing and beautifully written. There were times I was terrified to read on , and others where I laughed out loud at the genuinely hilarious dialogue , often between Robin and Strike. There are illuminating moments of great sadness , tenderness and pathos, but I was also angry at the sheer wickedness and abuse that was meted out to members controlled by the cult. This is not a book you will forget in a hurry.I love the character development of the main protagonists Strike and Robin. Both are changing profoundly as they face huge challenges both in their professional and personal lives. A slow burn has been the right approach by JKR to this deep and genuine friendship. To rush it could have been disastrous for them both.I am looking forward now to the final two books and I am so glad I decided to read outside my comfort Zone. I wouldn’t have missed these for the world.

Just in awe of how incredible JK Rowlings mind must be to not only think up & create such a detailed story, with so many complex and interesting characters, but also to have the writing skill to get it into a book which is readable and enjoyable to the masses. It’s really exceptional and I salute you for this JK!Enjoyed every page, a satisfying ending and characters you feel you know.Such a joy to behold in the current literary landscape of shallow, badly written books chasing headline grabbing, tiktok capturing endings.Satisfying!!

I admit the possibility that The Running Grave is most probably my favourite Strike novel so far and definitely on a different level to The Ink Black Heart. Even though it’s a hefty tome weighing in at 1,180 pages and I was desperate for the grand reveal, I also didn’t want the book to end. I was able to keep track of all the characters this time round without flicking backwards or taking notes.Strike and Robin are hired by Sir Colin Edensor to release his son William from the clutches of The Universal Humanitarian Church, a religious sect that rose from the ashes of the child-abusing, Crowther brothers’ Alymerton Community in 1986. When Robin goes undercover, long buried secrets are unearthed piece by piece and the true nature and vile intentions of cult leaders Jonathan and Mazu Wace and their indoctrinated disciples are revealed.I was far more emotionally engaged with Strike #7. Descriptions of Andrew Honbold QC had me laughing out loud, Cormoran seeking solace in a solitary church had me close to tears, delectable little details had me smiling throughout and the sadism, sexual abuse, sleep and sustenance depravation and nightmare scenarios surrounding Chapman Farm gave me the complete heebie jeebies.Since the “will they/won’t they” dilemma is left unresolved, there has to be a Strike #8. With its brilliant storytelling, awesome plot construction and fantastic character portrayal this deeply disturbing, thought-provoking and totally compulsive masterpiece is going to be a hard one to beat.

Another excellent story but too long in the telling. What works on the screen can become a little turgid in print. Nonetheless, I'm still a huge JKR fan.

In my opinion, this is the best book so far. So good, that I found myself speedreading to find out what happens in the end. Then, having finished the book, I felt bereft.Strike's and Robin's characters are multi-layered and interesting, with new insights into their personalities.There is a gradual development of other characters too. The storyline is gripping, with the constant danger of Robin surviving her infiltration into a cult.Although, the ongoing relationship between Strike and Robin continues to evolve, it is not overpowering and does not detract from the theme of the investigation.I had read some other reviews with complaints of the book being over long. JKR writes with a particular intelligence and humour that I enjoy. when I read any of JKR's books, I love going back to earlier chapters to double check information previously mentioned; JKR never slips up on these and pleasingly there is no slackness in her writing. After finishing a couple more books and catching up things I ignored while I was in the world of Strike and Robin, I am actually going to reread this glorious tome. This time, I am sure that I will savour the writing even more.

Enigmatic, brilliant, meticulously crafted.Characters are brought to life with such depth and nuance that they feel palpably real, being so well-drawn, with distinct personalities and motives.Every scene is painted to enrich the narrative, making the environment a character in its own right, too.The prose is elegant yet accessible, with subtle wit and intelligence that does not overshadow the story. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, and further cements the believability of the characters and their interactions.The pacing of the novel expertly balances moments of intense action with quieter, introspective passages, creating a rhythm that keeps the reader engaged throughout.The climax is both surprising and satisfying. Not only a thrilling detective story but also a profound exploration of human nature.This one is nothing short of perfection.

Me gustó mucho el desarrollo de la historia, me tuvo en suspenso y si me sorprendió la resolución del caso que investigaron. Como entrega de la saga ,el final me dejo enganchada para el próximo libro.Entretenido e informativo sobre el funcionamiento de una secta, te muestra cómo te envuelven en ella. Van de poco a poco siguiendo varias etapas, sin que notes como te anulan.

Also, ich empfinde das Buch als sehr gut geschrieben, spannend, abwechslungsreich und mitreißend.Auch wenn ich eine unerwartete Wendung bereits erwartet hatte, war sie dann doch eine Überraschung, als sie kam.Also alles in allem hat sich das Lesen gelohnt und ich bin dankbar für ein paar schöne Stunden.

Very absorbing. Best of the series

The Running Grave is a great book with a thrilling story line. Strike and Robin hold the story together with their own characteristics. Easy to pick up the links from previous books.