The Ink Black Heart, Episode 3: The Worm is not a Penis
We’re back this week for a new episode, covering chapters 5-7 of The Ink Black Heart. In this episode, we discuss background characters we are worried about, Robin’s meeting with Edie and our first bits of background information about Anomie and The Ink Black Heart cartoon’s rise to fame.
Links: Anomie and the Veil- A Question of Connection and Isolation
The Ink Black Heart, Episode 2: Wounds of the Heart
We’re back this week with a new episode, covering chapters 1-4 of The Ink Black Heart. Picking up where Troubled Blood left off, we discuss Robin’s 30th birthday at the Ritz and its aftermath, as well as Jo’s Q&As on the Robert Galbraith website and on Twitter.
Links: Robert Galbraith IBH Q&A, Jungian Therapy and Gnostic Alchemy, Jungian Therapy, The Rivoli Bar Menu, Tannhauser, Tannhauser Summary
The Ink Black Heart, Episode 1: First Impressions of The Ink Black Heart
**PLEASE BEWARE OF SPOILERS BEFORE LISTENING**
We’re back for a new episode to kick off our third season, covering our completely unscripted first impressions of The Ink Black Heart! Verdict? We loved this book a lot and spend a lot of time gushing about it.
Keep an eye out in the next few weeks for an update on when our regular posting will resume. Huge thanks to everyone who has listened so far; we can’t wait to analyze this with you!
Episode 15: Outtakes and Bloopers
We are back this week for the last episode of the second season here at the Strike & Ellacott Files. This episode contains all of the bloopers and outtakes that we, for reasons that may become obvious, could not include in our usual episodes.
We’ll be back in a few months following the release of The Ink Black Heart. Keep an eye on our social media channels – we’ll be keeping you all posted!
Episode 14: Final Ink Black Heart Predictions
We’re back this week to discuss our final predictions for The Ink Black Heart! Now that we have some idea of what the book is about, we spend some time analyzing the synopsis line-by-line, discussing the cover art, as well as some listener predictions. We’ll be back in two weeks for the final episode of this season, containing bloopers and outtakes from this season.
Links: Beatrice Groves – The Ink Black Heart – Uncovering the synopsis clues, The Sociological Definition of Anomie, One For Sorrow, The Highgate Vampire – London, The Decades-Long Rivalry of London’s Two Vampire Hunters
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 13: I Am Become a Name (ft Sam)
In honor of finally getting a date for the release of the cover and blurb of The Ink Black Heart, we’re back with Sam early this week for the episode that concludes this reread of The Cuckoo’s Calling. In this episode, we discuss Jo’s Twitter header change, Strike’s immensely satisfying final showdown with Lula Landry’s killer, and the potential meaning behind the phrase ‘I am become a name.’
Links: Shadows Fly Away, The Empty Chair Song, The Empty Chair Story, The Vacant Chair by Richard Coe Jr, Literary Allusion in “The Cuckoo’s Calling” – Part 2: Tennyson’s “Ulysses”
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 12: The Same, Yet Different
We’re back this week for another episode, this time covering chapters 13 and 14 of Part 4. In this episode, we cover Rochelle’s funeral as well as Strike’s visit to Lady Bristow against her son’s wishes, and discuss the concept of Bristow and Allison and Strike and Robin being foils to each other. Only one more episode before we conclude our reread of The Cuckoo’s Calling!
Links: A Streetcar Named Desire
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 11: Rochelle, Rochelle (ft Paula)
We’re back this week for another episode, this time covering chapters 10-12 of Part 4 with Paula, a previous guest from last season and one of the co-founders of StrikeFans.com. In this episode, we discuss the announcements of who will be playing Gloria Conti and Irene Hickson in the TV adaptation of Troubled Blood, Jo’s latest Strike Twitter spree, a lot about Strike and Lucy’s differences in coping with Leda’s death and, of course, Rochelle.
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 10: That’s Not My Leg
We’re back this week for a new episode, covering chapters 7-9 of Part 4. In this episode, we cover the announcement of our brand new website, challenge each others’ impressions of Ciara Porter and her connection to Duffield, and Robin’s reaction to Strike getting his groove back.
Links: JK Rowling wins ban on photos of her son
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 9: In Vino Veritas (ft Sam)
We’re back this week for another episode, this time covering chapters 3-6 of Part 4 of The Cuckoo’s Calling with Sam.
