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Career of Evil: Cormoran Strike Book 3 Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 70,641 ratings

***The 7th novel in the Strike series, THE RUNNING GRAVE, is coming in September 2023. Pre-order now and be the first to read it***

'Deliriously clever' GUARDIAN

-----

Now a major BBC drama: The Strike series

When a mysterious package is delivered to Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman's severed leg.

Her boss, private detective Cormoran Strike, is less surprised but no less alarmed. There are four people from his past who he thinks could be responsible - and Strike knows that any one of them is capable of sustained and unspeakable brutality.

With the police focusing on the one suspect Strike is increasingly sure is
not the perpetrator, he and Robin take matters into their own hands, and delve into the dark and twisted worlds of the other three men. But as more horrendous acts occur, time is running out for the two of them...

A fiendishly clever mystery with unexpected twists around every corner, Career of Evil is also a gripping story of a man and a woman at a crossroads in their personal and professional lives. You will not be able to put this book down.

*** The latest book in the thrilling Strike series, TROUBLED BLOOD, is out now! ***

-----


PRAISE FOR THE STRIKE SERIES:

'One of the most unique and compelling detectives I've come across in years' MARK BILLINGHAM

'The work of a master storyteller' DAILY TELEGRAPH

'Unputdownable. . . Irresistible' SUNDAY TIMES

'Will keep you up all night' OBSERVER

'A thoroughly enjoyable classic' PETER JAMES, SUNDAY EXPRESS

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 8 books in this series.

Product description

Review

"Sparklingly witty [and] unexpectedly moving"―Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times

"Hugely entertaining . . . This gifted storyteller has taken full command of the new turf. . . .
Career of Evil succeeds powerfully on its own terms."―Lloyd Sachs, Chicago Tribune

"A refreshing change to the genre . . . Every bit as impressive as [
The Cuckoo's Calling] . . . Let's hope the sardonic Cormoran Strike is here to stay."―Barry Forshaw, Independent [UK]

"Another triumph . . . Its darkness is mitigated by its sparkling protagonists."―
Kim Hubbard, People

"Bloody good . . . The author's trademark plotting has lost none of its propulsive readability."―
Daneet Steffens, Boston Globe

"An entertaining novel . . . The denouement is violent, unexpected and satisfying."―
Marcel Berlins, The Times [UK]

"Gripping . . . A step forward for the series . . . An absorbing book, pulpy, fast and satisfying."―
Charles Finch, New York Times Book Review

"A deliriously clever plot"―
Christobel Kent, Guardian [UK]

"Pure pleasure. . . . That's what makes these novels so good: They are clever, tightly plotted mysteries with all of the most pleasurable elements of the genre (good guy, bad guy, clues, twists, murder!), but with stunning emotional and moral shading."―
Annalisa Quinn, NPR

"Strike and Robin are just as magnetic as ever." ―
Michiko Kakutani, New York Times

"Satisfying . . . Strike and Robin are as powerful a fictional pairing as any in recent memory. . . . Galbraith demonstrates a breezy command of the intricacies of both the central mystery and of the form itself."―
Robert Wiersema, Toronto Star

"
Career of Evil is the third--and best--novel in the engaging Cormoran Strike private detective series. . . . [Galbraith has] invented a serial killer for the ages, one who chills us from the book's grim but riveting opening. . . . This perfectly paced mystery is packed with surprises, all of which play out with flawless crime-fiction logic."―Jocelyn McClurg, USA Today (4/4 stars)

"As readable and exciting as ever . . . Fans of the intrepid duo are in for some shocks."―
Jake Kerridge, Telegraph [UK]

From the Inside Flap

The third book in the highly acclaimed crime fiction series by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.
When a mysterious package is delivered to Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman's severed leg.

Her boss, private detective Cormoran Strike, is less surprised but no less alarmed. There are four people from his past who he thinks could be responsible - and Strike knows that any one of them is capable of sustained and unspeakable brutality.

With the police focusing on the one suspect Strike is increasingly sure is not the perpetrator, he and Robin take matters into their own hands, and delve into the dark and twisted worlds of the other three men. But as more horrendous acts occur, time is running out for the two of them...

