It was slow and overall “alright” I wasn’t thrilled by it…I forced myself to finish it in the hopes it would pick up like Girl with the Dragon Tattoo but it never did
Very slow read, I had to force myself to finish it. There was no spark or life to it. Unlike her other books, the characters were flat and unimpressive.
I really liked it. It wasn’t Potter of course but I didn’t go into thinking that. I was reading the wonder that is Rowling. The woman is astounding. The Comoran Strike series is ‘to die for’ (by all means pun intended).
I read it and didn’t care for it. I’m not sure it’s a bad book exactly, I read the whole thing and actually found it pretty interesting. It just wasn’t my taste. I actually just recently donated my copy of it because I knew I wouldn’t read it again.
I really liked it but don’t read it expecting a Harry Potter book. It’s something completely different. What a wonderful writer she is to be able to write so well and in different ways.
I actually loved it. I thought the characters were well developed and fascinating plot. I did think it go a little long winded at the end, but I still loved it.
I didn’t read this book until I was SURE I wouldn’t associate with HP. If you’ve ever seen the movie Snatch, this book reminded me a bit of that (less humor though). I enjoyed it!
It’s kind of like Peyton Place meets The Projects. She didn’t adjust well to adult reading patterns, I’m afraid, so there’s bits that are kind of strained. It’s not bad, but it’s not delightful.
Her Harry Potter series was wonderful. Her description of the people, creatures, places is wonderful as were the movies! But you don’t as many words for a so-called mystery/detective as she wrote under the name of Robert Gailbraith. Overkill.
I did not like this one however I did like her other books under Robert Galbraith, The Cuckoo’s Calling and Silkworm. Read the first one not even realizing it was her book!
I tried too- I couldn’t get into it. So surprised after absolutely loving the Harry Potter books. I think the difference was not caring about the characters in Casual Vacancy
It was slow moving. I thought it was interesting because it went into the local political systems in England and some of the prejudices that exist there. I learned a lot from reading it, so I’m glad I read it.
Nope. Couldn’t even finish it. Sentence structure was complex and it was well-written, but I couldn’t connect (or even care about) any of the characters or what happened to them.
I couldn’t finish it. I recommend her Robert Galbraith mystery novels and the TV show they’ve made it based on the novel on Cinemax, C. B. Strike, if you haven’t read them instead.
@Alicia the Cormoran Strike series are super gory murder mysteries, definitely not YA. But I agree that she seemed to have quite a rough entry into adult fiction after Harry Potter!
@Megan I’ve never read those either, I don’t even think I had heard of them before this group. Either way, I think it’s safe to say her first foray into adult fiction was a belly flop.
None of the characters was very likable….but I think that was the point. It does not make my list of favorite. books. I do like the Strike mysteries. ?
Well written and interesting, but dark and self-consciously not HP. Try “Cuckoo’s Calling” instead. It’s written under a pseudonym, but it’s still Rowling!
Yes. It’s intense and gritty but psychologically very interesting and real. I found it very moving at the end. Tragic. Lots of British context so beware if that’s not your thing.
Have owned it since it came out- it sits on my shelf due to just about everyone I know hated it. I concur her books under the name Robert Galbraith are fantastic and the books were made into a show for BBC(all 3 in 3 parts) are now showing on Cinemax in the US.
Took some time to get into it but I’m glad I finished it. I did end up liking the story but one complaint was there were so many characters so I had a hard time at first
I liked it. It showed the hypocrisy of the middle classes. How they look down on the poor or working class. The BBC made it into a mini series but it was a good bit different to the book. If you are any way interested in human behaviour or society it is for you.
I enjoyed it, but I was a social worker in a former life so I was intrigued. You see her love of a million different characters which somehow she seems to flesh out. The actual plot is not that exciting, but I do like how you see the story from a lot of different vantage points.
I liked it, but check out the books she wrote as Robert Galbraith The Cuckoos Calling, Career of Evil and The silkworm Loved this series of murder mysteries
If you (like me) cannot overlook the use of the Lord’s Name being used in vain, don’t read this book. I bought it not knowing and wasted my money. The language is heartbreakingly awful! ?
@Sally I disagree…I read them only because I bought them but I wasn’t very impressed with the character development. I was looking for more after reading The Casual Vacancy…which I loved.
