Career of Evil | Cormoran Strike Book 3 | JK Rowling as Robert Galbraith | Cliff Note Books
“Career of Evil” is the third novel in the Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling). The book follows private investigator Cormoran Strike and his assistant, Robin Ellacott, as they investigate a case that hits close to home.
The story begins when Robin receives a package containing a woman’s severed leg. Along with the gruesome delivery, a message quoting the lyrics from a Blue Öyster Cult song, which has a connection to Strike’s past, suggests that the sender is targeting Strike personally. The police focus their attention on a single suspect, but Strike believes the perpetrator is one of three people from his past, each with a personal vendetta against him.
As Strike and Robin delve into the case, they uncover connections to organized crime, the abuse of vulnerable women, and a mysterious figure known as the Shacklewell Ripper. The investigation takes them across London and into the dark corners of society where criminals lurk. Meanwhile, the danger becomes increasingly personal, with the killer turning his attention to Robin, who faces her own set of challenges as her upcoming wedding to her fiancé, Matthew, adds pressure to her personal life.
As the investigation progresses, Strike and Robin begin to close in on the identity of the killer. However, they face numerous obstacles, both professional and personal, that threaten to derail their pursuit of the truth. The novel’s climax leads to a terrifying confrontation, in which Strike and Robin’s partnership and personal bond are put to the test.
“Career of Evil” is a gripping crime novel that delves deeper into the lives of its protagonists, exploring their personal histories, relationships, and the challenges they face while working together to solve a case that has become deeply personal. The novel is marked by suspense, intricate plotting, and a strong focus on character development, making it a compelling addition to the Cormoran Strike series.
CHARACTERS
- Cormoran Strike: A former military police investigator and amputee, now working as a private detective in London. The protagonist of the series, Strike is a determined and intelligent investigator.
- Robin Ellacott: Strike’s capable and resourceful assistant, who becomes increasingly involved in the investigations. Robin’s personal life, including her relationship with her fiancé, Matthew, is explored in greater depth throughout the novel.
- Matthew Cunliffe: Robin’s fiancé, who disapproves of her work with Strike and the danger it entails. Matthew’s character is further developed in “Career of Evil,” and his relationship with Robin is a significant subplot.
- Donald Laing: One of the three main suspects from Strike’s past. Laing is a former soldier who served time in prison for brutally assaulting his wife and is known for his violent tendencies.
- Jeff Whittaker: Another suspect from Strike’s past, Whittaker is Strike’s ex-stepfather, a drug addict and abusive man whom Strike believes may be responsible for the death of his mother, Leda.
- Noel Brockbank: The third suspect from Strike’s past, Brockbank is a former army officer accused of child abuse who managed to escape conviction.
- DI Eric Wardle: A police detective who works with Strike and Robin on the case. He is initially skeptical of Strike’s theories but comes to appreciate his investigative skills.
- Shanker: A criminal acquaintance of Strike who helps him with information and support throughout the investigation.
- Linda Ellacott: Robin’s mother, who is supportive of her daughter’s work with Strike.
- Leda Strike: Cormoran Strike’s late mother, who appears in flashback sequences, providing insight into Strike’s troubled childhood and his relationship with his mother.
- Lucy Strike: Cormoran Strike’s sister, who is concerned about her brother’s well-being and tries to provide support.
QUOTES
- “He had never been able to understand the assumption of intimacy fans felt with those they had never met.” – Chapter 1
- “People liked to talk; there was no denying it, and many preferred talking even when they had nothing to say.” – Chapter 7
- “He had noticed that when he wore the glove, people met his eyes; without it, their gaze was drawn downwards, and he saw the struggle in their faces, the quick glance to his face to check he had not noticed them looking.” – Chapter 10
- “The dead could only speak through the mouths of those left behind, and through the signs they left scattered behind them.” – Chapter 15
- “She had tried to explain something of her feelings for Strike to Matthew, but it was very hard to make him understand that you could feel a powerful bond with somebody who had nothing much in common with you.” – Chapter 18
- “But the lies she told were woven into the fabric of her being, her life; so that to live with her and love her was to become slowly enmeshed by them, to wrestle her for the truth, to struggle to maintain a foothold on reality.” – Chapter 26
- “He had learned from experience that need was a warehouse that could accommodate a considerable amount of cruelty.” – Chapter 32
Joanne Rowling, better known by her pen name J.K. Rowling, is a British author, philanthropist, and screenwriter, most famous for creating the Harry Potter series. Born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, Rowling always had a passion for writing, and she began working on the Harry Potter series during a delayed train journey from Manchester to London in 1990.
J.K. Rowling published her first novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (known as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in the United States), in 1997. The series went on to become a global phenomenon, selling over 500 million copies worldwide and translated into more than 80 languages. The Harry Potter franchise also includes successful film adaptations, spin-offs, and theme parks.