A fiendishly clever mystery with unexpected twists around every corner, Career of Evil is also a gripping story of a man and a woman at a crossroads in their personal and professional lives. You will not be able to put this book down.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00ZFZCZXK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sphere
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 20 Oct. 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 609 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0751563603
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 8 ‏ : ‎ Cormoran Strike
  • Customer reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 70,641 ratings

About the author

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Robert Galbraith
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Robert Galbraith’s Cormoran Strike series is classic contemporary crime fiction from a master story-teller, rich in plot, characterisation and detail. Galbraith’s debut into crime fiction garnered acclaim amongst critics and crime fans alike. The first three novels The Cuckoo’s Calling (2013), The Silkworm (2014) and Career of Evil (2015) all topped the national and international bestseller lists and have been adapted for television, produced by Brontë Film and Television. The fourth in the series, Lethal White (2018), is out now.

Robert Galbraith is a pseudonym of J.K. Rowling, bestselling author of the Harry Potter series and The Casual Vacancy, a novel for adults. After Harry Potter, the author chose crime fiction for her next books, a genre she has always loved as a reader. She wanted to write a contemporary whodunit, with a credible back story.

J.K. Rowling’s original intention for writing as Robert Galbraith was for the books to be judged on their own merit, and to establish Galbraith as a well-regarded name in crime in its own right.

Now Robert Galbraith’s true identity is widely known, J.K. Rowling continues to write the crime series under the Galbraith pseudonym to keep the distinction from her other writing and so people will know what to expect from a Cormoran Strike novel.

https://robert-galbraith.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CormoranStrikeNovelsOfficial

Twitter: @RGalbraith

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
70,641 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a compelling addition to the Cormoran Strike series, with a detailed and intricate plot that twists and turns throughout. The writing is well-crafted, and customers appreciate the character development, particularly the deep insight into the two main protagonists and their relationship. The pacing is well-balanced, and customers describe it as an absolute page turner. The book receives mixed reactions regarding its content, with some customers finding it too graphically violent against women, while others appreciate the interesting personal lives portrayed.

375 customers mention ‘Writing quality’341 positive34 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer noting its brutal modern style.

"...I found this to be a very engaging read and feel it can be read as a stand-alone...." Read more

"...'s Calling, The Silkworm and now Career of Evil – have been beautifully written, and are extremely well plotted...." Read more

"...Cannot recommend it enough. Robert Galbraith is an assured and accomplished writer...." Read more

"...Very descriptive and detailed locations and ‘interesting’ characters!" Read more

368 customers mention ‘Character development’348 positive20 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the well-written scenes and the enjoyable relationship between the two main characters.

"...Cormoran Strike is a wonderfully conceived character. We love every part of him, and his new found detective partner Robin...." Read more

"...as emotionally fragile, compassionate, tenacious and highly skilled as a investigator...." Read more

"...Very descriptive and detailed locations and ‘interesting’ characters!" Read more

"...Although there are some interesting individual aspects to Cormoran's character he still fits the stereotype of the detective unable to manage his..." Read more

124 customers mention ‘Pacing’87 positive37 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, noting it reads in record time, with one customer mentioning it never dragged for a single moment, while another describes it as a brilliant slow burner.

"...to build the maximum level of tension and suspense with a fast paced narrative. I found it an entertaining, gripping and absorbing read...." Read more

"...are well rounded and the plot is intricately constructed and holds you in its thrall to the very end...." Read more

"...The only problem is that I read the book too fast and cannot find anything at least as good as to keep me entertained." Read more

"...cleverly keeping three interwoven lines until the end, is slowly but brutally told, with twists right up to the last few pages...." Read more

86 customers mention ‘Page turner’86 positive0 negative

Customers describe this book as a classic page turner that keeps readers engaged throughout.

