The Running Grave

A Cormoran Strike Novel

By: Robert Galbraith

Narrated by: Robert Glenister

In this New York Times bestselling installment of the "outrageously entertaining" Strike series (Financial Times), detective duo Cormoran and Robin must rescue a man ensnared in the trap of a dangerous cult.​

Private Detective Cormoran Strike is contacted by a worried father whose son, Will, has gone to join a religious cult in the depths of the Norfolk countryside.

The Universal Humanitarian Church is, on the surface, a peaceable organization that campaigns for a better world. Yet Strike discovers that beneath the surface there are deeply sinister undertones, and unexplained deaths.

In order to try to rescue Will, Strike's business partner, Robin Ellacott, decides to infiltrate the cult, and she travels to Norfolk to live incognito among its members. But in doing so, she is unprepared for the dangers that await her there or for the toll it will take on her. . .

Utterly gripping, The Running Grave moves Strike's and Robin's story forward in this epic, unforgettable seventh installment of the series.

©2023 Robert Galbraith (P)2023 Mulholland Books

Brilliant

The Running Grave is a brilliant addition to the series. Solid 5 Stars. After struggling to get through the Ink Black Heart, I will admit that I approached this book with some trepidation, and the Blog in the prolog honestly scared me. However, those feelings quickly dissipated, and The Running Grave emerged as one of the best books of the series so far. It was hard to put down and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I listened to the audio version narrated by Robert Glenister, and I thought his narration was outstanding, complimenting Galbraith’s writing and adding to the story. While I recognized a difference in the accepted American pronunciation of I Ching, or Yi Jing, I do not speak Chinese, and simply attributed this difference to the British interpretation. Apparently, this issue has a number of devotees outraged, a fact that I find a bit amusing since they are arguing about an English narrator's pronunciation of what is a translation from ancient Chinese. Not sure how you prove what is correct.

The Running Grave is a well-researched and extremely well-written look into the inner workings and operations of a cult and examines the brainwashing techniques used to manipulate people. For those who think they could never be taken in by such obvious lies, I would caution you not to be so sure and suggest you would be surprised how quickly sleep deprivation, stress, a lack of food, and total emersion into such an insular society can quickly warp the beliefs of even strong-willed and educated people. Resistance is aided if you happen to be a stubborn pain in the ass, but even then, with the right pressure, and just enough credibility, and regardless of how intelligent you are, you might be convinced to go get that vaccine.

In my mind, what makes Cormoran and Robin such likable characters is their dedication to finding the truth, and their strength of courage to stand up for their convictions in the pursuit of truth, even when it is hard. We live in a society where being liked is of extreme importance and many people are afraid to express their beliefs for fear of going against the popular opinion. A society where people no longer know how to respectfully debate different opinions and failing to go along is met with hostility, and attention-seeking actions that were at one time relegated to middle school and high school have become common occurrences in life and on social media. Not willing or capable of debating an issue, just glue yourself to the pavement in front of traffic or to a priceless piece of art. Try that in Saudi Arabia where punishment by amputation is enforced and can be witnessed weekly.

Robin and Strike are not superheroes, they are definitely not perfect, they are human characters willing to stand up for what they believe is right, knowing there will be consequences. It is hard not to like them and I can’t wait to see where the story takes them next.

Corm and Robin solve another one!

JKR really is a good writer. Love her stories and characters, and Glenister brings them to life so well. Great listen!

Overly complicated but still good

I love the Strike series, and Robin and Strike's dynamic is dynamite. But this plot is overloaded with unnecessary characters and red herrings. And the end to the case is too complicated.

Incredible!

Who doesn’t love a good cult story?!? Perfectly encapsulates what radical feminists are up against. I read the ridiculous reviews trying to say that she’s “fat shaming” by writing how it’s prevalent in our society? Also the non-binary reviewer is unable to understand the appeal of Strike to straight women because he’s “grumpy”? He’s “grumpy” when he’s hungry or when Ryan’s around & it’s “bloody” hilarious. I was nervous when I thought I was at the end of the book & subsequently thrilled when I had 5 hours to go. I don’t understand people who are complaining about the length, honestly I wanted to listen to all of the trials as well. About to listen for a 2nd time. Give us more!!! 💕 In sisterhood. 💞

Glenister, as always, is pitch perfect

I’m always glad to be in the company of Robin and Strike, but I found this book a bit ponderous. It didn’t tell me anything I don’t know about cults. As always, Glenister is pitch perfect.

I ❤️ Strike and Robin

I cannot wait until the next comes out! I just love these characters and stories so much! Just like the other books, I had no idea who “did it” until the very end. Fabulous book, fabulous narrator.

Amazing

The writing and character development really puts you in the book with the characters. Just love this series. Already looking forward to the next book!

Excellent as always!

Another binge listen. Love the Strike series. Already looking forward to the next one soon!

Love book seven on the Strike series! Maybe the best in the series so far?

The running grave has been one of my favorite book in the series ( 7 so far) yet, followed by The Cuckoo's Calling and Lethal white. Masterfully written, full of suspense and mystery, I could not put the book down ( well sort of , I prefer the audible version of Strike series with Robert Glenister readings :) J.K. Rowling is a truly gifted writer ( the books are much better than the TV series, so read the books to judge the series:)
I just don’t know why people as smart as Robin and Strike , who know how unpredictable life is, are postponing their happiness together for such a long time. Cliffhanger at the end of the book , as always. Looking forward to reading book 8. I think J.K. Rowling ( Robert Gilbert), has also done marvelously bringing social problems into light in books 6 and 7 ( social media’s wild Wild West no regulations / abusive environment problem our society is facing in book 6 , and now attention to powerful cults , people who run or follow them in book 7)

Loved book 7 ! Ready for book 8!!

Thoroughly enjoyed every minute! The plot, characters and attention to details made this my favorite so far!