Which fictional detective did J.K. Rowling introduce in The Cuckoo’s Calling?

J.K. Rowling introduced the fictional detective Cormoran Strike in The Cuckoo’s Calling.

Cormoran Strike is a private investigator and former military police officer. In the first novel, he investigates the apparent suicide of model Lula Landry, whose death may have involved another explanation. Strike works with Robin Ellacott, initially employed as his temporary secretary.

The character anchors Rowling’s crime series, which she published under the name Robert Galbraith. Later novels continue Strike’s investigations while also developing his professional relationship and complicated personal history with Robin.

Strike is sometimes confused with famous detectives created by other authors, particularly Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot. He is a modern original character whose cases are set primarily in contemporary London. His first name, Cormoran, is also distinctive and comes from Cornish folklore, where Cormoran is a giant associated with St Michael’s Mount.