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Kinsey Millhone #10
"J" is for Judgment
"Ms. Grafton writes a smart story and wraps it up with a wry twist."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
Wendell Jaffe has been dead for five years--until his former insurance agent spots him in a dusty resort bar. Now California Fidelity wants Kinsey Millhone to track down the dead man. Just two months before, his widow collected on Jaffe's $500,000 life insurance policy--her only legacy since Jaffe went overboard, bankrupt and about to be indicted for his fraudulent real estate schemes. As Kinsey pushes deeper into the mystery surrounding Wendell Jaffe's pseudocide, she explores her own past, discovering that in family matters, as in crime, sometimes it's better to reserve judgment....
A MAIN SELECTION OF THE LITERARY GUILD
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
Wendell Jaffe has been dead for five years--until his former insurance agent spots him in a dusty resort bar. Now California Fidelity wants Kinsey Millhone to track down the dead man. Just two months before, his widow collected on Jaffe's $500,000 life insurance policy--her only legacy since Jaffe went overboard, bankrupt and about to be indicted for his fraudulent real estate schemes. As Kinsey pushes deeper into the mystery surrounding Wendell Jaffe's pseudocide, she explores her own past, discovering that in family matters, as in crime, sometimes it's better to reserve judgment....
A MAIN SELECTION OF THE LITERARY GUILD
376 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published April 13, 1993
About the author
Sue Grafton
191 books6,671 followersSue Grafton was a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She is best known for her “alphabet series” featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone in the fictional city of Santa Teresa, California. Prior to success with this series, she wrote screenplays for television movies. Her earlier novels include Keziah Dane (1967) and The Lolly-Madonna War (1969), both out of print. In the book Kinsey and Me she gave us stories that revealed Kinsey's origins and Sue's past.
Grafton never wanted her novels to be turned into movies or TV shows. According to her family she would never allow a ghost writer to write in her name. Because of these things, and out of respect for Sue’s wishes, the family announced the alphabet now ends at “Y”
Grafton was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, the Ross Macdonald Literary Award, three Shamus Awards, and many other honors and awards.
Grafton had three children from previous marriages and several grandchildren, including a granddaughter named Kinsey. She and her husband lived in Montecito, California, and Louisville, Kentucky.
Grafton never wanted her novels to be turned into movies or TV shows. According to her family she would never allow a ghost writer to write in her name. Because of these things, and out of respect for Sue’s wishes, the family announced the alphabet now ends at “Y”
Grafton was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, the Ross Macdonald Literary Award, three Shamus Awards, and many other honors and awards.
Grafton had three children from previous marriages and several grandchildren, including a granddaughter named Kinsey. She and her husband lived in Montecito, California, and Louisville, Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,116 reviews
January 8, 2012
Book Review
4 out of 5 stars to J is for Judgment, the 10th book in the "Kinsey Millhone" mystery series, written in 1993 by Sue Grafton. As I read the book details of this one, I vivdly recalled the main character, Wendall Jaffe, and Kinsey's pursuit of this case. Wendall supposedly died 5 years ago, and his wife collected major bucks from his insurance policy. But when he's spotted alive not all that far away, Kinsey takes the case. And when she gets into it, her life starts to explode. She's such an amazing character to keep reading about. Always humorous, but not in a laugh-out-loud-non-stop way. More like a witty chuckle each chapter. And her friends and neighbors are truly great supporting characters. I like that she takes a trip out of Santa Teresa in this one, but is also around the homestead for parts of it. She's more open about her own life and history, which we needed more of in this series. And the mystery, a normal one -- is he or isn't dead -- turns the whole case upside down. There's more going on that Kinsey realizes, and I was glad to keep reading about it.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
4 out of 5 stars to J is for Judgment, the 10th book in the "Kinsey Millhone" mystery series, written in 1993 by Sue Grafton. As I read the book details of this one, I vivdly recalled the main character, Wendall Jaffe, and Kinsey's pursuit of this case. Wendall supposedly died 5 years ago, and his wife collected major bucks from his insurance policy. But when he's spotted alive not all that far away, Kinsey takes the case. And when she gets into it, her life starts to explode. She's such an amazing character to keep reading about. Always humorous, but not in a laugh-out-loud-non-stop way. More like a witty chuckle each chapter. And her friends and neighbors are truly great supporting characters. I like that she takes a trip out of Santa Teresa in this one, but is also around the homestead for parts of it. She's more open about her own life and history, which we needed more of in this series. And the mystery, a normal one -- is he or isn't dead -- turns the whole case upside down. There's more going on that Kinsey realizes, and I was glad to keep reading about it.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
November 9, 2018
"J" is for Jaffe: Wendell Jaffe, dead these past five years. Or so it seemed until his former insurance agent spotted him in the bar of a dusty little resort halfway between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
Kinsey Millhone is on the trail of this Jaffe fellow. Each book has its own flavor. I didn't give the book 5 stars because of some dead passages where attempts to drum up suspense were lost on me. Once where Kinsey thought someone was shadowing her, and once where she was being pummelled with bullets in the dark.
