In The Running Grave, Cormoran Strike and Robin take on a client who’s son has joined a cult, the Universal Humanitarian Church. The client is concerned that their son Will has lost a significant amount of weight, seems to have his communications controlled, and is giving away his inheritance to the Church. The UHC has become a powerful organization and can afford media and legal consultants to squash or discredit any former members who try to speak out against it. One former member who started a very public blog is found dead.

Robin goes undercover to try to expose the organization, which uses classic brainwashing techniques to transform its members to their insidious ways, including “Spirit Bonding” a term used for the requirement that women have un-protected sex with any male member of the church upon demand (enforced rape). Hard physical work, insufficient food, lack of sleep, and extreme group dynamics make the story a challenge to get through – I was sort of hooked and repulsed, and relieved to get to the end.

The Running Grave continues with the ongoing sexual tension between Cameron and Robin, which still does not resolve at the end of the novel. Galbraith (aka JK Rowling) is a great storyteller and brings life to the psyche of the characters. I give this book 4👍 out of 5👍.