From Wizards to Whodunits: JK Rowling's Crime Drama with 93% RT Is a Must-See

In 2013, the novel The Cuckoo's Calling was published. It told the story of a detective with the strange name of Cormoran Strike and his secretary Robin, who take on a strange case of a model's suicide. Critics praised the intricate plot and melancholy aesthetic, and some even predicted a great future for debut author Robert Galbraith.

However, good reviews did not help sales: in the UK, only 1,500 copies were sold in the first few months. The book’s success was influenced by a journalistic investigation by the New York Times. It turned out that The Cuckoo's Calling was written by Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling — and that's when the novel began to break records.

It was no coincidence that Rowling chose a pen name. As the creator of a hugely successful fantasy saga about a boy who lived, she wanted to get rid of unnecessary pressure: the less the public knew about the author, the lower their expectations and the less prejudiced they would be.

The Cuckoo's Calling Is What Harry Potter's Adult Life Would Be Like Without Magic

At the same time, it cannot be said that The Cuckoo's Calling and the other books in the series were very different from the British author's aesthetic.

The teenage characters were replaced by adults with psychological and family problems. But the essence remained the same — like Harry Potter, Cormoran Strike lost his family in childhood. And the main character's inner traumas are reflected physically: if the young wizard has a conspicuous scar on his forehead, the detective has lost a leg in the war.

Those around them perceive the protagonists as shadows of their parents: Harry is the son of powerful wizards, Cormoran the child of a rock star.

The only difference is that the novels and their adaptations are written and filmed from a more adult point of view: with psychological insight, a lot of violence and the depiction of everyday problems. Rowling understands that the audience has grown up and needs different heroes.

That is why the TV series Strike will be appreciated by all those who have followed Harry Potter's adventures for many years.

Strike Is an Intricate Detective Show with a Strong Dramatic Storyline

Strike differs from other detectives in its strong dramatic line. Cormoran's inner and personal life is revealed with each new episode. The main character begins as a debt-ridden detective, taking on cases of betrayal and theft, but with the arrival of Robin, business takes off and Cromoran himself begins to work through old traumas.

Post-war PTSD, feeling like an outsider, impulsiveness coupled with a sense of universal injustice, fear of losing his cancer-stricken stepmother — the protagonist has a lot to contend with. And sometimes defeating demons turns out to be more difficult than catching criminals.

Where to Stream Strike?

Seasons 2 through 5 of Strike are available on Prime Video and Max.