Troubled Blood is a mystery novel by British author Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling). It is the fifth book in the Cormoran Strike series and was published in 2020. The novel has received mixed reviews, with some praising the complex plot and character development, while others have criticized the themes and portrayal of transgender individuals.
Troubled Blood book summary
Troubled Blood is the fifth book in the Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling). The book follows private detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant, Robin Ellacott, as they investigate the disappearance of a doctor named Margot Bamborough, who went missing in 1974.
The case takes Strike and Ellacott on a journey to various parts of the UK, as they try to uncover the truth about Margot’s disappearance. Along the way, they encounter a number of suspects, including Margot’s ex-husband, a former patient, and a member of a local occult group. As they delve deeper into the case, they discover that Margot’s disappearance may be connected to a string of other unsolved crimes.
Throughout the investigation, Strike and Ellacott also face personal challenges and conflicts, including the strain on their professional relationship and Strike’s ongoing struggle with his mental health. As they work to solve the case, they must also confront their own demons and make difficult decisions that will impact their futures.
Troubled Blood is a complex and suspenseful mystery novel that explores themes of love, loss, and identity, and ultimately reveals the shocking truth behind Margot’s disappearance.
Troubled Blood intrigue
Throughout the investigation, Strike and Ellacott encounter a number of suspects and must navigate a web of lies and deception as they try to uncover the truth about Margot’s disappearance. The case takes them on a journey across the UK and exposes them to a wide range of characters, including Margot’s ex-husband, a former patient, and a member of a local occult group.
As the investigation progresses, Strike and Ellacott also face personal challenges and conflicts, including the strain on their professional relationship and Strike’s ongoing struggle with his mental health. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and identity, and ultimately reveals the shocking truth behind Margot’s disappearance.
Troubled Blood plot twist
husband, Dr. Alistair Bamborough, is responsible for her disappearance and likely murder. Throughout the book, Strike and Ellacott investigate a number of suspects, including Margot’s ex-husband, her lover, and her former colleagues. However, it is ultimately revealed that Alistair killed Margot in a fit of rage after she threatened to leave him and take their children with her.
Another plot twist in the book is the revelation that Strike’s father, Jonny Rokeby, had an affair with Margot Bamborough while she was still married to Alistair. Strike initially suspects that Rokeby might be connected to Margot’s disappearance, but it is later revealed that Rokeby had no involvement in the crime.
There are also several smaller plot twists throughout the book, including the discovery of a secret will, the involvement of a mysterious character known as “the Daffodil,” and the revelation that a key witness had lied about their whereabouts on the night of Margot’s disappearance. Overall, “Troubled Blood” is a complex and multi-layered mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Troubled Blood ending explained
At the end of the book, it is revealed that Margot’s husband, Dr. Alistair Bamborough, was responsible for her disappearance and likely murder. Alistair had been having an affair with a patient, and Margot had threatened to leave him and take their children with her. In a fit of rage, Alistair killed Margot and disposed of her body in a location that has never been found.
The investigation into Margot’s disappearance is reopened in the present day, and Strike and Ellacott are able to gather enough evidence to charge Alistair with Margot’s murder. However, due to the passage of time and the lack of a body, it is unlikely that Alistair will be convicted.
In the end, Strike and Ellacott’s relationship is strained due to the intense nature of the case, but they are able to reconcile and continue working together as partners. The book ends with Strike reflecting on the lessons he has learned about the importance of communication and forgiveness in relationships.
Is Troubled Blood based on a true story?
The book is a work of fiction. It is not based on a true story. While the events and characters in the book are entirely fictional, the book may be inspired by real-life cases of missing persons and unsolved murders. The book also touches on themes of relationships, communication, and forgiveness, which are universal experiences that many readers can relate to.
Troubled Blood book characters
Here are some of the main characters in “Troubled Blood,” the fifth book in the Cormoran Strike series by J.K. Rowling, published under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith:
Cormoran Strike: The main character of the series, Strike is a private detective and former military police officer who runs his own detective agency in London. He is tall, scarred, and physically imposing, and is known for his intelligence, resourcefulness, and tenacity.
Robin Ellacott: Strike’s assistant and business partner, Robin is a intelligent and ambitious young woman who is studying to become a private detective. She is married to Matthew Cunliffe, and the couple have a young son named Liam.
Margot Bamborough: The missing person at the center of the book’s mystery, Margot is a GP who disappeared in 1974 and is believed to have been murdered.
Dr. Alistair Bamborough: Margot’s husband and the main suspect in her disappearance, Alistair is a successful and well-respected psychiatrist. However, he has a number of secrets, including an affair with a patient and a history of violence and abuse.
Jonny Rokeby: Strike’s estranged father, Rokeby is a famous rock star who had an affair with Margot Bamborough while she was still married to Alistair.
The Daffodil: A mysterious character who appears throughout the book, the Daffodil is eventually revealed to be a young woman who was involved in Margot’s disappearance and may have knowledge of her fate.
There are many other supporting characters in the book, including Strike’s ex-girlfriend, Charlotte, and a number of suspects and witnesses who are interviewed as part of the investigation.