"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. ( )

Alphabet-series

Took awhile to get going, I got confused trying to keep track of who everyone was, and I thought the ending gathered force beautifully before abruptly letting all the air out of itl. That said, the detective is nicely drawn and interesting, and it has all the hallmarks of a successful series--which of course it was. ( )

This was, oddly, my first reading of Sue Grafton, so I logically started with "A." I'm happy enough that I did, as it will be fun to see how Grafton sharpened her skills as she worked her way through the alphabet. This early effort is well written and enjoyable to read, even if the story gets a bit addled as it works toward the conclusion. ( )

Fast-paced private investigator story set in California. Full of humanity and action. ( )