Some mysteries take decades to solve, but the toughest cases for Strike and Robin might just be the ones closest to home.
Troubled Blood gives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott one of their most challenging cases yet, but what makes Series 5 work so well is how much is going on beyond the mystery itself. Their investigation into the 1974 disappearance of Dr. Margot Bamborough unfolds across four episodes, taking them through unreliable witnesses, messy police files, red herrings, and a decades-old trail of secrets. The eventual reveal that seemingly harmless nurse Janice Beattie was actually a serial poisoner is genuinely shocking, especially after the season spends so much time making her seem completely trustworthy.
But the mystery is only half the story. Strike is dealing with the devastating illness and eventual death of his beloved Aunt Joan, giving him some of his most vulnerable moments yet, while Robin continues navigating her exhausting divorce and unwanted attention at work. Their personal struggles add an emotional layer that makes the investigation feel even more meaningful. And, of course, there’s the ever-growing question of whether Strike and Robin will finally admit what’s clearly been building between them. Their chemistry remains one of the show’s biggest strengths, and their relationship takes another big step forward by the season’s end.
With a compelling cold case, an unexpected killer, and some of the strongest character drama in the series, Troubled Blood proves that C.B. Strike can balance mystery and emotion really well. The final scenes at Robin’s birthday leave things in a very promising place for them, making the wait for what comes next even harder. Overall, I give this season a 9.5/10.
Have you watched C.B. Strike: Troubled Blood? What did you think of the mystery—and are you still rooting for Strike and Robin? Leave a comment.
You can stream C.B. Strike on HBO Max.
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