It’s that time again. The time when a 900-page novel from Robert Galbraith (aka J. K. Rowling) lands with an audible thud. A novel with a mind-twistingly convoluted plot and scores of characters and with an update on the “will they, won’t they” romance between London’s two best known private detectives, Cormoran and Robin. (Stop reading here if any of this requires explanation).

I suspect Rowling/Galbraith might have a slightly unhealthy interest in secret societies. Previous novels in the Strike series have featured dark dealings in a religious cult and in the more shadowy parts of the online gaming community. (She also seems fascinated by the English upper classes and the clubs where they congregate). For The Hallmarked Man we’re in the company of the Freemasons. A mutilated corpse is found in the vault of a London antiques dealer that specializes in the sale of masonic silverware. Strike’s newest client, a well known chef working in a fancy members’ club, is convinced the body is that of her missing partner. As he starts to investigate the identity of the victim, Strike discovers quickly that it’s not quite as clear as his client thinks and that powerful interests don’t want him interfering.

Loyal readers of the series will recognize all of this. Whether they will welcome it, I’m less sure. For my own part, I started to lose interest half way through and I am finding the meandering, slow advancing, and intricate plots a little bit tiresome. Perhaps someone with influence could have a quiet word with the author and suggest she picks up the pace a little. The Strike franchise, entertaining and successful as it is, might lose even some of its most dedicated followers if she doesn’t.