The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
GROUP READS
>
A is for Alibi discussion
Funny that this was a choice for the current season, as I'd been hemming and hawing about whether or not to read the first book of this series. I've seen Grafton books around for as long as I can remember (which makes sense, as this was published when I was four), but mystery books have never been my thing.I'm a teacher (high school) and there are times when I want something "easy" to read, something that isn't 1. laden with high school grammar mistakes and 2. isn't Tolstoy. Grafton fit the bill perfectly. The book (which took me only a few hours to read) moved at a good pace, but didn't feel rushed, and the story line was strong enough to keep me interested, but not so outlandish that I was turned off.
I bought this one, cheap and used, from amazon. However, there's a local free book place that's open every weekend and I've seen most of the alphabet series there at one time or another. I was thinking about heading over there next weekend, and if I can find any of the other books in the series, I'll grab them for some easy weekend reading to escape from students who think Roosevelt is the full name of the baby kangaroo in Winnie the Pooh.
Despite being a devotee of mystery in all its forms, for some reason Grafton has never made it to the top of my to-read stack. It really is somewhat nonsensical, since I remember my mother reading the early entries avidly and our ongoing speculation about what the title of Kinsey's next adventure would be.While I ended up figuring out the culprit and the motive fairly early on, I'm intrigued enough to see what else unfolds for this PI - her dogged and methodical approach to investigation reminds me of some of my other subgenre favorites, Tess Monaghan and Moe Prager, so I'm looking forward to more in store.
I will say, though, this doesn't fit my notion of cozy - it's a bit dark and contains some language and violence that might not appeal to readers looking for something more in the vein of a Miss Marple.
Jessica wrote: "I will say, though, this doesn't fit my notion of cozy - it's a bit dark and contains some language and violence that might not appeal to readers looking for something more in the vein of a Miss Marple. .."Jessica, I agree ... I wouldn't classify this series as "cozy" either.
I really like this book. It seems I've read so many books lately where the female lead is just the biggest push over with no self esteem or just plain bitter. Grafton's Kinsey Millhone is great character, not perfect, but not a wimp either. It was also fun seeing all the many inconveniences we endured before the constant availability cell phones provide us today. Millhone is always calling her messaging service for her messages, leaving numbers where she might be reached for the next few days, etc. etc.
I was not fan of this book. I barely gave it two stars. I do not see it as a cozy mystery. It was more of a crime mystery without the feel goodness of a cozy mystery. I struggled to get through it. The story dragged on for me and was easily predictible. Kinsey was boring to me even though I wanted to like her and route for her. I don't plan on reading anymore of this series unless I need to for a challenge.
Just a comment that I love this series (although I'd have to agree that maybe they're not "cozy" mysteries). I've read them all, and #23 in the series, "W is for Wasted" is one of my favorites. Grafton takes 1 or 2 years to write each book, and it's great to find a series that doesn't grow stale with time.
I've looked at this series before and decided I wouldn't like it, but I thought I'd give it a try this time. To my surprise I really enjoyed it! I liked the pace of the book and felt it was well written, although I did find it a little difficult to keep track of all the characters - there seemed to be a lot of suspects in many different locations, but I suppose that's what makes for an interesting story! I will certainly be reading more of these, I enjoyed the character of Kinsey Millhone and her organised and rigorous way of carrying out her investigations.I agree with others that this is not really a 'cosy' mystery.
This is the second old, but modern-era (if that makes sense), crime book I've read recently. The disjunction between the modern(ish) setting and the lack of modern tech (google would transform her investigations!) is startling. But actually, not a bad thing: too many crime novels rely on macabre MOs or unrealistic personal connections between the criminal (who are all forensic masterminds!) and not enough on the routine investigative work and making connections.I enjoyed the female noir voice: Kinsey's a pleasant enough person to spend time with. Sure, she takes no prisoners, but she's pretty self-aware too.
So, all in all, a pleasantly distracting read.
I read this book when it came out in paperback 30 years ago. Re-reading it this week was almost like reading it for the first time -- it was full of surprises, fun, and clever. It's enough of a page-turner to make good airplane reading and escapist enough for when you want to mentally get away for a bit. I read a few others in this series but after awhile I tired of them and quit reading Grafton's subsequent books.There were, however, a couple things that struck me as different the second time around. First, I was completely enchanted with Kinsey Milhone the first time I read the book because she was a strong, engaging female doing a "man's job." There were not many in 1984. I'm pleased to note that the mystery shelf is now well populated with female detectives. Second, as Catherine notes above, Kinsey's job would have been much different if she hadn't had to get film developed, run around town to check things, constantly leave a new number where she could be reached, etc. But then she was able to verify that someone was actually in Denver by the fact that she reached him by phoning a Denver number.
