What is J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter pen name for crime fiction?

J.K. Rowling’s pen name for crime fiction is Robert Galbraith.

Rowling used the name Robert Galbraith when publishing The Cuckoo’s Calling in 2013. The novel introduced private investigator Cormoran Strike and his temporary secretary, Robin Ellacott. Its publication initially attracted attention as the work of an unknown debut crime writer.

The pseudonym became public after a language analysis and subsequent reporting connected the book to Rowling. Rowling later confirmed that she was Robert Galbraith. She continued the series under that name, including The Silkworm, Career of Evil, and later Cormoran Strike mysteries.

Robert is connected to Rowling’s admiration for Robert F. Kennedy, while Galbraith was chosen from a family association. This pen name is separate from the initials J.K. Rowling used for the Harry Potter books. “Robert Galbraith” therefore identifies the crime-fiction brand, not a different author.