Characters

Cormoran Strike is a down-on-his-luck private

investigator. He has few clients, a large debt, and
is obliged by a recent break-up to move into his
office. He has lost his leg in the Afghan war.
Robin Ellacott, aged 25, is Strike's temporary
secretary, recently moved from Yorkshire due to
becoming engaged. She is enthusiastic about
detective work, and is very intelligent and
competent.
Lula Landry (Bristow), a 23 year old professional
model who died from a fall three months prior to
the events of the novel. The subject of Strike's
investigation is to determine how Lula was killed.
John Bristow is Lula Landry's adopted brother,
and Cormoran Strike's client. He works for Tony
Landry in a large family law firm.
Charlie Bristow is John Bristow's brother and a
boyhood friend of Cormoran Strike. Charlie died
in an accident when he was around 9 or 10 years
old. Charlie was about 4 years older than Lulu
Landry (Bristow).
Alison is dating John Bristow. She works for Tony
Landry.
Tony Landry is Lula and John's maternal uncle. He
disapproved of Lula's lifestyle and is having an
affair.
Lady Yvette Landry (Bristow) is Lula and John's
adopted mother. She is terminally ill during the
events of the novel and her relations with Lula
were strained.
Sir Alec Bristow is Lady Bristow's husband. He
founded his own electronics company, Albris. Sir
Alec was sterile and could not have kids of his
own. He and Lady Bristow adopted 3 children:
John, Charlie, and Lula Bristow. Lula was adopted
when she was four years old. Sir Alec died
suddenly from a heart attack.
Evan Duffield is Lula's on-off boyfriend. He was
the initial suspect in the media at the time of
Lula's death, but he has numerous witnesses to
an alibi. He argued with Lula before her death.
Lucy Strike is Cormoran Strike's judgmental
younger sister. Strike attends her son's birthday
party during the novel.
Rochelle Onifade is a homeless friend of Lula
from an outpatient clinic. She was aware of Lula's
altered will and was blackmailing John Bristow
with the information.
Guy Som is Lula's designer. He is the one who
calls her "Cuckoo", alluding to the title of the
novel. He was in Tokyo in the week leading up to
her death, but is an astute character witness.
Deeby Macc is an American rapper who was
supposed to arrive in the apartment below Lula's
on the night of her death.
Kieran Kolovas-Jones is Lula's personal driver
who has aspirations of fame as an actor.
Ciara Porter is a model and a friend of Lula.
Freddy Bestigui is a film producer and neighbour
of Lula. He is difficult to contact and has a
reputation of being difficult. He and his wife
Tansy are in the process of divorce.
Tansy Bestigui is Freddy's wife and a key witness,
having overheard some events of the night. Her
plausibility is an issue for Strike and the police.
Cyprian May is a senior partner at the law firm
where John Bristow works. His wife is Ursula.
Ursula is Tansy Bestigui's sister. She is married to
Cyprian May.
Marlene Higson is Lula's biological mother, who
opportunistically sells her story to the press at
every opportunity. She lives in much poorer
circumstances than Lula's adoptive family.
Matthew is Robin's fiance, who works as an
accountant. He proposes to Robin at the
beginning of the book and does not approve her
working for Strike, whom he considers to be a
shady character.
Jonah Agyeman is Lula's biological brother, to
whom Lula's leaves everything in her will.