Which novel began J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike series?

The Cuckoo’s Calling began J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike series. It was published in 2013 under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith and introduces private detective Cormoran Strike.

The novel opens with the death of supermodel Lula Landry, whose fall from a London balcony is generally treated as suicide. Lula’s brother hires Strike to investigate, and the inquiry brings Strike into partnership with Robin Ellacott, his newly appointed temporary secretary. Their professional relationship becomes a continuing thread across the series.

The book was initially reviewed as the work of an unknown former military police investigator named Robert Galbraith. Rowling’s authorship was revealed several months after publication, leading to major renewed interest and a large sales increase.

Later novels in the series include The Silkworm, Career of Evil, Lethal White, Troubled Blood, The Ink Black Heart, and The Running Grave. The title is an allusion to a nursery rhyme, reinforcing the book’s mystery and themes of public image and hidden danger.