Helpful Score: 3
Having read all of the Sue Grafton Kinsey Millhone's books ("A" through "U"), I found this one to be just as good as the first. Sue Grafton is not a dummy when it comes to writing mysteries or in knowing how to keep her series readers interested, even after 20 books. She is able to switch things up just enough to still keep you interested and in the storyline and the outcome. Ms. Grafton is able to write a good mystery without blood, gore, or irrelevant romances that just gunk up the plot. I'm looking forward to V through Z, but wonder what in the world she's going to pull out of her hat after Z!
Judy B. (jdyinva) -
Helpful Score: 2
I've read them all and, frankly, I think this one is the best. Have been reading now nearly non-stop in the middle of holiday plans and begrudging every minute away from it. Tight story that holds your attention throughout. Kinsey is so human and so vulnerable here. A really remarkable read!
Helpful Score: 2
I've read all of Sue Grafton's books..."U" is the most recent. It is a great read and certainly continues the saga of Kinsey Millhone's experiences. If youve read any of her books, you'll love this one, and if you haven't yet read any, try "U" is for UNdertow. I'm sure if you do, you will opt to read all the others as well.
Helpful Score: 2
Sue Grafton has done it again, Kinsey is an old friend! I have read every book and love them. I thought about keeping this book, then decided that sharing was much more fun.
If you love mysteries and heroines that have a "real" quality to them you will love Sue Grafton's books.
If you love mysteries and heroines that have a "real" quality to them you will love Sue Grafton's books.
Jen N. (Rascalflatts1fan) reviewed U is for Undertow (Kinsey Millhone, Bk 21) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I believe this was her best one yet! Of course since I started with 'A' about 2 1/2 yrs, in between reading other books, I finally got caught up to 'T' a few months ago. I anxiously waited for 'U'. I don't ordinarily buy a book as soon as it comes out. I usually wait until they come available on here, or my sister buys them first, and loans it to me, or if nothing else, I go to the public library. This time, I bought it in hardcover at over $20, as a Christmas present to myself! :) And was NOT disappointed in the least. I think I read this one faster than any of the others too. Now the wait for V begins...ugh! 2 more yrs. I can't wait.
Once again, Sue Grafton brings Kinsey Millhone into the forefront of a cold case investigation. Her characters are well fleshed out and you get a great sense of the lives they lead or have lived in the past. It is never boring to pick up a Kinsey Millhone novel. Her stories are so relevant that you forget they are set back more than twenty years ago, so the technology is missing, but definitely not the plot. I hope she continues to write of Kinsey after she reaches Z.
Helpful Score: 1
I liked it, but was not as riveting as her previous books. ALOT of characters to keep track of.
This may be my favorite of Sue Grafton's series. For those who enjoy Kinsey's process of untangling a mystery, it's a real nice read. For those who are more interested in the development of the supporting characters like Henry, William and Rosie there's less here than in previous books. I enjoyed this book alot!
I love this whole series.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Private Investigator Kinsey Millhone is approached by Michael Sutton. Michael tells her a story about something that happened on his sixth birthday. He remembers wandering through the woods and discovering two men who are digging a hole. They told him that they were pirates searching for buried treasure. A large bundle was laying under a tree. Michael said he didn't think much about it until he recently learned about an unsolved kidnapping that took place on the same weekend. Four-year-old Mary Claire Fitzhugh was kidnapped. A ransom was delivered but the little girl was never returned. Michael believes that he could have seen the kidnappers possibly burying the body of the little girl. He wants to hire Kinsey to see if it is true.
This is the 21st book in the Kinsey Millhone series. If this particular story had been earlier in the series, I never would have made it this far. There were too many details, too many descriptions, and too many flashbacks. The story itself is set in 1988, but we had many flashbacks to 1963 and 1967. Some of those scenes were interesting, others were not. We were told the identity of the kidnappers in the middle of the story, and we get a lot of scenes of their history from childhood until the present. I don't think that helped move the story forward at all.
