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29th out of 158 books
—
26 voters
M Is for Malice (Kinsey Millhone #13)
by
Sue Grafton
"M" is for a missing heir, millions of dollars at stake...and murder in the thirteenth entry in the bestselling series starring marvelous P.I. Kinsey Millhone!
Paperback, 352 pages
Published
November 26th 1997
by Fawcett
(first published November 12th 1996)
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The 13th installment of the Kinsey Millhone mysterys and the books are still going strong.
In this installment, Kinsey is hired to find a missing man who was named equally in his fathers will along with his three brothers. Sadly he has been missing nearly 20 years and the other brothers are not real keen on her finding him.
I feel like as the series progresses Sue Grafton is allowing Kinsey to become more and more real in the sense that she is allowing her to develope friendships and family ties...more
In this installment, Kinsey is hired to find a missing man who was named equally in his fathers will along with his three brothers. Sadly he has been missing nearly 20 years and the other brothers are not real keen on her finding him.
I feel like as the series progresses Sue Grafton is allowing Kinsey to become more and more real in the sense that she is allowing her to develope friendships and family ties...more
This was my first Sue Grafton novel, and it's just like me to start in the middle! This author has been suggested to me several times as an easy read, a little suspense/little romance/little thriller, and something enjoyeable that doesn't take a lot of attention.
It was just that. I was able to put this book down for a week at a time, pick it up and be right back where I was without having to scan the last few pages. The story itself was a little frivolous to me as a private investigator novel bu...more
It was just that. I was able to put this book down for a week at a time, pick it up and be right back where I was without having to scan the last few pages. The story itself was a little frivolous to me as a private investigator novel bu...more
This latest in Grafton's alphabet series is one of the best. This series itself gets better and better. When I am a gazillion years old and in the nursing home with nothing to do, I intend to start again with A and go to Z and I know I will delighted all over again. Kinsey, this time, is called on to find a brother who was banished from the family 18 years ago. The father has now died and left his estate equally among the four brothers including the missing one. It's a murder mystery, so people...more
After reading the disappointing "L" book, I took a short break. I'm so glad this one didn't disappoint me, otherwise I would have found it even more difficult to continue on with the series.
I was glad that Dietz returned, even if he wasn't as saucy as last time. I hope he stays on for at least a couple more books.
I have the same complaints as usual. The continued parking updates, scenery verbal diarrhea, and explanations regarding Milhone's technique. I understand this is probably meant for thos...more
I was glad that Dietz returned, even if he wasn't as saucy as last time. I hope he stays on for at least a couple more books.
I have the same complaints as usual. The continued parking updates, scenery verbal diarrhea, and explanations regarding Milhone's technique. I understand this is probably meant for thos...more
I’m a long-time fan of the Sue Grafton murder mysteries, and here’s another fun read! I lived in Southern California for two years in the early 70’s, so I enjoy Grafton’s descriptions of life at the beach. She throws in lots of charaters, many of them recurring characters, and it’s like getting together with old friends. We always hear what Kinsey Millhone wore, what she ate, where she ran, what her neighbor Henry is doing, what’s going on at the restaurant down the block, etc. I find this consi...more
Could have sworn I read all the Graftons, but apparently not this one! or if I did, I COMPLETELY forgot it. Uh. Not a good brain day for me today. Maybe I should try some ginkgo whatsit.
-- Blew through this -- not great, but a pretty good comfort read while lying in bed sick. Definitely better than N or P, not as good as O (last one I reread before this), nowhere near my earlier favourites K, G, F, E, &c &c (I should go through and at least rank all of them, if not write mini-reviews, bu...more
-- Blew through this -- not great, but a pretty good comfort read while lying in bed sick. Definitely better than N or P, not as good as O (last one I reread before this), nowhere near my earlier favourites K, G, F, E, &c &c (I should go through and at least rank all of them, if not write mini-reviews, bu...more
I get frustrated with Kinsey in this book because Robert Dietz, Kinsey's former body guard and love interest who has been in Germany, returns and Kinsey isn't up front enough with him about her feelings. Or maybe she is too up front?
