What pen name did J.K. Rowling use for her crime novels beginning with The Cuckoo’s Calling?

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

The novel was published in 2013 and initially presented Galbraith as a former member of the Royal Military Police. Rowling later confirmed that she was the author after the pseudonym was publicly uncovered. She chose a male name partly to separate the crime fiction from her Harry Potter reputation.

The Galbraith books follow private detective Cormoran Strike and his secretary-turned-partner Robin Ellacott. The series has continued under the pseudonym, even though readers know Rowling’s identity.

A common mix-up is confusing the pen name with the name of the detective. Cormoran Strike is the fictional investigator; Robert Galbraith is the author name. Rowling has also published adult fiction under her own name, including The Casual Vacancy.