Anyway, it's worth mentioning that here, Kinsey's cousins suddenly drop on her and claim family ties. This is a bemusing direction, and maybe it's bound to develop into a feature in the future books?
The book is fine. Quite clever and funny and pertinent. I've always admired authors who can describe architecture plus clothing. I can't do it, even now. Review submitted : by Luffy.
Kinsey Millhone is on the trail of this Jaffe fellow. Each book has its own flavor. I didn't give the book 5 stars because of some dead passages where attempts to drum up suspense were lost on me. Once where Kinsey thought someone was shadowing her, and once where she was being pummelled with bullets in the dark.
Anyway, it's worth mentioning that here, Kinsey's cousins suddenly drop on her and claim family ties. This is a bemusing direction, and maybe it's bound to develop into a feature in the future books?
The book is fine. Quite clever and funny and pertinent. I've always admired authors who can describe architecture plus clothing. I can't do it, even now. Review submitted : by Luffy.
June 26, 2024
Grafton's writing is sharp and engaging, making it easy to get hooked on the story. Kinsey's character is as feisty and determined as ever, and her dry humor adds a delightful touch to the narrative. The plot is well-paced, with enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.
However, the book isn't without its flaws. Some readers might find the numerous subplots a bit distracting, and the ending, while satisfying, might not be as surprising as one would hope. Yet, the book's charm lies in its strong characters and the way Grafton weaves together the intricate details of the mystery.
Overall, "J is for Judgment" is an entertaining read that will please fans of the series and mystery lovers alike. It's a solid addition to Grafton's Alphabet series, even if it doesn't reach the heights of some of her other works. If you're looking for a good mystery with a strong female lead, this book is worth checking out.
However, the book isn't without its flaws. Some readers might find the numerous subplots a bit distracting, and the ending, while satisfying, might not be as surprising as one would hope. Yet, the book's charm lies in its strong characters and the way Grafton weaves together the intricate details of the mystery.
Overall, "J is for Judgment" is an entertaining read that will please fans of the series and mystery lovers alike. It's a solid addition to Grafton's Alphabet series, even if it doesn't reach the heights of some of her other works. If you're looking for a good mystery with a strong female lead, this book is worth checking out.
March 29, 2019
Another insurance fraud case, yay! I see my letter-writing campaign paid off.
I have sooooo many notes on this book that there is no way I can fit it all in one review without one of you wanting to stab yourself in the eyeballs just to get me to shut up. So, I'll try and briefly hit on a few instead.
Here's the important thing about this series that I haven't even mentioned yet:
Eve Dallas was definitely based upon the heroine of this series, Kinsey. Here is the evidence:
She's an orphan (though not from abuse)
She only has one female friend and an older male friend who is like a father to her.
Her older male boss is wearing a shit-brown, wrinkled suit.
She cuts her own hair really short and it's a hot mess.
She doesn't wear make-up and isn't even aware of how it works.
She doesn't care about clothing.
She likes her independence and considers herself a badass.
Exercise.
What did Nora Roberts choose as her alter-ego to write the Eve Dallas series? J.D.Robb. Well, you know how I have gone on and on about the married guy that Kinsey was banging? His name is Jonah Robb.
