When Sue Grafton began her alphabet series in 1982 with A Is for Alibi, female detectives in the mystery genre were rare. (Marcia Muller’s detective, Sharon McCone predated Grafton’s Kinsey Milhone by five years). Grafton’s debut drew rave reviews and a great deal of attention. After all, this basically unknown author was setting out a daunting task for herself, completing 25 more mysteries to complete the entire alphabet. Would she reach her goal? Would her audience not only stay with her but also continue to grow? Would each new book be as clever and well written as the one before it?
Now with U Is for Undertow, Grafton’s finish line is within sight. She is five books from the end and the quality has remained consistent with each letter entry. Her following is the envy of many writers. Readers snatch up each new mystery and speculate what the next letter will stand for. (V Is for Verdict?)
Grafton’s mysteries succeed on two levels. The plot typically includes many twists and turns and the cast of characters never fail to amuse. But it’s Grafton’s detective, Kinsey, who holds our attention. She’s clever, resourceful, and determined. She has street smarts, and that knowledge keeps her several steps ahead of the criminals. She lives alone, no pets or plants. Her one constant companion is her neighbor, 88 year old Henry Pitts, a retired baker who keeps Kinsey fed.
Grafton has kept Kinsey rooted in the 1980s, so recent technological advances are not available to her. Rather than Google her suspects, she must resort to old-fashioned research at the library. Remember microfiche? A detective without a cell phone and GPS at times makes Kinsey seem dated. But solving a mystery without depending upon new technology is refreshing. Any tricks Kinsey comes up with are of her own invention and we applaud her every step of the way.
In U Is for Undertow, Kinsey’s client, Michael Sutton, believes he saw a crime when he was only six years-old. Recent events caused him to have a flashback, and he wants Kinsey to prove his vision is true. Mary Claire Fitzhugh was kidnapped when she was only four years-old and her body was never recovered. Michael believes he saw two men bury the dead girl, but he can’t remember exactly where. Investigating a cold case sets Kinsey on a hot trail that never lets up.
Although Kinsey’s personal life is secondary to her work, Grafton develops this side of her detective gradually over the course of the series and there are major developments in this latest installment. Understanding what makes Kinsey tick, helps readers understand why she is so focused on her work and has trouble with relationships.
If you’ve never read one of Grafton’s mysteries, you may, of course, begin with U. Yet the better strategy would be to start at the very beginning with A Is for Alibi. You will be in for an exciting ride through the alphabet.
