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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
C is for Corpse is the third book in the Kinsey Millhone mystery series. This installment was smoother than the first two, and I think this is where the series started to gain momentum.
In this story, Kinsey is hired by a young man who was nearly killed in a car accident. But he says the collision was a deliberate attempt to kill him. The only problem is that the accident left him with brain damage and memory problems, so he can’t remember who is after him or why.
Now usually any plot that hinges on amnesia is a huge red flag to me. But Grafton made it work in this story. I never caught myself thinking, “Geez, not another amnesia story.” Probably because although the plot does start with her client being unable to remember, once the mystery gets rolling there is enough other stuff going on that it isn’t just an amnesia story. The format remains the same: the story is being told by Kinsey after the fact as she writes up her report of the case. There was still some of the annoying “little did I know…” moments, but they weren’t as blaring as they were in the previous books.
The story overall is faster-paced. Once Kinsey starts to close in on the killer, the danger escalates. The characters are more settled into the roles established by the previous books, but I wouldn’t say there is any significant arcing character development. The story clearly has an 80’s flavor that is always interesting to revisit. C is for Corpse is an engaging whodunnit and a good read for anyone who likes gumshoe mysteries.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
In this story, Kinsey is hired by a young man who was nearly killed in a car accident. But he says the collision was a deliberate attempt to kill him. The only problem is that the accident left him with brain damage and memory problems, so he can’t remember who is after him or why.
Now usually any plot that hinges on amnesia is a huge red flag to me. But Grafton made it work in this story. I never caught myself thinking, “Geez, not another amnesia story.” Probably because although the plot does start with her client being unable to remember, once the mystery gets rolling there is enough other stuff going on that it isn’t just an amnesia story. The format remains the same: the story is being told by Kinsey after the fact as she writes up her report of the case. There was still some of the annoying “little did I know…” moments, but they weren’t as blaring as they were in the previous books.
The story overall is faster-paced. Once Kinsey starts to close in on the killer, the danger escalates. The characters are more settled into the roles established by the previous books, but I wouldn’t say there is any significant arcing character development. The story clearly has an 80’s flavor that is always interesting to revisit. C is for Corpse is an engaging whodunnit and a good read for anyone who likes gumshoe mysteries.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
This was my favorite book so far. It had just enough twist and turns to not really know who the killer was till the end. My heart was racing at the end thinking our favorite Kinsey was going to die. I can't wait to pick up d is for deadbeat
This one didn't feel quite as good as the others for some reason. Something about Kinsey felt less lovable than usual... still so good though
Book #72 read in 2024
I am really enjoying rereading this series on audio. Kinsey is such a great character, and in this one, we are starting to flesh out her supporting cast, which will impact her life throughout the series.
I am really enjoying rereading this series on audio. Kinsey is such a great character, and in this one, we are starting to flesh out her supporting cast, which will impact her life throughout the series.
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
C was good - I was pretty eager to figure it out so basically avoided all obligations and just read today.
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No