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A review by book_concierge
A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
4.0
Audiobook performed by Mary Peiffer
Book #1 in the Kinsey Millhone series. Kinsey is a private investigator who is asked to look into an old murder case – by the woman convicted of poisoning her unfaithful husband. Nikki Fife has served her time but she swears she was innocent and wants to know who DID kill her husband. As Kinsey begins looking into the old case she discovers that a young accountant who did the law firm’s books also died shortly after Nikki’s husband – and of the same poison. The more details she uncovers, the less they seem to fit together, and possible witnesses begin to die.
This is a fast-paced mystery thriller with plenty of twists and turns and multiple suspects to keep the reader busy. Kinsey is a wonderful lead character – something of a loner, twice divorced no kids, no pets, working hard and working smart. She’s resourceful, tenacious, and intelligent and can take care of herself. I like that the book is set in an era before wide-spread use of computers, and without cell phones. This requires Kinsey to investigate the old-fashioned way (does anyone else remember using a reverse directory?).
The book is very atmospheric. Grafton describes the Southern California landscape clearly and succinctly, giving the reader a good sense of the terrain. I also like the way she describes the various characters; I got a very clear picture of each of them.
Mary Peiffer performs the audiobook at a good pace. She does not use many different voices for the various characters, but that wasn’t too problematic. Grafton’s dialogue makes it clear who is speaking and I was never confused.
I’ve read this book before – decades ago. I didn’t remember anything about it other than that I liked the central character. I think I’ll have to continue reading the series again.
Book #1 in the Kinsey Millhone series. Kinsey is a private investigator who is asked to look into an old murder case – by the woman convicted of poisoning her unfaithful husband. Nikki Fife has served her time but she swears she was innocent and wants to know who DID kill her husband. As Kinsey begins looking into the old case she discovers that a young accountant who did the law firm’s books also died shortly after Nikki’s husband – and of the same poison. The more details she uncovers, the less they seem to fit together, and possible witnesses begin to die.
This is a fast-paced mystery thriller with plenty of twists and turns and multiple suspects to keep the reader busy. Kinsey is a wonderful lead character – something of a loner, twice divorced no kids, no pets, working hard and working smart. She’s resourceful, tenacious, and intelligent and can take care of herself. I like that the book is set in an era before wide-spread use of computers, and without cell phones. This requires Kinsey to investigate the old-fashioned way (does anyone else remember using a reverse directory?).
The book is very atmospheric. Grafton describes the Southern California landscape clearly and succinctly, giving the reader a good sense of the terrain. I also like the way she describes the various characters; I got a very clear picture of each of them.
Mary Peiffer performs the audiobook at a good pace. She does not use many different voices for the various characters, but that wasn’t too problematic. Grafton’s dialogue makes it clear who is speaking and I was never confused.
I’ve read this book before – decades ago. I didn’t remember anything about it other than that I liked the central character. I think I’ll have to continue reading the series again.