And, then, the most damning evidence ever came into play in this book. Here's the quote:
...he snagged his jacket from the newel post...
O.M.G.!
Is the newel post not even sacred? Did she steal the newel post?
Mind blown! What does this mean?
If Eve Dallas is a sham, then Roarke is available, right? Dibs!
Okay, so next.
Even though JD Robb, aka Nora Roberts, stole the Eve idea, she did a better job with it, so I'll allow it. She's welcome. This book is long-winded. There is way too much time-wasting and not enough action going on. At one point, Kinsey lists out to us all of the items sitting on a bathroom counter. Normal items that aren't clues or anything. There are 21 things that she lists. Later in the book, she is sitting in her car, waiting for something, and she decides to "think about the history" of the place she is at "to amuse herself". So, then we get pages of the history of the town that, again, has no relevance to the story. Also...Really? Does anyone do that?
Hmmm..... I'm sitting in the doctor's office, waiting for my appointment. I think I'll just recite the founding of America in my head, in chronological order, with names, dates, and places, to kill time. Not because I think someone may be writing down my thoughts or anything. *wink wink*
Um, no. Here are my real thoughts , when they are coherent at all....
So that was ridiculous.
The story in this book was about a guy who faked his death to get out of trouble. His ex-wife finally got him declared dead and collected a half a mil in insurance money and the insurance company definitely didn't like that. They were determined to prove this guy was alive, even if it meant dancing around some corpse a la Weekend at Bernie's if need be. The lengths an insurance company will go to to NOT pay a claim should never be doubted.
If they keep him on hold long enough, the problem will solve itself.
The mystery was okay, but it just too drawn out with all of the filler. It would have been a lot better if the book had simply been shorter. And the ending was actually pretty good. I smiled at the epilogue.
From what I've heard, this wordiness thing is going to get a lot worse as the series goes on, so I don't know if I'll make it to the end. But, for now, on to the letter K.
I have sooooo many notes on this book that there is no way I can fit it all in one review without one of you wanting to stab yourself in the eyeballs just to get me to shut up. So, I'll try and briefly hit on a few instead.
Here's the important thing about this series that I haven't even mentioned yet:
Eve Dallas was definitely based upon the heroine of this series, Kinsey. Here is the evidence:
She's an orphan (though not from abuse)
She only has one female friend and an older male friend who is like a father to her.
Her older male boss is wearing a shit-brown, wrinkled suit.
She cuts her own hair really short and it's a hot mess.
She doesn't wear make-up and isn't even aware of how it works.
She doesn't care about clothing.
She likes her independence and considers herself a badass.
Exercise.
What did Nora Roberts choose as her alter-ego to write the Eve Dallas series? J.D.Robb. Well, you know how I have gone on and on about the married guy that Kinsey was banging? His name is Jonah Robb.
And, then, the most damning evidence ever came into play in this book. Here's the quote:
...he snagged his jacket from the newel post...
O.M.G.!
Is the newel post not even sacred? Did she steal the newel post?
Mind blown! What does this mean?
If Eve Dallas is a sham, then Roarke is available, right? Dibs!
Okay, so next.
Even though JD Robb, aka Nora Roberts, stole the Eve idea, she did a better job with it, so I'll allow it. She's welcome. This book is long-winded. There is way too much time-wasting and not enough action going on. At one point, Kinsey lists out to us all of the items sitting on a bathroom counter. Normal items that aren't clues or anything. There are 21 things that she lists. Later in the book, she is sitting in her car, waiting for something, and she decides to "think about the history" of the place she is at "to amuse herself". So, then we get pages of the history of the town that, again, has no relevance to the story. Also...Really? Does anyone do that?
Hmmm..... I'm sitting in the doctor's office, waiting for my appointment. I think I'll just recite the founding of America in my head, in chronological order, with names, dates, and places, to kill time. Not because I think someone may be writing down my thoughts or anything. *wink wink*
Um, no. Here are my real thoughts , when they are coherent at all....
So that was ridiculous.
