Gripping, fascinating and very very likeable.

What did you like most about The Silkworm?

Strike continues to unfold into an incredibly stubbly character, sullied and brilliant. Also the storytelling and description is a powerful whirlpool.

Any additional comments?

I just loved this book, a great sequel... Really looking forward to Book 3!

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7 people found this helpful

Robin and Strike, book 2

Would you listen to The Silkworm again? Why?

Yes, in the fullness of time, because I enjoy the central characters, Robin and Strike, and the way their histories and lifestyles are believably depicted, and their relationship is developed for the reader largely via their separate internal thoughts. The author is very strong at creating colourful, distinct characters whose actions are always true to the inner landscapes they keep hidden but the reader knows well.
As with all good mysteries, I enjoy the way the author weaves clues throughout the book and the minor characters' actions keep you guessing.

Would you recommend The Silkworm to your friends? Why or why not?

I would. Although Robert Glenister's narration takes a while to get used to and he falters on changes of accent very occasionally, overall it is well done, and he performs the dialogue very well. If anybody read/listened to the first Strike book and enjoyed it, they will no doubt want to find out what happens next in the lives of Cormoran and Robin.

What does Robert Glenister bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He performs the dialogue brilliantly, getting across emotions, grudging sentiment and evasiveness of characters particularly well. The accents are generally believable, and he plays the humour of various scenes in Strike's office nicely.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I enjoy the switches between Robin's perspective and Strike's, and the snowy car journey out to Devon is a good example of this - we see Strike's admiration of Robin increase along with Robin's own self-esteem - it's a nice passage which cements their budding professional partnership, respect and friendship even under incredible pressure. I found myself desperately hoping Robin would make the train in time (even feeling that her engagement is surely doomed - I didn't want it to fall out under the horrible circumstance of missing her mother-in-law to-be's funeral!) which surely shows how I have connected to and warmed to the character, something that doesn't happen with every book you read.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to a third book, hopefully with a more exciting mystery - I wasn't invested in the Quine murder in quite the same way I found myself hooked on the mystery of Lula's balcony drop in the first book. Ultimately, I am really enjoying the two central characters and want to read more of their Christie-esque sleuthing.

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5 people found this helpful

Loving these Cormoran Strike books

Having listen to the first book 'The Cookoo Calling' , I was looking forward to the second book in the series and I wasn't disappointed. There are several complex characters/suspects set in the world of authors & publishing. The descriptions of the winter setting of snowy London made me feel very cold & I even felt like I was experiencing the blizzardy weather in some places. The working relationship between the two main characters Comoran Strike & Robin Ellacot is developing well. Robert Glenisters narration is perfect & I could envisage the characters in a dramatisation. Unlike a few other reviewers I thoroughly enjoyed this second book, would recommend it & urge others to listen & make up there own minds.

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2 people found this helpful

Loved it.

This was fast pace, intregeing, enjoyed every minute change of genre for me glad I did.

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silkworm

very good, enjoyed listening to it, got better as it progressed. looking forward to the next one.

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excellent book

loved the book, had me gripped until the end.
I hope there are a few more on the way

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Rowling’s an ex smoker can you tell?

I found this gripping and compelling, listened to it all in one go. Great characters

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Awesome. love the protaganist

Great story with a bit of development for Robin. love the characters even the ones your supposed to hate!

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Dont think I can stand any more

What is the point of all the quotes before each chapter? It is annoying, irritating needless and unnecessary for the plot. Every time I hear one I think that the author is trying to make up for shoddy writing by trying to convince the reader that she is well read. Pathetic enough to put me right off. The stories are ok but the quotes? NO.

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Unputdownable

I started listening to audiobooks last year so that I could do other things and still consume books. I loved A Casual Vacancy so tried the Strike books about 3 weeks ago. They are so good that I have listened to all 4 since: when I wake up, when I go to the allotment or into the garden and when I am knitting. As a journo and editor, I tend to notice more than others when someone's writing does not flow effortlessly. As a former performer, I also notice bad acting. Both hurt. But here is that rare combination of great, simple, apparently effortless writing combined with great performance skills. Listening to Robert Galbraith is like listening to a friend tell a story. Listening to Robert Glenister is like listening to a cast of thousands. I forget I am listening and I am there. There's nothing more than one can ask of a book than to forget the one is where one is and not in the thick of it, with the characters. A perfect combination. Thank you both so much. Now all I have to do is wait 3 months for Book 5.

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