Lethal White is the fourth book in the Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling). It picks up right where the previous book A Career of Evil ended. A mentally unstable man tells Strike he witnessed a child being strangled and even though there is no payment for following up, he starts asking questions. Soon afterward, a government minister contracts him to counteract a blackmail problem. As the investigation proceeds, we are introduced to a number of interesting characters from various parts of British society – upper class, working class, far left, and marginalized, each with his/her own story and links to the central crimes. The story is a long one and Strike and his partner Robin use a number of investigate techniques to uncover hidden secrets.
Overall the story is not as strong as the one before it, nor the one after it (Troubled Blood) and it is long and best called a “slow-burn,” but there are many fine moments, lots of social commentary, well-drawn characters, and a good climax. The Cormoran Strike series is highly recommended and Lethal White is a good read along the way. 4.2 out of 5.0 stars
An audiobook excerpt: