JK Rowling, crime writer? Bestselling author revealed as creator of ‘debut’ detective novel

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FILE - In this Sept. 27, 2012 file photo, British author J.K. Rowling poses for photographers during a photo call to unveil her new book, entitled: \'The Casual Vacancy\', at the Southbank Centre in London. British author J.K. Rowling confirmed Sunday, July 14, 2013 in a statement released by her publicist that "The Cuckoo\'s Calling", a detective novel which won critical acclaim, was penned under her pseudonym Robert Galbraith. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, File)

LONDON – J.K. Rowling has pulled off some impressive literary wizardry: She has managed to gain acclaim for writing a detective novel without anyone knowing she had penned it.

The bestselling author of the “Harry Potter” series used the pseudonym Robert Galbraith to write “The Cuckoo’s Calling,” which features a war veteran turned private investigator and the mysterious death of a model.

The “debut novel” by Galbraith, a supposed ex-military man, won favourable reviews when it was published in April by Sphere, part of publisher Little, Brown.

The Sunday Times revealed Rowling wrote the book. Her spokeswoman then confirmed it.

Rowling said in a statement she had hoped to keep the secret a little longer because “being Robert Galbraith has been such a liberating experience.”

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