Which J.K. Rowling book follows the detective Cormoran Strike’s first case?

The Cuckoo’s Calling follows Cormoran Strike’s first case.

The novel was published in 2013 under the name Robert Galbraith, later revealed to be a pseudonym used by J.K. Rowling. Its mystery begins when model Lula Landry falls from a London balcony, and Strike is hired to investigate whether her death was suicide or something more serious.

The book introduces Strike and Robin Ellacott, whose professional relationship develops throughout the series. Its setting, structure, and focus on police and private investigation distinguish it sharply from Rowling’s fantasy writing.

The title comes from the cuckoo’s habit of laying eggs in another bird’s nest. That image connects to themes of identity, family, public image, and the pressure surrounding Lula’s life. The novel was followed by The Silkworm.