Another investigation with Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott and the gang, in which Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling) portrays social media trolling and abuse, online gaming and fandom, and misogyny.
In the background, the will-they-won’t-they plotline continues.
It’s been a while since I’ve spent any time in ancient Rome in the company of intrepid investigator Flavia Albia. Nice to be back!
Well, nice to be back in her company; not so nice to be following her investigation of a series of grisly murders, replicating death scenes from famous plays.
Another “nice” – there are some familiar faces amongst the acting fraternity (a theatrical troupe Falco and Helena met in Syria) and in the civil service (need to work out that haemorrhoid reference) – and I did get a bit teary reading the inscription on Nux’s headstone. Best of Dogs indeed….
It’s a sweltering July in Venice and Brunetti and Griffoni, with occasional assistance from Vianello and Signora Elettra, are investigating the last few cryptic words of a dying woman. They wind up investigating environmental crime revolving around a water sampling company, and a murder.
Plenty of pertinent observations about food, friendship, misogyny and modern life in Italy – and Venice in particular.
We’re in an Oxford Police Station, where a nanny is being interviewed following the disappearance of the young girl in her care. Bit by bit we learn more about our narrator, the family she works for and Oxford college life and politics.