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U is for Undertow / Sue Grafton

It had been awhile since I’d read Sue Grafton and picking up a book with P.I. Kinsey Millhone was like reacquainting oneself with an old friend. It’s so reassuring to revisit wonderful characters such as benevolent landlord and retired baker Henry and pushy Hungarian restauranteur Rosie. Kinsey’s self-deprecation, sense of humor, and often mildly misanthropic tendencies make her a memorable and enduring personality in the realm of detective fiction. Oh, and she's a smart cookie. Plus the fact that she is in a timewarp circa 1988 makes reading the alphabet mysteries a bit of a nostalgia trip as well. I never thought Grafton would reach the end of the alphabet, but the strength and freshness of the plot of U is for Undertow is proof that this series should easily make it to Z and perhaps beyond.

Note 1-3-2011 My reunion with Kinsey was so wonderful, I picked up T is for Trespass and found it an even more compelling read. And you don't have to read these in order!

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