"This book was a real page turner, great read for anyone who lives crime novels I loved it. Thank you Josie X" Read more

"...100 pages to read but I am enjoying it so far and finding it a real page-turner with my attention definitely grabbed by the arresting first chapter...." Read more

"...I think it's a brilliant example of its genre. I hope there are lots more." Read more

"...Not necessary, Robert, you write a good story and it is a page turner. You've got a great hero in Cormoran, no need for too much embellishment." Read more

72 customers mention ‘Romance’72 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this Cormoran Strike novel, describing it as a compelling addition to the series.

"...Where it really excels is in characterisation with in depth backstories of Cormoran and his history with the three main suspects in this story and..." Read more

"...A long book but keeps you reading avidly. I enjoy the interplay between Strike and Robin...." Read more

"Love Cormorant, Robin and all the motley crew. Also admire the plotting and the way she writes." Read more

"...On the good side, I like the idea of Cormoran Strike novels...." Read more

103 customers mention ‘Gruesomeness’49 positive54 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's gruesome elements, with several noting the excessive violence against women, though one customer appreciates how these elements are well integrated into the story.

"...For me though, just too much dark crime and horrifying detail although I appreciate others have enjoyed the content." Read more

"...I can see her having great fun creating the depraved, brutal, and ruthless monsters that are Whittaker, Laing and Brockbank...." Read more

"...The body count is high and all three suspects are sadistic misogynists – as you’d expect, the chapters from the anonymous killer are particularly..." Read more

"...It started off spectacularly with a gruesome introduction which made me think Strike was dealing with a new kind of villain entirely...." Read more

87 customers mention ‘Thought provoking’54 positive33 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's thought-provoking content, with some appreciating the interesting personal lives portrayed, while others find it meandering and lacking depth.

"...She comes across as emotionally fragile, compassionate, tenacious and highly skilled as a investigator...." Read more

"...For me this was a thoroughly disquieting and unpleasant read and I wish I'd never bought this book. It is very rare for me to write such a thing." Read more

"...I like the descriptions of the journeys to follow up possible criminals because it does get across the realism of managing to work on a case when..." Read more

"...seemed to explore Strike and Robin's past histories and private lives in more detail...." Read more

Really enjoyed the first two books
5 out of 5 stars
Really enjoyed the first two books
Really enjoyed the first two books , and loving the third book , easy to read and the characters are superb hope there are more to come 👍
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 December 2024
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Career of Evil (Comoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith.

    And welcome to the third Comoran Strike novel which gets off to a very grizzly start indeed. A mysterious package is delivered to his assistant Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman’s severed leg.

    WOW! This book has an extensive and involved plot which makes for a very long story, running to 609 pages. I found this to be a very engaging read and feel it can be read as a stand-alone. There is just the right amount of back-story to bring new readers up to speed or to refresh the memory of readers who have read the two other novels.

    I am now feeling very much at home spending so much time with Comoran and Robin, it is as if I grew up with them! I love the very descriptive writing and extensive vocabulary used. Although some characters from previous books return and the format and writing style is the same, what is different with Career of Evil, is that there are short chapters from the bad guy’s point of view, adding to the tension.

    I love how the chemistry between Comoran and Robin has advanced. Their relationship and conversations add so much to the story, for example…

    ‘Read the stories?’ he asked, pointing at an abandoned Mirror on a nearby table. ‘Only online,’ said Robin. ‘Hopefully it’ll bring in some information,’ said Strike. ‘Someone must’ve noticed they’re missing a leg.’ ‘Ha ha,’ said Robin. ‘Too soon?’ ‘Yes,’ said Robin coldly.

    I liked how living and working in London was handled, giving the reader an educated feel of the non-tourist culture of the London area. The ending was good with all the bits and pieces tied together.

    Career of Evil is yet another OUTSTANDING 5 star read from Robert Galbraith.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 January 2016
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Career of Evil, the third novel in Galbraith's Cormoran Strike series, sees the private investigator and his assistant Robin investigating a case that starts with them receiving a severed leg by courier. Convinced that the motivation behind the crime is personal, Cormoran and Robin begin to investigate a number of unsavoury characters from Cormoran's past.

