What is the name of J.K. Rowling’s detective fiction pen name?

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

Rowling used the name for The Cuckoo’s Calling, a crime novel published in 2013. The book introduced private investigator Cormoran Strike and his temporary secretary, Robin Ellacott. Further novels in the series continued to appear under the Galbraith name.

The pseudonym was not initially publicly identified with Rowling. Her authorship was revealed after a linguistic analysis and subsequent reporting in 2013. Rowling has continued to use the name for the series, keeping it distinct from her work as the author of Harry Potter and adult novels published under her own name.

“Robert” was chosen partly in honor of Robert F. Kennedy, while “Galbraith” had a personal association for Rowling. The name is therefore a deliberate literary identity, not a separate writer.