What is the real name behind J. K. Rowling’s pseudonym Robert Galbraith?

The real name behind Robert Galbraith is J. K. Rowling.

Rowling used the pseudonym Robert Galbraith when publishing The Cuckoo’s Calling, a crime novel released in 2013. The book introduced private detective Cormoran Strike and his temporary secretary, Robin Ellacott. It was initially presented as the work of a first-time author.

The identity of Galbraith was revealed later in 2013 after a linguistic analysis and media investigation linked the novel to Rowling. Rowling confirmed the connection. She said that writing under another name allowed her to work without immediate expectations connected to the Harry Potter brand.

The Cormoran Strike novels continue under the Galbraith name, even though readers know Rowling is the author. The series differs sharply in tone from Harry Potter: it is contemporary crime fiction set mainly in Britain, rather than fantasy for younger readers. Robert Galbraith is therefore a pen name, not a separate writer.