In this episode, we discuss Strike and Robin’s visit to Kentigern Gardens, Strike’s interview with Marlene Higson, and the aftermath of Strike discovering that Charlotte was engaged to Jago Ross. (Strike really just wants Robin to know that she’s a very nice person.)
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 8: Close Encounters of the Lucy Kind
We’re back this week for another episode, covering chapters 9-10 of part 3, and chapters 1-2 of part 4.
In this episode, we cover Robin and Lucy’s first encounter, Lucy’s coping mechanisms, and Strike’s interview with Guy Somé.
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 7: Justice Hawk
We’re back this week for a new episode, this time covering chapters 5-8 of part 3 of The Cuckoo’s Calling. In this episode, we discuss Strike’s internal monologue after seeing Robin in the green dress, his analysis of Charlotte’s text, and his first and only meeting with Rochelle.
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 6: The Green Dress (Therapy Edition) (ft Sam)
We’re back this week for another episode, time time covering chapters 1-4 of Part 3 of The Cuckoo’s Calling. In this episode, Sam joins us to discuss the latest updates in the fandom (namely JKR’s new Twitter header and Troubled Blood filming in Cornwall) and head deep into our feelings as we discuss the relationship between Strike and Lucy, their childhoods and the famous green dress scene.
Links: All J. K. Rowling’s Twitter Headers
Episode 5.5: Epigraphs in Strike (ft Dr Beatrice Groves and Nick Jeffery)
We’re back this week for a special bonus episode, this time covering something either you love, or you hate…epigraphs in the Strike series. In this episode, we discuss all aspects of the epigraphs, including why they’re important, what they add to the text, and even a few predictions for what we might be able to expect in The Ink Black Heart. Our special guests today are Dr Beatrice Groves and Nick Jeffery, both of whom have written extensively online Hogwarts Professor. Dr. Beatrice Groves teaches Shakespeare and Renaissance English Literature at Oxford University and is the author of Literary Allusion in Harry Potter. She also has a blog over at MuggleNet called Bathilda’s Notebook, at which she discusses aspects of all of Rowling’s works. Nick Jeffery is an engineer living in Wales who recently rekindled his love of reading through Jo’s works, and was the person who, through clever online sleuthing, discovered the sixth Strike novel’s title before its reveal.
Links: Bathilda’s Notebook, Beatrice Groves and Kurt Schreyer – The Mystery of the Ink Black Heart, Is Strike6’s Title ‘The Ink Black Heart’?, Is Strike6’s Title ‘The Last Cries of Men’?
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 5: Eternal Sundays
We’re back this week for a new episode, this time covering chapters 9 through 11 of part 2 of The Cuckoo’s Calling. In this episode, we discuss the recent filming for Troubled Blood in Skegness, Bristow’s increasingly suspicious body language, and the poor first impression Wardle makes on us in our first conversation with him.
Links: StrikeFans Skegness Filming Day 1, StrikeFans Skegness Filming Day 2, StrikeFans Skegness Filming Day 3, Daily Mail: Gordon Brown
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 4: StrikeMyInspirationForeva
We’re back this week for another episode, this time covering chapters 5-8 of part 2 of The Cuckoo’s Calling. In this episode, we see the beginnings of Robin taking on a more long-term role at the agency, the interviews with Derrick Wilson and Kieran Kolovas-Jones, and an introduction to Lucy and her…less endearing qualities.
Links: Editora Rocco, Syrus Lowe Twitter, BBC Press, The Tottenham Filming Photos, WGM Atlantic Talent & Literary Group, Aldershot, Robert Galbraith on who should choose the music on a road trip, Strike or Robin, JK Rowling tweet
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 3: Lifestyles of the Rich and the Dead
We’re back this week with a new episode, this time covering chapters 1-4 of Part 2 of The Cuckoo’s Calling. In this episode, we review the media coverage of Lula’s death, see the area around Kentigern Gardens for the first time, and talk a lot about how awful Matthew is.
Links: Charles Dana Gibson, Emmeline Pankhurst, Kentigern Gardens
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 2: The Pilot Light (ft Sam)
We’re back this week for a new episode, this time covering chapters 4 through 7 of part 1 of The Cuckoo’s Calling. In this episode, among other things, we explain the joke that embarrasses Strike and Robin, contemplate Charlotte’s appetite for revenge, and see the beginnings of the Lula Landry investigation take shape.