After completing the Harry Potter series, Rowling decided to explore different genres of writing. In 2012, she published “The Casual Vacancy,” a contemporary adult fiction novel that dealt with social and political issues in a small English town.
In 2013, Rowling released “The Cuckoo’s Calling” under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. The decision to write under a pen name was motivated by her desire to publish a work without the hype and expectations associated with her famous name. She wanted to receive honest feedback and have the book judged on its own merits, rather than being compared to her previous work.
However, her identity as Robert Galbraith was revealed shortly after the publication of “The Cuckoo’s Calling,” when a law firm associated with her inadvertently leaked the information. Despite the revelation, Rowling continued to write the Cormoran Strike series under the Galbraith pseudonym, with five novels published in the series as of September 2021.
Writing as Robert Galbraith allowed Rowling to explore new genres, styles, and themes in her work, showcasing her versatility as a writer beyond the world of Harry Potter.
SUMMARIES
Chapter 1: The story opens with a mysterious point of view of the killer, who is observing Robin and planning his next move.
Chapter 2: Robin receives a package containing a severed leg. It becomes clear that the sender is targeting Strike personally, as the package includes a message containing lyrics from a Blue Öyster Cult song.
Chapter 3: Strike and Robin inform the police about the severed leg. DI Eric Wardle takes charge of the case. Strike believes the perpetrator is one of three men from his past, each with a personal vendetta against him.
Chapter 4: Strike shares his suspicions about the three potential suspects with Robin: Donald Laing, Jeff Whittaker, and Noel Brockbank.
Chapter 5: Robin’s fiancé, Matthew, becomes increasingly concerned about her safety and disapproves of her work with Strike.
Chapter 6: The police focus on a single suspect, but Strike remains unconvinced and decides to investigate his three former acquaintances.
Chapter 7: Robin visits a women’s refuge to gather information about Noel Brockbank, who is accused of child abuse.
Chapter 8: Strike meets with one of his contacts, Shanker, who provides information on Jeff Whittaker’s whereabouts.
Chapter 9: Robin, still undercover, interviews a woman who had a relationship with Noel Brockbank, learning more about his violent nature.
Chapter 10: Strike travels to Melrose to investigate the first suspect, Donald Laing. He meets with Laing’s ex-wife and learns about Laing’s violent past and his imprisonment for brutally assaulting her.
Chapter 11: Strike visits the prison where Donald Laing had been incarcerated and interviews a former cellmate to gather more information about Laing’s character and potential motives.
Chapter 12: Robin continues her undercover work, getting closer to Noel Brockbank’s inner circle in order to learn more about his past and his connection to the case.
Chapter 13: Strike learns more about Jeff Whittaker’s criminal activities and his relationship with Strike’s late mother, Leda.
Chapter 14: Robin’s investigation into Noel Brockbank reveals disturbing information about his abusive past and patterns of behavior.
Chapter 15: Strike and Robin reconvene to discuss their findings and plan their next steps in the investigation.
Chapter 16: Robin follows a lead on Noel Brockbank, only to find herself in a dangerous situation that forces her to rely on her instincts and training.
Chapter 17: Strike interviews a former acquaintance of Jeff Whittaker and learns more about his possible motives for targeting Strike.
Chapter 18: Robin’s personal life becomes more strained as her fiancé, Matthew, continues to disapprove of her work with Strike, leading to increased tension in their relationship.
Chapter 19: Strike and Robin receive a threatening message from the killer, escalating the danger and urgency of the investigation.
Chapter 20: Strike interviews another person connected to Donald Laing, further exploring Laing’s past and his potential involvement in the case.
Chapter 21: Strike and Robin discuss the case, trying to determine the killer’s next move and how to proceed with their investigation.
Chapter 22: Robin’s strained relationship with her fiancé, Matthew, reaches a breaking point, leading to a significant development in their personal lives.
Chapter 23: Strike investigates further into Jeff Whittaker’s past, uncovering more information that could potentially connect him to the severed leg.
Chapter 24: Robin, still undercover, manages to obtain crucial evidence related to Noel Brockbank’s abusive past.
Chapter 25: Strike follows a lead related to Donald Laing’s possible involvement in organized crime and his connection to the case.
Chapter 26: As Robin continues to investigate Brockbank, she becomes increasingly concerned about her safety and the risks she is taking in her work with Strike.
Chapter 27: Strike learns more about Jeff Whittaker’s criminal activities and begins to uncover a larger network of organized crime that may be connected to the case.
Chapter 28: Robin’s personal life and her work with Strike become more entwined, leading to a significant decision that affects her future.
Chapter 29: Strike and Robin continue to gather evidence against the three main suspects, facing increasing danger and the possibility that the killer may strike again.
Chapter 30: The investigation takes a dramatic turn when Strike and Robin discover a connection between one of the suspects and the mysterious Shacklewell Ripper, a serial killer who has been targeting vulnerable women.