The story in this book was about a guy who faked his death to get out of trouble. His ex-wife finally got him declared dead and collected a half a mil in insurance money and the insurance company definitely didn't like that. They were determined to prove this guy was alive, even if it meant dancing around some corpse a la Weekend at Bernie's if need be. The lengths an insurance company will go to to NOT pay a claim should never be doubted.
If they keep him on hold long enough, the problem will solve itself.
The mystery was okay, but it just too drawn out with all of the filler. It would have been a lot better if the book had simply been shorter. And the ending was actually pretty good. I smiled at the epilogue.
From what I've heard, this wordiness thing is going to get a lot worse as the series goes on, so I don't know if I'll make it to the end. But, for now, on to the letter K.
June 23, 2017
A fun, entertaining read but for me not one of her best. I am still debating whether I like Kinsey or not but I will say she certainly has no shame!
The story in this one was good and I totally missed on who the murderer was going to be. There is a great need to suspend belief while reading though because many of the events are unrealistic.
Anyway - good entertainment when you need a light read!
The story in this one was good and I totally missed on who the murderer was going to be. There is a great need to suspend belief while reading though because many of the events are unrealistic.
Anyway - good entertainment when you need a light read!
June 30, 2021
Still going strong with my intention to begin and complete several series over the course of the year. J is for Judgment by Sue Grafton is the 10th book in the Alphabet series featuring Private Investigator Kinsey Millhone. This novel involves Wendell Jaffe who was declared dead when his yacht was found floating aimlessly off the California coast. In his suicide note, he communicates that he was flat broke, but when a former California Fidelity insurance agent observes him alive and well in Mexico, Kinsey is tasked with investigating the possible fraud. As always, there is more to the story than is immediately apparent to the naked eye, plenty of intrigue, red herrings, and even murder. Another stellar Grafton work that makes me fall deeper and deeper in love with Kinsey’s sense of humor and personality quirks. The woman is not perfect, and sometimes I find her downright annoying, frustratingly self-destructive, but above everything else, she seems real.
April 24, 2022
4 Stars. You are going to meet one of Grafton's greatest criminal characters in the Kinsey Millhone alphabet series. Wendell Jaffe is something else. Did I ever feel sympathy for his victims, including his abandoned wife Dana and their two sons, Michael and Brian! And for the hundreds ripped off by his Ponzi financial business. But I also understood Wendell's desire, even though there was a very good chance of being caught, to hold his new grandson. And who could fault him in his efforts to assist his son Brian when the teenager fell in with the wrong crowd and the police? Wendell Jaffe is complicated, and I felt for him in his ultimate fate. He had the security of being "dead," but it wasn't enough. Our favourite private eye, Kinsey Millhone, is hired by her former employer, California Fidelity, to look into the possible sighting of Jaffe in Mexico - just after they honoured his insurance policy and paid $500,000 to his former wife following Jaffe's fall off a yacht. Presumed drowned five years ago. Add to the mix his partner Carl Eckert who went to jail, and Jaffe's new girlfriend Renata. Can't you just feel the complications? (Ap2022/Jun2026)
February 27, 2020
Over the years, the late Sue Grafton has been one of those authors I keep returning to again and again. I like her funny, gritty female private eye protagonist Kinsey Millhone. Plus, she is relentless along with smart. Ms. Grafton's vivid California settings and culture remind me of Ross Macdonald's mysteries. She uses just the right amount of detail to enliven her scenes. She remains one of my favorite mystery authors. I hope I don't wait too long to read another title in her series.
August 18, 2025
Five years after Wendell Jaffe went missing, his boat found drifting and a note which pointed to suicide, his widow had collected the insurance money from California Fidelity, as he was declared dead. But suddenly Kinsey Millhone was involved as Jaffe had been spotted in Mexico. Hurriedly, Kinsey headed on his trail, booking into the same resort as he'd been seen. And yes, he was there, with a woman by his side. He'd changed a little, but the description from the person who first sighted him, proved it was the same man. Kinsey dug deeply into the man who was supposed to be dead; but would she find what had gone on? And most importantly, would she find him again as he'd done a runner during the night...
