Once again, J.K. Rowling has amazed me with her writing.

Her latest novel, “The Cuckoo’s Calling,” was written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. It was well-received by critics when it was first released, but did not receive much attention until after Rowling was revealed as its author.

As soon as I heard about this new book by Rowling, I knew two things: That I wanted to read this book, and that I needed to hurry up and finish “The Casual Vacancy,” Rowling’s 2012 adult novel.

“The Cuckoo’s Calling” plot follows Cormoran Strike, usually referred to simply as “Strike,” a private investigator. He is hired by John Bristow to investigate the death of Bristow’s adopted sister, the famous supermodel Lula Landry. The police ruled Lula’s death as a suicide, but Bristow thinks there’s more than meets the eye – and there is.

Throughout the book, Strike comes up with a long list of suspects during his investigation of Lula’s death. He also grows close to his new, temporary secretary Robin. Her husband Matthew does not approve of her working with Strike.

As I read the book, I felt as hooked as I did when I first read the Harry Potter series years ago. “The Casual Vacancy” was good, but it was not a book that drew me in right away and kept me interested throughout the story as the Harry Potter series and this latest novel did.

In addition, I felt like I was watching an episode of my favorite television show, “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.” I have a new appreciation for crime books after reading this one, and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series when Rowling writes and releases them.

This book was so good that I read the last 250 or so pages while on a car ride back to Wichita from a trip to Arkansas. I admit that the ending of the book shocked me, and I’ve written similar plot twists in my own writing.

“The Cuckoo’s Calling” does not disappoint. It entertains. Fans of Rowling’s earlier work will find the story satisfactory. Anyone who appreciates crime novels will enjoy this book, too. Rowling never ceases to amaze me; I can’t wait to read more of her books.