"You can’t plot murder like a novel. There are always loose ends in real life."

I thought this one was more intriguing and involving than the first novel and more compelling. Even with some slower parts in the middle, and some clues not being as easy and straightforward to follow than in book one, I found myself really wanting to reach the end to find out who did it and why. This was also a darker novel with a more atmospheric feel, especially because the case has this gory, ritualistic aspect (and some vivid descriptions, so if you're bothered by that, beware) that the Lula Landry case didn't. I also loved how unexpected the final solution was and how talented J.K Rowling is at tying loose ends and making every single thing within the mystery to have an explanation and a proper place.

Strike grew on me as character and I like how his past and his personality is slowly developed through the series - there's a lot about him we as a reader don't know and the fact that tiny aspects of the character are revealed in the perfect moment to match what is happening in the plot is brilliant. I LOVE Robin's character, although I thought she kinda faded into the background in this one. Yes, we're shown more about her abilities and her resourcefulness and how much she enjoys the work with Cormoran (as well as how well they compliment each other and how their relationship is growing, as opposed to hers and Matt's - who is a tool and doesn't deserve her), but she played only a small part in the case and her POV's were limited to the more personal aspect of the book. I expected her to be more active in the investigation, but this was a more Strike-centered book. I'm really excited to read book 3, because I've heard amazing things about it and how it's the best and more thrilling of the released ones so far, and I hope Robin will have a more central role!