I was interested in others' comments about whether this was a 'cozy' mystery. At some level, I guess no murder mystery is truly 'cozy' because murder is a brutal thing. But this story did not have excessive violence/torture and was written with a light touch. The characters were engaging and the narrator's voice (Kinsey's) was witty and humorous. I'm not sure I'd use the word 'cozy,' but it was definitely cozier than many other mysteries I've read (and especially than those I didn't finish!).
The main reason I don't consider it a "cozy" mystery is that "cozies" usually feature an amateur detective ... like a nosy elderly lady (Miss Marple), or the owner of a cookie shop (Hannah Swenson), etc. Kinsey is a private detective, authorized to carry a gun (though she rarely does).
Book Concierge wrote: "The main reason I don't consider it a "cozy" mystery is that "cozies" usually feature an amateur detective ... like a nosy elderly lade (Miss Marple), or the owner of a cookie shop (Hannah Swenson)..."Ah, I didn't know "cozy mystery" had a defined usage. Thanks for filling me in, Book Concierge!
A Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton – 4****
Book #1 in the Kinsey Millhone series. 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 –resourceful, tenacious and intelligent, and she 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. Mary Peiffer performs the audiobook at a good pace. She does not use many different voices for the various characters, but Grafton’s dialogue makes it clear who is speaking and I was never confused.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Also ... usually in cozy mysteries the violence happens "off camera" ... a body may be discovered but you don't usually witness the killing. (Which you DO witness in A is for Alibi)
Cheri wrote: "I read this book when it came out in paperback 30 years ago. Re-reading it this week was almost like reading it for the first time -- it was full of surprises, fun, and clever. It's enough of a pag..."Cheri - I also read it decades ago, and had never included it in my read list here on goodreads because I didn't remember enough about it (other than that I liked it). I'm not big on reading series because I tend to get bored with them after 3 or 4 so I haven't read one of the Kinsey Millhone books in ages. But I may have to go back and do some re-reading now that I remember how enjoyable they are.
I enjoy reading books that come in a series and after reading A is for alibi Im sure im going to be getting the rest of them also.....It was the first time for me reading a Sue Grafton book and I look forward to reading more..A is for Alibi was a good read for me it kept me turning the pages even tho I thought i figured it out half way through. i was only partially right and was pleased with the ending .
Cheri wrote: "Ah, I didn't know "cozy mystery" had a defined usage. Thanks for filling me in, Book Concierge!"Wikipedia has a whole page devoted to the cozy mystery genre, and based on what's written there, the Kinsey Millhone series doesn't fit - exactly - although there are certain parts of the character that do have cozy elements. For instance - she's a licensed P.I. with a police force background. NOT your typical cozy character, who runs a flower shop or a bakery or a dog wash business.
I'm just starting to read this book again. I think I first read it about 20 years ago (or more!). I'm a big Kinsey Millhone /Sue Grafton fan and I wait anxiously for each new book.I'm not sure why this is labeled as a cozy mystery, as from the Wikipedia page mentioned above, these books don't have any (or many) of the cozy elements listed.
Kinsey Millhone, in my opinion is more the "fearless female" type (https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...)
But anyway, I'm just enjoying reading this book again and wondering what will happen with Kinsey, as the books are almost at the end of the alphabet. Last one was "W is for wasted", published a year ago and next one won't be out until Fall 2015.
Gemma wrote: "I just finished the book. I enjoyed it, definitely; but some parts of it kinda irritated me. In case folks come here mid-reading, I'll use the spoiler tag ... despite the fact I don't think anyth..."I didn't know there was a definition for cozy either, until it was posted here and I read it on Wikipedia. For me, a cozy mystery has to have a Miss Marple character in them, not a Kinsey Millhone, but I really like your definition: Blankets, cold mornings and distraction!
