Andrew Smith's Reviews > The Silkworm

I’ve somehow contrived to dip into this series randomly and although the stories themselves are stand-alone I do feel that I've missed out a little on the relationship development between London based Private Investigator Cameron Strike and his female assistant, Robin. And there’s probably a few other carry-over elements I've managed to side-step, so it’s back to book two to fill in the gaps.

In this episode we are thrown deep into the competitive (and back-stabbing) literary world. Yes, this is a place the author should know very well. Strike is asked to track down author Owen Quine, who is known for doing a disappearing act from time to time. On this occasion his wife thinks he’s run off a kind of writers retreat but she doesn’t actually know where it is. It sounds like a quick and simple operation. Of course, it turns out to be anything but!

What starts off as a routine set of enquiries quickly develops into something else – something dark and deeply sinister. It seems that Quine was on the brink of launching a new book, a book that blows the whistle on his full circle of friends and literary acquaintances with just about everyone being described in very unflattering terms. Could this in any way be connected to his disappearance? Through Strike, we are introduced to a full cast of characters which includes Quine’s agent, his editor, his publisher and sundry others. Most have crossed swords with the author at one time or another and might have reason to wish ill upon him.

It all turns in to a satisfyingly complex mystery. Maybe it’s a little protracted but, in truth, I didn’t tire of it – it’s all very well executed and I liked the mix of intrigue created by the investigation and the more personal dive into Strike’s personal life. It did fill in some gaps, but these were mainly regarding his long-term relationship with an ex-fiancée. I didn’t really learn anything I hadn’t previously gleaned regarding the reciprocal (but hidden) feelings Strike and Robin have for each other. I’m sure they’ll get it on at some point but in this book both were really only beginning to realise what they feel for each other.

I do like Strike: he’s clever and grumpy and has an interesting history. His partnership with Robin is, I think, pitched just right too – things are developing slowly and, for the most part, it’s easy to understand the attraction each has for the other. Well ok, that is if it’s at all easy to understand what a very attractive woman sees in a big, gruff and untidy bloke with one leg and a beaten up face! I’ll definitely be looking out for book 5 and I hope I don’t have too long to wait.