What pseudonym did J.K. Rowling use for her crime novel The Cuckoo’s Calling?

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

The crime novel was published in April 2013 and introduced private detective Cormoran Strike. At first, the book was presented as the work of Robert Galbraith, described in early publicity as a former military investigator. The identity behind the name was revealed later in 2013, when reporting established that Rowling had written the novel.

The pseudonym allowed Rowling to publish in a different genre without the immediate expectations attached to the Harry Potter name. It also gave her an opportunity to receive more independent reactions to her writing. After the revelation, later books in the series continued to appear under the Robert Galbraith name.

The Cuckoo’s Calling is the first novel in the Cormoran Strike series. The books combine detective investigations with the continuing development of Strike and his professional partner, Robin Ellacott.