Pia wrote: "Gemma wrote: "I just finished the book. I enjoyed it, definitely; but some parts of it kinda irritated me. In case folks come here mid-reading, I'll use the spoiler tag ... despite the fact I don..."Funny...that's always been my definition as well! I had no idea there was an official definition! I think somehow in my mind I pictured it was an amateur PI, but more just a fun-loving, simple character that you want to get cozy to read! If nothing else, I've learned something here!
I'm not a huge mystery fan to begin with, so it's no surprise to me that I didn't love this book. But I didn't hate it either. The story was good, there were still some surprises for me that I wanted to continue reading it up until the end, and she was a decent character. I don't think I will probably read the rest of the series, but it is always good to get out of my rut and read something different.
I've been reading Kinsey Millhone for years, but somehow never read the first of the series. It was fun to have an excuse to track that one down and get it off my bucket list. It was kind of odd going back to the beginning, where the character wasn't as fleshed out as she is today, seeing her evolve through the narrative, and watching her solve her first case, which turns out, wasn't her first one at all. She's obviously been at it a while, and appears already to have a decent reputation as a P.I.
The mystery wasn't complicated, but they never are with Grafton's work. It's usually pretty easy for the reader to solve, and I think that might be intentional on Grafton's part - because it adds to the suspense element. Is Kinsey going to figure it out before the bad guy gets her? Because YOU know that he's coming for her for sure!
I've never thought of these as "cozy." Kinsey M is much too tough and the language has always been a bit too brutal to fit that genre. I've always put her in the same category with Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware character.
Fun read…
I just finished re reading this first book, and it's been very interesting going back to Kinsey's beginnings. I had completely forgotten everything about this book and the evolution of her character, from book A to the last one, book W makes me want to re read all the books in between. If only I had the time!
This was my first reading of this book, although in the past I have read one or two of the later books. I enjoyed getting to know Kinsey again. The story was well=written and kept my interest right up to the end. I did have one of the killers figured out but not the reason or person killed. The other I missed entirely.
This is not a cozy, but it is good. Really enjoyed it.
This was my first experience with Sue Grafton and I found this book quite enjoyable. A solid little mystery without the crazy over the top plots and twists that you tend to find in mystery/thrillers today. It was an easy and quick read and kept me hooked until the very end. I found the character of Kinsey to be very likable, smart and tough. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
This was a reread for me (couldn't find either of the other options) but because I read it in the 80s when it first came out and because I have a memory that resembles swiss cheese, it was like a new book. I've kept up with the series and I'd forgotten how much I liked the novels when Grafton first started writing them. They've gotten longer and more repetitive (she only ate a Quarter Pounder once in this book and she didn't even have an all-purpose black polyester dress) and I think the fondness I have for Kinsey has waned. Perhaps the author's fondness has been similarly affected.
This was a good solid mystery, I love the setting which requires actual legwork and planning - technology really hasn't improved mystery novels. Where is the fun reading about someone sitting at their laptop doing background searches? No fun! Driving all night to Vegas, now that is fun.
Enjoyed the book.
I had read this book A is for Alibi originally about 15+ years ago. I had gotten into a big kick of reading mystery books and found this series in a bundle pack that included the first 5 books (A-E) and thought I'd really enjoy it. I remember struggling through the first book, but thinking I'd give the others a try. I read most of B is for Burglar and found myself skimming C is for Corpse. I figured that maybe 15 years down the road my tastes would have changed and perhaps I'd like it. I also tried "reading" it via audio book...I was traveling on a plane and wanted to give it a try...I struggled once again with the book. While none of it sounded familiar as far as the plot goes (even at the end I didn't recall who'd done it), I just didn't get into it. At times there were too many characters involved that perhaps the audio aspect confused me. While the narrator's voice was pretty decent (better than others I've listened to), it got a little distracting with the various "voices" being done. I think when I read, the way I hear the voices of the different characters may play a bigger role than I realized. At times, the accents/voice the reader gave threw me off.
As with other comments above, it was kind of interesting thinking how technology has changed so many industries! We've become so reliant on technology (internet, cell phones, GPS, etc) that I can't imagine having to take someone's word for where they were (no caller ID or GPS), or having to call a land line and leave a message (no cell phones).
Glad I gave it another try, but remember now why this series still doesn't work for me.
