What pseudonym did J.K. Rowling initially use for The Cuckoo’s Calling?

J.K. Rowling initially used the pseudonym Robert Galbraith for The Cuckoo’s Calling.

The novel was published in 2013 and introduced Cormoran Strike, a private detective who investigates the apparent suicide of model Lula Landry in London. It was presented as the work of a debut author named Robert Galbraith, allowing Rowling to publish a crime novel without the immediate expectations attached to her famous name.

The pseudonym was later revealed to refer to Rowling. The revelation attracted substantial attention, and sales of the novel increased sharply after the author’s identity became public. Subsequent books in the series continued to appear under the Robert Galbraith name.

Robert Galbraith should not be confused with a character in the story: it is the author pseudonym. The series has since expanded into multiple Cormoran Strike novels and television adaptations, but The Cuckoo’s Calling remains the detective’s first appearance.