3rd of 7 owned

A fat thriller, immediately engrossing, as you are reading the thoughts of the killer ...
Enjoyable read, a veritable page turner.
Warning, the language and scenes are quite gross in places.

I needed a dictionary a few times to keep up with the author's vocabulary.
I also increased my vocabulary with local lingo:
Fat Rascal= a cross between a bun and a scone
'eau de nil'= a pale greenish colour
'Whit a reedy'= bit embarrassed ( )

Once again, Cormoran Strike (and his sidekick Robin) did not disappoint. Although, and I have a feeling I've said this before about titles in this series, the mystery almost takes a back seat to the relationship between Strike and Robin. By design of course, and perhaps a little distracting, but entertaining and ultimately satisfying. The fact that Robin herself appears to be the target of the murderer this time provides a canvas for some background and character development for her in particular. It also creates tension that adds to the already present romantic tension between her and Strike. So, although the perspective changes, from Robin and Strike to the killer, seemed a bit hackneyed at times, even unnecessary, it all seemed to work. I tried to figure out which of the three suspects was the killer but I couldn't guess before the Big Reveal this time. No matter. ( )

Welp, she's done it again. Darker, scarier, and more violent than the first two, but unequivocally brilliant. When it comes to constructing a story, I increasingly think she's the best living writer in the English language. ( )

Even though the title immediately made me think of the Blue Öyster Cult, it wasn't until I opened the book that I realized it actually was in reference to it. So many Blue Öyster Cult references! They've made my favourite song of all time (Burnin' For You), so that was a nice surprise.

The book was as good as the rest of the series. The blurb promised plot twist upon plot twist, which it didn't really delived, but it was nice and enjoyable nonetheless. The biggest "twist" came at the end, but it worked really well and made sense so I liked that. It so easily explained everything yet I totally didn't see it coming. That's pretty much what I expected from a crime novel by Rowling though.

Gonna put this whole thing under spoilers though. The romance!? I don't know. I've realized in my head Strike is like 20 years older than he actually is, which made all the comments about him and Robin really creepy until I realized my mistake. I'm still not sure I like it. I kinda like his crush on her, but I don't want her to reciprocate? That's how I ship ...

But oh my gods, I HATE Matthew. Never liked that douche and especially not after this one. Like he's 100% the worst and Robin should dump him, but she should NOT run into Strike's arms as soon as she does. Be single for a while, girl! Live a little, for fuck's sake. Or find someone who is supportive but not holds some weird power over you. It's not really the mark of a good relationship.

On the plus side I really started to like Robin more in this one. She stands up for herself and takes charge more, I felt, and that was nice. I still can't really relate to her need to get married and be with a douche like Matthew, but maybe that's just me.

Oh well, I am in desperate need for a sequel now! ( )