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Kinsey Millhone #4
D is for Deadbeat
When Alvin Limardo walks into P.I. Kinsey Millhone's office, she smells bad news. He wants Kinsey to deliver a cashier's check for $25,000. The recipient: a fifteen-year-old boy. It's a simple matter. So simple that Kinsey wonders why he doesn't deliver the money himself. She's almost certain something is off. But with rent due, Kinsey accepts Limardo's retainer against her better judgment…
Limardo pays her with another check as the retainer. It bounces and Kinsey discovers she's been had. She learns that he is really John Daggett—an ex-con with a drinking problem, two wives to boot, and a slew of people who would like to see him dead. Kinsey is out $400 and she's now in hot pursuit of Daggett.
When Daggett's corpse shows up floating in the Santa Teresa surf, the cops rule it an accident. Kinsey thinks it's murder. But seeking justice for a man who everyone seemed to despise is a lot tougher than she bargained for—and what awaits her at the end of the road is much more disturbing than she could've ever imagined.
Limardo pays her with another check as the retainer. It bounces and Kinsey discovers she's been had. She learns that he is really John Daggett—an ex-con with a drinking problem, two wives to boot, and a slew of people who would like to see him dead. Kinsey is out $400 and she's now in hot pursuit of Daggett.
When Daggett's corpse shows up floating in the Santa Teresa surf, the cops rule it an accident. Kinsey thinks it's murder. But seeking justice for a man who everyone seemed to despise is a lot tougher than she bargained for—and what awaits her at the end of the road is much more disturbing than she could've ever imagined.
307 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 15, 1987
1084 people are currently reading
6111 people want to read
About the author
Sue Grafton
143 books6,531 followersSue Grafton was a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She is best known for her “alphabet series” featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone in the fictional city of Santa Teresa, California. Prior to success with this series, she wrote screenplays for television movies. Her earlier novels include Keziah Dane (1967) and The Lolly-Madonna War (1969), both out of print. In the book Kinsey and Me she gave us stories that revealed Kinsey's origins and Sue's past.
Grafton never wanted her novels to be turned into movies or TV shows. According to her family she would never allow a ghost writer to write in her name. Because of these things, and out of respect for Sue’s wishes, the family announced the alphabet now ends at “Y”
Grafton was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, the Ross Macdonald Literary Award, three Shamus Awards, and many other honors and awards.
Grafton had three children from previous marriages and several grandchildren, including a granddaughter named Kinsey. She and her husband lived in Montecito, California, and Louisville, Kentucky.
Grafton never wanted her novels to be turned into movies or TV shows. According to her family she would never allow a ghost writer to write in her name. Because of these things, and out of respect for Sue’s wishes, the family announced the alphabet now ends at “Y”
Grafton was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, the Ross Macdonald Literary Award, three Shamus Awards, and many other honors and awards.
Grafton had three children from previous marriages and several grandchildren, including a granddaughter named Kinsey. She and her husband lived in Montecito, California, and Louisville, Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,514 reviews
July 14, 2017
Book Review
3.5 of 5 stars (rounded up!) to D is for Deadbeat. In this installment, Kinsey's rattled when a mysterious man asks her to deliver $25K to someone who turns out to be a teenager. Shortly after the check he gave Kinsey for her own fee bounces and the guy turns up dead. Cut her losses? No... Investigate to see if you can recover your money. Sometimes Kinsey... you just don't know when to talk away, but at least you're not beat up in this book like previous ones. All in all, a solid book in the series. Everything is right in the comfy range here... a even-paced read, a few laugh aloud moments, a couple of hints of suspense. It's a joy to watch Kinsey work, as it is usually direct and without gimmicks. I love other series with gimmicks too, but sometimes you just want to focus on the crime and the resolution. And the setting is always great... Santa Teresa, California where the weather seems perfect and the people have just enough wit and charm to keep you entertained and happy.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
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3.5 of 5 stars (rounded up!) to D is for Deadbeat. In this installment, Kinsey's rattled when a mysterious man asks her to deliver $25K to someone who turns out to be a teenager. Shortly after the check he gave Kinsey for her own fee bounces and the guy turns up dead. Cut her losses? No... Investigate to see if you can recover your money. Sometimes Kinsey... you just don't know when to talk away, but at least you're not beat up in this book like previous ones. All in all, a solid book in the series. Everything is right in the comfy range here... a even-paced read, a few laugh aloud moments, a couple of hints of suspense. It's a joy to watch Kinsey work, as it is usually direct and without gimmicks. I love other series with gimmicks too, but sometimes you just want to focus on the crime and the resolution. And the setting is always great... Santa Teresa, California where the weather seems perfect and the people have just enough wit and charm to keep you entertained and happy.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
[polldaddy poll=9729544]
[polldaddy poll=9719251]
March 7, 2019
Well, damn. I have this whole series from the library and only made it to the letter "D" before getting all ragey and shit. But, my rage is justified this time. I swear!!