Don’t expect anything vaguely related to Harry Potter. I listened to it on audiobook and liked it but I agree with others comments. Most of the characters aren’t very likable.
And you know what a housing estate looks like…might be hard for Americans…apart from those who watched the English version of Shameless ….they would not have an idea. There was no “tea at the vicarage “
I had to skip to the end…..did not enjoy it at all
It’s well written but not a great story.
Slow read.
Slow going and I really didn’t care about any of the characters.
I liked it.
I just couldn’t get interested in the characters
I couldn’t finish it.
Me neither
Bored me
I couldn’t get into it and gave up after a few chapters.
Me too
Reading, didn’t complete to read yet.
Yes!
It was slow and overall “alright” I wasn’t thrilled by it…I forced myself to finish it in the hopes it would pick up like Girl with the Dragon Tattoo but it never did
I loved it, but as you can see It’s not widely loved!
Very slow read, I had to force myself to finish it. There was no spark or life to it. Unlike her other books, the characters were flat and unimpressive.
Loved it.
It was a very slow read, and I didn’t really enjoy it.
On the pile
Yes, very good!
It was an interesting read. Hard life in England!
I liked it
Amazing! But very sad and dark. Be in a good place personally when you read it.
I still think about it!
She wrote other books? ?
I thought it was ok
It’s different for Rowling, but I liked it.
I enjoyed it.
I didn’t care for it. But I do like the Cormorant Strike books she wrote as Robert Galbraith.
I agree. It was well written, but I didn’t Ike the story. I love the cormoran strike books.
Hated it but love her Cormorant Strike books
I hated it . I couldn’t finish it ?
Same
I read but can’t remember a thing about it not even the plot.
Very, very different from HP (obviously), but I really liked it!
We listened to audio version. It was ok. It did not make me want to read it though.
I couldn’t get into it. Seemed pretty dreary.
Disappointed
I really liked it. It wasn’t Potter of course but I didn’t go into thinking that. I was reading the wonder that is Rowling. The woman is astounding. The Comoran Strike series is ‘to die for’ (by all means pun intended).
I didn’t like it. I hoped for a great story, but nope.
I read it, but it was not a favorite. It is okay, but very different.
I couldn’t finish it. It was a big disappointment. I adore the Harry Potter books.
I read it and didn’t care for it. I’m not sure it’s a bad book exactly, I read the whole thing and actually found it pretty interesting. It just wasn’t my taste. I actually just recently donated my copy of it because I knew I wouldn’t read it again.
I thought it was well written, but wasn’t a pleasant read. I love her Robert Galbraith books though.
I have, it was just ok
Well, it was about muggles not wizards so wasn’t nearly as exciting as Harry.
I loved it, but I think I’m in the minority.
I loved it too ??♀️
It was ok.
Eh.
This about sums it up perfectly. ?
This about sums it up perfectly. ?
This about sums it up perfectly. ?
It was an unbelievably deep examination of personalities and foibles of small town English residents. Poignant, painful and beautiful.
Read it but didn’t like any of the characters. Writing is typical JK…amazing. Story is interesting tho
I really liked it but don’t read it expecting a Harry Potter book. It’s something completely different. What a wonderful writer she is to be able to write so well and in different ways.
Meh. Her books written as Galbraith are much better.
Couldn’t get into it, never finished. Think I forgot I was reading it.
It was okay. I also saw the movie on Netflix.
There is a movie version of this?
HBO I think.
I didn’t finish it.
Not my favorite of hers, the Cormoran Strike books are better.
Did not like it at all.
I actually loved it. I thought the characters were well developed and fascinating plot. I did think it go a little long winded at the end, but I still loved it.
I’m with those that enjoyed the Cormoran Strike books more.
So-so
Agreed
It is difficult to get into, but then half way through I couldn’t put it down! At the end you appreciate all the detailed back story. I enjoyed it!
Yes and meh
I didn’t read this book until I was SURE I wouldn’t associate with HP. If you’ve ever seen the movie Snatch, this book reminded me a bit of that (less humor though).
I enjoyed it!
Tried to read it. Gave up. And I’m a HP Fan!
It’s kind of like Peyton Place meets The Projects. She didn’t adjust well to adult reading patterns, I’m afraid, so there’s bits that are kind of strained. It’s not bad, but it’s not delightful.