J is for Judgment is the 10th in the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton and once again she was on the trail of a criminal. Kinsey is one tough woman, determined to get the answers any way she could. If that meant on the wrong side of the law, so be it - no information volunteered. Recommended.
J is for Judgment is the 10th in the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton and once again she was on the trail of a criminal. Kinsey is one tough woman, determined to get the answers any way she could. If that meant on the wrong side of the law, so be it - no information volunteered. Recommended.
January 6, 2017
Kinsey Millhone is one of my favourite fictional detectives. I read several books in Sue Grafton's 'Alphabet' series some years ago, and loved them. It was a pleasure to reacquaint myself with Kinsey this time, with the letter J, which I had not read previously.
As always, Kinsey is an endearing mixture of gauche and genius, as she darts around, following leads and munching on junk food. 'J for Judgment' concerns a case of life insurance fraud, in which a supposedly deceased businessman seems to have come back to life. The story is nicely structured, with not too many extraneous sub-plots. The secondary characters are well-drawn, and recurrent cast members continue to be appealing. Kinsey has a healthy sense of self-mockery, and her internal monologue is often hilarious. As always, she manages to muddle her way through to the denouement despite various set-backs and false leads.
4 ★s
As always, Kinsey is an endearing mixture of gauche and genius, as she darts around, following leads and munching on junk food. 'J for Judgment' concerns a case of life insurance fraud, in which a supposedly deceased businessman seems to have come back to life. The story is nicely structured, with not too many extraneous sub-plots. The secondary characters are well-drawn, and recurrent cast members continue to be appealing. Kinsey has a healthy sense of self-mockery, and her internal monologue is often hilarious. As always, she manages to muddle her way through to the denouement despite various set-backs and false leads.
4 ★s
February 26, 2020
This book series gets better with every book.
April 20, 2018
Kinsey is surprised to be hired once again by California Fidelity. They’ve just paid out a claim on Wendell Jaffe’s life insurance five years after his supposed dead at sea only to hear he’s been spotted down in Mexico. Kinsey locates Jaffe only to have him vanish again. Can she prove he is still alive?
This is another fantastic mystery. The characters are strong and help pull us in. The story itself has plenty of twists and turns before we reach the climax. We have some time for updates from the series regulars, and I love what is happening there. Kinsey also stumbles on a surprise in her personal life. I’m curious to see how this sub-plot plays out in future novels.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is another fantastic mystery. The characters are strong and help pull us in. The story itself has plenty of twists and turns before we reach the climax. We have some time for updates from the series regulars, and I love what is happening there. Kinsey also stumbles on a surprise in her personal life. I’m curious to see how this sub-plot plays out in future novels.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 28, 2025
4.25 stars
January 9, 2019
Wow. This was a really good one to sink your teeth into. We have Kinsey showing why she is really a good investigator and her also having to deal with changes to her professional life. I thought the writing was great as well as the flow of the book. The ending comes with a very nice gut punch too. What is great though is that some of these characters pop up in a later book.
In "J is for Judgment" Kinsey is asked to investigate if Wendell Jaffe is still alive. This is an issue because years ago, Wendell Jaffe disappeared, believed to die at sea. Too bad this happened before he disappeared after taking a lot of investors money with him. Kinsey works for an insurance company which is asking her to go where Jaffe is presumed to be hiding out (in Mexico) and get evidence he is still alive.
Kinsey ends up becoming wrapped in the lives of Jaffe's family (two sons and a wife) who struggled to go on after he was presumed dead. Now collecting the insurance money should help their lives out. And one of Jaffe's sons has a problem that really is going to need a lot of money to deal with.
Kinsey feels a lot more freer to me in this one. We get to see how she was able to track down Jaffe and how she went about tying all of the pieces together once she returns back to Santa Theresa. We still get updates on characters like Henry and Rosie. We also get a really good look at Kinsey's history. We know her Aunt Gin raised her, but now we get even more details that leads to more questions about her past for Kinsey.
I loved the writing and flow. Sometimes the flow can get dragged down when Grafton tried to juggle too many things, but this one was really well done.
I always love these books for being set pre-cell phone and computer age era (the 1980s). We see Kinsey using her brain a lot and her piecing things together with her notecards (or her deduction cards).
