'A is for Alibi' by Sue Grafton introduces readers to private investigator Kinsey Millhone who is hired by Nikki Fife to investigate the murder of her husband, for which Nikki was recently released from prison. The story unfolds with Kinsey navigating through the case, revealing twists and turns as she delves deeper into the investigation. The writing style is described as quick and easy to read, with a mix of suspense, humor, and a historical feel due to the lack of modern technology in the storyline.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include references to murder, themes of infidelity, and some violent situations.
Has Romance?
There is a moderate level of romance present, primarily involving Kinsey's relationships with different characters throughout the investigation.
From The Publisher:
When Laurence Fife was murdered, few mourned his passing. Plenty of people had reason to want him dead. But the police thought his wife Nikki - with motive, access and opportunity - was the #1 suspect. The jury thought so too.
Eight years later and out on parole, Nikki hires Kinsey Millhone, a gutsy P.I., to find the real killer. The trail is cold but Kinsey finds a lead. It brings her face-to-face with the murderer!
This is the first in the popular series featuring California investigator Kinsey Millhone. She's 32, twice divorced, no kids, an ex-cop who likes her work… and who works strictly alone!
Ratings (37)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (10) | |
Liked It (13) | |
It Was OK (9) | |
Did Not Like (2) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (55):
Read It (37) | |
Want To Read (11) | |
Not Interested (7) |
2 comment(s)
It was...alright. Frankly, I was surprised by how much of a let-down this book actually was. Her books are so hugely popular that I was expecting something with a little more meat, but maybe they get better or more intense as the series wears on? I don't know. This wasn't very intense to me, the supporting characters hardly had any depth at all, the confrontation scene at te end was silly, and the wrap up of the case for the reader was one tacked-on paragraph on the very last page. I s'pose as beach reading this would be a good choice- light, easy, and short- but outside of that I don't see myself reading the whole or even most of the series.
I love Kinsey Millhone. But she's not everyone's cup of tea. I started reading the Alphabet series a few years ago - I think at the time it was up to O is for Outlaw. The idea of a mystery series each title beginning with a new letter amused me. I don't know why. I don't think it's particularly original. At least - I've seen a few others since. At the time though it was new to me and it just struck me as perfect. I flew through the series. Kinsey is riveting. She's brash and harsh and charming. She's fierce and flawed. She gets scared. She holds her own. She pushes herself to run often and tackles cases without judgement and with an open mind. Rosie and Henry are brilliant and I love the little family she builds around her.
But Kinsey Millhone isn't Jack Reacher - her speed is more Tracy Crosswhite. [b:My Sister's Grave|22341263|My Sister's Grave (Tracy Crosswhite, #1)|Robert Dugoni|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1405267054l/22341263._SY75_.jpg|41739579] Her cases aren't full of action and high speed chases - they're slowly nitpicking away until something clicks into place. She writes down all her thoughts and places her facts and ideas on 3x5 index cards - which she often shuffles and rearranges to help her solve her case. And I love it. Kinsey Millhone is great - but she's not for everyone. But if you like your mysteries to be more like procedurals with a determined and fierce character - Kinsey Millhone is for you.
This is a typical murder mystery. A is for Alibi doesn't tread new ground. Well it may have when it was first written - but I've read a million and one books like this. But it was good. The murder mystery was interesting and I enjoyed following Kinsey as she gathered clues and evidence and found the truth. The murderer was somewhat predictable but I don't mind that.
For some reason I've seen reviewers compare this to Stephanie Plum - I don't know why - this is absolutely NOTHING like that. Stephanie Plum is a very different character and an extremely different type of book. That's more fluff. Kinsey Millhone is more procedural mysteries. And this series isn't current - it was first published in the 80's - there's not really technology. Messages were relayed by calling the landlines. Paper files were still the main form of storage. Not everyone will enjoy reading this. But if you like procedurals - this is a great start to a series.
3.8 stars, rounded up to four.
What can you read after
A is for Alibi?
About the Author:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Sue Grafton first introduced Kinsey Millhone in the Alphabet Series in 1982 and since then, both writer and heroine have become icons and international bestsellers. Ms. Grafton is a writer who consistently breaks the bonds of genre while…
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