I really liked it! I listened to the audiobook which I thought was superb.
Her Harry Potter series was wonderful. Her description of the people, creatures, places is wonderful as were the movies! But you don’t as many words for a so-called mystery/detective as she wrote under the name of Robert Gailbraith. Overkill.
I enjoyed it. Very interesting characters. I listened to it on Audible, it was very Soap Opera like
Her detective books are way too long, definitely could stand heavy editing.
I liked it
I couldn’t finish it.
No
Overwrought
Nope!
Really liked it.
Heavy on characterization, but plot and character arcs are optional.
I haven’t read it, but her Cormoran Strike books are great!
I did read it and didn’t like it. I also read the Cormoran Strike books and really liked them.
Didn’t like it
Don’t bother…so many good books, so little time!
Couldn’t finish it!
No.but really liked the
Harry Potter Books
It wasn’t very good.
Not really
I couldn’t finish it either.
I liked it but not enough to read more novels by her. I heard there was a movie and would like to see that.
Meh.
My sentiments exactly! I like her Robert Galbraith novels, though.
If you like the British village political machinations like I do, it was great.
I thought it was okay. It wasn’t unreadable. I think of it as “jk has some stuff to say about class”
Didn’t finish it
Yuck! Don’t bother
Boring
I read it and did not enjoy it.
It’s in the beach read category. Quick and mindless
Thought it was well written, but didn’t really enjoy it. Her Cormoran Strike novels, written as Robert Galbraith, were very enjoyable.
Good to know. I also enjoyed the Robt. Galbraith works.
Harry Potter set a really high standard.
I didn’t like it at all. Too depressing with no likeable characters. (At least none that I liked.)
The ending was tragic, but overall it was much too long and didn’t capture my attention.
I thought it was ok but it broke my heart.?
Some lovely bits of writing but rather dull. Love her detective series by her pen name Robert Galbraith.
I did not enjoy it, but love Harry Potter and the Strike books.
I love Harry Potter but found this one just ok.
I tried.
just couldn’t get into it.
I loved it!
Not my favorite. Just didn’t like the characters.
Bored There was not a single character I could like or feel anything for. I did not hate them or like them. Nothing
Pretty meh.
I felt it was slow.
??????
I did not like this one however I did like her other books under Robert Galbraith, The Cuckoo’s Calling and Silkworm. Read the first one not even realizing it was her book!
Not a fan, but I like the Robert Galbraith series
I tried too- I couldn’t get into it. So surprised after absolutely loving the Harry Potter books. I think the difference was not caring about the characters in Casual Vacancy
I really liked it after really focusing on the first bit to get in the groove. The HBO movie was pretty good too.
I never finished it. Just so nothing!
I loved it. I grew up in a small town in Ireland and felt I could recognize each character. It was very well done.
It was okay. But her Cormoran Strike series is very good.
It was slow moving. I thought it was interesting because it went into the local political systems in England and some of the prejudices that exist there. I learned a lot from reading it, so I’m glad I read it.
Took me forever to get into it. There is a rape scene in the middle I found unnecessary, and like many have said, it was meh.
Ditto?
Nope. Couldn’t even finish it. Sentence structure was complex and it was well-written, but I couldn’t connect (or even care about) any of the characters or what happened to them.
Didn’t finish it
It was okay but not the best book I’ve read.
Third rate.
I couldn’t finish it. I recommend her Robert Galbraith mystery novels and the TV show they’ve made it based on the novel on Cinemax, C. B. Strike, if you haven’t read them instead.
I would not recommend it to anyone.
Meh.
Didn’t even finish…
It wasn’t my favorite, but I enjoyed the small town connections and political storyline.
I enjoyed it.
I tried but was not successful
I liked it a slow burn of book
Started it and didn’t finish it. I could not talk myself into it.
Didn’t like it
I didn’t finish it.
Was disappointed.
I didn’t care for it.
I liked it, but it was very stressful.
Yes, it is very good, but it takes some time getting into it.
Wasn’t her best but not bad.
Yes. It was okay
But just okay
I liked it, but it is not for everyone. It is a dark and intense story (Not like Harry Potter intense).
I didn’t finish.
