JK Rowling criticised for new book with 'transphobic' plot line

JK Rowling has caused controversy with her new crime novel. Photo / Getty Images

JK Rowling has come under fire for the plot of her new novel, with fans accusing her of doubling down on her stance on trans issues.

A review in The Telegraph revealed plot details of her latest novel Troubled Blood, published under her pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

The review's author Jake Kerridge wrote: "The meat of the book is the investigation into a cold case: the disappearance of GP Margot Bamborough in 1974, thought to have been a victim of Dennis Creed, a transvestite serial killer. One wonders what critics of Rowling's stance on trans issues will make of a book whose moral seems to be: never trust a man in a dress."

Following reviews of the book today, #RIPJKRowling was trending on Twitter, with users citing the author's character as another example of the author's alleged transphobia, Forbes reports.

As a big fan of both the Harry Potter and Cormoran Strike books, my stance on JK Rowling up to now has been "love the art, hate the artist". Now I'm furious and will be returning my audiobook pre-order. She's alienating the readers she has left. What a horrible woman she is. https://t.co/mi6XJM6AbI

— Dónal O'Flynn (@donaloflynn) September 15, 2020

Lady, you could have lived the rest of your life as the lady who wrote Harry Potter. You could have stayed in your castle and eaten crumpets till the end of days! https://t.co/umGpv8NmZp

— Bristi (@dummydumdodo) September 15, 2020

Why does Rowling hate trans people so much? What did they ever do to her? Answer: nothing. https://t.co/VBiKEMg8Ed

— maya! (@mayasmith_info) September 15, 2020

I’m so disappointed by this. This is literally the entire conservative bathroom argument put into a novel. https://t.co/0h7r3fVsCL

— Jessica (@szia_jessica) September 15, 2020

You're killing me @jk_rowling. You used to be one of my favorite authors. My daughter and I used to argue over whether we can separate the art from the artist. Now we agree that we can't. https://t.co/kN1qJ4x8jq

— Mandy Wilson the Unsophisticated (@wilson_mandy) September 14, 2020

"I'm so disappointed by this. This is literally the entire conservative bathroom argument put into a novel," posted one user.

"I have been giving Rowling the benefit of the doubt regarding her questionable trans comments and then she goes and writes this tone deaf load of bull," another said.

A former fan said: "You used to be one of my favourite authors. My daughter and I used to argue over whether we can separate the art from the artist. Now we agree that we can't."

"Oh. So the transphobic tweets in recent months weren't random but publicity for the new book," another tweeted.

Rowling has repeatedly shared her controversial views on her Twitter account, prompting Harry Potter stars, including Daniel Radcliffe, to publically condemn her comments. She also penned a lengthy essay detailing "her reasons for speaking out on sex and gender issues", which was widely criticised for its inaccurate arguments.

Trans activists and celebrities denounced her arguments, including UK charity Mermaids and American organisation GLAAD.