43 Comments

Your review really makes me want to read it. I don't know about having the time, but it sounds great.

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I gave up reading crime novels back when I had real life horrors with a stalker and felt that I needed to cleanse my mind of the fear of all that could happen. I presently wanted to support JK though, and ordering the Strike series was an easy in. And I really enjoyed them. Book 3 has a part - no spoiler! - where Robin is in a situation which she is able to resolve and overcome on her own and it felt like a gift to me, and the me with the things I had personally been through. I'm sure you'll be able to break it down better than that once read, but it to me was powerful. I watch the series too, and like all TV, it isn't the books, but they do well and it's cast very well, and I always look forward to the adaptations coming out. I'm now tackling Harry Potter for the first time ever! I just finished book three and I'm totally invested for book four. To have an ounce of her talent for story telling would be a wondrous thing. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series. This review was spot on, you nailed her nailing of it, and I hope the woman herself gets to read it sometime.

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Mar 16, 2023Liked by Holly MathNerd

I have enjoyed the TV adaptations. The 4th was recently released. They focus on the main stories of each volume but still manage to include a lot of the “world building” of the books. The casting is good. Last summer I was looking for a new British series to watch with my elderly mother and decided to introduce Strike to her. She hasn’t read the books but she likes mysteries. My father walked in, a man who rarely watches mystery series with us, and absolutely fell in love with the Strike character. So much so, he managed to navigate to the HBO Max on their smart TV to finish series/books 1-3 in a couple weeks. (He is 89.) Rowling sent the 7th manuscript to the publishers recently so there will another book to enjoy soon.

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This review is the first time I've wanted to read a Rowling book.

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Mar 16, 2023Liked by Holly MathNerd

I've read all the books except Ink Black Heart---I'm in line for the e-book at my library. But I've read all the others in the series, and I think you are in for a real treat. I really enjoyed all of them except one, which dragged a bit but which was still worthwhile reading.

Also just watched the TV series and was pleasantly surprised at the good job they did. As in most British productions, the acting and cinematography are first-rate. It's amusing how they try to make the actor playing Cormoran (the actor is a handsome, in-shape bloke) look slovenly and overweight by having him wear about eight layers of clothes and coats. Doesn't work, he's still yummy lol.

Finally, it took me forever to realize what should have been obvious: JK Rowling has a consistent theme throughout all the books where she highlights the problems women often face as women. Normally that might turn me off because although as a woman I get it completely, I don't want women portrayed as saints or men all portrayed as monsters. Rowling does a good job of showing women in full, though, including every bit of our human faults.

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I struggle with audiobooks. I can podcast from here to eternity, but my mind wanders from fiction on audio. When I read, I can stop and think and turn over an idea. Audio I just keep losing my spot. I shall try though! I heard he does great voices!

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Mar 16, 2023Liked by Holly MathNerd

Thanks for the book review Holly. My husband and I are currently watching the series and love it. Will definitely read the books. Also want to add a plug here for the new podcast "The Witch Trials of J. K. Rowling". The host, Megan Phelps-Roper, has done a fantastic job researching and presenting the recent cultural unheaval that led to Rowling's "canceling". Rowling invited Phelps-Roper to her home in Scotland where they had lengthy conversations ranging from Rowling's hardscrabble past to her years as a feminist activist and finally to her current embattled situation. Rowling is clearly a deep and perceptive observer of social movements and their consequences. Highly recommended.

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Mar 16, 2023Liked by Holly MathNerd

Great recommendation. I bought a copy right after I finished reading your post, and I'm excited to start it

I hope you'll put a referral link in your next book review, if it's possible. I would have been happy to click it and you get you a few dollars

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Mar 16, 2023Liked by Holly MathNerd

I wasn’t expecting a book review so quickly but it confirmed everything I thought about how valuable it would be to have your perspective in a review. I had not read this book but I can’t wait now. I too was an adult when the Potter books came out, and experienced them only through my children and the cultural phenomenon. I’m also enjoying the witch trials podcast immensely.

I’ve already ordered the book. Your work is much appreciated!

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I have no desire to read anything from JK Rowling. Her novels have mislead a generation (or 2) of young people, drawing them into the world of witchcraft. There are too many classic stories that have been enjoyed for generations, but forgotten now. Stories which help you understand what out world was like, a thousand years ago; one hundred years ago; just pick a time. They help you understand what our world - our country - has endured, good AND evil. One can't learn from history if one never learns it.

I think her Potter Series are just another addiction such as evil video games, where, even though you're the "hero", you do evil things to "win".

I don't plan on reading anything from her or Steven King, or...

Just my opinion...

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I listened to the first book and really enjoyed it. I loved the main characters! You’ve inspired me to keep going with the series. I read in another review (which was not half so convincing as yours!) that you can’t follow the story unless you are reading a print copy. Do you agree?

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Mar 18, 2023Liked by Holly MathNerd

It *had* occurred to me that it was possible that the creators of Tumblr might need to be tried for Crimes Against Humanity.

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Characters with silly names. Fails triage.

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