I couldn’t think of a better book to jump back into blogging than one by the queen herself.
It’s been a while, and I haven’t felt inspired to create a post over the last couple of months, but I have to pay homage to my girl J. K. Rowling. As always, SHE HAS DELIVERED and I am left in awe of her spectacular story telling ability once again. This 900+ page book flew by and I was left slightly devastated at its conclusion. It was just that good.
One thing I feel must be cleared up before I give a synopsis of the plot and my thoughts:
There has been premature outrage over this book because of the false claims that the perpetrator of the crime Strike and Robin are investigating is a transgender person, furthering the idea that Rowling has an anti-trans platform/agenda. I can tell you with 100% certainty because I actually read this book (instead of being an easily swayed ninny misinformed person) THIS IS FALSE. In no way, shape, or form does this book have anything to do with transgender people or the persecution of them. There are a few moments in the book where witnesses think they’ve seen a male suspect who is trying to disguise himself in women’s clothing. That’s it. That’s the whole debacle. So if you aren’t calling for J.K. Rowling’s head because she has the audacity to speak up for women, you can go ahead, flip the bird to the naysayers, and grab this book now.
Synopsis:
RECAP (ONLY READ IF YOU HAVE READ PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES): – Robin is getting divorced from Matthew because he’s cheating on her with Sarah Shadlock.
-Strike’s aunt is dying of cancer, and the detective agency is balancing on a tightrope between being a rousing success and falling completely apart.
-There’s the unbearable chemistry between Strike and Robin that continues to go unacknowledged/acted upon. *sigh*
Strike is approached by a woman named Anna and her wife about finding Anna’s mother, Margaret Bamborough, who disappeared 35 years ago without a trace. Her mother was a successful doctor who came from a difficult background, but was a shining example of feminism and making a difference in the lives of all of the women around her. Even if they didn’t particularly fancy her help or advice. Though Anna’s family believes Margaret left of her own volition, Anna is adamant about finding her mother, even if it means having to come to terms with the fact she was abandoned.
The trail is cold, Strike and Robin only have one year to solve Margaret’s disappearance, and the only case information they have to reference has been derived by a police officer who was balancing on the edge of insanity. His notes are full of astrological star signs and theories about how each potential suspect’s sign may dictate their innocence or guilt. Amongst this tangle of theories is the probability that Margaret fell victim to the notorious serial killer, Dennis Creed, and is amongst the unknown number of women slaughtered by his hand.
As they navigate the timeline of events leading up to Margaret’s disappearance, Strike and Robin discover that there are far more people who wished Margaret ill than initially thought. Her divergent nature as a woman with dissenting views about a female’s purpose and her outspoken opinions about the patriarchal society she’ hell bent on defying might have been the motive strong enough for someone to kill over.
As they juggle this case with the many others in the queue, Robin and Strike continue to have their own personal problems to face, both individually and with each other. The story delves into their lives, bringing to the surface all of the ugly and haunting truths that keep them from being vulnerable with one another. But will finding Margaret Bamborough be the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel for their true feelings…or a final nail in the coffin?
I can honestly say, this was the most fast paced, completely engrossing 900+ page book I have ever read. There was not a moment when I wasn’t locked into the story. And I think the major reason for this is because of how vivid the imagery is in Rowling’s writing. She makes the reader feel so immersed in the scene, whether it be Strike bumbling along the London Underground on his insufferable false leg or when Robin is having to suffer through the unwanted attentions of a sleazy subcontractor.
I feel very attached to both of these characters because they’ve shared their most intimate, sometimes shameful, thoughts. Their imperfection is intriguing, but they’re also so mind-blowingly clever with an undercurrent of charm. There’s one scene in particular that had me smiling like an idiot. See if you can figure out which one it is, because I bet you’ll grin too.
Honestly, I will always be a huge supporter if Rowling. Her talent is undeniable, her writing is too spectacular for any words I could possibly use.
If you are truly a reader, you believe in the power of words, and you’re a bit of a rebel when people tell you not to support a particular author – then I would get this book. I promise, it feels good to read something for yourself and tell haters to kick rocks those who don’t agree with you that’s a shame. Have a nice life.
Happy & healthy reading!
Lexi
I can’t wait to read it. 🙂