Kinsey has sex with a married man!!
Yes, she knows he's married. Yes, he has children. Yes, she thinks about it and decides to do it anyway. Yes, she makes fun of the wife the next day. No, she has no regrets.
"Oh, but Jilly, he is unhappy in his marriage and heading for divorce! And, his wife was talking about them maybe having an "open marriage", so it's not wrong."
NO, Satan.
A. They had not decided to have an open marriage, she had just mentioned it.
B. They did have an unhappy marriage, but an affair isn't going to help make things better.
C. If their marriage sucked that much, Kinsey should have waited it out, like a half-decent little whore.
And most importantly:
But, Kinsey wouldn't think of the impact of her actions upon the children because she hates children. She also hates dogs.
But, loves running.
Why the hell am I reading a series about this monster?
Oh yeah. I have about 20 of these things downloaded onto my Kindle.
Maybe I'll just hate-read for a while and see what happens. It could get better, or I can rage-review and raise my blood pressure. Either way...
So, onto the story:
A guy writes Kinsey a bad check, so she decides to spend all of her time and energy hunting him down like a dog that she hates, and when he turns up dead, she tries to solve his murder. I do admire the dedication this took. I am going to stop paying my bills as a way of making sure a bill collector will look into my mysterious death. Because, let's face it, I want, and will probably have, a mysterious death. None of that dying in my sleep crap. I want the cops on the scene to wonder how the fuck that happened when they find my body.
(note to self: get a mysterious chicken)
The mystery was okay, but the ending was dumb as hell. And way too long. There was an "action scene" where she chased someone for many pages. I guess all that jogging paid off.
Still, she's a cheating whore.... jogging can't fix that.
And, just in case I get the old "But, Jilly, she's not the one who is married. He's more to blame than her."
First of all, stop whining and shut the fuck up.
Secondly, I'm talking about her because she's our narrator. But, to be clear, he is an ass-boil that is festering on the cellulite-ridden asscheek of a greasy announcer in a seedy strip club.
Okay?
Kinsey has sex with a married man!!
Yes, she knows he's married. Yes, he has children. Yes, she thinks about it and decides to do it anyway. Yes, she makes fun of the wife the next day. No, she has no regrets.
"Oh, but Jilly, he is unhappy in his marriage and heading for divorce! And, his wife was talking about them maybe having an "open marriage", so it's not wrong."
NO, Satan.
A. They had not decided to have an open marriage, she had just mentioned it.
B. They did have an unhappy marriage, but an affair isn't going to help make things better.
C. If their marriage sucked that much, Kinsey should have waited it out, like a half-decent little whore.
And most importantly:
But, Kinsey wouldn't think of the impact of her actions upon the children because she hates children. She also hates dogs.
But, loves running.
Why the hell am I reading a series about this monster?
Oh yeah. I have about 20 of these things downloaded onto my Kindle.
Maybe I'll just hate-read for a while and see what happens. It could get better, or I can rage-review and raise my blood pressure. Either way...
So, onto the story:
A guy writes Kinsey a bad check, so she decides to spend all of her time and energy hunting him down like a dog that she hates, and when he turns up dead, she tries to solve his murder. I do admire the dedication this took. I am going to stop paying my bills as a way of making sure a bill collector will look into my mysterious death. Because, let's face it, I want, and will probably have, a mysterious death. None of that dying in my sleep crap. I want the cops on the scene to wonder how the fuck that happened when they find my body.
(note to self: get a mysterious chicken)
The mystery was okay, but the ending was dumb as hell. And way too long. There was an "action scene" where she chased someone for many pages. I guess all that jogging paid off.
Still, she's a cheating whore.... jogging can't fix that.
And, just in case I get the old "But, Jilly, she's not the one who is married. He's more to blame than her."
First of all, stop whining and shut the fuck up.
Secondly, I'm talking about her because she's our narrator. But, to be clear, he is an ass-boil that is festering on the cellulite-ridden asscheek of a greasy announcer in a seedy strip club.
Okay?
November 18, 2017
I notice that if you are reading this book Goodreads suggests that you might also enjoy Sara Paretsky's V.I.Warshawski series. And I am not surprised because honestly Kinsey and Vic could be twin sisters. The same brusque personality, the same disregard for personal safety and for other people's feelings - I sometimes have to remind myself which series I am reading:)
Which is fine with me because I enjoy both. D is for Deadbeat is not one of Grafton's best but it is an easy read. The murderer was not obvious and the final part of the book was a bit over the top but probably the only possible solution.
A fun story, written well and an ideal choice if you want an easy, entertaining mystery novel.
Which is fine with me because I enjoy both. D is for Deadbeat is not one of Grafton's best but it is an easy read. The murderer was not obvious and the final part of the book was a bit over the top but probably the only possible solution.
A fun story, written well and an ideal choice if you want an easy, entertaining mystery novel.
