Review of The Cuckoo's Calling

The Cuckoo's Calling by J. K. Rowling/"Robert Galbraith” is a good read. This has a good plot, great atmospherics and fluid grace of tightly constructed prose. It is a quick read to too, from the point of view of  accessibility and flow. I felt fine after spending my weekend chunks with it.

Story is about death of supermodel with an interesting family background. Our Private Dick comes in three months after the event in a scenario where the case has been declared as suicide. In a classical detective genre scheme, the detective has been given enough quirks and  an eager though bright secretary. The investigation proceeds through various stages towards gradual clarity and a reasonably satisfying climax. 

Rowling is a great story-teller and creates a compelling yarn. She creates good scene with interesting details. Her description of alleys and ultra-rich homes is detailed and lends the story an air of believability. The chapter where Cormoran Strike, our detective, interviews the designer Guy Some is replete with fascinating  details and eccentricities of the fashion world. 

I think, character of Cormoran Strike will take one or two more installments to get its full flowering as a comprehensively itched character. He has all the ingredients-Questionable but interesting pedigree (illegitimate son of a major rockstar), physical deformity (one leg blown off in Afghanistan) and troubled family life. This crumpled genius is staple of many characters of the genre. Where Rowling lacks is establishing the genius of the detective. He rarely comes out with gems of deduction. These character need a bit of flamboyance of when they start dazzling with their brain power along with the hubris of cramped gloom that they carry.  Strike here is thorough and delivers the goods but appears more diligent then genius. 

Over-all as I said in the beginning. A goodread.

Review of Blacklist TV Series

Watched and liked 'Blacklist' as it is a taut well paced TV show in the thriller genre. I am a sucker for action, drama and adrenaline rush of such offerings. The show starts with the surrender of Raymond 'Red' Reddington (James Spader) a criminal who figures very high on the pantheon of the FBI's Most Wanted list. He negotiates an immunity deal and promises to help FBI catch A listers on his blacklist. He intriguingly works only with Agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone). Episodes move with great speed and keep us engrossed by deploying all the tropes- recurring mystery about Elizabeth’s husband, lingering speculation about the nature of relationship between Elizabeth and Reddington and above all Reddington’s resourcefulness in helping FBI catching the dreaded criminals. 

This consultant-law enforcement drama is a well established category on television. Mentalist and  Castle come to mind. Chemistry between the core duo and consultant’s dramatic value edition in resolving difficult situations makes this category   who is able to convince us of his status as a master criminal and his ability to convey menace and capability without being overly dramatic.

very interesting. Despite being in the crowded space, Blacklist manages to grip due to its high production value and controlled performance by James Spader

The show losses out on developing interesting side characters except may be Tom Keen (Ryan Eggold)-the suspected husband or Reddington’s bodyguard Dembe (Hisham Tawfiq). Over all a pretty watchable fare if you like that sort of thing.