Private Detective Cormoran Strike is visiting his family in Cornwall when he is approached by a woman asking for help finding her mother, Margot Bamborough — who went missing in mysterious circumstances in 1974.

Strike has never tackled a cold case before, let alone one forty years old. But despite the slim chance of success, he is intrigued and takes it on; adding to the long list of cases that he and his partner in the agency, Robin Ellacott, are currently working on. And Robin herself is also juggling a messy divorce and unwanted male attention, as well as battling her own feelings about Strike.

As Strike and Robin investigate Margot's disappearance, they come up against a fiendishly complex case with leads that include tarot cards, a psychopathic serial killer and witnesses who cannot all be trusted. And they learn that even cases decades old can prove to be deadly . . .

Published
September 15, 2020 (Sphere)
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Cormoran Strike

The series

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The Cormoran Strike series delivers an enthralling blend of classic detective fiction and modern psychological intrigue. Set in contemporary Britain, these bestselling crime novels follow private investigator Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned detective, and his resourceful assistant-turned-partner, Robin Ellacott. Together, they take on complex cases that baffle the police, navigating the shadowy depths of high society, the entertainment industry, and the criminal underworld.

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What sets this mystery series apart is its masterfully woven plots, deeply human characters, and a narrative that balances suspense with rich emotional depth. The partnership between Strike and Robin evolves across the books, adding layers of personal struggles, professional ambition, and unspoken tension. With each gripping installment, the duo unravels intricately crafted mysteries, from high-profile murders to dangerous conspiracies, all while battling their own pasts and personal demons.

Praised for its compelling storytelling, sharp dialogue, and immersive detail, the series has gained critical acclaim and a dedicated global readership. Adapted into a successful television series, it continues to captivate fans of detective fiction who crave intricate plots, realistic character development, and the thrill of a well-crafted whodunit. Whether you’re drawn to psychological thrillers or classic noir-style mysteries, these novels promise an unforgettable reading experience.

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