February 13, 2023
Since I resolved to begin and complete several series this year, I thought that I could try reading Sue Grafton’s alphabet series along with a few others. Over the course of the years, I have read several out of sequence and always found the thought of reading them in sequence a fun prospect that appealed to my obsessive-compulsive needs. Kinsey Millhone is a quirky noir detective that has a lighter side that can occasionally go dark, but generally stays in the light. In D is for Deadbeat, I have the fourth installment of the series. Here, Kinsey is tasked with the relatively simple assignment of delivering a check to a teenager. Kinsey is dubious about the ease of completion, but because the rent is due, she accepts the retainer. When the check bounces, she is annoyed and goes after her client who is later found floating off the Santa Teresa shore. His name was John Daggett, a thoroughly despicable deadbeat, but when Daggett’s affluent daughter hires Kinsey to find the murderer, Kinsey realizes that not only is she already deeply involved, but she is also knee deep in suspects. This is one of the best so far.
December 28, 2020
Kinsey Millhone case No. 4: It starts off with Kinsey just having to deliver a check for a client, and becomes much more when the client not only does not pay Kinsey for her services, but also ends up dead! With a deadbeat, domestic abusing, drunk driving killer client hiring Kinsey and drawing her into his world, this is a somewhat darker Millhone tale. 4 out of 12.
July 16, 2019
This is my thirteenth Sue Grafton mystery that I've read. So, I'm more than halfway done with the series. LOL. And what a marvelous private eye series it is. She develops her characters with care. Her plots tend to be a bit grittier than cozy mysteries are. However, her private eye persists, a good quality for such a profession. So, I'll continue to read further into the series.
March 14, 2025
PI Kinsey Millhone wanted to refuse the client who'd just entered her office, but against her better judgment, agreed to deliver the cheque for $25,000 to a person he said he was unable to find. When the cheque for $400 he'd given Kinsey as the retainer, bounced, she decided finding her client was the greater priority. But when said client's body was found face down in the Santa Teresa sea, and the police declared it an accident, Kinsey wasn't so sure. As she quietly began the investigation into how her client had died, and the past she hoped would set her straight, the case became more convoluted...
D Is For Deadbeat is the 4th in the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton and it was another enjoyable ride. Kinsey is a determined, strong minded woman, and although she does do some dangerous, foolish things, she always justifies what she's done. The ending seemed rushed for this one, leaving the reader to close it satisfactorily. I'm looking forward to my next in the series, in April. Recommended.
D Is For Deadbeat is the 4th in the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton and it was another enjoyable ride. Kinsey is a determined, strong minded woman, and although she does do some dangerous, foolish things, she always justifies what she's done. The ending seemed rushed for this one, leaving the reader to close it satisfactorily. I'm looking forward to my next in the series, in April. Recommended.
March 30, 2009
Sue Grafton's novels are small and yummy, like a mental Hershey's kiss. I love the way she sets up multiple potential "solutions" to her mysteries, so that you can rarely ever figure them out ahead of time. Because what a bummer that is.
The best thing about this series is Kinsey Milhone. She's tough without being manly, feisty without being mean. This woman loves her independence and thinks that being single is almost as wonderful as being rich. I keep coming back just to see what she'll eat next (a brown paper bag full of peanut butter and dill pickle sandwiches?) and to see if she'll pull out that one dress she has that never has to be ironed and is usually at the bottom of her bag or stashed somewhere in her VW.
In D is for Deadbeat, Kinsey tracks down the murderer of her client who's check bounced. He was a drunk, a bigamist, and a killer, but Kinsey feels like she owes it to him and his daughter to figure out who offed him and why. Interesting twists, satisfying and haunting resolution. Well done.
The best thing about this series is Kinsey Milhone. She's tough without being manly, feisty without being mean. This woman loves her independence and thinks that being single is almost as wonderful as being rich. I keep coming back just to see what she'll eat next (a brown paper bag full of peanut butter and dill pickle sandwiches?) and to see if she'll pull out that one dress she has that never has to be ironed and is usually at the bottom of her bag or stashed somewhere in her VW.
In D is for Deadbeat, Kinsey tracks down the murderer of her client who's check bounced. He was a drunk, a bigamist, and a killer, but Kinsey feels like she owes it to him and his daughter to figure out who offed him and why. Interesting twists, satisfying and haunting resolution. Well done.
February 25, 2013
The fourth in the Kinsey Millone series. Kinsey is sucked into a complicated situation when her client not only writes her a hot check, he winds up dead. The cops think it was an accident, but Kinsey thinks not.
The victim was not a popular man and several families all had a good motive for wanting to see the man dead.
All of the families investigated were sad in their own way, but one story in particular was very emotional. This was a much darker story than usual for Kinsey. Kinsey will have to deal with this one for a long time to come.
This was another compelling mystery from Sue Grafton.
Overall a A-
The victim was not a popular man and several families all had a good motive for wanting to see the man dead.
