Robin Ellacott divorces Matthew Cunliffe in Troubled Blood. While Robin initiates the divorce process in Lethal White, the legal proceedings conclude in Troubled Blood.
The tumultuous relationship between Robin and Matthew reaches its breaking point after Robin discovers Matthew's infidelity. This discovery sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to their separation and the finalization of their divorce.
The Progression of Robin and Matthew's Divorce
The unraveling of Robin and Matthew's marriage spans across multiple books in the Cormoran Strike series, culminating in their official divorce.
- Initial Request for Divorce: In Lethal White, Robin discovers Matthew's affair with Sarah Shadlock, his university friend. Devastated by the betrayal, Robin leaves Matthew and formally asks him for a divorce. This marks the beginning of their separation and the legal process.
- Finalization of Divorce: Matthew attempts to prolong the divorce proceedings significantly. However, in Troubled Blood, the situation changes when Sarah Shadlock becomes pregnant. This development prompts Matthew to finally agree to the divorce settlement, allowing him to marry Sarah and officially end his marriage to Robin.
The table below summarizes the key events related to their divorce:
| Event | Book | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation of Divorce | Lethal White | Robin asks Matthew for a divorce after uncovering his affair with Sarah Shadlock. |
| Finalization of Divorce | Troubled Blood | Matthew agrees to the divorce settlement, allowing him to marry Sarah Shadlock, who is pregnant, officially ending his marriage to Robin. |
Key Factors Leading to the Divorce's Conclusion
Several factors contributed to the finalization of Robin and Matthew's divorce:
- Matthew's Infidelity: The primary catalyst for Robin's decision to end the marriage was Matthew's ongoing affair with Sarah Shadlock, which betrayed Robin's trust.
- Robin's Empowerment: As Robin's career as a private investigator grew alongside Cormoran Strike, she became more independent and confident, no longer willing to tolerate Matthew's actions or insecurities.
- Sarah Shadlock's Pregnancy: The most direct trigger for the divorce's finalization was Sarah's pregnancy, which compelled Matthew to agree to the settlement so he could marry Sarah.
The divorce in Troubled Blood marks a significant turning point for Robin, allowing her to fully focus on her career and personal growth separate from Matthew's influence.
