What was J.K. Rowling’s first published novel for adults, written as Robert Galbraith?

The Cuckoo’s Calling was J.K. Rowling’s first published novel for adults written as Robert Galbraith.

Published in 2013, the novel introduces Cormoran Strike, a private investigator who examines the death of supermodel Lula Landry. Robin Ellacott joins Strike as a temporary secretary and becomes his important investigative partner. The book is a detective novel rather than a fantasy story.

The novel initially appeared under the name Robert Galbraith. Rowling’s authorship was publicly revealed later in 2013, after reporting and linguistic analysis linked the writing to her. Rowling said using a pseudonym gave her the opportunity to receive feedback without the immediate weight of her established reputation.

The book is often confused with The Casual Vacancy, which was Rowling’s first novel published under her own name after Harry Potter. The Cuckoo’s Calling instead began the Cormoran Strike series and retained the Galbraith author name.