The ending was a surprise. We are led to one mystery with Kinsey giving us readers a partial answer. I am so sad we will never get to see Z is for Zero. But it's fun re-reading this series.
In "J is for Judgment" Kinsey is asked to investigate if Wendell Jaffe is still alive. This is an issue because years ago, Wendell Jaffe disappeared, believed to die at sea. Too bad this happened before he disappeared after taking a lot of investors money with him. Kinsey works for an insurance company which is asking her to go where Jaffe is presumed to be hiding out (in Mexico) and get evidence he is still alive.
Kinsey ends up becoming wrapped in the lives of Jaffe's family (two sons and a wife) who struggled to go on after he was presumed dead. Now collecting the insurance money should help their lives out. And one of Jaffe's sons has a problem that really is going to need a lot of money to deal with.
Kinsey feels a lot more freer to me in this one. We get to see how she was able to track down Jaffe and how she went about tying all of the pieces together once she returns back to Santa Theresa. We still get updates on characters like Henry and Rosie. We also get a really good look at Kinsey's history. We know her Aunt Gin raised her, but now we get even more details that leads to more questions about her past for Kinsey.
I loved the writing and flow. Sometimes the flow can get dragged down when Grafton tried to juggle too many things, but this one was really well done.
I always love these books for being set pre-cell phone and computer age era (the 1980s). We see Kinsey using her brain a lot and her piecing things together with her notecards (or her deduction cards).
The ending was a surprise. We are led to one mystery with Kinsey giving us readers a partial answer. I am so sad we will never get to see Z is for Zero. But it's fun re-reading this series.
November 2, 2022
J is for Judgment CD by Sue Grafton.
Five Stars. Excellent story as well as Kinsey's investigation technique kept my attention front and center. The best Kinsey Millhone thus far.
File this under my favorites.
Five Stars. Excellent story as well as Kinsey's investigation technique kept my attention front and center. The best Kinsey Millhone thus far.
File this under my favorites.
September 5, 2023
Not bad. Kinsey is her stubborn and focused self. She investigates the apparent reappearance of Wendell a fraudster who was thought to be dead. Her old insurance company has paid out 500000 death insurance and if he is still alive wants it back.
There is a lot of family dynamics. Wendell comes back to see his two sons he abandoned and save one from prison. Kinsey also finds out she has a large family. Henry is happy his octogenarian brother has moved in with Rosie.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Wendell was already dead but his mistress of five years Renata Duff kills him and then with Kinsey as a witness apparently swims out to sea to die. However, Kinsey suspects she fakes her death to get the millions that Wendell had from his fraud.
An entertaining read and a trip down memory lane with no mobiles or computers and typewriters for reports.
There is a lot of family dynamics. Wendell comes back to see his two sons he abandoned and save one from prison. Kinsey also finds out she has a large family. Henry is happy his octogenarian brother has moved in with Rosie.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Wendell was already dead but his mistress of five years Renata Duff kills him and then with Kinsey as a witness apparently swims out to sea to die. However, Kinsey suspects she fakes her death to get the millions that Wendell had from his fraud.
An entertaining read and a trip down memory lane with no mobiles or computers and typewriters for reports.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2014
This 10th book of the “Alphabet” series is the first one I’ve rated with 5 stars. I’m having a hard time pin-pointing exactly why though. It’s not specifically because Ms. Grafton has “stepped it up a notch” in her writing although the writing has gotten better and better over the series and she is now content to let her characters interact naturally instead of forced into a plot. It’s also not due to our heroine Kinsey Millhone becoming an even more interesting character, even though I find myself identifying with her personality and actions more than ever before.
This is the first novel in the series that I recall where Kinsey is not out to solve a murder (although I could be mistaken in that). Rather she is doing a side job for her old employer, an insurance company, trying to prove a dead man is still alive and thus avoid a large insurance settlement. The danger level is actually ratcheted down a notch or two from previous novels but that seems to allow room for a better story to be told. I don’t always need edge-of-your-seat action or for Kinsey to get shot at the end to enjoy a good story.
