Sue Grafton (1940–2017)

"A" is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
"A" is for Alibi" is the first book in Sue Grafton's alphabet mystery series, featuring Kinsey Millhone, a 32-year-old Private Investigator residing in California. I've just begun this series and found this book quite enjoyable. The mystery is compelling, suspenseful, and makes for a quick read. Kinsey's character is fiercely independent, and she's portrayed in a way that makes you feel intimately acquainted with her. Nikki Fife, recently released from prison after serving eight years for the murder of her husband Laurence, enlists Kinsey to uncover the real culprit. As Kinsey delves into the investigation, she discovers a similarly executed murder that occurred days after Laurence's—the victim being Libby Glass, the accountant for Laurence's law firm, poisoned in the same manner. With the trail cold for eight years, Kinsey is aware that uncovering the truth will be challenging. She starts piecing together the profiles of those involved and the events leading to Laurence's death. However, her probing does not sit well with someone who is intent on keeping the truth buried. As Kinsey edges closer to the truth, she finds herself in peril, with a determined adversary attempting to thwart her efforts.… (altro)

A solid entry in the series with a few interesting touches. Unfortunately most of those have to go behind the spoiler curtain. "This time it's personal." Kinsey's first husband Mickey Magruder has been shot and is in a coma. Unlike her second husband, Mickey has never been discussed until now, and the reasons why Kinsey has suppressed his memory are the connective tissue beneath what is otherwise a fairly standard Alphabet plot. Lots of interviews, lots of driving around, and the obligatory closing chapter where Kinsey yet again is alone and stalked by the murderer. Her baker landlord Henry appears just briefly but long enough to make her realize this case matters to her more than she thinks.

The final chapters where she faces death yet again are becoming increasingly contrived. Spoiler 1: In this one, pursued by the murderer, she drives right by two detectives from LAPD who know everything and local cops with no more explanation than "there was no way [they] could help me right now".

The epilogue though is quite nice, and I liked one touch in the story though it might frustrate others. Spoiler 2: Mickey never comes out of his coma. This remains Kinsey's story throughout.… (altro)