Don L. (ProfDon) reviewed on 6/5/2007 + 38 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 4

This is the first of the Kinsey Millhone books I've read, so my comments should be taken with that in mind. Grafton is touted for her 'offbeat humor' and 'tough but compassionate' style and I guess those phrases fit. Let me add my own phrase: "mystery lite". A few other authors come to mind in that sub-genre, particularly some of the works of Harlan Coben and Lawrence Block. Kinsey is a former cop turned private eye and in this tale at least she comes off as a bit of a diletante in spite of her spartan living conditions and old volkswagen sedan. In many respects she most closely resembles Block's Bernie Rhodenbarr character...especially in the way she's drawn deeper into the mystery in spite of both her inclinations and intentions. An okay read, but not one I'd return to until I've given up my preferred espresso for decaf.

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