All of the families investigated were sad in their own way, but one story in particular was very emotional. This was a much darker story than usual for Kinsey. Kinsey will have to deal with this one for a long time to come.
This was another compelling mystery from Sue Grafton.
Overall a A-
November 29, 2015
4.5*
Anyone who doesn't think this series is in decline should reread one of Grafton's older titles after the verbose
"D" is one of Grafton's best & features far tighter writing & a more interesting storyline. Even though this was a reread for me, I couldn't put it down!
Have knocked half a * off the rating for both the unlikely original premise & resolution. I believe the book's epilogue shows that Grafton knew the solution was weak but couldn't make it more persuasive.
Anyone who doesn't think this series is in decline should reread one of Grafton's older titles after the verbose
"D" is one of Grafton's best & features far tighter writing & a more interesting storyline. Even though this was a reread for me, I couldn't put it down!
Have knocked half a * off the rating for both the unlikely original premise & resolution. I believe the book's epilogue shows that Grafton knew the solution was weak but couldn't make it more persuasive.
May 18, 2024
I won’t dive into each book with detailed reviews, but here’s a quick thought on book 4: I’m a bit disappointed in Kinsey—she did the unthinkable! Despite that, I still enjoyed the ride and am eager for the next installment. Bring it on!
January 20, 2024
4.5+ stars ...
With each book,
I'm lovin' this series more! 😁
It's VERY 80s ...
no cell phones,
no internet,
no "technology" ...
All "old school",
and I'm eatin' it up!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With each book,
I'm lovin' this series more! 😁
It's VERY 80s ...
no cell phones,
no internet,
no "technology" ...
All "old school",
and I'm eatin' it up!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 26, 2022
John Daggett komt bij Kinsey Millhone en vraagt haar een cheque van 25000 dollar te bezorgen aan Tony Gahan.
Later blijkt dat Daggett in dronken toestand een auto-ongeluk veroorzaakt heeft waarbij 5 mensen gedood werden, waaronder de ouders van Tony.
Kort na dit bezoek wordt Daggett dood teruggevonden, verdronken. De politie denkt dat het een ongeluk was, maar Kinsey is niet overtuigd en gaat verder op onderzoek uit.
Als ze in contact komt met Barbara Daggett, de dochter van de man, huurt deze haar in omdat zij ook wil weten wat er nu juist gebeurd is.
Kensy spoort familieleden van de man op, en ook de nabestaanden van de slachtoffers van het ongeval. Ze komt ook in contact met Billy Polo, een man die samen met John Daggett in de cel zat.
Meer en meer raakt Kinsey er van overtuigd dat iemand uit de entourage van Daggett hem vermoord heeft. Was het motief wraak, of ging het om het geld? En hoe is Daggett aan die 25000 dollar gekomen?
Spannend detectiveverhaal.
Later blijkt dat Daggett in dronken toestand een auto-ongeluk veroorzaakt heeft waarbij 5 mensen gedood werden, waaronder de ouders van Tony.
Kort na dit bezoek wordt Daggett dood teruggevonden, verdronken. De politie denkt dat het een ongeluk was, maar Kinsey is niet overtuigd en gaat verder op onderzoek uit.
Als ze in contact komt met Barbara Daggett, de dochter van de man, huurt deze haar in omdat zij ook wil weten wat er nu juist gebeurd is.
Kensy spoort familieleden van de man op, en ook de nabestaanden van de slachtoffers van het ongeval. Ze komt ook in contact met Billy Polo, een man die samen met John Daggett in de cel zat.
Meer en meer raakt Kinsey er van overtuigd dat iemand uit de entourage van Daggett hem vermoord heeft. Was het motief wraak, of ging het om het geld? En hoe is Daggett aan die 25000 dollar gekomen?
Spannend detectiveverhaal.
April 4, 2018
T is for Tedious
R is for Repetitive
K is for KMN
DNF - After reading two of her books, and seeing reviews of her Kinsey books 10-15 years later, I'm done. It's clear that Grafton is never going to do more than skim the surface of noir. Mostly a waste of time.
The thousand individual scenes of Kinsey's investigations are mostly carbon copies of each other, with a few words changed to pretend a variety.
Kinsey is the author, Sue Grafton, as is common in writers of fiction. And Sue's immaturity is reflected in her writing and in heroine's behaviour. Luckily, Sue has good prose, but I wish for a bit more depth to the characters and situations, and far less repetition.
The whole book is incredibly linear and by halfway through, quite tedious, and I began to skim. Not good.
There's probably 100 pages of place descriptions and clothing which don't advance the plot or characterisations. We read every change of outfit Kinsey wears, and details of what she eats and why, all becoming quite tedious by the 20th occurrence. Sheesh. Get a life.
About Santa Teresa, a fictional city used by Ross Macdonald and Sue Grafton in their noir. Sue Grafton's is about 90 minutes' drive north of Los Angeles.
Kinsey:
Sometimes I stand in the bathtub, elbows resting on the sill, and stare at passing cars, just thinking how lucky I am. I love being single. It's almost like being rich.
