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Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith


      Career of Evil is the latest book published by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, and continues to follow the story of private detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant, Robin Ellacott. This book is vastly different from the preceding two novels in the series, The Cuckoo's Calling  and The Silkworm, as the nature of the crimes and investigation is different.
      In the first two books in this series, the crimes are highly sensationalised and highlighted by the media, pulling a heavy focus on the public side of crime investigation. In Career of Evil the investigation is given much more of a personal element, as the killer is directly targeting Cormoran and Robin. In addition to this, we are given a much more in-depth backstory of Robin Ellacott and her relationship with her fiance, Matt.
      For the most part, I enjoyed Career of Evil, because while both main characters are present and investigating, the story primarily focuses on Robin's investigation and how she balances it with her personal life. It almost mirrors the first book in which the reader got to see how Strike was doing the same thing. There book was well written (no surprise, given who is behind the pseudonym), and there was a very decent suspenseful build throughout the story. Which is why I felt that the final five chapters were such a slap in the face. Without giving away any of the plot or spoilers, I can say that the final climax and resolution felt somehow...rushed, given how the suspense built up to the that point. I very much hope that this series will continue, so that the ending of this book will be justified. All-in-all, it was a good book, a good continuation of a series, and a good set-up for future stories about Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott.
There are 3 books so far in the Cormoran Strike series, and you can find all of them at the Ocean City Free Public Library:

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