When we last reported on The Silkworm, our favorite private investigator, Comoran Strike, had gone from trying to find a missing person to trying to solve a murder. Check out part one of our conversation here. Now, we’re 60% through the book, and dying (perhaps that’s a poor word choice) to know whodunit!
Holly: So, I have two non-spoiler thoughts on this book so far. First, one of our #1 commenters (hi blodeuedd!) said “not my genre” about this book. So now I feel compelled to explain to everyone that this is not exactly a mystery/crime “genre” book. I mean, I’m no expert, as I don’t really understand book genres, but I think this is more of a really great novel about a guy who also happens to be an investigator solving crimes. It’s got a lot of things I love – including the London setting, the well developed characters (who we are slowly getting more details on!) and just lovely writing.
Amanda: I am no genre expert and if you look at my Goodreads shelves you can see I read a bit of everything. I think the best mysteries are those that get a bit deeper-who is the investigator and what draws him on the case. I like that about Strike. He’s working this case because he needs to know what happened-not because he’s being paid. I also love the setting. When can we plan a sisterly trip to London to look for Strike?
Holly: Here is my second thought – J.K. Rowling, winner of the book world, wrote a book about a book in which a (crazy? disgruntled? not sure yet!) writer has written a book that reveals a bunch of character flaws about people in the book world. C’mon – what are the chances she has drawn on personal experience to create the publishers, agents, and editors? Do you think she’s taking digs at anyone herself?
Amanda: Very interesting idea. I think I have an idealized image of the creator of Harry Potter in my head that she must be too classy to do that. But I will say I love reading about the publishing world in books. Maybe there are some digs from her early days? I bet there are people searching for themselves for sure! I love that I have no theories built up of whodunit! I feel like the reason for this murder is going to come out of nowhere. I was on the edge of my seat at moments waiting to see what would happen. Time to get back to it!
Holly: Yes, must finish! And also, let’s start planning that trip to London for sure!
I’ve never felt really compelled to read this one but it sounds interesting. Great post! This is the first one I’ve read that really makes me want to read this one.
A sister trip to find Strike sounds like a really excellent idea.
Hahah, doesn’t it though?!
LOL. Well ok you got me a bit more interested now
Yay!
I have The Cuckoo’s Calling on my TBR and I loved your post – the double act works really well!