    As the police begin to focus on an individual that Cormoran is increasingly sure is the wrong person, they begin to focus on the other suspects to prevent further crimes being committed.

    I love this series. All three novels – The Cuckoo's Calling, The Silkworm and now Career of Evil – have been beautifully written, and are extremely well plotted. With unexpected twists at every turn, this has become one of my favourite crime series, and I'm really hope that there are more to come.

    I love the slightly strained relationship between Cormoran and Robin. There are undertones of sexual tension between them that make their relationship interesting, although they both strive to maintain a purely professional relationship. But, they are becoming friends, and the line between their professional and private lives is starting to become a little blurred. I think it will be really interesting to see where this goes.
    One particular aspect that I was pleased to see addressed was the constant battle between Robin and her fiancé Matthew. The constant tension between them – caused largely by his displeasure over her choice of career and his dislike (jealousy) of Cormoran was becoming a little tiresome, and so I was glad that things come to head in this novel. I won't tell you the outcome – but I was glad that this didn't just continue in the same vein as the previous two novels.

    Career of Evil is, I think, the first in the series to have chapters told from the perspective of the perpetrator. I thought that this added something new, and it's great to see the author doing things differently and keeping the series fresh – something that it isn't always easy to do with a crime series. And, if you think that seeing things from the bad guy's perspective might reveal who that person is, don't worry, it doesn't. Career of Evil kept me guessing to the end, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

    For the fourth book in the series – please let there be a fourth book in the series! – I'd like to see Cormoran and Robin working on a more equal footing. I think that Robin has shown that she has her own set of skills, and is capable of operating as his partner. This move from assistant to partner is starting to occur – Robin does take on more investigative duties in this novel – but there's still a sense that she's an assistant doing a little extra, rather than working as a partner in her own right.

    If you've read and enjoyed the first two novels, Career of Evil is just as good, and the personal element to this case gives it a slightly different vibe to the first two. If you haven't read any of this series, what are you waiting for!? I can't recommend them enough.

    Review originally posted on josbookblog.co.uk
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 March 2025
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Galbraith has had me on the edge of my seat and unable to close this novel until I got to the end!
    Cormoran Strike is a wonderfully conceived character. We love every part of him, and his new found detective partner Robin. I was so invested in their developing relationship, both professional and personal, by the end of the novel I was shouting at the book!
    Hats off to the author here, great story telling!!
    Just about to start the next in the series!
    I urge you to read these books.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • つぶあん
    5.0 out of 5 stars 翻訳されてなかったので
    Reviewed in Japan on 24 May 2025
    待てど暮らせど新刊が発売されず…気付くと何年も経っていたので、思い切って購入しました。自分の英語力は高校英語で止まってますが、英和辞典とiPhone片手に読み進めるだけ進んでいこうと思います。
    Report
  • Claire Dixsaut
    5.0 out of 5 stars Déjà classique
    Reviewed in France on 11 July 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Dévoré à la suite des deux précédents et toujours pas déçue.
    L'un des meilleurs tandems de détectives du polar actuel. L'intrigue est rusée, la langue est malicieuse, les héros attachants et les méchants abjects comme il se doit.
    On voit un peu moins Londres dans celui-ci, mais pour compenser, on se promène dans des coins d'Angleterre où ça ne viendrait
    à l'Idée de personne d'aller passer la journée.
    À lire après les deux premiers.
    Un régal pour amateurs de polars.
  • Lara
    5.0 out of 5 stars love, love, love
    Reviewed in Australia on 5 November 2024
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Great read. Plots fast & involving several suspects but manageable. If anything the extra side roads and stories just add to the excitement. A wonderful roller coaster ride…
  • zidane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Solo quiero leer el siguiente.
    Reviewed in Mexico on 7 August 2020
    El desarrollo de personaje es grandioso, ciertamente se ocupa un poco haber leído los anteriores pero una gran novela y un gran misterio.
  • Emily Helal
    5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly satisfying, can't-put-down thriller
    Reviewed in Egypt on 19 July 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    By far the strongest in Robert Galbraith's Cormoran Strike series. I was hooked from the very first page.

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