It was long and I only enjoyed the last 100 pages are so and then it was a disappointment at the end.
No disappointment
No. Didn’t like it at all
Didn’t love it.
Ehhhh
Hated it! Didn’t even finish it.
Read the Cormoran Strike novels she wrote under name Robert Galbraith. They are all really good!
Just reading one now. Really enjoying it
Well written, but I hated the story. There is already enough darkness in the world; this story added to it. I threw out the book I hated it so much.
A friend told me she had to make a very long list of character names to keep track.
Yes, I enjoyed it.
Yes, I LOVED it! It is a totally different side of JK Rowling as an author, and I truly enjoyed this book.
I tried starting it on two different occasions and both times couldn’t finish it
Her Cormoran Strike books (as Robert Galbraith) are much better, I think.
I loved it
I thought she was trying too hard. It was a huge let down from Harry Potter. I have enjoyed the Cormoran Strike novels much better.
So so.
It didn’t get a lot of good reviews but I enjoyed it.
It was enjoyable, but not epic; but what do you want? She’s good enough to do anything, but she excels where she excels…
It’s brilliant, but you don’t really realize that until the end.
Depressing
I put it down
Couldn’t get into it
I didn’t care for it
I read it by did not really enjoy it.
Meh
I liked it.
Meh.
It wasn’t then it was…so kinda….
The books in this series are really good.
Enjoyed very much, Brit colloquialisms are a bit different.
Nothing like Harry Potter. I did not enjoy it. It was depressing.
not the best
Not one I particularly liked
Nope.
I really liked it!
I liked the HBO series about it better
I enjoyed it! Love Brit Lit!
not yet, debating about it
Meh. I only finished it cause I took it to jury duty & didn’t have anything else to read
No
It wasn’t great, but I’m sure there are worse books. I’ve never read the “Harry Potter” series, but, maybe, that’s just her ‘lane’.
Harry Potter and the Cormoran Strike books are all excellent, in my opinion. I thought this was just an off one for her.
@Megan It was her first novel for adults. Maybe she should stick with writing in the YA genre.
@Alicia the Cormoran Strike series are super gory murder mysteries, definitely not YA. But I agree that she seemed to have quite a rough entry into adult fiction after Harry Potter!
@Megan I’ve never read those either, I don’t even think I had heard of them before this group. Either way, I think it’s safe to say her first foray into adult fiction was a belly flop.
If you like mysteries, they’re great! The Cuckoo’s Calling; The Silkworm; and Career of Evil. But definitely not for the faint at heart.
None of the characters was very likable….but I think that was the point. It does not make my list of favorite. books. I do like the Strike mysteries. ?
No it is not good.
Well written and interesting, but dark and self-consciously not HP. Try “Cuckoo’s Calling” instead. It’s written under a pseudonym, but it’s still Rowling!
Agree!
Yes. It’s intense and gritty but psychologically very interesting and real. I found it very moving at the end. Tragic. Lots of British context so beware if that’s not your thing.
No
I tried and could not get into it
Have owned it since it came out- it sits on my shelf due to just about everyone I know hated it.
I concur her books under the name Robert Galbraith are fantastic and the books were made into a show for BBC(all 3 in 3 parts) are now showing on Cinemax in the US.
Cant wait to get the DVD as I don’t have Cinemax
Terribke
Menh…
It was o.k.
Started it, couldn’t get into it, didn’t finish.
Awful
Meh
It was very different… lots of cursing. I like the Cuckoos calling better.
Couldn’t do it.
I enjoyed it.
It was different,worth a read, not the worst or the best
No, but I picked up a copy at a library book sale. It’s currently sitting on my dining room table with several dozen other books waiting to be read.
Took some time to get into it but I’m glad I finished it. I did end up liking the story but one complaint was there were so many characters so I had a hard time at first
I did read it when it first came out. I forgot all about it….
I couldn’t get into it.
Forget the Casual Vacancy. Read the Cormoran Strike books instead. They’re great.
I was disappointed and never finished it.
It was quite satirical. I loved the Coroman Strike novels much better too.
Fantastic!
Not me but I want !
I liked it.
I thought it was kind of tedious
I liked it but it was not especially memorable.
I liked it and am still haunted by the characters.
No.
It was ok
Boring
I read it and agree with the other posters: well written, but depressing, and the characters make terrible
choices.
