Admittedly, I probably would not have picked up The Cuckoo’s Calling without learning that J.K. Rowling wrote it under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. Nevertheless, Rowling creates a spellbinding story worth the read.

Supermodel Lula Landry jumps out of her London apartment to her death on a cold January night. Her brother, lawyer John Bristow, remains adamant that her death involved foul play. Bristow hires Cormoran Strike, a downtrodden private detective, to investigate three months after Landry’s suicide. Strike reluctantly teams up with Robin Ellacott, his temporary but tenacious secretary, to solve the mystery.

The chemistry that develops between Robin and Strike is quite entertaining. It would have been surprising if Galbraith, said to have a strong military background, had so expertly crafted these characters in just a debut. Strike’s crumbling personal life, difficult upbringing, and past in the military, all of which Robin accidently learns too much about, become interesting subplots. Strike’s unique style of investigation and interesting background makes him likeable to the reader and to Robin, who considers making her temporary position permanent. Robin, one of my favorite characters besides Strike, is appealing as a quick-witted and resourceful woman, reminiscent of a member of the Potter trio. Some of the novel’s best moments involve Robin’s quick detective instinct.

While suspicious suicides have been done before, Rowling creates a mystery that is still immersed with Rowling’s signature descriptions and masterful imagery. Rowling’s attention to detail is superb, and minute details become critical as the investigation unravels. Rowling expertly weaves personal commentary about the pressures of popularity and fame-seekers as well.

One of my few critiques of the novel is the amount of lengthy interviews Strike conducts. There are supermodel friends, drug-addicted boyfriends, overprotective designers, questionable lawyers, and obnoxious neighbors, not to mention the complicated Bristow family tree connected to the investigation. There are so many characters (good thing all of them are Muggles) to keep track of, yet it is interesting to see how segments of each interview contribute to Strike’s final conclusion of what happened to Landry.

Another negative is the amount of build-up to the big reveal. Strike solves the puzzle on his own, but the reader and even Robin are left out of the loop for multiple chapters, which was a bit frustrating. Good things do come to those who wait, so the surprising and climatic ending is fun and almost offsets the long anticipation.

Rowling combines mystery and suspense with dramatic twists and distinctive characters to reclaim her writing magic. And, in true Rowling dominance, there is a sequel due out in 2014 (confirmed) and a film adaption (still a rumor) on their way.

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