Grafton, Sue. A is for Alibi. Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1982.In this first Kinsey Millhone mystery, readers are introduced to the quirk- and foible-ridden heroine that has made Grafton a titan in the genre. Millhone, former insurance investigator turned PI, is both protagonist and narrator. This first person style was startling at first, but Grafton carries it off well. The California setting offers a strong ambiance that permeates the story while Millhone is a character with plenty of room for development over the course of twenty-six novels. Grafton left clues throughout the book and then had a nice twist at the end which was not unrealistic and was reasonably satisfying.
A procedural in every sense of the word, A is for Alibi was slower paced than expected. Millhone spends an inordinate amount of time on paperwork, note cards, taking notes, organizing notes, writing notes and going through old files. While this is probably the unglamorous truth of the PI biz, it doesn't make for compelling reading. In addition, the emphasis on the paper and pen makes the novel feel a little dated. That said, A is for Alibi is a completely legitimate and readable mystery. One can see where Grafton intends to take her heroine and character qualities will expand and grow. There is certainly something to be said for witnessing the birth of an icon. The only question left to ask is, "What happens when she gets to 'Z'?"
A procedural in every sense of the word, A is for Alibi was slower paced than expected. Millhone spends an inordinate amount of time on paperwork, note cards, taking notes, organizing notes, writing notes and going through old files. While this is probably the unglamorous truth of the PI biz, it doesn't make for compelling reading. In addition, the emphasis on the paper and pen makes the novel feel a little dated. That said, A is for Alibi is a completely legitimate and readable mystery. One can see where Grafton intends to take her heroine and character qualities will expand and grow. There is certainly something to be said for witnessing the birth of an icon. The only question left to ask is, "What happens when she gets to 'Z'?"
Recommendations:
Indemnity Only by Sara Paretsky (1st in V.I. Warshawski series)
Readers looking for a long-running series with a slightly harder edge than Grafton and an independent female lead will enjoy the V.I. Warshawski series set in Chicago.
Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr (1st in Anna Pigeon series)
Another strong protagonist is Ranger Anna Pigeon who solves crimes in the National Parks system. Her tough exterior masks an inner vulnerability which makes her a good match to Millhone.
Catch Me if You Can: A California Saga of Murder, Greed & Two Heroic Detectives by Kraig Hanadel
Two hard-working detectives devote three years to following the faintest of leads to prove that playboy Dana Ewell killed his parents and sister. A good read-alike for people who enjoy the southern California setting of Grafton.
Private Investigation 101 by Norma M. Tillman
Want to be a PI like Kinsey? Check out this step-by-step guide to starting a successful investigating business.
Private Investigation 101 by Norma M. Tillman
Want to be a PI like Kinsey? Check out this step-by-step guide to starting a successful investigating business.
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