Alison Cresswell is Tony Landry’s secretary at his law firm, Landry, May, Patterson (LMP). She started dating John Bristow shortly after Lula Landry’s death and accompanies John to Cormoran Strike‘s office the day he takes him on as a client. It’s clear that she didn’t want John to come to Strike, and she tells Robin Ellacott that she “knew he’d get upset”.

Sitting in the outer office with Robin, Alison ask her, “Is he any good, this man?” Out of self-respect, Robin replies, “Oh yes, he’s one of the best.” The Cuckoo’s Calling, Part 1, Chapter 4

Alison is described as “thick-set and very dark, with a limp bob” and as having “what might have been a monobrow if she had not plucked it.” She looks naturally cross.

Alison plays a role as a low-key witness leading to the capture of Lula Landry’s killer.

The character was omitted from the TV adaptation of The Cuckoo’s Calling.