The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith: A Must-read for Hardcore Crime Fiction Fans
Title: The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith. Genre: crime fiction. Rating: Amazon-4.7/5 & Goodreads- 4.6/5. Originally published: 26 September 2023.
If you are not familiar with the Strike Series, here is a quick summary:
Private Detective Cormoran Strike, depicted in J.K. Rowling’s pseudonymous works as Robert Galbraith, is a slow-paced yet thrilling crime fiction series.
The narrative unfolds through seven novels: The Cuckoo’s Calling”, The Silkworm, Career of Evil, Lethal White, Troubled Blood, The Ink Black Heart and The Running Grave.
Strike and his business partner, Robin Ellacott, tackle intricate cases, ranging from the death of supermodel Lula Landry in The Cuckoo’s Calling to the disappearance of Margot Bamborough 40 years ago in Troubled Blood.
The series combines intricate plots with the evolving dynamics of its protagonists, creating a captivating exploration of the detective genre.
The Running Grave Novel Summary
In this novel, Private Detective Cormoran Strike receives a distress call from a father whose son, Will, has joined a seemingly peaceful organization, the Universal Humanitarian Church, located in the Norfolk countryside.
The UHC is not what it appears to be as Strike & Robin unveil ominous secrets, including unexplained deaths. To rescue Will, Strike’s partner, Robin Ellacott infiltrates the cult, becoming a member incognito in Norfolk.
Even though she has prepared for the manipulation and several restrictions, nothing could have prepared her for the horror she faces there. It exposes her to unforeseen dangers, taking a toll on her well-being.
Why Read It
If you are a series fan, you don't need a reason to read it. You have probably read it already.
The seventh novel was much awaited after the Ink Black Heart, to know what happens next between Strike & Robin.
The entire series is about the two characters and their development over the years. This include their personal growth as well as taking the agency to the next big level.
But the most important part of the series is how the two characters fall in love with each other and are getting closer to confessing it.
Read The Running Grave for its complex storyline, nail-biting moments, totally unexpected revealing of the “villain”.
Beyond the gripping crime narrative, read it for the evolution of the characters’ ‘love story,’ where subtle development adds a layer of depth to the overall narrative.
It is a tale of grit, determination and will to survive in the most brutal environment. There are moments in the book which will leave you a bit shaken as though you are physically present there.
A Master Storyteller
J.K Rowling is a master storyteller and has the knack of including complex issues into the story organically.
Each case in the series serves as a mirror, reflecting the personal challenges that Strike and Robin grapple with in their own lives.
The intricately woven narratives not only draw readers into the gripping world of crime-solving but also beckon them to contemplate the themes.
As the characters navigate the complexities of each investigation, readers find themselves immersed in a dual exploration — the unraveling mysteries on the surface and the compelling introspection into the characters’ inner worlds.
It’s a literary journey that seamlessly entwines the external and internal, offering readers a thought-provoking experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional crime fiction.
Don't Read It If…….
If you like shorter crime fiction novels, you might find it too long.
The book is almost 1000 pages long. For fans, it’s not an issue.
Slow build-up is an important part of the series and almost all novels in the series are written the same way.
The Takeaway
With The Running Grave, Rowling has proved yet again why she is such a successful writer. The novel will take you to some dark places and make you rethink your perspective about things you think you know.
The story is engaging, gripping and thrilling in its own way. It is not your usual crime novel, but it will keep you hooked for sure.