Alcoholism:
"Look what he's done to me already. I think of him every time I have a drink. I think of him if I decide not to have a drink. If I even meet a man who drinks or if I see a bum on the street or smell bourbon, his face is the first thing that comes to mind. Oh God, and if I'm around someone who's had too much, I can't stand it. I disconnect. My life is filled with reminders of him. His apologies and his phony, wheedling charm, his boo-hooing when the booze got to him. The times he fell, the times he got put in jail, the times he spent every dime we had.
A 37-foot Chris Craft with a flying bridge
.
R is for Repetitive
K is for KMN
DNF - After reading two of her books, and seeing reviews of her Kinsey books 10-15 years later, I'm done. It's clear that Grafton is never going to do more than skim the surface of noir. Mostly a waste of time.
The thousand individual scenes of Kinsey's investigations are mostly carbon copies of each other, with a few words changed to pretend a variety.
Kinsey is the author, Sue Grafton, as is common in writers of fiction. And Sue's immaturity is reflected in her writing and in heroine's behaviour. Luckily, Sue has good prose, but I wish for a bit more depth to the characters and situations, and far less repetition.
The whole book is incredibly linear and by halfway through, quite tedious, and I began to skim. Not good.
There's probably 100 pages of place descriptions and clothing which don't advance the plot or characterisations. We read every change of outfit Kinsey wears, and details of what she eats and why, all becoming quite tedious by the 20th occurrence. Sheesh. Get a life.
About Santa Teresa, a fictional city used by Ross Macdonald and Sue Grafton in their noir. Sue Grafton's is about 90 minutes' drive north of Los Angeles.
Kinsey:
Sometimes I stand in the bathtub, elbows resting on the sill, and stare at passing cars, just thinking how lucky I am. I love being single. It's almost like being rich.
Alcoholism:
"Look what he's done to me already. I think of him every time I have a drink. I think of him if I decide not to have a drink. If I even meet a man who drinks or if I see a bum on the street or smell bourbon, his face is the first thing that comes to mind. Oh God, and if I'm around someone who's had too much, I can't stand it. I disconnect. My life is filled with reminders of him. His apologies and his phony, wheedling charm, his boo-hooing when the booze got to him. The times he fell, the times he got put in jail, the times he spent every dime we had.
A 37-foot Chris Craft with a flying bridge
.
July 3, 2017
I have to admit this one was hard to listen to. Most of the characters were reprehensible and the background on the case was a very sad story. Throughout the book you are not sure about the John Daggett character and wonder all the times at his motives for doing things.
Kinsey has to deal with a very diverse group of characters in this book. There are ex-cons, teenagers, siblings, multiple wives and a very anger daughter. Kinsey also finds herself just waiting for a break in the case to move to the next clue. This is probably the first book where I actually felt some sympathy for the killer. When this book was over, I think I felt as tired and emotionally drain as Kinsey did – it just wasn’t a story with any light to dark places.
Judy Kaye continues to deliver one of the most consistent narrations of a book series that I have ever listened to. You always know when Kinsey is speaking and you can easily discern the voices of the other characters without any confusion.
Kinsey has to deal with a very diverse group of characters in this book. There are ex-cons, teenagers, siblings, multiple wives and a very anger daughter. Kinsey also finds herself just waiting for a break in the case to move to the next clue. This is probably the first book where I actually felt some sympathy for the killer. When this book was over, I think I felt as tired and emotionally drain as Kinsey did – it just wasn’t a story with any light to dark places.
Judy Kaye continues to deliver one of the most consistent narrations of a book series that I have ever listened to. You always know when Kinsey is speaking and you can easily discern the voices of the other characters without any confusion.
January 9, 2023
3.25/5
Kinsey spent the whole book failing forward until the final reveal that I guessed 50 pages in.
Kinsey spent the whole book failing forward until the final reveal that I guessed 50 pages in.
June 9, 2019
Digital audio read by Mary Peiffer.
3.5***
Book four in the series. PI Kinsey Millhone gets a new client whose story seems a bit fishy. He wants her to deliver a certified check to a teen-aged boy. Her suspicions are aroused, especially when he refuses to explain why he can’t (or won’t) deliver it himself. But it’s the end of the month, rent is due, and she accepts his retainer. Then his check bounces and she quickly discovers that he isn’t who he claimed to be. When he turns up dead the police call it accidental drowning, but Kinsey thinks he was murdered. The question is why and by whom?
I really like this series. I had started it years ago and probably got to about book 8 or 9 before I stopped reading. Now I’ve started over from the beginning and am enjoying the retro feel. There are no cell phones or computers; Kinsey has to rely on her intellect, her network of connections and good old-fashioned leg work. She’s smart, determined, self-sufficient and never has to rely on a man to get her out of a tight spot.
Mary Peiffer does a fine job reading the audio version. She sets a good pace and I really like how she interprets Kinsey’s personality.
