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The Running Grave cover art

The Running Grave

By: Robert Galbraith
Narrated by: Robert Glenister
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Publisher's Summary

Private Detective Cormoran Strike is contacted by a worried father whose son, Will, has gone to join a religious cult in the depths of the Norfolk countryside.

The Universal Humanitarian Church is, on the surface, a peaceable organisation that campaigns for a better world. Yet Strike discovers that beneath the surface there are deeply sinister undertones, and unexplained deaths.

In order to try to rescue Will, Strike's business partner Robin Ellacott decides to infiltrate the cult and she travels to Norfolk to live incognito amongst them. But in doing so, she is unprepared for the dangers that await her there or for the toll it will take on her...

Unstoppable, The Running Grave moves Strike and Robin's story forward in the epic, unforgettable seventh instalment of the series.

©2023 Robert Galbraith (P)2023 Hachette Audio UK

Critic Reviews

"The work of a master storyteller." (Daily Telegraph)

"One of crime's most engaging duos." (Guardian)

What listeners say about The Running Grave

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The perfect new instalment

I feel like I definitely noticed an improvement between this book and the last, with the characters finally truly moving towards life as we know it in 2023. It was less over-explained than the tech heavy “the ink black heart” and by trying less it was so much more. The same themes that we know and love from the strike series, the same huge tangle of threads to unpick, but the detectives all had some growth and I was so onboard for the whole thing. Performance was spot on, consistent with the rest of the series.

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8 people found this helpful

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A Satisfying Continuation Of The Story

If you've enjoyed the previous instalments, you'll enjoy this. The narrator is as outstanding as ever, making it feel like you're back with old friends. Though I enjoyed the Ink Black Heart, I understand why some found the angle of an online mystery and all the chat message dialogue a bit of a strain. This book returns to an in depth and sinister mystery/mysteries from the past, and satisfies like the previous stories.

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Great comeback!!

The Ink Black Heart was a low point in the series but this book is simply brilliant. A long book but goes along at a good tempo with many layers to Strike’s life involved. Impeccably read as well. Superb experience for the listener.

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Fabulous narration saves the day

Fabulous narration yet again which really makes this novel
Tedious detail re the preachings of the cult along with so much unnecessary repetition of old facts pertaining to the character’s history, as well as an artificially protracted and predictable dialogue around the love interest, made for arduous listening but the narration is great and so I stuck with it to find out whodunnit but not sure I could suffer through another one!

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Finally, moving on

This book was much less tedious than the previous. The story kept up my interest and it was pleasing to see the development of Strikes character, in particular. It was so long, I almost lost the thread of the plot. The tension that built up at the end of Robyn’s stay in the church was incredible. There is a lot of repetition in this series. They could do with a really good edit! However, I care about the characters and look forward to continuing their story. JCM

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On the edge of my seat the whole way

Amazing read. Keeps you on the edge for the entire journey. Such a way with words and story line.

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Thrilling!

Yet another captivating and thrilling read! Any wait for the next one! Let’s hope it’s not so far away!

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Gripping throughout

Galbraith further develops the main characters Strike and Robin whilst delivering a complex story full of twists. A definite ‘couldn’t stop listening’ for me. Can’t wait for more.

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Could not put down

One of the very best series I have ever read. Gripping and obsessive and genius.

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Brilliant

I was so keen to get my hands on this latest instalment, and it did not disappoint. Loved it!

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  • MK Arsene
  • 06-10-2023

She did it again!

Rowling is an excellent mystery writer. I don’t know how she can top this one but I know she will not disappoint.

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  • Hana
  • 05-10-2023

Absolutely bloody brilliant

The best in the serie so far. Couldn’t stop listening, stay up way too late to get one more chapter in and then one more and one more… It just grips you and you have to go on even though you want it to last much longer and savor it. Truly a masterpiece.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 04-10-2023

Brilliant!

Absolutely brilliant! I was not able to stop listening! Can’t wait for the next book

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  • Jessie
  • 30-09-2023

Can’t wait any more for the Strike Robin saga

This is my last rodeo. It’s going on too long now with the “will they, won’t they”. I won’t buy another.

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  • Utku
  • 08-12-2023

Every new book gets better!

It’s amazing to see how the series keep up being so catchy and not get repetitive after so many books in the series now. It just gets better and better!

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  • D Knights
  • 07-12-2023

Best so far!

This book is the best Strike book to date! I didn’t want it to end - gripping from start to finish. Performance was outstanding too!

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  • CELESTE PINKERTON
  • 04-12-2023

The story was so gripping I couldn’t put it down.

I loved the characters and I loved the story. I can’t wait for the next Cormoran Strike book.

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  • Sharon
  • 30-11-2023

Brilliant

Enjoyed every moment of it, kept me listening for hours at a time. Phenomenally read, can’t wait for the next book.