Links: Coaching Cormoran Strike: From Page to Screen
The Cuckoo’s Calling, Episode 1: Once Upon a Time in Denmark Street
We’re back this week for a brand new season of The Strike and Ellacott Files, starting our reread of The Cuckoo’s Calling!
In this episode, we’ll be covering prologue and chapters 1-3 of part 1. We meet our heroes for the first time, get introduced to the case that frames the novel, and spend most of the episode laughing about the sheer dramatic irony of it all.
Our next episode will cover chapters 4-7 from part 1.
Links: Analysis of “A Dirge” by Christina Rossetti, The Rowling Library: The Cuckoo Inspiration, Anteros, Young Beethoven, Strike Surname
Troubled Blood, Episode 24: Season 1 Bloopers
We’re back this week for a new episode, this time compiling all of the bloopers from this season of The Strike & Ellacott Files!
Thank you for all of your support, and we can’t wait to get started in January with our reread of The Cuckoo’s Calling.
Troubled Blood, Episode 23: The Ink Black Heart Predictions
We’re back this week for a new episode, this time covering our own as well as our favorite listener predictions for the next Strike novel, The Ink Black Heart! In this episode, we discuss ring theory (as done by John Granger), as well as many other popular theories concerning Rokeby, upcoming romance, and much more… A bloopers episode for this season is to follow.
Links: Hogwarts Professor Ring Structure, Thinking in Circles by Mary Douglas, Harry Potter as Ring Composition and Ring Cycle by John Granger, Is Strike6’s Title ‘The Ink Black Heart’?, How Katherine Knight Slaughtered Her Boyfriend And Made Him Into Stew
Troubled Blood, Episode 22: Cupid’s Greater Flame (ft Clara of Denmark Street Deep Dive)
We’re back this week for an episode covering the another set of chapters you all have been waiting for…the final chapters of Troubled Blood, 72 and 73. We’re also joined by our lovely friend Clara of the Denmark Street Deep Dive podcast as we discuss the implications of the discussion of perfume in Liberty, the meaning behind the Anna Karenina reference in the closing lines, as well as much, much more!
Following this episode, we will have a book 6 predictions episode where we will read and discuss some of our favorite theories for the next Strike book, as well as a blooper episode containing outtakes that didn’t make the final cut of this season’s episodes, all released on our normal schedule. We will then begin our reread of The Cuckoo’s Calling in January.
Thank you so much to all of our listeners for supporting us!
Links/Sources: TSEF on Twitter, Clara on Twitter
Troubled Blood, Episode 21: Whatever Happened to Margot Bamborough?
We’re back this week, covering the exciting killer reveal in chapters 69 through 71 of Troubled Blood. In this episode, our heroes’ year-long investigation comes to a close, with Robin and Barclay honing in on Margot’s body, and Strike confronting Margot’s killer. Comes complete with a theme song for Barclay and Robin’s grave-digging adventures!
Links/Sources: TSEF on Twitter, Messier 54
Troubled Blood, Episode 20: Into the Cave of the Cyclops
We’re back this week for a new episode, this time covering chapters 66 through 68 of Troubled Blood. In this episode, we finally hear Gloria Conti’s story, figure out some more important clues, and watch in awe as Strike outwits Dennis Creed.
Troubled Blood, Episode 19: Swans & Donkeys & Secret Tips to Lose Belly Fat, Oh My!
We’re back this week, this time covering chapters 63 through 65 of Troubled Blood. In this episode, we see the introduction of The Blue Dress, Robin and Strike’s road trip to Skegness to interview Douthewaite, and an intriguing theory from Lindsay regarding the swans that make an appearance!
Troubled Blood, Episode 18: …In The Post?
We’re back this week for another episode, this time covering chapters 60-62 of Troubled Blood. In this episode, we delve into our heroes’ reactions to the curry scene, discuss Pat’s horrible taste in men, and see Strike and Robin have another fight that continues to help level the emotional playing field between them.
Links/Sources: TSEF on Twitter
Troubled Blood, Episode 17: Damn It, Barclay! (ft Clara of Denmark Street Deep Dive)
We’re back this week for another episode, this time covering chapters 57-59 of Troubled Blood with our dear friend Clara, of the Denmark Street Deep Dive podcast! In this episode, we cover the events leading up to the biggest advancement in Strike and Robin’s relationship thus far, all while shaking our collective fists at Barclay and cheering at Morris’s firing.