3.5***
Book four in the series. PI Kinsey Millhone gets a new client whose story seems a bit fishy. He wants her to deliver a certified check to a teen-aged boy. Her suspicions are aroused, especially when he refuses to explain why he can’t (or won’t) deliver it himself. But it’s the end of the month, rent is due, and she accepts his retainer. Then his check bounces and she quickly discovers that he isn’t who he claimed to be. When he turns up dead the police call it accidental drowning, but Kinsey thinks he was murdered. The question is why and by whom?
I really like this series. I had started it years ago and probably got to about book 8 or 9 before I stopped reading. Now I’ve started over from the beginning and am enjoying the retro feel. There are no cell phones or computers; Kinsey has to rely on her intellect, her network of connections and good old-fashioned leg work. She’s smart, determined, self-sufficient and never has to rely on a man to get her out of a tight spot.
Mary Peiffer does a fine job reading the audio version. She sets a good pace and I really like how she interprets Kinsey’s personality.
July 4, 2024
3 1/2 stars
Another solid entry into the Kinsey Milhone series, perhaps not as solid as I thought A-C were. This one had some incredulous aspects to the whodunit and some unbelievable physical situations for Kinsey, but overall I enjoyed. After all they're short and I love revisiting them in audio.
Why I'm reading this: I needed a book as a filler to get ready for a longer more serious listen, and here this was on my audiobook shelf! Why not? I always enjoy a trip to another place in time, without electronics, smartphones and perhaps not even an answering machine!
Another solid entry into the Kinsey Milhone series, perhaps not as solid as I thought A-C were. This one had some incredulous aspects to the whodunit and some unbelievable physical situations for Kinsey, but overall I enjoyed. After all they're short and I love revisiting them in audio.
Why I'm reading this: I needed a book as a filler to get ready for a longer more serious listen, and here this was on my audiobook shelf! Why not? I always enjoy a trip to another place in time, without electronics, smartphones and perhaps not even an answering machine!
August 20, 2009
These are like candy to me. Short, sweet, immensely satisfying. I won't claim that Grafton reaches new literary heights but they are largely well written and Kinsey is just a great character.
For what it is worth, I thought the hook here was weak. Not really sure why Kinsey would feel so beholden to a dead ex-offender to deliver a check, but whatevs.
For what it is worth, I thought the hook here was weak. Not really sure why Kinsey would feel so beholden to a dead ex-offender to deliver a check, but whatevs.
May 30, 2021
The best of the first four novels, thanks to a fast pace and tight plot.
Kinsey is hired by ex-con John Daggett to deliver a cashier's check made out to Tony Gahan for $25,000. Although she wonders why he can't deliver it himself (or just stick it in the mail), she takes the job. First she learns Tony is actually a 15yo boy; then she learns her client has just washed up on shore, a victim of homicide. When her investigation reveals Daggett was seen drunk the night before his death in the company of a blonde woman wearing a green dress, a closer look into the felon's life reveals plenty of blonde women who weren't sorry to see him go.
Although I figured out who Daggett's killer was right away, D is for Deadbeat is still the Grafton novel I've enjoyed the most so far.
Kinsey is hired by ex-con John Daggett to deliver a cashier's check made out to Tony Gahan for $25,000. Although she wonders why he can't deliver it himself (or just stick it in the mail), she takes the job. First she learns Tony is actually a 15yo boy; then she learns her client has just washed up on shore, a victim of homicide. When her investigation reveals Daggett was seen drunk the night before his death in the company of a blonde woman wearing a green dress, a closer look into the felon's life reveals plenty of blonde women who weren't sorry to see him go.
Although I figured out who Daggett's killer was right away, D is for Deadbeat is still the Grafton novel I've enjoyed the most so far.
November 24, 2017
I thought this one was bit more complicated than it needed to be. Even re-reading this year's later, a lot doesn't gel together very well. We do get more information on Kinsey and others. I just think it was too rushed as a whole to be really enjoyable.
The fourth novel finds Kinsey in a quandry. She is hired to deliver a cashier's check, but the check to her bounces. She tracks down the man who hired her and realizes that he also lied to her about his name and past. When he turns up dead, she accepts money from his estranged daughter to find out if he was murdered or not.
Diving into this one, we find out that there are plenty of people who wanted Kinsey's client dead. I think my disconnect was why Kinsey even cared. At times she hides things she knows from the man's daughter and goes that she was feeling protective. This is after she finds out he beat one woman, was responsible for the deaths of five people, and just was generally it sounded like unpleasant.
The writing was okay. My big gripe was the reveal at the end didn't work for me at all. I think Grafton wanted to add some shock value where none was needed. The flow was bumpy in this too. Probably because Kinsey kept traipsing from Santa Teresa to a town nearby.
There's some movement with Kinsey and Jonah. By since I know how that turns out, I don't much care.
The ending was a but of a letdown. All is revealed, and in the end, I didn't think justice was really served, even if Kinsey did.
