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

J.K. Rowling’s detective pseudonym is Robert Galbraith. She used that name for the Cormoran Strike crime novels, beginning with The Cuckoo’s Calling in 2013. The books follow private detective Cormoran Strike and his business partner Robin Ellacott.

The pseudonym was intended to let Rowling publish in a different genre without the immediate expectations attached to her name. The identity of Robert Galbraith was revealed in July 2013 after a linguistic analysis and subsequent reporting connected the novel to Rowling. Rowling then confirmed that she was the author.

Robert Galbraith is a pen name, not a separate person who continued writing independently. The series has remained associated with the pseudonym in its publishing and screen adaptations. “Galbraith” is sometimes confused with the fictional detective’s surname, but Cormoran Strike is the character; Robert Galbraith is the author name.