Since I absolutely loved the last book that I read in this series (T is for Trespass), I'll be continuing it in the future. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
This is the 21st book in the Kinsey Millhone series. If this particular story had been earlier in the series, I never would have made it this far. There were too many details, too many descriptions, and too many flashbacks. The story itself is set in 1988, but we had many flashbacks to 1963 and 1967. Some of those scenes were interesting, others were not. We were told the identity of the kidnappers in the middle of the story, and we get a lot of scenes of their history from childhood until the present. I don't think that helped move the story forward at all.
Since I absolutely loved the last book that I read in this series (T is for Trespass), I'll be continuing it in the future. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
I enjoyed yet another Sue Grafton book. Pleasant read.
I did not want this book to end. One of the best of the series. I liked the way it went back and forth and then suddenly the pieces just fell together. Enjoyed it immensely. Will hate to see the series end.
It was good-I was a little disappointed in some of the language that was in it.
Another great read by Sue Grafton!!
Just ok as a story
Jeanne G. (IlliniAlum83) -
A great mystery that bounces back and forth between 1988 and 1963 to solve the kidnapping of one girl and the kidnapping/murder of another, and Kinsey does it mostly on her own, without pay. It throws in some family history so that we finally truly know why Kinsey is estranged from her mother's family.
Book #21 i the series. This is an interesting book - great characters, but not the most satisfying of the Kinsey Milhone mysteries. You can sort of figure out what happened by about half-way through and there is no surprise at the end. A very nice end with the subplot about Kinsey's family.
Shirley D. (bookattic) -
Very good book. Lots of twists and turns; lots of intrigue. Once Linsey Millhone gets her teeth into a case, she doesn't let go until the case is solved. Good read.
really different twist
Sue Grafton's "U is for Undertow" takes place in 1988, with flashbacks to 1967, the "Summer of Love." Kinsey Millhone, thirty-seven, is the veteran of two failed marriages. Most of her time is devoted to her work as a private investigator, and she occasionally socializes with a small group of friends, including her eighty-eight year old landlord, Henry Pitts. Kinsey's latest case involves Michael Sutton, who claims that he recently recalled an event that occurred when he was just six years old. In July of 1967, four-year-old Mary Claire Fitzhugh was abducted from her home in Horton Ravine, California. Although her parents agreed to pay the ransom demanded by Mary Claire's kidnappers, the money was not picked up and the child was never seen again. Sutton remembers playing in the woods when he saw two men digging a hole and burying a bundle in the ground, and he cannot help but wonder if the pair was burying the corpse of little Mary Claire. Michael hires Kinsey to reconstruct the past and find out if his memories are accurate.
Although Millhone is far from physically imposing, she has resources that may be more effective than brute force: Kinsey is smart, intensely curious, and reluctant to give up once she starts an investigation. When Kinsey is stymied, she shuffles the index cards on which she records her notes and tries to see matters from a different perspective. Sooner or later, she usually connects the dots. This mystery has many familiar elements, including long buried secrets, dysfunctional families, greed, stupidity, and selfishness. In addition, Grafton provides the reader with a poignant glimpse into Kinsey's early life that helps explain why she is a loner who is reluctant to trust anyone. In Grafton's world, the conflicts between relatives can sometimes resemble a mini-Civil War, with mutilated bodies littering the battlefield.
Grafton is a gifted storyteller whose solid descriptive writing, crisp dialogue, and well-constructed plot keep "U is for Undertow" moving along swiftly and satisfyingly. The author's flashbacks are not merely gimmicks to pad the story. They are essential elements that bring clarity to a tragic series of events whose roots lie in the past. Since Kinsey's inquiries pre-date the technological revolution, she does her research in the library, consulting yearbooks, telephone directories, and microfilms of old newspaper articles. Being a PI was much tougher in those days. "U is for Undertow" is another winner from an extremely talented author. It has memorable characters and thought-provoking psychological and historical themes that will resonate with Grafton's many devoted fans.
Although Millhone is far from physically imposing, she has resources that may be more effective than brute force: Kinsey is smart, intensely curious, and reluctant to give up once she starts an investigation. When Kinsey is stymied, she shuffles the index cards on which she records her notes and tries to see matters from a different perspective. Sooner or later, she usually connects the dots. This mystery has many familiar elements, including long buried secrets, dysfunctional families, greed, stupidity, and selfishness. In addition, Grafton provides the reader with a poignant glimpse into Kinsey's early life that helps explain why she is a loner who is reluctant to trust anyone. In Grafton's world, the conflicts between relatives can sometimes resemble a mini-Civil War, with mutilated bodies littering the battlefield.
