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topdragon's review against another edition
3.0
Having read all the way through ”V” in the Kinsey Millhone alphabet series, I discovered that this collection of short stories existed and since all of the stories take place prior to “W” (and since I tend to be a completest) I decided to go ahead and read this volume as well.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part contains nine stories of Kinsey’s investigative adventures and I found them to be quite focused and pretty enjoyable reads. They aren’t as fun as the novels because there is nothing of the larger group of co-characters that make the novels so entertaining; nothing from octogenarian Henry, or Rosie or Kinsey’s estranged family. They are short straightforward whodunits almost in the style of a Hercule Poirot short story. None of them are necessary to read for the enjoyment of the larger series of novels, as they stand alone completely. They do vary in tone, however, from serious to near-whimsical crimes/criminals but I thought all of them were pretty fun reads.
Not so with the second half of the book. Here we find 11 “stories” from a character named Kit Blue who is reportedly a younger version of Sue Grafton herself. I use the term “stories” loosely because they are more like autobiographical observations on life with alcoholic parents and dealing with her mother’s death. There are no plots per se, more like essays on the over-arching darkness. Taken as a group, they do provide insights on Sue Grafton, as well as why the character of Kinsey Millhone is the way she is. And they are certainly well-written pieces. But enjoyable reading…not so much.
So I am granting four stars for part 1 and two stars for part 2 (being generous) rounding out to three stars for the book.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part contains nine stories of Kinsey’s investigative adventures and I found them to be quite focused and pretty enjoyable reads. They aren’t as fun as the novels because there is nothing of the larger group of co-characters that make the novels so entertaining; nothing from octogenarian Henry, or Rosie or Kinsey’s estranged family. They are short straightforward whodunits almost in the style of a Hercule Poirot short story. None of them are necessary to read for the enjoyment of the larger series of novels, as they stand alone completely. They do vary in tone, however, from serious to near-whimsical crimes/criminals but I thought all of them were pretty fun reads.
Not so with the second half of the book. Here we find 11 “stories” from a character named Kit Blue who is reportedly a younger version of Sue Grafton herself. I use the term “stories” loosely because they are more like autobiographical observations on life with alcoholic parents and dealing with her mother’s death. There are no plots per se, more like essays on the over-arching darkness. Taken as a group, they do provide insights on Sue Grafton, as well as why the character of Kinsey Millhone is the way she is. And they are certainly well-written pieces. But enjoyable reading…not so much.
So I am granting four stars for part 1 and two stars for part 2 (being generous) rounding out to three stars for the book.
bioniclib's review against another edition
3.0
The Kinsey half were short stories featuring one of my favorite detectives, the and Me half was Sue Grafton writing her way through her mother's legacy and death. The former was a pleasure to read, the latter was a pain. I loved getting to read more of Kinsey I hated reading about the painful process of grief. I had no idea how horrendous Sue's parents were. The short stories made for miserable reading. I understand the therapeutic power of writing but, damn, it doesn't make for good reading. That said I respect it. Those stories weren't for us, they were for Sue. And in one of the invasive aspects of fame, Sue's writing prowess made publishers clamor for those stories. We all want to read any and everything about the famous people we adore. It's a shame privacy is seen as a luxury the more famous you get.
colleen_mc's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the Kinsey stories a lot. The "Me" portion were wonderfully written but dark - they were a fictional biography of sorts I believe.
booklover28's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
tall_tales's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sjgrodsky's review against another edition
2.0
Of some interest if you really love Kinsey Millhone and, therefore, her creator and alter ego, Sue Grafton. The nine short stories that comprise the first half of the book star an early formulation of Kinsey. This Kinsey lacks the rebellious spirit, contrarian voice, and reprehensible diet of the novels. She's not very funny and not very entertaining. The plots are so insubstantial you forget the story after you turn the page.
