JK Rowling is best-known as the author of the Harry Potter series of books that were later adapted to movies. It is these books and movies that led to her becoming the most successful author of all time, both in terms of book sales and financial success. However, the Harry Potter series of books are not the only books written by JK Rowling and fantasy fiction is not the only genre in which she writes. Using the Pseudonym Robert Galbraith, JK Rowling has also written a series of crime books. The first of these has now been adapted for television and was aired on August 27 on BBC One. Here is everything you need to know about this new crime drama.
Who is Robert Galbraith?
JK Rowling wanted to write a crime drama series of books using a different name because the name ‘JK Rowling’ is associated with Harry Potter and children’s fantasy fiction. Crime novels written by male authors and Rowling wanted to escape the hype and expectation of writing in the name for which she is best-known.
Shortly after writing the first book, the real identity of Robert Galbraith was revealed in a Sunday newspaper. This resulted in a lawyer being disciplined by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority after he admitted a breach of confidentiality after confiding Robert Galbraith’s identity to a close friend.
Was the Identity of the Writer the Reason it was Snapped Up for TV?
There has been speculation that the reason it has been snapped up for TV is that it was written by JK Rowling. However, she denies this and explains that before her identity was revealed, the book was already selling well. There had also been two offers from production companies who were interested in adapting the books for the screen.
What is ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ About?
A model falls from her apartment window and her death is considered a suicide. When Cormoran Strike, a private investigator, is hired he discovers she was actually murdered. However, the story is not only about this murder investigation; it is also about the friendship that is growing between Strike and his new temp, Robin Ellacott. This is the first book in a mini-series about Cormoran Strike.
Cormoran Strike
Strike is a former Army officer from the Special Investigation Branch. During his time in the army, he investigated military offenses and offenses related to the military. While serving his country in Afghanistan, he lost part of his leg. Another interesting fact is that Strike is the illegitimate son of a rock star called Jonny Rokeby. Strike now works as a private investigator.
Robin Ellacott
Robin Ellacott studied psychology at university before she dropped out. The reason for this is revealed later in the story. She becomes a temp for Cormoran Strike and they develop a strong friendship. She is engaged and her fiancée is displeased that she has decided to work for a private investigator.
Future Cormoran Strike Books
In an interview, JK Rowling has said that there is the potential for future books featuring Cormoran Strike. Although she has no definite plans to write anything as yet, she does have ideas that she may use in the future.
Television Adaptations of Cormoran Strike Books
There are already plans to adapt further Cormoran Strike books for television. In fact, both ‘The Career of Evil’ and ‘The Silkworm’ have already been adapted as two-part stories. ‘The Silkworm’ is about a controversial author disappearing. This two-part crime drama will air immediately after ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’. ‘Career of Evil’ has no definite date for broadcast at this point. The story is about a figure from Strike’s past who has a grudge and comes back to target him.
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