Grafton is a gifted storyteller whose solid descriptive writing, crisp dialogue, and well-constructed plot keep "U is for Undertow" moving along swiftly and satisfyingly. The author's flashbacks are not merely gimmicks to pad the story. They are essential elements that bring clarity to a tragic series of events whose roots lie in the past. Since Kinsey's inquiries pre-date the technological revolution, she does her research in the library, consulting yearbooks, telephone directories, and microfilms of old newspaper articles. Being a PI was much tougher in those days. "U is for Undertow" is another winner from an extremely talented author. It has memorable characters and thought-provoking psychological and historical themes that will resonate with Grafton's many devoted fans.
Another great book by Sue Grafton. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
This book is excellent, just like all of the past books are.
Anissa S. (Anissa419) - , reviewed U is for Undertow (Kinsey Millhone, Bk 21) on + 69 more book reviews
great read I really enjoyed this book.
Superb! I read through this novel like drinking a glass of water. Beautifully written. Grafton blends the past lives of the players involved with her present quest to check into the kidnapping of a young girl that happened 21 years ago. You learn more about Kinsey herself and her family. If you've not read The Alphabet Series from the beginning, I highly recommend you do. You'll see how Grafton weaves a great tale from day one and then improves her depth of character with each book.
This was one of my favorite of the series. The plot (and sub plots) were well thought out with surprises and just enough intra personal dialog to keep developing the on going charaters.
The story moves between the years 1998 and 1967 with a slightly quirky, emotionally challanged PI, Kinsey Milhone. The stoy involves an unsolved kidnapping and murder, skillfull told from different points of view.
If you haven't read the series, I envy you the ability to start fresh with A is for Alibi and work youself through the alphabet. Grafton is a wonderful story teller and I can hardly wait for the "V" book.
The story moves between the years 1998 and 1967 with a slightly quirky, emotionally challanged PI, Kinsey Milhone. The stoy involves an unsolved kidnapping and murder, skillfull told from different points of view.
If you haven't read the series, I envy you the ability to start fresh with A is for Alibi and work youself through the alphabet. Grafton is a wonderful story teller and I can hardly wait for the "V" book.
Very quick and enjoyable read. If you like the Kinsey Milhone novels by Sue Grafton, you'll enjoy this one. Along with the mystery, you also get a lot more information about Kinsey Milhone's family.
Another hit from Sue Grafton. I have read every book in this series and they always keep me interested until the very last page. This book is about a kidnapping that happened 20 years ago. It was a real page turner and I couldn't stop reading it. I highly recommend this book and enjoyed reading it.
This was good read overall. I read through it pretty quickly once I got past the going back forth through time lines. I was trying to figure out what these characters came to play in the mystery. That's why I was slow to get hooked, but once I figured it out it got much better.
Not as good as the last one she wrote ("T".
Jennifer P. (jenners) reviewed U is for Undertow (Kinsey Millhone, Bk 21) on + 121 more book reviews
2 Words that describe the book: Millhone mystery
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met:
1. Setting: In and around Santa Teresa, California, 1988
2. Kinsey Millhoneâmy favorite Quarter Pounder loving private eye is back (and the same as ever) in this 21st installment of Grafton's alphabet series
3. Michael Suttonâa troubled young man who seeks Kinsey's help in finding out whether a memory of something he saw when he was 6 years old is a clue in an unsolved kidnapping case
4 Things I liked and/or disliked about it:
1. I liked falling back into my easy relationship with Kinsey and all the familiar characters like Henry (largely absent from this book) and Rosie (still bossing people around and making food I would never want to eat).
2. I liked how Grafton wrote from the point of view of several different characters who play a role in the mystery.
3. I disliked that Grafton goes out of her way to prove why something couldn't have possibly been true and then just discards it in the end. Or did I miss something???!?
4. I disliked feeling ho hum about a series that I've read for such a long time. I used to rush out and buy the new books whenever they were released. I don't feel that need anymore. (I got the book as a Christmas present, in case you were wondering.) Yet I find this series less repetitive and annoying than Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books. I'll probably continue picking up the rest of the books as they are released, but the magic is kind of gone for me.