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  • Vinodhan
  • 25-11-2023

Long-form Agatha Christie

I'm not sure if I've just not read enough mysteries but this series more and more echoes Agatha Christie for me, except for the interplay between Strike and Robin of course. A solid entry and compelling mystery but probably a bit long in getting to its conclusion... not that I'm really complaining. How long before the next one "Mr. Galbraith"?

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  • JLM
  • 20-11-2023

Long, but compelling

I started with apprehension of the many hours ahead, but was soon drawn in and fascinated by how this tale would unravel. The performance is outstanding. I preferred it to ink black heart, and back on track to looking forward to the next Strike Ellacott novel with anticipation!

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  • Abra Brash
  • 27-09-2023

Love them more than ever

I've waited sooooo long for this book and as usual Robert Rowling ;) did not disappoint, Robert glenisters Scottish accent needs a bit of polishing but overall love the narration and the depth of the characters. The cult literally made me think I was watching panorama or that I have seen a show on this exact "church" which gives credence to Rowling's thorough research and bringing alive of such institutions. When I see negative reviews and suggestions of a new editor, I wonder which of these armchair critics have made a billion pounds plus from their literary genius and what gives them the audacity to put the editorial down? Perhaps they would like to edit?? Anyway a review is a review but can't stand it when it verges on trolling!!!

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  • sr
  • 26-09-2023

Another gem

So good to be back in the world of Strike and Robin. Another great book from JK Rowling. Thank you so much for writing such wonderful books.

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  • JM Manington
  • 27-09-2023

Fantastic

I do not agree with any of these negative reviews..in fact I do not believe these people have either read or listened to it..
Robert Glenister does his usual amazing voices, and the story is fantastic..these things do happen and to get it right you need to get down and dirty, this is not a fairytale it is real life and this book is totally on point..loved it.

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  • Pen Name
  • 29-09-2023

Best yet.

Well written, plotted and read!! Loved every page.
All too often I have a 10 hour book and I’m bored by hour five. On close examination it’s usually because there’s insufficient content and more padding than a drag artists bra. This book was tight, tense and a delight. No waffle to hide plot bloopers just pure story. The relationship between Strike and Robin is dealt with in an honest, unmushy way, it’s believable which is more than can be said for a lot of authors. Loved it.

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  • Cass E Ritter Author
  • 29-09-2023

Loved it

I've listened over 3 days (work gets in the way 😉). At the end of the first day, I was astounded I was 10 hours in and had not been bored for a second. Yes, it is detailed and demanding, but the writing is tight and engaging with no extraneous fluff. Over the last three days I've through all the emotions from disgust and incredulity to joy and relief.
I'm off for my second listen now...

To those who find it boring or too long: stick with short instant gratification novels. They have their place.
To those who criticise the narrator: I challenge you to do a book reading...

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  • natalie
  • 27-09-2023

These books get better and better!

With each book being published, I am getting more addicted to the characters and their stories. I love how relatable and real this book is. The places, situations, and characters in the book are described in a way that you start to believe they are real! I am big fan of the series and I can see how each new book gets better and better. The narrator is fantastic, I've always enjoyed his take on characters voices and accents. Great work Robert!

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  • L Bailey
  • 27-09-2023

Disappointing and repetitive

I genuinely feel like I’m still listening to the last book, IBH. JKR wears her research heavily. It all feels plodding, even the attempts at lighter moments. I’m actually bored of Corm and Robin themselves and Corm especially was a great character. I’m four hours in and giving up, but I was losing concentration from the start.

I liked Glenister’s narration for the first five. But his style for reading correspondence (letters here, all those texts and forum posts in IBH) is so robotic, it doesn’t work. Am also finding his ropey Yorkshire accent for Robin increasingly grates.

I just had a look at the newspaper reviews and agree: JKR needs a much better and more confident editor.

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  • TracyLavinia
  • 30-09-2023

Absolutely brilliant!

Ignore the negative reviews. If you love Strike and Robin you will love this book!
Brilliantly read by Robert Glenister as always this story has it all. I found the chapters where Robin was in the cult really creepy and foreboding - and all far too plausible! And that ending, suffice to say I can’t wait for the next one!

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 29-09-2023

Worth the wait

Listening to this book, I forgot to breathe a few times. The description of Robin's expeeience in the Universal Humanitarian Church, the looming presence of evil all around, invokes a rather uncomfortable claustrophobic feeling and I was more than glad for the existence of the subplot that allowed me to breathe property again! Despite its size, the book was as long as it had to be. It didn't drag, and it was not repetitive. If anything, when I reached the end (and despite its nicely tied ending) I wanted more. What a brilliant story, totally worth the sleepless nights.

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  • ANNABEL
  • 26-09-2023

Another cult book

I’m giving up on this and hoping to get a refund. It’s dull and unoriginal I’m afraid to say. More of the same old stuff about a cult…. Yawn

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