W is for Wasted

                                         




It's amazing to me that I have been reading this series since it started in the early 90's.  (so long ago that my reviews are on a different computer, lol)  Time seems to move differently in the small town of Santa Teresa California but life never seems to be boring for its inhabitants.  It bemuses me that the recurring characters have become so familiar that I look forward to finding out what is going on in their individual lives and cringe when things aren't quite working out.

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My review:

W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton is another captivating addition to the ‘Kinsey Millhone’ mystery series.  A gradually unfolding tale of synchronicity slowly weaves an intricate tapestry that inexplicably leads Kinsey to contemplate the bonds of family in a way she hadn’t considered.  The unexpected link to a recently deceased homeless man involves her in an unpaid investigation that will reap unforeseen benefits and complications.  A separate case told in flashbacks follows the actions of an ethically-challenged private investigator, Pete Wolinsky, who manages to enmesh Kinsey in his affairs, with or or without her active participation.  Oddly enough, different factions of the homeless population become germane to Kinsey’s case as she doggedly pursues a very tangled thread that winds up changing her life significantly.

This mystery series has a lasting allure which persists through the various letters of the alphabet and this particular tale is no exception. Part of the fascination is due to the way this sleepy California town with its picturesque locations and unique characters are inexorably drawn into a homicide investigation which is gradually solved through a combination of investigative technique and serendipity.  I am always entertained by the way clues are sprinkled through the story even as we observe Kinsey go about her normal routine and her ironic mental commentary strikes a chord with me.  There has been an interesting set of revelations about Kinsey’s own family throughout the series and this story was unexpected in the tangent that resulted in even more details about the past being delineated.  I enjoyed getting to meet ‘Ed’ and reading about his macabre gifts even as it was like revisiting old friends and acquaintances when descriptions about Henry and his family popped up.  I do hope that Kinsey’s romantic prospects improve as we are running out of letters in the alphabet, and I look forward to reading about her next exciting adventure.
© Night Owl Reviews

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.


W is for Wasted (Kinsey Millhone Mystery) (Amazon link)