I first read this two years ago and meant to continue on with the series but never got around to it. Then so much time went by that I couldn’t remember this one well enough to continue on, so while I normally don’t have much patience for re-reading, it wasn’t a bad idea to read this one again and now perhaps go on with the series. This has been such a successful mystery series for Sue Grafton and understandably so: It is an easy read, fast-paced and engaging, a page-turner. Unlike some mysteries that have so many characters and such complicated plot lines that you can’t ever really figure out what’s going on, even at the end, this one was pretty straight-forward and easy to follow.
I agree with many others who have commented that this does not qualify as a “cozy” mystery. I enjoy cozies and would have loved to have been introduced to a new “cozy” series here, so though this was a good mystery read, it was a disappointing selection.
This was my first experience with Sue Grafton. I knew absolutely nothing about this series, or Grafton prior to reading this book. With that being said, I really enjoyed the book. It was a quick read that kept me engrossed. I liked how the plot was believable and didn't have those crazy, unbelievable twists in a lot of mystery books today. I look forward to reading more from this series. I'm thankful this was one of the group read selections, as I probably would not have picked this up otherwise.
So, reading through the other posts...how was the discussion started about whether or not this was a cozy? I just...am surprised that anyone would ever think it was. It's a hard-boiled mystery series (more in the vein of Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe). Definitely not a cozy, which is typically when someone who is not a professional detective solves crimes (a la Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher). I'm just confused by the number of people who seem surprised or upset that this wasn't a cozy.Anyway...on to book impressions! I've read probably 10-15 of this series, but not for probably 6 or 7 years. I did read this one maybe 10 years ago, but I didn't remember it at all. I listened to it on audiobook this time and really did not like the voice actor who narrated it. I also had figured it out by halfway through, and I am just not sure if that's because I'm familiar with Grafton's plot formula or if some part of my subconscious DID actually remember the story. I thought the book ended too abruptly, too.
I liked this series quite a lot for a while, but I grew tired of it. After the last one I read (S Is for Silence, I think), I just felt blah about it and so I didn't read any more. But I do like the characters of Henry and Rosie a lot (the figure heavily throughout the series), and I think Kinsey's character grows more interesting and likable as the series goes on.
Jen, the discussion about whether this book is a cozy mystery came about because of the group read category for which it was chosen - This book was chosen as the Fall 2014 Group Read in the category "First Book in a Cozy Mystery Series.".
Ah, thanks for the explanation, Bea! I'm a newbie to the challenge, and I didn't realize that.
Mod
It was nominated by an SRC member in this category, and received the most votes from the SRC membership. Since "cozy mystery" was in fact listed as a main page genre, we did not believe we should remove it from the choices.
Yes, I know, Sandy. Just explaining to Jen why the discussion occurred.
Well, I read a good number of mysteries & am often on the lookout for a new central character I can enjoy for several books - right now, especially, since I am nearing the end of the Dorothy Gillman's Mrs. Pollifax series, which I've been enjoying since I picked up the first of them in January of this year. And of course I've heard of Grafton often, but never did get around to reading any of them.Like others, I really enjoyed immersing myself in a world full of answering services, run-down motels, the beginnings of the computerized age and how that had repercussions. Nothing about Kinsey particularly bugged me - in theory she's got a lot of factors I like, being a female hard-boiled type (which I generally prefer to the cupcake shop owner who stumbles into things, though I do love a Marple or a Pollifax underestimated older lady). I just didn't quite fall for this one.
I won't rule out revisiting Grafton someday, but am pretty content to have read this & moved on. Glad I got a nudge to finally pick her up, though, thanks to this challenge!
Well, telefaxes and answering services are clearly not the most effective way to solve a murder! I would be interested to see how Kinsey adapts to modern technology, though I don't think I'll continue with this series...I also found the "solve" disjointed and the ultimate "chase" anticlimactic. And the animal kicking? No, thanks.
I just finished the book - read it in a day - was a very slow day at work. I had to go back and look when the book was first published (1982); I remember seeing all of Grafton's alphabet books, and meant to read them one day, but just never got to them. I do like mysteries and this one was pretty good. Books written over 25 years ago remind me of watching old thriller movies - it's funny to watch them because the technology is so different in today's movies. The same applies to these books. First thing I notice was there were no cell phones used in the book! Boy I remember those days!I did enjoy this book and will probably read more of her books. As someone mentioned in a previous post, it will be interesting to see how Kinsey keeps up with the technology of the times.
