Sales soar after JK Rowling revealed as secret author of new book

Well-known British author J.K. Rowling is revealed to be the author of a critically acclaimed crime novel published under a pseudonym. The Sunday Times newspaper unveils the author of the best-selling Harry Potter books as the writer behind “The Cuckoo’s Calling”, a debut novel about a private detective who investigates a model’s suicide. It was purportedly written by Robert Galbraith, described by the publisher as a former member of the Royal Military Police. The newspaper looked into Galbraith after suspicions were raised at how a first-time author could write such an assured debut novel. After being outed, Rowling says, “I had hoped to keep this secret a little longer because being Robert Galbraith has been such a liberating experience. It has been wonderful to publish without hype or expectation, and pure pleasure to get feedback under a different name.” “The Cuckoo’s Calling” won praise from fellow crime writers when it was published in April. The Sunday Times says the book sold more than 1,500 copies in hardback and a follow-up is expected next year. Following Rowling’s revelation, the book shot up to the top of the charts in Barnes & Noble Inc.’s online store and at Amazon.com Inc.

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