"W is for Wasted" - latest Kinsey Millhone story

Sue Grafton has produced another "winner" in her much-awarded series of Alphabet Mysteries starring one of my favorite private detectives, of all time: Kinsey Millhone. As we approach "the end" of the series, we find Kinsey becoming more involved with the family from which she has long been estranged.

"W is for Wasted" provides yet another curious twist in the way Grafton presents her story here. While much is the same, the approach is always fresh, and usually refreshing. This story is really "two stories in one" we are promised. Two dead men are found, seemingly totally independent. We are promised the two stories will come together. I won't spoil that for you here.

The coroner at the Morgue in Santa Teresa calls Kinsey to identify one of the bodies - because it had her name and phone number in his pocket when they found him, a homeless man, in a sleeping bag, on the beach. She does not recognize him, but agrees to do some sleuthing to attempt to establish an identity. Her curiosity moves her forward where her better sense says to step away - anything familiar here?

A tentative identity is reached, with the aid of some fellow homeless, and a key to a safe deposit box is located that is his. On opening the box, with all legal requirements met, among other things, is his will - leaving Kinsey a substantial amount of money while cutting out his own children - and two photos of the man, as a child, with his favorite uncle: Kinsey's father.

I'd better stop here. You will want to read it for yourself. Especially if you are a Kinsey fan - like I am!

V is for Vengeance is also excellent… you will like it, as well.

I always enjoy seeing Sue talk about her books

Even more about Sue Grafton, the author.