The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Lethal White is the 4th book in the Cormoran Strike series by JK Rowling. This one was a pretty hefty book. Much like the Harry Potter series, the books get progressively longer as she goes along. There is a tension between the two main characters. I usually hate this because you know that the minute they have a relationship the series is over because that tension is gone. I am wondering if Rowling is a good enough writer to have her characters go into a relationship and survive . . .

The Good – Rowling does an excellent job of character development. Her foreshadowing crosses books, not just chapters. You are in it for the long haul with these characters, which isn’t a bad thing. This book backed off the sexual themes of the last two and it was more like the first book. The story is compelling and while the whodunnit part is excellent, the characters are so good that is what I get tangled up in.

I want to mention her female protagonist Robin here. Robin, to me, is the epitome of a strong woman. Yet, Rowling doesn’t feel the need to Mary Sue her at all. We know Robin has limitations and she struggles against them, but also accepts them. Her journey to self realization and healing is a maturation process that we all go through, so her struggle is familiar even as it is different. Rowling’s voice here is very strongly feminist.

The Bad – It is a long book. If you are looking for a quick mystery, this isn’t it. Rowling weaves a tale that is told in two parts. You have the crime to solve and you have our two protagonists lives. Each part of the tale is entwined in one another, but they could also stand alone. There is great depth in the character development.

The Ugly – Nothing to bad here. Again, these books aren’t for kids. Cormoran’s sex life is front and center in the book. He also has a very unhealthy relationship with his ex-fiancee. Robin’s marriage has infedility.