Links/Sources: TSEF on Twitter, Clara’s Twitter, Interview with Graham Norton
Troubled Blood, Episode 16: Can’t Say I Have
We’re back this week for another episode, this time covering chapters 54 through 56 of Troubled Blood. In this episode, we cover Charlotte’s suicide attempt and Strike’s complicated emotions surrounding it, Robin finally being rid of Matthew, and the unexpectedly hilarious interview with Betty Fuller.
Links/Sources: TSEF on Twitter, Cornish word for Robin, Prostitution and Trafficking in Nine Countries
Troubled Blood, Episode 15: Troubled Tummies (ft Sam)
Kenz, Pools, and Lindsay are back for another episode, joined by Sam, this time covering chapters 50 through 53 of Troubled Blood. In this episode, we cover Strike and Robin’s interviews with Janice and Brian Tucker, and the Bayliss sisters, and well as Strike’s hilarious jealousy regarding Morris.
Links: TSEF on Twitter, Nightingale Grove, Star Cafe, Belgique & Aldersbrook Road/Wanstead Flats
Troubled Blood, Episode 14: House of Bollocks (ft Paula and Sam)
Kenz, Lindsay and Pools are back this week for another episode, this time covering chapters 47 through 49 of Troubled Blood. In this episode, some of the things we cover include your amazing feedback to our Odyssey theory, the aftermath of Joan’s funeral, and Robin’s incredible interview with Satchwell.
Stay tuned for our next episode, covering chapters 50 through 53!
Keep up to date with our updates at:
www.twitter.com/thesefilespod
Troubled Blood, Episode 13: It’s All Greek to Me
Kenz, Lindsay and Pools are back for chapters 45 and 46 of Troubled Blood! In this episode, we discuss Robin’s intense personal revelations regarding Strike, why it’s similar to chapter 40 of Career of Evil, an intriguing theory regarding a certain Homeric epic, and much more!
Links: TSEF on Twitter, All Saints Church, The Old Library, Royal Pump Rooms, Premier Inn, Astrology 14, Leamington Spa Wiki & Virgo Dunn Gravestones
Troubled Blood, Episode 12: Good for Her
Kenz, Lindsay and Pools are back for another episode, this time covering chapters 42 through 44 of Troubled Blood. In this episode, we cover the aftermath of the Valentine’s Day dinner, Strike’s apology, and one of the most heartbreaking moments in the book.
Troubled Blood, Episode 11: The Nightmare Dinner
Lindsay, Pools and Kenz are back for another episode of The Strike and Ellacott Files. During this episode, we discuss chapters 40 and 41 of Robert Galbraith’s Troubled Blood. Pools provides in-depth insights into Strike’s (poorly worded) dinner party argument, we despair over Wolfgang not getting his beef, and there is much gushing over the argument in the street that forever alters Strike and Robin’s relationship.
Porn discussion: 34:57-50:39
Links/Sources: 34 Women Claiming Videos Were Used Without Consent, Fake Sleep Study, Videos Sold, Girls Do Porn Owners Charged, Florida Man Arrested After Videos of Missing Teen Surface, Two Men Sentenced to Multiple Life Sentences For Enticing Women to Florida, Nikki Benz Sues MindGeek, Leigh Raven & Riley Nixon’s Story, Sex Trafficking of Women for the Production of Pornography, “An Open Letter From Black Women to Slutwalk” , SlutWalk: A Stroll Through White Supremacy
Troubled Blood, Episode 10: Strike & Robin’s No Good, Very Bad Day
We’re back this week with a new episode of The Strike & Ellacott Files! In this episode, we cover chapters 37 through 39 of Robert Galbraith’s Troubled Blood. We discuss some major clues towards the killer’s identity, the emotional buildup to the explosive Valentine’s Day argument, and important liquids.
Troubled Blood, Episode 9: A Little Less Beheading (ft Lindsay pools-of-venetian-blue)
Welcome back! In this episode, Kenz, Lindsay and Canadian!Lindsay cover chapters 35 and 36 of Robert Galbraith’s Troubled Blood. We discuss how much we hate Roy, a troublesome comparison of Matthew to Henry VIII, and the merits of astrology, among other things.
