Strike: The Hallmarked Man — Book Review

A dismembered corpse is discovered in the vault of a silver shop. The police initially believe it to be that of a convicted armed robber - but not everyone agrees with that theory. One of them is Decima Mullins, who calls on the help of private detective Cormoran Strike as she's certain the body in the silver vault was that of her boyfriend - the father of her newborn baby - who suddenly and mysteriously disappeared.

The more Strike and his business partner Robin Ellacott delve into the case, the more labyrinthine it gets. The silver shop is no ordinary one: it's located beside Freemasons' Hall and specializes in Masonic silverware. And in addition to the armed robber and Decima's boyfriend, it becomes clear that there are other missing men who could fit the profile of the body in the vault.

As the case becomes ever more complicated and dangerous, Strike faces another quandary. Robin seems increasingly committed to her boyfriend, policeman Ryan Murphy, but the impulse to declare his own feelings for her is becoming stronger than ever.

A gripping, wonderfully complex novel which takes Strike and Robin's story to a new level, The Hallmarked Man is an unmissable read for any fan of this unique series.

The Hallmarked Man was an exceptional read and a strong reminder of why the Cormoran Strike series continues to keep me completely hooked. Robert Galbraith delivers another complex, tightly plotted mystery, one that pulled me in early and refused to let go. This instalment had real momentum, building tension steadily and keeping me genuinely invested in uncovering the truth alongside Strike and Robin.

The mystery itself is layered and thoughtfully constructed. Galbraith excels at weaving together multiple threads without losing focus, and this novel is no exception. Each new development adds depth rather than confusion, and the twists feel earned rather than designed purely for shock value. I found myself constantly reassessing suspects and motives, which is exactly what I want from a crime novel. There was a persistent sense of unease throughout the story that kept me turning pages, and more than once I found myself on the edge of my seat.

As always, the heart of the series lies in the relationship between Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. The slow-burn “will they/won’t they” dynamic continues to be one of the most compelling aspects of these books, and The Hallmarked Man handles it particularly well. Their partnership feels natural and lived-in, shaped by years of shared cases and unspoken emotions. Galbraith resists the temptation to rush their relationship, instead allowing the tension to simmer in a way that feels realistic and deeply satisfying. Every meaningful conversation, every moment of hesitation, carried weight.

Robin continues to be a standout character. Her confidence and competence are on full display here, and it’s clear how much she has grown since the early books in the series. She holds her own professionally and emotionally, and her instincts repeatedly prove invaluable to the investigation. Strike, meanwhile, remains as complex and frustrating as ever, but there is a sense of gradual evolution in how he approaches both the case and his relationship with Robin. Their dynamic remains one of mutual respect, trust, and unresolved feeling, which makes it endlessly engaging to read.

I experienced The Hallmarked Man as an audiobook, and Robert Glenister once again delivered a stellar performance as narrator. He has an exceptional ability to bring these characters to life, giving each a distinct voice and personality without ever pulling focus from the story itself. His portrayal of Strike and Robin feels completely authentic, capturing both their sharper exchanges and their quieter, more reflective moments. At this point, it’s hard to imagine anyone else narrating this series.

By the time I reached the end, I felt that familiar mix of satisfaction and frustration. The mystery itself is resolved in a way that feels complete, yet the emotional threads—particularly between Strike and Robin—remain tantalisingly unresolved. Now the wait for book nine feels like it’s going to be absolute torture. Galbraith has once again left things at just the right point to keep readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

Overall, The Hallmarked Man is a gripping, character-driven mystery that delivers on every level. It’s smart, tense, and emotionally engaging, and it proves that this series continues to grow stronger with each instalment.

My rating of The Hallmarked Man (Strike: Book Eight) - ★★★★★.