While I have not read many of the books in this series, I believe I read an interview with Grafton where she specifically states that the time frame used in the series is static ... i.e. it does NOT progress in time. So Kinsey will never deal with cell phones and more modern technology.If someone who has read more of the series can comment to confirm or refute this, please do!
Book Concierge wrote: "While I have not read many of the books in this series, I believe I read an interview with Grafton where she specifically states that the time frame used in the series is static ... i.e. it does NO..."I haven't read more than the first one recently, but I did do a little looking into the series to see what the various titles were out of curiosity. I found it indicated that even though the books were written over the course of 30+ years (A was written in 1982 and Z is expected in 2019), Kinsey Millhone only ages about 6-7 years.
Wikipedia
That would make sense if the time frame only changes by a few years and if the mindset was written as of early '80s.
I was under the firm belief that I had read this 30+ years ago, but was surprised to find I did not remember this book at all once I started to read it. I may have a hazy memory at thinking that if Grafton was planning on a book for every letter of the alphabet, I'd have a long series ahead of me, and so I must have opted out of the series back then.This was just an okay read for me. The story clipped along at a quick pace and so I'm not sure why I wasn't more engaged in the plot.
Since I've now started the series and enjoy mysteries, I will probably read the others in upcoming seasons.
I enjoyed A is for Alibi much more than I do the average PI mystery. The 80's setting was fun to read about - I realized most of the books I've read from the 80s are kids' books or sci-fi. I appreciated how Kinsey occasionally hated the nature of her job and yearned for an authentic connection with people.
I read one of the Kinsey books a long time ago, can't remember which one other than I think it was somewhere around F-G-H.I got a kick out of the 1980s California setting. Imagine getting a hotel room in Los Angeles for $12!But I have mixed feelings about the book overall and don't think it's worth more than two stars. In fact, I wondered if this manuscript were offered to a publisher today if it would be accepted. I thought the writing was clunky, especially the dialogue. It's just not the way people talk. And enough with the similes!
I was drawn in by the mystery though. I wanted to find out who had killed the lawyer and there were certainly enough suspects. I also figured out the mystery about halfway through--and that's where things started to fall apart for me. I'll explain that in a spoiler below.Suffice it to say I can't stand big, huge gaping plot holes and this story has a beaut.
I agree that this is definitely not a cozy mystery.
(view spoiler)
This is a series which I have managed to stay current with since its inception. I was pleased to have a chance to reread the first novel. It is really interesting reading these novels as they are a blast to the past. The setting of the early 1980's displays how much technology has changed in the past 30 years+.
I had read this book so long ago that much of it was seemed new, however, my suspicions as to the real murdered were confirmed toward the end of the book. It was a delight to have the chance to reread this novel.
I just finished A is for Alibi last night. I have seen Sue Grafton's book for ages, usually in bookstores or at the airport shops. I never got one, because they were somewhere in the middle of the series book and I thought I would eventually get around to reading it from the beginning. I never did, until now. I am not sure, maybe unknowingly I built up this series because I was disappointed after reading it that I couldn't give it more than 3 stars. The first half of the book for me seems really boring and what she did starting from morning to night ending in her going to bed. It felt like I was reading a diary. I guess in a way this would be more realistic version of what a PI does which is a lot of talking to and not as much action, but I was so bored by hearing a daily log of activities and eating lunch, eating dinner, running etc.
The second half was better in terms of a little more action, the mystery is finally coming about, so you know something is going to happen. Although, the mystery was a bit easier to solve, but there were a lot of holes in the book that were never addressed at any point. Also, for a ~300 some page book, there is not a lot of personal information on the heroine, I want to know more about her, like why did she divorced 2 times, who was she married to. I don't feel like I know her at all, except she is not a fan of dogs, can't connect with people and doesn't like her job all the time.
Okay...I complained enough about what I did not like in the book, so on the other side of the coin, the other stuff that I did like, was the novelty of reading a book that did not have cell phone and instant internet access to look stuff up. The really cheap meals and hotel stays. The little information I have on Kinsey, I liked about her. She seems like a straight talker and dedicated to her job. The mystery was believable even if it is predictable but it felt more realistic. I will continue to read the series.
This was an okay book, sort of middle of the road interesting for me. Just another crime story with a predictable ending. I've read so many other 'cozy' mysteries that this one seemed to be less interesting to me.