When he shows up on her doorstep after "two years, four months, and ten days," Kinsey says, "I'm not mad because you left. I'm mad because you came back. I finally got used to being by myself and here you are again. So where does that put me?"
Just. Sigh.
"M" takes p...more
When he shows up on her doorstep after "two years, four months, and ten days," Kinsey says, "I'm not mad because you left. I'm mad because you came back. I finally got used to being by myself and here you are again. So where does that put me?"
Just. Sigh.
"M" takes p...more
I'm only half way through this and I am enjoying it well enough, but I feel the need to have a little rant.
The protagonist comments several times that she is depressed. It is entirely unclear what is meant by this, as she shows no signs of depression. She has no trouble getting out of bed in the morning, no trouble sleeping at night, no trouble getting on with her life or finding the energy to look after herself or do her job. She doesn't engage in catastrophic thinking, self deprecation or self...more
The protagonist comments several times that she is depressed. It is entirely unclear what is meant by this, as she shows no signs of depression. She has no trouble getting out of bed in the morning, no trouble sleeping at night, no trouble getting on with her life or finding the energy to look after herself or do her job. She doesn't engage in catastrophic thinking, self deprecation or self...more
M is for Malice, or Malek as the case might be. Kinsey is hired by her cousin, Tasha, to search for a long lost family member. Guy Malek left home 18 years ago and hasn't been heard from since. None of his brothers - Donovan, Bennett, or Jack - were ever really keen on finding him, until their father passed away. Their father's will divides his wealth equally amongst the brothers. The three still in Santa Teresa don't quite agree with that, since their father disowned Guy eighteen years ago and...more
Years ago I had read a couple of Grafton's books and enjoyed them for plot and dialogue (or Kinsey Millhone's inner monologue). Lately, I'm learning to better appreciate descriptive material in writing (aside from the plots and subplots). Grafton's descriptive abilities are superb ... as well as her metaphors & similes, etc. Her research on auxiliary topics are worthwhile. For instance, one of the characters runs a construction/gravel operation. So, Grafton at one point, goes into the mechan...more
This is another series that I am new to, and I love the audio versions of the books to listen to in the car. Kinsey is smart and sassy, and really just likeable. Loved the story and all the twists and turns. The only thing that frustrates me about this series is it being set perpetually in the 1980's. It seems to strange to read a story where there is no Internet or cell phones or any other more modern items that we are so used to by now. I get that the author wanted the series to be on a contin...more
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I read this book because I enjoy the 'in death' novels by JD Robb and was looking for a strong, gun toting heroine. This book didn't deliver.
Firstly, it is too descriptive. In the first page, the author describes in minute detail Kinsey's waking up routine.
Secondly, there is no suspense. It was a drag to read.
Further, Gus's death feels like a cop out, when Grafton couldn't think of a better plot. We are supposed to be satisfied that the character Grafton built for half the book is in heaven.
T...more
Firstly, it is too descriptive. In the first page, the author describes in minute detail Kinsey's waking up routine.
Secondly, there is no suspense. It was a drag to read.
Further, Gus's death feels like a cop out, when Grafton couldn't think of a better plot. We are supposed to be satisfied that the character Grafton built for half the book is in heaven.
T...more
(one review for series) ***** for the first book because I like the series enough to last till about R, now want more to find new authors, and finish another year. The rest get 3-4* because I cannot remember my favorites. I like strong, brave females who make choices and deal with consequences successfully. I like mysteries. I like funny eccentric, her odd sandwich and cute old landlord choices. Southern California feels warm and dry on a long cold Canadian winter. She always seems to go alone i...more
These "alphabet novels" are nothing short of perfect mystery. Grafton's cleverly crafted characters will stay with you long after you are finished reading the books. Kinsey Milhone, her landord/best friend, Henry and all the others seem so much like real people it is hard to imagine a world without them. I was on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns, never forseeing what was coming next. I felt that each novel, as Grafton advanced through the alphabet, improved in every way. I would...more
I liked this one a lot better than the last 2 novels. It was very sad and it took me awhile to figure out what was going on.
"M" is for money. Lots of it. "M" is for Malek Construction, the $40 million company that grew out of modest soil to become one of the big three in California construction, one of the few still in family hands.