Links: Hampton Court Palace
Troubled Blood, Episode 8: Deare Knight (ft Lindsay pools-of-venetian-blue)
Kenz and Lindsay are back for another episode of the Strike & Ellacott Files! Together we are joined by none other than Lindsay, who goes by the moniker pools-of-venetian-blue online. We discuss chapters 31 through 34 of Robert Galbraith’s Troubled Blood. Topic-wise, we wade through all of our feelings regarding Strike and his aunt and uncle, Robin’s journey to self-discovery through Joni Mitchell’s music, and much, much more!
Links: Hogwarts Professor: Who Killed Leda Strike?, Ao3: pools_of_venetianblue, TSEF on Twitter, Wikipedia on Jerry Brudos, Real People of Troubled Blood
Troubled Blood, Episode 7: Merry F****in’ Christmas (ft Clara of Denmark Street Deep Dive)
Clara Strike joins Kenz and Lindsay once more for yet another episode of The Strike and Ellacott Files. In this episode, we cover chapters 25-30 of Troubled Blood, discussing (among other things) the Shaggable You perfume debacle, important clues pointing towards the killer, and how awful Morris is.
**CW: Mention of the snuff film**
Locations/links mentioned:
Hamleys, Rolling Stone Joni Mitchell Review, Clara Strike on Twitter, TSEF on Twitter
Troubled Blood, Episode 6: Blame the Curry (ft Clara of Denmark Street Deep Dive)
Kenz and Lindsay discuss chapters 20 through 24 with our friend Clara Strike, the host of fellow Strike podcast Denmark Street Deep Dive. Together we delve into some beautiful parallels, Clara’s feelings on mushy peas, and, of course, The Fart.
Links mentioned in today’s episode:
Clara Strike on Twitter, Circus Street, The Trafalgar Tavern and Fortnum & Mason
Troubled Blood, Episode 5: For Some Reason…
Sam and Paula join Kenz and Lindsay for another exciting episode of The Strike and Ellacott Files. This time we discuss chapters 15-19 of Troubled Blood, contemplate Strike’s love of food and two detectives’ complete inability to emotionally put two and two together.
Links mentioned in this episode: Paddington Station and the Notes Cafe
Troubled Blood, Episode 4: Margot’s Route (ft Paula and Sam)
Kenz and Lindsay are back for another episode of The Strike and Ellacott Files, this time covering chapters 12-14 of Robert Galbraith’s Troubled Blood with Paula and Sam from StrikeFans.com!
Links mentioned in this episode: Perfumes of Troubled Blood, Albemarle Way, Clerkenwell
Troubled Blood, Episode 3.5: Discovering the ‘Discover’ Section
Kenz and Lindsay are back for another new episode of The Strike and Ellacott Files, this time reviewing the available audio files on Robert Galbraith’s website.
Links referenced: Why London, Strike’s Character, Strike and Robin, Robin’s Character, Robin, Page to Screen and Denmark Street
Troubled Blood, Episode 3: The Worst Birthday (featuring Paula)
Kenz and Lindsay are back with a new episode of The Strike & Ellacott Files, this time covering chapters 8 through 11 of Troubled Blood. Paula is our special guest this week, and happens to be one of the co-founders of StrikeFans.com!
Troubled Blood, Episode 2: Back to London (featuring Sam)
The journey continues in part 2, as our favorite detective duo begins their investigation into what really happened to Margot Bamborough. Kenz, Lindsay and special guest Sam discuss chapters 4-7 of Troubled Blood.
Troubled Blood, Episode 1.5: A Very Special Valentine’s Day Episode
Kenz and Lindsay discuss various aspects of Strike and Robin’s relationship in a very special Valentine’s Day themed episode of The Strike & Ellacott Files.
Troubled Blood, Episode 1: Welcome to St. Mawes (featuring Sam)
Kenz, Lindsay, and special guest Sam dive into chapters 1-3 of part 1 of Troubled Blood.
Introduction to The Strike & Ellacott Files
Hi everyone, and thanks for listening to the Strike and Ellacott Files, an unofficial Cormoran Strike podcast and StrikeFans.com affiliate. In a special introductory episode, Kenz and Lindsay answer a few questions about their love of the Strike series and outline what their plans are for the rest of the season.