There is a great mystery here and we also get to see Kinsey’s personal back story develop quite a bit. We’ve known her as having been raised as an orphan from the age of 5 but now she (and we) get to have the gaps of her back story filled in. Add some fundamental new information from that backstory (no spoilers) and it should be an interesting recipe for changes in future books.
Maybe this was just the right book for me to read at the right time. Enjoyed it a lot and plan to continue at my present rate of reading 4 of these each year in order to finish up at just about the same time the last book (“Z”) is published.
This is the first novel in the series that I recall where Kinsey is not out to solve a murder (although I could be mistaken in that). Rather she is doing a side job for her old employer, an insurance company, trying to prove a dead man is still alive and thus avoid a large insurance settlement. The danger level is actually ratcheted down a notch or two from previous novels but that seems to allow room for a better story to be told. I don’t always need edge-of-your-seat action or for Kinsey to get shot at the end to enjoy a good story.
There is a great mystery here and we also get to see Kinsey’s personal back story develop quite a bit. We’ve known her as having been raised as an orphan from the age of 5 but now she (and we) get to have the gaps of her back story filled in. Add some fundamental new information from that backstory (no spoilers) and it should be an interesting recipe for changes in future books.
Maybe this was just the right book for me to read at the right time. Enjoyed it a lot and plan to continue at my present rate of reading 4 of these each year in order to finish up at just about the same time the last book (“Z”) is published.
May 6, 2020
In which we never find out the whole truth and we (and Kinsey) find out about her family. As good as always. ‘K’ I’m on my way!
August 22, 2017
Another one of those where I didn’t really like any of the characters, they weren’t as bad as the characters in “D is for Deadbeat” but still kind of unlikable. Given that most of them have some past experience with Wendell Jaffe the reasons for the actions a little more understandable.
The best part of this book was all the insight we gained into how Kinsey thinks and her moral code. I really admire her drive for the truth and the value she places on human life – any human life. She really wanted to know the truth about Wendell Jaffe and couldn’t understand why everyone else was happy with accepting what appeared on the surface.
The one big moment this book gave us and it gave it to us big time was the information on Kinsey’s family. It is hard to review this portion of the book without spoiling it for readers who have not read the series. I will just say that if the book had spent more time on that I would have probably rated it higher. What a revelation and an added aspect to her personality.
The best part of this book was all the insight we gained into how Kinsey thinks and her moral code. I really admire her drive for the truth and the value she places on human life – any human life. She really wanted to know the truth about Wendell Jaffe and couldn’t understand why everyone else was happy with accepting what appeared on the surface.
The one big moment this book gave us and it gave it to us big time was the information on Kinsey’s family. It is hard to review this portion of the book without spoiling it for readers who have not read the series. I will just say that if the book had spent more time on that I would have probably rated it higher. What a revelation and an added aspect to her personality.
October 25, 2019
DNF: I tried to read some of these years ago, and never made it through one. I got a couple in a trade, and resolved to try again. Same results.
At some point during the novels, I start hearing mediocre comedienne Paula Poundstone as the author's voice, and I can't take the book seriously anymore. I'm sure this doesn't happen to anyone else.
At some point during the novels, I start hearing mediocre comedienne Paula Poundstone as the author's voice, and I can't take the book seriously anymore. I'm sure this doesn't happen to anyone else.
October 25, 2016
Another great read. More personal facts revealed about the main character. As usual, this novel kept me guessing to the last page.
March 28, 2023
An underwhelming mystery padded out with a Daytime Soap Opera quality family reveal for Kinsey.
2.75/5
2.75/5
April 15, 2022
Dead, not dead, ok dead this time, dead(?), nah not dead.
This book was fun on a few levels. Longer review coming soon. Airport reading Sue Grafton marathon continues--> I'm on to book K *swishes cape*
This book was fun on a few levels. Longer review coming soon. Airport reading Sue Grafton marathon continues--> I'm on to book K *swishes cape*
April 6, 2020
Kinsey Millhone case No. 10:
As Kinsey pushes deeper into the mystery of the sightings of a supposedly dead man Wendell Jaffe, she explores her own past, discovering the similarities in dealing with families and crime! J is for Judgement looks at we all our sometimes and/or often quick to judge? Interesting theme from Grafton, but not as good as the last two outings for Millhone. 5 out of 12.
