Troubled Blood

The Plot

Troubled Blood follows private detective Cormoran Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott as they investigate a cold case from 1974. The case involves the disappearance of a doctor named Margot Bamborough, who vanished without a trace from her office in London. Strike and Robin are hired by Margot’s daughter, Anna, who wants to know what happened to her mother.

As Strike and Robin delve deeper into the case, they discover that Margot was a well-respected doctor who had many secrets. They also learn that Margot was involved in a feminist group called the Women’s Liberation Movement, which was fighting for women’s rights in the 1970s. The group was led by a woman named Gloria Conti, who is now a retired professor.

As Strike and Robin interview people who knew Margot, they uncover a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal. They also discover that Margot’s disappearance may be connected to a series of murders that occurred in the same area in the 1970s. The killer, known as the “Digger,” was never caught, and Strike and Robin must race against time to solve the case before the killer strikes again.

The Characters

Cormoran Strike is a private detective who lost his leg in Afghanistan. He is gruff, cynical, and often difficult to work with, but he is also intelligent, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to his clients. Strike is a complex character who is haunted by his past and struggles with his relationships with women.

Robin Ellacott is Strike’s partner and assistant. She is intelligent, organized, and efficient, and she has a talent for detective work. Robin is also dealing with personal issues, including a troubled marriage and a traumatic event from her past.

Margot Bamborough is the missing doctor at the center of the case. She is described as intelligent, independent, and passionate about her work. Margot was also involved in the Women’s Liberation Movement and had many secrets that she kept from her family and colleagues.

Gloria Conti is the leader of the Women’s Liberation Movement and a retired professor. She is described as intelligent, charismatic, and passionate about women’s rights. Gloria is also a suspect in Margot’s disappearance, and Strike and Robin must determine whether she is involved in the case.

The Narration

Robert Glenister narrates the audiobook version of Troubled Blood. Glenister is a British actor who has appeared in many television shows and movies, including Spooks, Hustle, and Law & Order: UK. He has also narrated audiobooks for other authors, including John le Carré and Ian Rankin.

Glenister’s narration of Troubled Blood is excellent. He has a deep, rich voice that is perfect for the gritty, noir-style of the Cormoran Strike series. Glenister also does an excellent job of voicing the different characters, giving each one a distinct voice and personality. His narration is engaging and keeps the listener hooked throughout the 31-hour runtime of the audiobook.

The Themes

Troubled Blood explores several themes, including feminism, gender roles, and the nature of evil. The book takes place in the 1970s, a time when women were fighting for equal rights and challenging traditional gender roles. The Women’s Liberation Movement plays a significant role in the book, and the characters discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with being a woman in a male-dominated society.

The book also explores the nature of evil and the motivations of killers. The “Digger” is a brutal and sadistic killer who preys on young women. Strike and Robin must delve into the killer’s psyche to understand his motivations and catch him before he strikes again.

The Verdict

Overall, Troubled Blood is an excellent addition to the Cormoran Strike series. The book is well-written, engaging, and suspenseful, and the audiobook version is narrated to perfection by Robert Glenister. The book explores several important themes and is a must-read for fans of the series and fans of crime fiction in general.