Here were my thoughts about this book.Rating ★★★
Review:
Kinsey Milhone is a private detective. As her first case she has to dig up an old case after, Nikki is released from jail after having been convicted of the murder. Some things from the case doesn't add up, as well as another murder is now attached to the case.
This was a very easy mystery. It didn't seem to have much more to offer than the mystery, which is why I can't give it high rates. I didn't think it was easy to guess who was the killer which I liked, and I enjoyed the few twists there was during the book.
I didn't get very much attached to the main character, which also dragged the rating down a little.
The book was easy to get through, and I liked the writing alright. Overall it's a 3 ★ rating from me, and I plan to read the next few of the books as well, before diciding what to do with the series.
This is my first time reading Sue Grafton. I picked this book for the Fall 2014 Challenge because I never read mystery novels, and I wanted to try something new. I am glad that I did. I liked the pacing of the story, that it included a large female cast of characters, and I liked Kinsey's attitude. It was not challenging to read, so I was able to get through it quickly. In general, this was a good book, but I don't think it changed my mind about mysteries. It wasn't very suspenseful, and there was a flutter of activity in the last 15 pages, which I never really like in a book. Since there are so many books in the world I want to read, I don't think I will follow up with this series.
this was visiting an "old friend" for me. i remember reading this when it was first published in 1982 and being thrilled at,what was at the time, one of the few "kick-ass female" detective novels. i am also tickled by her motivation of conception of the character/plot idea....[She started writing mystery novels as an escape from her screenwriting life, which she detested. While going through a bitter divorce and custody battle that lasted 6 long years, she would lay awake nights, miserable and "think of ways to nuke the guy...The problem was, I knew I would never be able to carry it out in real life...I really am a law-abiding citizen, a rule follower from way back." Her vivid fantasies about how to murder the man that was making her life a living hell led her to think of murder mysteries as a perfect outlet. Thus was born her famous private investigator, Kinsey Millhone and the alphabet series:..from A Conversation With Sue Grafton
by Claire E. White
The Internet Writing Journal, October 1999]
the "voice" of this series has a female Ed McBain feel to them for me and i love that it helped to open up the genre to other authors to write strong female detective characters such as Linda Barnes carlotta carlyle.
i have collected each book in the series as it was published. haven't read all them yet but continue to read kinsey every six months or so.
i had a very pleasurably time rereading this first one this month.
This is the first book that i have read of this author. being a fan of mysteries i was happy that i had this opportunity. the name intrigued me a lot; as do the other titles in this series! very clever!
A is for Alibi | Sue Grafton | 10/26/2014Rating : ★★★
Review
Okay, so I have heard so much about this Alphabet Series by Sue Grafton that I was overtly excited to start exploring it.. and now I am really wondering what is so amazing about this book or maybe even the series, if it proceeds along the same way as this ? Dont get me wrong, its not bad or putdownable or something.. but it really does nothing much. Its a typical, run-of-the-mill mystery with an obvious climax and obvious suspects. Nothing really thrilled me in this thriller or made me jump out of surprise with the turn of events.
Yes, I have to acknowledge Sue Grafton for creating a beautiful picture of California in general. Her minute details in expatiating on a setting is very picturesque and believable. But you cant really spend 320 pages and read verbose explanations of everything but the main premise. I am not a regular 'series' book reader, but I expect the first-in-a-series book to delve more into the MC's personal life, her personality and should build a foundation to her overall character, but what I got in return was a fairly cold and aloof Kinsey Millhone, with whom I had to struggle to connect till the last page.
The first 200-odd pages just trudged along but it was the last 1/3rd portion that really grasped attention. I also loved the period it was set in where investigations were done the hard way, without use of modern technology and thus, there was ample potential to explore that facet in the story. Instead we have pages of detail which do not aid the story or add any spice / drama / thrill to the mystery.
I might try her second book to see if the character development has progressed. But this one slightly disappointed me or maybe I started off with real high expectations, which turned out unrealistic at the end.
The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
A Is for Alibi (other topics)A Is for Alibi (other topics)
A Is for Alibi (other topics)
A Is for Alibi (other topics)
A Is for Alibi (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Sue Grafton (other topics)Ed McBain (other topics)
Linda Barnes (other topics)
The requirement for task 20.10: You must participate in the book's discussion thread below with at least one post about the contents of the book or your reaction to the book after you have read the book.