The fourth novel finds Kinsey in a quandry. She is hired to deliver a cashier's check, but the check to her bounces. She tracks down the man who hired her and realizes that he also lied to her about his name and past. When he turns up dead, she accepts money from his estranged daughter to find out if he was murdered or not.
Diving into this one, we find out that there are plenty of people who wanted Kinsey's client dead. I think my disconnect was why Kinsey even cared. At times she hides things she knows from the man's daughter and goes that she was feeling protective. This is after she finds out he beat one woman, was responsible for the deaths of five people, and just was generally it sounded like unpleasant.
The writing was okay. My big gripe was the reveal at the end didn't work for me at all. I think Grafton wanted to add some shock value where none was needed. The flow was bumpy in this too. Probably because Kinsey kept traipsing from Santa Teresa to a town nearby.
There's some movement with Kinsey and Jonah. By since I know how that turns out, I don't much care.
The ending was a but of a letdown. All is revealed, and in the end, I didn't think justice was really served, even if Kinsey did.
May 1, 2016
I enjoyed catching up with Kinsey. Easy reading and great plot.
October 18, 2022
4.25 stars. I really love Sue Grafton’s early books. I’m revisiting my youth with a reread of this series. I loved this book so much. I discovered this series shortly after moving out of my parents house (at age 18). My sister, who became one of my roommates, and I just loved this series and it really holds up to rereads.
If you’re looking for a cozy feeling mystery that’s not *too* sweet, and you enjoy characters who are a bit badass, and love humor, it’s hard to go wrong with this series. They run the alphabet, beginning with A is for Alibi. I started with the second book, B is for Burglar, and it worked out just fine. (A is a bit edgier than the rest of the earlier books, and I didn’t enjoy that one as much, when I finally circled back to it.)
The PI in this is in her early 30s and twice divorced. She was a police officer for a couple of years. She has an interesting personality and I love being inside her head. She is a hoot and takes no bull from anyone. There are also recurring characters, including her landlord, Henry, a much older man who enjoys baking and crossword puzzles, who are v easy to love.
The audio versions of these books are also good. I’m so glad to have broken out of my book block with this. It had gone on for over a month, which is much too long!
If you’re looking for a cozy feeling mystery that’s not *too* sweet, and you enjoy characters who are a bit badass, and love humor, it’s hard to go wrong with this series. They run the alphabet, beginning with A is for Alibi. I started with the second book, B is for Burglar, and it worked out just fine. (A is a bit edgier than the rest of the earlier books, and I didn’t enjoy that one as much, when I finally circled back to it.)
The PI in this is in her early 30s and twice divorced. She was a police officer for a couple of years. She has an interesting personality and I love being inside her head. She is a hoot and takes no bull from anyone. There are also recurring characters, including her landlord, Henry, a much older man who enjoys baking and crossword puzzles, who are v easy to love.
The audio versions of these books are also good. I’m so glad to have broken out of my book block with this. It had gone on for over a month, which is much too long!
October 30, 2018
This is my first Sue Grafton novel and if there are 26 of these books, I hope the other books are more interesting.
For a very short book of 227 pages, I was bored half the time. The author describes everything in excruciating detail: every house and what is it is made of: every item of clothing, threads, fibres and all, every cloud in the sky and every meal she eats. Maybe 50 pages of the book or 25% are filler that could be deleted.
The plot is also very weak. A drunk ex-con seeks redemption by giving twenty five grand to one of his victims' relatives. The ex-con stole the money from a mattress in prison. Oh, really! It's ludicrous.
Then, the ex-con who is a staggering drunk, actually gives the money away. No chance of that ever happening.
The suspects are all pretty much the same woman.
The final reveal is just silly.
I don't want to be this harsh, because the PI is quite likeable, but the author doesn't give her any depth or anything to do.
The problem with PI books is that basically they are a series of interviews. The secret is to make the PI so interesting and to have plenty of other things going on, so you don't notice that the plot is merely a vehicle for spending time with the PI and his friends: Think Spenser and Hawk - certainly not Susan Boring Silverman.
For a very short book of 227 pages, I was bored half the time. The author describes everything in excruciating detail: every house and what is it is made of: every item of clothing, threads, fibres and all, every cloud in the sky and every meal she eats. Maybe 50 pages of the book or 25% are filler that could be deleted.
The plot is also very weak. A drunk ex-con seeks redemption by giving twenty five grand to one of his victims' relatives. The ex-con stole the money from a mattress in prison. Oh, really! It's ludicrous.
Then, the ex-con who is a staggering drunk, actually gives the money away. No chance of that ever happening.
The suspects are all pretty much the same woman.
The final reveal is just silly.
I don't want to be this harsh, because the PI is quite likeable, but the author doesn't give her any depth or anything to do.