"M" is for the Malek family: four sons now nearing middle age who stand to inherit a fortune--four men with very different outlooks, temperaments, and needs, linked o...more
"M" is for money. Lots of it. "M" is for Malek Construction, the $40 million company that grew out of modest soil to become one of the big three in California construction, one of the few still in family hands.
"M" is for the Malek family: four sons now nearing middle age who stand to inherit a fortune--four men with very different outlooks, temperaments, and needs, linked o...more
Best so Far
After a couple of mediocre books it’s nice to know that Sue Grafton has some good stuff still in her bag of tricks.
This book had all the things I love - mystery, romance, individuals you actually care about, and a believable storyline. A long lost brother returns to claim his share of the family inheritance and to make amends with his siblings. He ends up with his head bashed in. Was he killed by a jealous family member or some one from his dark past?
I’m reading the series in order....more
After a couple of mediocre books it’s nice to know that Sue Grafton has some good stuff still in her bag of tricks.
This book had all the things I love - mystery, romance, individuals you actually care about, and a believable storyline. A long lost brother returns to claim his share of the family inheritance and to make amends with his siblings. He ends up with his head bashed in. Was he killed by a jealous family member or some one from his dark past?
I’m reading the series in order....more
I really liked this book. One of the better Kinsey Millhone books. In this one, Kinsey is hired by cousin Tasha to find someone who is in line to inherit five million dollars. She does quite easily. She has a special connection to him and later he is murdered. Of course, Kinsey is out to find the murderer. Dietz is back and we get alot of Kinsey feelings about alot of things. Something we rarely get a glimpse at. Oh, yeah.....the mystery was really good too! I really enjoyed this book. Highly re...more
Note: This review does not contain plot spoilers, but it might contain some thematic spoilers for those who don't want to know ahead of time about Kinsey's character development.
I've obviously fallen a few years behind on my reading; when I began reading the series, M is for Malice was a few months away from publication. Part of the fault is my schedule (I'm a high-school teacher and usually read Kinsey during summer vacations); part is my just-completed graduate program; part is the fault of ...more
I've obviously fallen a few years behind on my reading; when I began reading the series, M is for Malice was a few months away from publication. Part of the fault is my schedule (I'm a high-school teacher and usually read Kinsey during summer vacations); part is my just-completed graduate program; part is the fault of ...more
• M is for MALICE • 1996 • 13th in series • PLOT: "M" is for money, lots ... for Malek Construction, $40 mil company grows out of modest soil to be 1 of big 3 in CA construction, 1 still in family hands. "M" is for Malek family: 4 sons nearing middle age stand to inherit a fortune -- 4 w/ different outlooks, temperaments, & needs, linked by blood & money. 18 yrs ago, 1 of them -- angry, troubled, in trouble -- went missing.
"M" is for Millhone, hired to trace missing black sheep brother.
"...more
"M" is for Millhone, hired to trace missing black sheep brother.
"...more
Have read the whole series up to now. My mother and I have read them together, and we both have enjoyed them very much. I really like Kinsey Millhone. I was quite a bit older when I got married for the first time, so I can appreciate her "singleness." I liked my "singleness" too. I realize that the character has been married a couple times, but she is good at picking up her pieces and moving on. I like the new characters she introduces, and I especially like Henry and Rosie. They are great.
Apr 11, 2013
Gary Baker
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of CSI TV show
Recommended to Gary by:
Norma Baker
Nice little light detective crime suspense novel. My mother has read all of these ABC books by Grafton, so over Easter weekend I borrowed this one to see what the appeal was. Turned out to be a fun read, the actual crime solving plot is a little lacking and somewhat implausible. But the straightforward story telling and the simple life insights that the heroine's personal details bring out are enjoyable. would I read another? probably not. but it was a quick read and entertaining.
I enjoyed another book in the Kinsey Millhone universe, but I didn't care for this story as much as "K" or "A," partly because nobody gets killed until after halfway through the book. Also, the killer in the end kind of pops out of nowhere, even though Grafton lays enough groundwork and makes her point about why the killer was incognito to suspicion, even, perhaps to the author until late in the work. A good exploration of family structure and relations, though, explicitly done, but well done.