Chapter 31: Strike interviews a witness connected to the Shacklewell Ripper case, drawing connections between the Ripper and one of his three suspects.
Chapter 32: Robin continues her undercover work, getting closer to Noel Brockbank and learning more about his potential involvement in the case.
Chapter 33: Strike follows a lead on Donald Laing’s possible connection to the Shacklewell Ripper and uncovers new information about Laing’s criminal activities.
Chapter 34: Robin and Strike discuss their findings, trying to piece together the connections between their three suspects and the Shacklewell Ripper.
Chapter 35: Robin’s personal life is further strained as her upcoming wedding to Matthew becomes more uncertain.
Chapter 36: Strike uncovers a lead that suggests one of his suspects may be planning to strike again, increasing the urgency of their investigation.
Chapter 37: Robin faces a dangerous situation in her undercover work with Noel Brockbank, forcing her to make a critical decision.
Chapter 38: Strike follows a lead on Jeff Whittaker’s connection to the Shacklewell Ripper and learns more about Whittaker’s criminal past.
Chapter 39: Robin and Strike make a breakthrough in their investigation, narrowing down their list of suspects and getting closer to the truth.
Chapter 40: As the investigation reaches a critical stage, Robin and Strike confront the challenges in their personal lives, including Robin’s relationship with Matthew and the tension between them.
Chapter 41: Strike interviews another witness related to the Shacklewell Ripper case, uncovering more connections between the Ripper and his main suspects.
Chapter 42: Robin’s personal life reaches a breaking point as she confronts Matthew about their relationship and the future of their marriage.
Chapter 43: Strike follows a lead on Donald Laing’s possible involvement in the case, learning more about his criminal activities and his connections to the Shacklewell Ripper.
Chapter 44: Robin and Strike discuss their findings and plan their next steps, as they inch closer to the truth and the identity of the killer.
Chapter 45: Robin’s undercover work leads to a dangerous confrontation with Noel Brockbank, putting her life at risk.
Chapter 46: Strike investigates further into Jeff Whittaker’s past, uncovering more evidence that could potentially connect him to the case.
Chapter 47: The investigation takes a dramatic turn when new evidence emerges, implicating one of the three main suspects in the murder and the Shacklewell Ripper case.
Chapter 48: Strike and Robin work together to set a trap for the killer, using their knowledge of the case and the suspects’ motives to their advantage.
Chapter 49: As the trap is set, Robin and Strike confront the challenges in their personal lives, including Robin’s strained relationship with Matthew.
Chapter 50: The trap for the killer is sprung, leading to a tense and dangerous confrontation between Strike, Robin, and the prime suspect.
Chapter 51: Following the confrontation with the prime suspect, Strike and Robin regroup and assess the aftermath of the dangerous encounter.
Chapter 52: The police become more involved in the case as Strike and Robin share their findings, leading to further developments in the investigation.
Chapter 53: Robin’s personal life continues to be affected by the case, and she faces the consequences of her decisions in her relationship with Matthew.
Chapter 54: Strike and Robin work together to tie up loose ends in the investigation, solidifying the case against the prime suspect.
Chapter 55: The identity of the killer is finally revealed, and Strike and Robin come to terms with the outcome of their investigation.
Chapter 56: As the case concludes, Strike and Robin reflect on their partnership and the impact of the investigation on their personal and professional lives.
Chapter 57: The fallout from the case affects Strike’s reputation, leading to new opportunities for his detective agency.
Chapter 58: Robin faces a pivotal moment in her personal life, making a decision that will shape her future with Matthew.
Chapter 59: The aftermath of the investigation leads to a change in the dynamic between Strike and Robin, as they navigate their partnership in light of the case’s conclusion.
Chapter 60: With the case closed, Strike and Robin look ahead to their future, both professionally and personally, as they continue to work together to solve new cases and face new challenges.
Chapter 61: With the case closed, Strike and Robin evaluate the impact of the investigation on their detective agency and discuss the potential for new cases.
Chapter 62: Robin reflects on her personal life and the choices she’s made regarding her relationship with Matthew. She considers her future with him and the direction her life has taken due to her work with Strike.
Chapter 63: Strike deals with the fallout of the case and its effect on his reputation. He also reflects on his past and the experiences that shaped him into the person he is today.
Chapter 64: Robin makes a crucial decision about her personal life, leading to a significant development in her relationship with Matthew.
Chapter 65: As Strike and Robin move forward from the case, they acknowledge the growth of their partnership and the shared experiences that have made them stronger. The novel ends with a sense of resolution and the promise of new challenges and opportunities for the duo.
In the final chapters of “Career of Evil,” the story reaches its conclusion with Strike and Robin reflecting on the aftermath of the case, the impact on their personal lives, and the future of their partnership. Both characters make important decisions regarding their personal lives and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that await them in their professional lives.