modest sales and genuine best-sellerdom
One of the most unique and compelling detectives I’ve come across in years (Mark Billingham)
One of the best crime novels I have ever read (Alex Gray)
Everytime I put this book down, I looked forward to reading more. Gabraith writes at a gentle pace, the pages rich with description and with characters that leap out of them. I loved it. He is a major new talent (Peter James)
Just once in a while a private detective emerges who captures the public imagination in a flash. And here is one who might well do that . . . There is no sign that this is Galbraith’s first novel, only that he has a delightful touch for evoking London and capturing a new hero. An auspicious debut (Daily Mail)
In a rare feat, Galbraith combines a complex and compelling sleuth and an equally well-formed and unlikely assistant with a baffling crime in his stellar debut . . . Readers will hope to see a lot more of this memorable sleuthing team (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
Laden with plenty of twists and distractions, this debut ensures that readers will be puzzled and totally engrossed for quite a spell (Library Journal)
A scintillating debut novel . . . Galbraith delivers sparkling dialogue and a convincing portrayal of the emptiness of wealth and glamour (The Times, Saturday Review)
Utterly compelling . . . a team made in heaven and I can’t wait for the next in the series (Saga Magazine)
The detective and his temp-agency assistant are both full and original characters and their debut case is a good, solid mystery (Morning Star)
The plot could have come from an Agatha Christie novel and yet The Cuckoo’s Calling is absolutely of today, colourfully written and great fun (Bookoxygen.com)
Galbraith demonstrates superb flair as a mystery writer (Birmingham Post)
This debut is instantly absorbing, featuring a detective facing crumbling circumstances with resolve instead of clichéd self-destruction and a lovable sidekick with contagious enthusiasm for detection . . . Kate Atkinson’s fans will appreciate his reliance on deduction and observation along with Galbraith’s skilled storytelling (Booklist)
The most engaging British detective to emerge so far this year . . . An astonishingly mature debut from Galbraith, it marks the start of a fine crime career (Daily Mail online)
Earlier today I read a comment on a wine blog which was a quote from a young female sommelier: “Wine is nothing without it's story”
I think the same applies here – people enjoy a book (or a wine) more when they either know and respect the author (winery), or there is a good story behind where the story came from (hope this makes sense)
The critical comments only serve to show how an excellent author's talent shines through even when read “blind”. For wine the differences between individual palates makes this more problematic but let's not overlook that brand image certainly changes perception for fashion items, watches and many other items as well.
I kind of agree Matthew. I'm not sure what story Pinot Grigio needs – any more than basic lager, but it is true of pricier fare. And yes, people like a story, but celebrity stories trump humbler fare…
I think we're agreeing on this, Philip. I'll set the “individual palates” question to one side (how does that differ from the individual tastes of literary critics?), but yes, brand image is supreme in most sectors. (Wine being something of an exception)