The last half are the stories of ACA Sue -- they are, as Grafton herself explains, the stories she wrote to help herself understand her alcoholic parents. Her memories are sharply detailed and well told. But I skimmed through these sad, rambling pages and turned the last one with a sense of relief.
The last half are the stories of ACA Sue -- they are, as Grafton herself explains, the stories she wrote to help herself understand her alcoholic parents. Her memories are sharply detailed and well told. But I skimmed through these sad, rambling pages and turned the last one with a sense of relief.
julieb118's review against another edition
2.0
This one was hard for me. I am about as big of a Grafton fan as anyone else I've found and I generally devour any of her ABC books. I didn't at all love this one - in fact, it took me over a year to read it becaue I found it so easy NOT to come back to.
here's what I liked:
it was obviously intensely personal. Grafton uses it as a way to try to fill her readers in on her background and life story, but uses the character of Kit to do so. I admire her courage in doing this.
What I didn't like -
I did not like any of the short stories (the Kinsey section). I think what I learned, through reading this one, is that what I really like about her novels is the very rich plot and character development. This is absent in a short story. I'd feel like it was just develping and, viola, Kinsey woule solve the case, and I'd be left wondering how. Not fulfilling at all.
I also found the "me" section very difficult to read. Not difficult because of tough subject matter (though it is) but difficult because it was BORING. There is a chapter where she basically lists inventory of everything in her mother's closet. I couldn't come up with a reason for that. I'm guessing she was explaining her grief process - but still, it was in painful detail.
So, I'm not sure how I would advise anyone on this one. Liek any of her works, it is, of course, very well written. But, if you are a Grafton purist, you may want to borrow this before you buy it to see if it is for you.
here's what I liked:
it was obviously intensely personal. Grafton uses it as a way to try to fill her readers in on her background and life story, but uses the character of Kit to do so. I admire her courage in doing this.
What I didn't like -
I did not like any of the short stories (the Kinsey section). I think what I learned, through reading this one, is that what I really like about her novels is the very rich plot and character development. This is absent in a short story. I'd feel like it was just develping and, viola, Kinsey woule solve the case, and I'd be left wondering how. Not fulfilling at all.
I also found the "me" section very difficult to read. Not difficult because of tough subject matter (though it is) but difficult because it was BORING. There is a chapter where she basically lists inventory of everything in her mother's closet. I couldn't come up with a reason for that. I'm guessing she was explaining her grief process - but still, it was in painful detail.
So, I'm not sure how I would advise anyone on this one. Liek any of her works, it is, of course, very well written. But, if you are a Grafton purist, you may want to borrow this before you buy it to see if it is for you.
gma2at's review against another edition
2.0
Thanks to Goodreads for sending this First Reads book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
The short chapters at the beginning of this book were fun. I am not a short story fan, but this one was a good exception to make. Part of it is that Sue is an amazing author and she does mystery quite well. I'd recommend the first part of the book for a fun, quick read.
The second part was vastly different and I am not sure the intent in combining the two into one volume. While I didn't enjoy the last part as much, it was obvious that even in that genre, Sue is a master of writing.
I don't plan to own this one and would not recommend it to others overall.
The short chapters at the beginning of this book were fun. I am not a short story fan, but this one was a good exception to make. Part of it is that Sue is an amazing author and she does mystery quite well. I'd recommend the first part of the book for a fun, quick read.
The second part was vastly different and I am not sure the intent in combining the two into one volume. While I didn't enjoy the last part as much, it was obvious that even in that genre, Sue is a master of writing.
I don't plan to own this one and would not recommend it to others overall.
littletaiko's review against another edition
4.0
As a long time Sue Grafton fan I really enjoyed this book. It's unusual, in that the first half of the book are short stories featuring Kinsey instead of the usual novel. The stories were fun and clever and as always it's fund to spend time with Kinsey. The second half of the book are stories that Grafton wrote after her mother's death that feature Kit Blue, a version of Grafton herself. No mystery with these stories, just the author working her way through complicated emotional family issues.