May 08, 2010
Jennifer
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Jennifer by:
jennsicurella@verizon.net
Shelves:
mystery
M is for Malice is the best Kinsey Millhone novel yet. I found this book surprising good after the less than stellar L is for Lawless.
Kinsey is beginning to reluctantly open up emotionally with her cousin Tasha, ex-lover Dietz and especially with the victim (before he is murdered, of course.) I love seeing personal character growth in long running series and I'm glad that Kinsey is beginning to progress as a character.
M is for Malice has a great mystery with twists and red herrings galore. I sus...more
Kinsey is beginning to reluctantly open up emotionally with her cousin Tasha, ex-lover Dietz and especially with the victim (before he is murdered, of course.) I love seeing personal character growth in long running series and I'm glad that Kinsey is beginning to progress as a character.
M is for Malice has a great mystery with twists and red herrings galore. I sus...more
Grafton goes into great detail with her descriptions with some of them outstanding. She is asked in this series to find a guy that was kicked out of his house because he caused so much trouble 18 years ago. The father died and the inherritance includes a lot of money for him but the other brothers don't want to include him but they have to try to find him. She finds him and he has completely turned around and become a very nice man. Then the trouble starts.
I believe this is my favorite Kinsey Millhone mystery so far even more than 'N is for Noose'. The only problem I have with Sue Grafton's "alphabet mysteries" is the fillers she inserts all through the book. I would much rather the book be about 75-100 pages shorter and not have to read about the trees along the highway or the decor in someone's home. However, this is not enough to keep me going back to Kinsey. I can't seem to stop reading these books because I have come to like Kinsey even thoug...more
Kinsey seemed more vulnerable in this book. She had the drama with Dietz, I am not sure what I think about him being back. I was glad that she told him what her issues were with him. Kinsey also seemed to get attached to the man she was investigating. You could see the appeal and when things went bad, I just knew she was going to be unsettled. The ending was great, it seemed like maybe Kinsey has made piece with things that have been hurting her for a long time now.
Kinsey grudgingly agrees to meet her cousin Tasha for lunch and gets sucked into a case of a missing heir, Guy. Guy has had a bad reputation all of his life, so there are quite a few people who don't want him found... like his three brothers who want to divvy up his portion of their father's $20 million will. I am really enjoying the style of these later books much better than the first. It was well worth sticking with this series!
I was completely blown away with this book. I thought I had it down who killed Guy Malek and then I'm thrown a curve ball. The Malek father died and no one can find the second will which left Guy, the bad seed, out of the will. Kinsey is hired to find Guy which she does in a small town where he has been living happily as a born again Christian. He comes back to town to make amends with the family and ends up dead. Everyone in the family is a suspect but the murderer is a complete surprise.
"...The Malek family: four sons nearing middle age who stand to inherit a fortune. But for any of them to claim their millions, the fourth brother must be found. Eighteen years before - angry, troubled, and in trouble - he disappeared. No one's seen or heard from him since. Now Kinsey Millhone must track him down. And when she does, she unknowlingly set in motion a bitter payback from the past that can end only in murder..."
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Connect with Sue herself on Facebook! www.facebook.com/suegrafton
Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievement award) in 2003.
Family History:
Father: C.W. Grafton, born 1909, third son of Presbyterian Missionaries, born and raised in China, educated Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina; practicing attorney in Louisville, Kentucky with a 40-year specialty in municipal bonds. Au...more
More about Sue Grafton...
Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievement award) in 2003.
Family History:
Father: C.W. Grafton, born 1909, third son of Presbyterian Missionaries, born and raised in China, educated Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina; practicing attorney in Louisville, Kentucky with a 40-year specialty in municipal bonds. Au...more
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“Ghosts don't haunt us. That's not how it works. They're present among us because we won't let go of them.”
—
2,063 people liked it
“Ghosts don't haunt us. That's not how it works. They're present among us because we won't let go of them."
"I don't believe in ghosts," I said, faintly.
"Some people can't see the color red. That doesn't mean it isn't there," she replied.”
—
19 people liked it
More quotes…
"I don't believe in ghosts," I said, faintly.
"Some people can't see the color red. That doesn't mean it isn't there," she replied.”
Jan 10, 2013 09:05am