Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith

Synopsis

“When a mysterious package is delivered to Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman’s severed leg. Her boss, private detective Cormoran Strike, is less surprised but no less alarmed. There are four people from his past who he thinks could be responsible – and Strike knows that any one of them is capable of sustained and unspeakable brutality. With the police focusing on the one suspect Strike is increasingly sure is not the perpetrator, he and Robin take matters into their own hands, and delve into the dark and twisted worlds of the other three men. But as more horrendous acts occur, time is running out for the two of them…”

-Synopsis from Goodreads

Review

This is less of a review and more of me just sharing my random thoughts on this book

Last week I read this book for the second time. It continues to be my favorite book of the series so far. The stakes are so high for both Robin and Strike, the suspense surrounding the case and their personal lives builds from the very beginning, and we learn so much about Robin as both she and Strike become even stronger characters than in the previous two books. What’s not to love about all of that?

When I first read this book three years ago, the alternating chapters with the serial killer narrating gave me nightmares. That wasn’t the case this time around. I had planned to skim-read them, but since they so frequently involved Robin, I gave in and read them in full. Although they were still incredibly disturbing, it wasn’t as bad as I had remembered.

I forgot just how big of a role Shanker plays in this story, and how much I enjoyed his character! He saves the day for both Robin and Strike more than once – I hope we get to see him in future books!

And of course, Matthew was even more annoying in this book than I remembered. I really don’t like him at all – and I can’t believe that Robin went back to him after everything that happened. As much as I like her, it pains me to have to see this “growth” she goes through during this book.

The final chapters were just as breathtaking as I remember them, particularly that wild ride Shanker and Strike take to Yorkshire and what happens when they arrive. Swoon!

While I was reading this book, the cover for Troubled Blood was released, along with the full synopsis. You can take a look at both here, if you’re interested. It is supposedly Galbraith’s favorite book of the series, which is building up a lot of anticipation for me already. I really am excited for it!

Next month I’ll be re-reading Lethal White (Cormoran Strike #4) and then it’s the countdown to Troubled Blood!