J.K. Rowling was revealed as the woman behind pseudonym 'Robert Galbraith', the author of The Cuckoo's Calling, by a law firm leak. Despite Russells Solicitors' apology, Rowling is "disappointed" and "angry" that her trust was misplaced.

JK Rowling
J.K.Rowling at the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

The Sunday Times had gone in search of answers after suspicions were aroused by a literary analyst, who noted Galbraith's writing had similarities to Rowling's. They received confirmation of the author's true identity, it was revealed yesterday (Thursday 18th July), by a law firm Russells. 

A statement released by the legal firm reads "we can confirm that this leak was not part of many marketing plan and that neither Jk Rowling, her agent nor publishers were in any way involved". 

This simply is not good enough for the Harry Potter author who said, in a statement, she had expected "total confidentiality" from Russells. She went on to say "I feel very angry that my trust turned out to be misplaced". 

After the news broke, Rowling said: "I had hoped to keep this secret a little longer because being Robert Galbraith has been such a liberating experience." She went on to comment that it "has been wonderful to publish without hype or expectation".

JK Rowling and Emma Watson
Emma Watson, who played Hermione in the film adaptations of Rowling's Harry Potter. Picture together at the 2011 BAFTAs.

It's no surprise Rowling is "disappointed" as her identity was leaked through Russell's office grapevine. One of the firm's partners, Chris Gossage, told his wife who then told her friend Judith Callegari. Callegari, in turn, tweeted the news to The Sunday Times. 

Russels have said Rowling's secret was revealed "during a private conversation". The firm has implied Gossange is not to blame as "the disclosure was made in confidence to someone he trusted implicitly". 

However, this is cold comfort for Rowling as in her statement she said "a tiny number of people knew my pseudonym and it has not been pleasant to wonder for days how a woman whom I had never heard of prior to Sunday night could have found out something that many of my oldest friends did not know".

Since Rowling was revealed as the author of The Cuckoo's Calling, the book's sales have soared. It is currently Amazon's bestseller. Many fans are calling for a sequel, in her statement Rowling has promised Galbraith will continue writing. However, she warns he "will probably continue to turn down personal appearances"

JK RowlingJ.K. Rowling at the 2008 Galazy British Book Awards, Grosvenor House, London.