5 Stars or less for my rating?
I'm giving the book 3 stars. If you are a long-time Kinsey Millhone fan, it is nice to visit with her again. I've never thought the mysteries in the Kinsey Millhone books were all that compelling or gripping. Rather, the appeal of these books, for me, has always been Kinsey herself. If you like a down-to-earth private eye, Kinsey is your woman. She does everything the old-fashioned wayâdigging at stuff until she figures it out. Although there are some developments in Kinsey's relationship with her estranged family in this book, it didn't really do anything for me. Still, the series is a worthwhile one, and this book is a fine addition.
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met:
1. Setting: In and around Santa Teresa, California, 1988
2. Kinsey Millhoneâmy favorite Quarter Pounder loving private eye is back (and the same as ever) in this 21st installment of Grafton's alphabet series
3. Michael Suttonâa troubled young man who seeks Kinsey's help in finding out whether a memory of something he saw when he was 6 years old is a clue in an unsolved kidnapping case
4 Things I liked and/or disliked about it:
1. I liked falling back into my easy relationship with Kinsey and all the familiar characters like Henry (largely absent from this book) and Rosie (still bossing people around and making food I would never want to eat).
2. I liked how Grafton wrote from the point of view of several different characters who play a role in the mystery.
3. I disliked that Grafton goes out of her way to prove why something couldn't have possibly been true and then just discards it in the end. Or did I miss something???!?
4. I disliked feeling ho hum about a series that I've read for such a long time. I used to rush out and buy the new books whenever they were released. I don't feel that need anymore. (I got the book as a Christmas present, in case you were wondering.) Yet I find this series less repetitive and annoying than Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books. I'll probably continue picking up the rest of the books as they are released, but the magic is kind of gone for me.
5 Stars or less for my rating?
I'm giving the book 3 stars. If you are a long-time Kinsey Millhone fan, it is nice to visit with her again. I've never thought the mysteries in the Kinsey Millhone books were all that compelling or gripping. Rather, the appeal of these books, for me, has always been Kinsey herself. If you like a down-to-earth private eye, Kinsey is your woman. She does everything the old-fashioned wayâdigging at stuff until she figures it out. Although there are some developments in Kinsey's relationship with her estranged family in this book, it didn't really do anything for me. Still, the series is a worthwhile one, and this book is a fine addition.
Kept you guessing til the very end.
One of her better recent books.
Typical Sue Grafton book, which to me means great. Always look forward to the next letter in the alphabet.
Loved the book.
Very good book like Sue Grafton,s other ones. Once you start you can,t wait to get to the end.
A disappointment on many levels.
Worst Sue Grafton book in the series. I had a hard time even getting through it. I found it slow and boring and could hardly finish it. And so far I have loved her series!! But this one is just awful. sorry...............
Sue Grafton doesn't disappoint with this letter of the alphabet. As Kinsey learns more about her family and her Aunt Gin that raised her, a client shows up at her office with an odd tale that corresponds with a kidnapping from 21 years earlier. Kinsey believes the account of a young mans remembrance from when he was six years old, until his family comes forward dispelling the timeline of the incidence. Kinsey has some luck and follows leads on this cold case that other PI's would have left alone to track the kidnappers down. Vivid and enjoyable read. Leaving the reader to ponder the family of Michael Sutton, as it seemed he was telling the truth and had an amazing memory.
Sue Grafton's alphabet books are the best. Love reading them all.
Sue Grafton...the best! Always a good read!
Marianna S. (Angeloudi) reviewed U is for Undertow (Kinsey Millhone, Bk 21) on + 160 more book reviews
This was a very interesting Kinsey Milhone novel, set partially in 1988 and partially back in the early to mid 1960s, the time of free love, the draft, and hippies. Kinsey tries to solve a kidnapping/murder of a small child cold case. This novel held my interest until the end, even though we learn fairly early on who actually had committed these crimes.
If you've enjoyed Sue Grafton in the past, you will again in U IS FOR UNDERTOW. All the good Grafton qualities are here.
This is the first Sue Grafton I have ready and can't wait to read more. You don't have to start with the first to love this series.
