What name did J.K. Rowling use for the detective novels beginning with The Cuckoo’s Calling?

The story behind the answer

J.K. Rowling used the name Robert Galbraith for the detective novels beginning with The Cuckoo’s Calling.

The Cuckoo’s Calling was published in April 2013 under the previously unknown author name Robert Galbraith. The novel introduced private investigator Cormoran Strike and his temporary secretary, Robin Ellacott. Rowling later confirmed that she was the writer behind the pseudonym.

Rowling chose a pen name partly to write outside the expectations attached to Harry Potter. The name also allowed the early reception of the crime novel to develop without readers initially knowing the author’s identity. Robert Galbraith became the credited author name for the continuing Cormoran Strike series.

This question is distinct from asking for the series’ detective: that character is Cormoran Strike. Robert Galbraith is the authorial pseudonym, not a fictional investigator or a separate real novelist.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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