Helpful Score: 1
I have read every book A-Y. To say this last, literally, book of Sue Grafton was so different and dark from the rest would be an accurate statement for me. I usually finish these books in a day, but I had to keep putting this one down and coming back to it because it was so difficult to read. I am glad this wasn't her first book I've read because I probably would not have come back to her series and missed the other interesting A-X books. Her series always worked because while murder is a difficult subject there was enough realism balanced with "no way" moments that the story lines worked and brought you back for the next "letter" in the series/alphabet. This subject was too real, too intense, and difficult to get through. That said, I applaud this series as I believe it set the course for many similar series to emerge and get traction and followers.
I've had this book on my TBR shelf for so long...I've finally re-read the entire series in order and finished this one.
Took me a little while to get into it, for reasons unconnected with the book, but about mid-point I was absorbed. I figured out who was doing what in the blackmail case also about mid-point, and the Ned Lowe subplot was creepy. I didn't find Iris & Joey's POV sections to be as interesting as Kinsey's, but of course they weren't intended to be sympathetic characters.
Throughout the series I have often yelled at Kinsey not to be so clueless â and I think she often is â but I also think Grafton made her pretty consistent. And of course I'm on the outside knowing that I'm reading a mystery novel. But I gotta say if I were shooting at a pyschopath trying to kill me, I wouldn't stop until the gun was empty. And if I knew he was still out there after me, I wouldn't blithely lock my weapon away.
But, flaws aside, I liked this final entry. I would have liked more Henry. I liked the changes Kinsey has gone through. I guess we'll never know how Grafton intended to wrap up the series, but this is not a bad place to stop.
Took me a little while to get into it, for reasons unconnected with the book, but about mid-point I was absorbed. I figured out who was doing what in the blackmail case also about mid-point, and the Ned Lowe subplot was creepy. I didn't find Iris & Joey's POV sections to be as interesting as Kinsey's, but of course they weren't intended to be sympathetic characters.
Throughout the series I have often yelled at Kinsey not to be so clueless â and I think she often is â but I also think Grafton made her pretty consistent. And of course I'm on the outside knowing that I'm reading a mystery novel. But I gotta say if I were shooting at a pyschopath trying to kill me, I wouldn't stop until the gun was empty. And if I knew he was still out there after me, I wouldn't blithely lock my weapon away.
But, flaws aside, I liked this final entry. I would have liked more Henry. I liked the changes Kinsey has gone through. I guess we'll never know how Grafton intended to wrap up the series, but this is not a bad place to stop.
I have read every book from this Author, but this one I could not get past 150 pages. I was so revolted by some of the content. I agree with the last reviewer and could only give it one star. I have read other reviewers stating that they don't believe this was written by her. I paid close attention to the writing style and believe the first 100 pages were probably written by her, but after that the quality of the writing changed . It became very repetitive, sometimes repeating whole paragraphs. The pages were filled with minute boring details to the point of absurdity. Sue Grafton was very good at describing scenes but this went way beyond anything I had read from her. There seemed to be absolutely NO editing, hence the almost 550 pages. All I can say is that it was a shame to end a relationship with one of my favorite authors on that sorry note. I realize this book was written while she was quite ill. The publishers should be ashamed this went to print as is. Rest in peace, dear Sue, I will miss you.
Sue stayed true to her usual good form of a great mystery with fun intertwined. I was happy one very seriousl matter was resolved (no spoiler alert here) since we unfortunatly will never get to read Z is for Zero.
Sue Thank you for the ride, it was great having Kinsey as that brash friend we wish we had the courage to be sometimes. I will miss Henry's kitchen and Rosie's restaurant. Here's to a writer that made sitting on the beach even more enjoyable.
Sue Thank you for the ride, it was great having Kinsey as that brash friend we wish we had the courage to be sometimes. I will miss Henry's kitchen and Rosie's restaurant. Here's to a writer that made sitting on the beach even more enjoyable.
Another good one from Ms. Grafton. Very interesting characters and interaction with "Kinsey".
Jeanne G. (IlliniAlum83) -
A long story to end the series featuring Kinsey Millhone as author Sue Grafton died the year the book was first published. I really liked this volume with its suspense-filled search for the truth ten years after teens with their youthful inexperience produce a video documenting a serious sexual assault upon an inebriated, non- consenting victim which starts a downward spiral that leads to death.
This intriguing murder mystery includes the side story of Kinsey's nemesis, Ned, a serial killer of teen girls, and his return to stalk her and his ex-wives as he searches for the tokens (treasures) he left behind that mark each killing.
With the introduction of a homeless couple into her life, the antics are more reminiscent of a Stephanie Plum novel than pure Kinsey. It added a lightheartedness that I don't remember from earlier books in the series. Which maybe is a good thing as we say farewell to Kinsey and Sue. There will be no Z!!
This intriguing murder mystery includes the side story of Kinsey's nemesis, Ned, a serial killer of teen girls, and his return to stalk her and his ex-wives as he searches for the tokens (treasures) he left behind that mark each killing.
With the introduction of a homeless couple into her life, the antics are more reminiscent of a Stephanie Plum novel than pure Kinsey. It added a lightheartedness that I don't remember from earlier books in the series. Which maybe is a good thing as we say farewell to Kinsey and Sue. There will be no Z!!
As always, I could not put the book down. The heroine, Kinsey, is quirky and always manages to get into trouble, but always gets the job done. The last of the Kinsey Milhone Series, published just before the death of Sue Grafton. So sorry Sue was not able to finish the entire series; I have so enjoyed these books. RIP, Sue.
Another great Sue Grafton book!
