Books like Cormoran Strike

Looking for the next book to read after finishing The Ink Black Heart, the most recent installment in the Cormoran Strike series from J.K. Rowling's crime-writing alter ego, Robert Galbraith? Here's 5 book like Cormoran Strike you need to read.

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you like Robert Galbraith....you're probably wondering what to read after The Ink Black Heart?

If you've been following the blog for any period of time, or even reading this article..., you'll know I'm a massive fan of the Strike series from Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling. Since Cuckoo's Calling came out in 2013, I've been avidly awaiting the next installments, and devouring them when they arrive. 

When's the next Strike book coming out?

Just in case you missed it, Ink Black Heart hit shelves (and Audible) on August 30, 2022! Weighing-in at 1024 pages, be prepared for yet another engrossing mystery! The Audible is of course handled by the unmatched Robert Glenister as the narrator.

And we have even more good news! On January 12, 2023, J.K. Rowling revealed the name of the next (seventh) C.B. Strike book to be The Running Grave. Get ready- and put your predictions in the comment section below!

Strike series audiobooks,
​read by Robert Glenister

On that note, if, by some bizarre chance, you've managed to fall in love with Strike and Robin by *haven't* listen to Robert Glenister reading the series on Audible, I'd highly recommend it. I promise you'll experience the entire series in a whole new light.

Books like C.B. Strike:

In the Woods, Tana French

There's no book I've read as similar to the Strike Series as the first in the Tana French series, In the Woods. The rest of French's series is absolutely addictive. I promise you won't regret starting it.

​French weaves through various cases handled by the fictional "Dublin Murder Squad" (Faithful Place is my favorite), tying just a few characters across books. Don't get too attached. The stories read much like a traditional piece of literature, and the solves are less "puzzle-like" than a traditional Christie-style cozy mystery, but as an avid consumer of these books, I found it a refreshing change. And, of course, we've got a classic will-they-won't-they with the main detectives.

And, if you're a fan of In the Woods, check out the TV adaptation, Dublin Murders, staring someone who you may recognize as D.I. Eric Wardell from the Strike series.

Jackson Brodie series, by Kate Atkinson

The Jackson Brodie series, starting with Case Histories, is darker and less comical than Strike. Brodie is an outwardly tough Yorkshireman, solving intense mysteries with a Strike-like broodishness that belies a softer interior.

And if you're a fan of Jackson Brodie, check out the TV adaptation, staring Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy)

The Dark Lake, Sarah Bailey

The Dark Lake, set in Australia, tells the story of the modern murder of a local high-school-alumna-turned-teacher who had recently returned to her hometown. Her earlier relationship with one of the police on the case, and the main character of the novel, is rolled out against the backdrop of Gemma's increasingly complex life, not to mention relationship with her handsome, British detective partner.

Rebus, Ian Rankin

Rebus is one of the classic British detectives, and I'm sure he's an influence on Rowling's creation of Strike.
explore Edinburgh through Rebus's eyes, starting with Knots and Crosses.

​Of course, there's a TV adaptation, staring Ken Stott as the eponymous detective, Rebus.

Mr. Mercedes, Stephen King

The minute I finished Cuckoo's Calling, my husband recommended Mr. Mercedes, the Bill Hodges series by Stephen King. 

​And, of course, there's a TV adaptation, staring Brendan Gleeson, Mr. Mercedes.

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you find a great mystery novel to fill the time until the next Strike novel comes out! Put your suggestions for books like Cormoran Strike in the comments below!

You may also like...

• Shows like C.B. Strike
• Best British Detective Series
• Detective Series with a Female Lead
• Cozy British Mystery Novels Available on Audible
• 10 British Comedies You Need to Watch

Love it? Pin it!