I did. It was okay
It’s intense. It was well written. I appreciated the message, but I wouldn’t say I enjoyed reading it. However, I’m glad I did read it.
Just couldn’t hang in there with it. Have it 12 chapters and shelved it. Felt bad because was obsessed with. Harry Potter
It was ok
I thought it was well written and worth a read.
I didn’t like it
I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not when I finished it.
Yes! That’s how I felt. I don’t think you were supposed to like it. I think she was trying to convey a message that isn’t easy to hear.
Yes. I enjoyed it.
Didn’t like it…
I read it, but didn’t like it.
No
I read it but did not like it–a tedious read….
I liked it. It showed the hypocrisy of the middle classes. How they look down on the poor or working class. The BBC made it into a mini series but it was a good bit different to the book. If you are any way interested in human behaviour or society it is for you.
Hated it
Horrible. ?
No
I think she was trying to find a different voice, but I’m not sure this voice was successful.
I tried. Couldn’t get into it
I enjoyed it, but I was a social worker in a former life so I was intrigued. You see her love of a million different characters which somehow she seems to flesh out. The actual plot is not that exciting, but I do like how you see the story from a lot of different vantage points.
I could not get into it.
Couldn’t finish it, tried three times.
Disappointing if expecting Harry Potter-type story.
It was Ok, not great.
I logged through the first hundred pages, then put it down.
Takes about 500 to get interesting. Haha.
Her other series is so good- The Cuckoo’s Calling, but this one was not worth slogging through IMO
I read it and loved it. And I’m a huge Harry Potter fan, if it makes a difference.
I enjoyed it. Kind of depressing, but an interesting insight into the class system in Britain.
Exactly…life in public housing with a junkie Mom…it was harrowing but informative.
I finished it. I kept telling myself I didn’t like it but felt compelled to find out what happens….
I did that also!
I couldn’t finish it
I couldn’t finish it… and that’s saying something
Not really
Noooo
Rowling’s mysteries are as good as Harry Potter. And they get better.
I liked it, but check out the books she wrote as Robert Galbraith The Cuckoos Calling, Career of Evil and The silkworm
Loved this series of murder mysteries
Nah
I have started it but needed to write out family trees to keep all the characters straight.
Me too! It was too much work so I gave up.
Nope
Unpleasant. ?
Skip it. Read her Cormoran Strike series instead (if u haven’t already) ?
These are amazing. The best. Outstanding in every sense of the word.
Couldn’t finish it
I loved it! JK Rowling is a genius writer.
I did not like it at all!
Awful. Couldn’t finish it!
LOVED IT⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hated every one of the characters. Not a good sign for a book
Could not finish.
Nope
Could not finish either. Just awful
agree.
It was wonderful….maybe because being Canadian and having a English mother it made sense to me…
I did ‘t like it.
It was different. And ok. I won’t read it again however.
I liked it.
Read a few chapters. Did not like it. Didn’t finish it.
If you (like me) cannot overlook the use of the Lord’s Name being used in vain, don’t read this book. I bought it not knowing and wasted my money. The language is heartbreakingly awful! ?
I thought it was a good story, but the characters are mostly unlikeable.
Not my favorite, but it was a good book.
I liked it, but her Cormoran Strike detective series (under pseudonym Robert Galbraith) is MUCH better!
Agree with Jessica
@Sally I disagree…I read them only because I bought them but I wasn’t very impressed with the character development. I was looking for more after reading The Casual Vacancy…which I loved.
Yes, I liked it. She created an entire village of living breathing non-perfect people. Darker than Harry Potter though.
Don’t expect anything vaguely related to Harry Potter. I listened to it on audiobook and liked it but I agree with others comments. Most of the characters aren’t very likable.
Meh
Very good!
It helped that I’m English and familiar with the location and dialect.
And you know what a housing estate looks like…might be hard for Americans…apart from those who watched the English version of Shameless ….they would not have an idea. There was no “tea at the vicarage “
Indeed.
I tried
I hated it, I thought it was really depressing. I loved her Galbraith books though.
I see I’m in the minority because I liked it alot
It was just…meh. ??♀️ none of the characters were terribly likeable.
Not good..
Took a while to get into it, but yes I did like it
Well written but very depressing storyline