As Kinsey pushes deeper into the mystery of the sightings of a supposedly dead man Wendell Jaffe, she explores her own past, discovering the similarities in dealing with families and crime! J is for Judgement looks at we all our sometimes and/or often quick to judge? Interesting theme from Grafton, but not as good as the last two outings for Millhone. 5 out of 12.
September 21, 2021
Wendell Jaffe pronounced dead five years ago is spotted alive. Kinsey is tasked with finding out if Jaffe is alive or dead. We get to see Kinsey doing some really good detective work in this one and for the first book in a while Kinsey is not in mortal danger.
This is a really great addition to the series. A fun entertaining read.
This is a really great addition to the series. A fun entertaining read.
July 26, 2011
I loved this one! The last two seemed to be a bit slow moving, but this one had all the right things. On to K!
On a side note, the one thing that REALLY bothers me in this series that I didn’t notice the first time around (which was almost 20 years ago, so please forgive the memory lapse) is the constant body shaming. Kinsey describes Vera, her closest thing to a best friend, as a “big woman” then follows it up with the description of her being 5’10 and 140 lbs. IN WHAT UNIVERSE IS THIS A “BIG WOMAN”? I’m not sure if it’s Grafton trying to make a point that Kinsey notices a person’s build, because she’s a PI and takes notice, or if it’s a fat-phobia that Kinsey has. Most people in the book, save a very few, have “extra flesh”, “need exercise”, “carry 20 extra pounds”...it’s just kind of a weird thing to continually focus on. I also have to remember this was written beginning in the 80s - this particular installment in 1992, and times were different then.
On a side note, the one thing that REALLY bothers me in this series that I didn’t notice the first time around (which was almost 20 years ago, so please forgive the memory lapse) is the constant body shaming. Kinsey describes Vera, her closest thing to a best friend, as a “big woman” then follows it up with the description of her being 5’10 and 140 lbs. IN WHAT UNIVERSE IS THIS A “BIG WOMAN”? I’m not sure if it’s Grafton trying to make a point that Kinsey notices a person’s build, because she’s a PI and takes notice, or if it’s a fat-phobia that Kinsey has. Most people in the book, save a very few, have “extra flesh”, “need exercise”, “carry 20 extra pounds”...it’s just kind of a weird thing to continually focus on. I also have to remember this was written beginning in the 80s - this particular installment in 1992, and times were different then.
February 9, 2014
Kinsey discovers she has family in Lompoc during the course of an investigation that takes her back to California Fidelity. Second time I've read this and I still didn't guess the bad guy. Fave lines come when Kinsey is picking through some hand-me-downs from her friend Vera: "In her unbiased opinion I'm a complete fashion nerd, and she's trying to teach me the rudiments of "shiek." Vera's into these Annie Hall ensembles that look like you're preparing for a life sleeping on sewer grates. Jackets over vests over tunics over pants. The only thing I lack is a grocery cart for the rest of my possessions." Yeah, I remember those outfits.
October 11, 2021
I've fallen down a comfort read rabbit hole and have been randomly hopscotching through the alphabet relistening to various Grafton's on audio. I didn't remember anything about this one, including the fact that it's the book where Kinsey finds out more about her family (I was thinking that happened in M....). Anyway, this one kept me guessing for a long while but then it just sort of fizzled at the end without a lot of closure. While I enjoyed Kinsey's speculation at the end ("I thought this was Wendell Jaffe's story...") the story peters out with a sigh.
January 28, 2019
I'm finding it interesting that as I'm rereading these a lot of times I will remember only one thing about the story (in this case that Kinsey goes to Mexico) and not remember anything else about the story. This one was fun watching her track a "dead" man and seeing what was important to Kinsey and what was important to her client. Also fun to see her personal life have some shake up going on with it too.
August 1, 2014
A little wit with a Dragnet personality makes these mystery solving series a little bit of an escape. A little flat in development of the characters but the Nancy Drew in me keeps coming for more.
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