What was the title of J.K. Rowling’s debut novel published under the name Robert Galbraith?

The Cuckoo’s Calling was J.K. Rowling’s debut novel published under the name Robert Galbraith.

The detective novel was published in 2013 and introduces Cormoran Strike, a private investigator who examines the death of model Lula Landry. Robin Ellacott begins working as Strike’s temporary secretary and becomes closely involved in the investigation. The book combines a celebrity death, competing witness accounts and a detailed London setting.

The author’s identity was initially concealed. Rowling’s use of the Robert Galbraith name was revealed later in 2013, after a linguistic analysis connected the book with her writing and the disclosure was confirmed. The revelation brought major attention to the novel and its publishing history.

The title is often confused with later books in the series. The Silkworm is the second Cormoran Strike novel, Career of Evil is the third, and Lethal White is the fourth. The Cuckoo’s Calling is the series opener and Rowling’s first publication in that detective sequence.