The problem with PI books is that basically they are a series of interviews. The secret is to make the PI so interesting and to have plenty of other things going on, so you don't notice that the plot is merely a vehicle for spending time with the PI and his friends: Think Spenser and Hawk - certainly not Susan Boring Silverman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
4 Stars. I forgot that this novel wasn't a cozy mystery, that Sue Grafton can be graphic and unpredictable. Not a concern, I just forgot! When you work your way through the last chapter you'll understand. I enjoy her private detective Kinsey Millhone, about my age with experiences and opinions on life not that different. Kinsey's 1980s are mine too. The author is so good at the highlights, and lowlights, of that era. But Kinsey is more cynical and independent minded. And she always completes what she starts! In "D" she considers walking away more than once. Alvin Limardo, who turns out to be the drunk and dissolute John Daggett, is her client. He retains her to deliver a large cheque to Tony Gahan who is not easy to find. Then the retainer bounces. That's the first occasion when she asks herself whether this case is worth it. Prepare for more. It turns out that Daggett has two wives, numerous enemies, and has just been released from prison after committing vehicular homicide which killed five people. Yet there are smiles. Kinsey meets Detective Sergeant Jonah Robb of Missing Persons. Can we all move on to "E" together? (July 2021)
June 22, 2018
I thoroughly enjoy these books. Kinsey is a great character. Recommended series.
February 15, 2020
My copy has 240 pages
August 14, 2023
Kinsey is entirely too smug.
Well read by Mary Peiffer.
Well read by Mary Peiffer.
October 21, 2011
I really do enjoy these books. Kinsey is hard-as-nails when she needs to be and yet funny and warm, too. They mysteries are interesting and the characters odd.
--
Better review now that I've had time:
I accidentally stumbled across R is for Ricochet several years ago while perusing the local library. Little did I know that that one book would open up a world of mystery for me. I have since gone back to the beginning and started the series in the order it was meant to be read. However, if you’re impatient, so far as I can tell, you can read them as stand-alones with only minor references to previous books.
Each novel in the Kinsey Millhone series gets better as we go along. The mysteries become more tangled and the characters more devious and varied. One of the biggest draws to this series for me is is the setting. Having grown up and become a real person in the eighties, I find it fun to watch her walk around town, call everyone and even use the library resources to get the information she needs. Makes you look at today’s private investigators and think, “Man, they’ve got it easy – they’ve got the Internet!”
While I had some idea of who the killer was starting about halfway through, I was still shocked at the outcome of Kinsey’s investigations. I never dreamed it would end the way it did, although in retrospect, it doesn’t surprise me much (now). Kinsey’s leaps of intuition and her cleverness, however, keep you guessing. I enjoy that seed of doubt the author is constantly planting in your mind. You’re reading along and screaming silently, “The butler did it! I know he did!” and then you turn the page and think, “Wait, maybe the maid did it…” That’s a great mystery writer for you. And who knows, maybe the butler did do it.
I highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone.
--
Better review now that I've had time:
I accidentally stumbled across R is for Ricochet several years ago while perusing the local library. Little did I know that that one book would open up a world of mystery for me. I have since gone back to the beginning and started the series in the order it was meant to be read. However, if you’re impatient, so far as I can tell, you can read them as stand-alones with only minor references to previous books.
Each novel in the Kinsey Millhone series gets better as we go along. The mysteries become more tangled and the characters more devious and varied. One of the biggest draws to this series for me is is the setting. Having grown up and become a real person in the eighties, I find it fun to watch her walk around town, call everyone and even use the library resources to get the information she needs. Makes you look at today’s private investigators and think, “Man, they’ve got it easy – they’ve got the Internet!”
While I had some idea of who the killer was starting about halfway through, I was still shocked at the outcome of Kinsey’s investigations. I never dreamed it would end the way it did, although in retrospect, it doesn’t surprise me much (now). Kinsey’s leaps of intuition and her cleverness, however, keep you guessing. I enjoy that seed of doubt the author is constantly planting in your mind. You’re reading along and screaming silently, “The butler did it! I know he did!” and then you turn the page and think, “Wait, maybe the maid did it…” That’s a great mystery writer for you. And who knows, maybe the butler did do it.
I highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone.
January 21, 2018
Kinsey Millhone is hired to deliver a cashier's check of $25,000, but gets stiffed on her fee. The client tells Kinsey the money is for a teenager who had helped him out. It sounds suspicious, but Kinsey takes the job. After Kinsey realizes the check for her fee has bounced, she looks up the client to get her money. She discovers he has died, in what the police call an accident. Kinsey thinks his death is suspect, and looks into it.
The 4th book in the Kinsey Millhone series. In this one, Kinsey got involved with more than she intended. For me, the case was not as interesting as some others in the series. A solid mystery, but not my favorite Kinsey book.
I listened to an audio version of this book.
The 4th book in the Kinsey Millhone series. In this one, Kinsey got involved with more than she intended. For me, the case was not as interesting as some others in the series. A solid mystery, but not my favorite Kinsey book.
I listened to an audio version of this book.
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