Kinsey and Me: Stories

     Author Sue Grafton takes a break from writing her “alphabet” mysteries featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone, and presents the reader with a collection of short stories. Included are nine stories about Kinsey, written between 1986 and 1993, that offer us additional insight into Kinsey’s personality. Then, the second half of the book (“and me”), contains thirteen autobiographical tales featuring the character Kit Blue, written as an expression of Grafton’s conflicted feelings about her dysfunctional family that was headed by two alcoholic parents. Grafton shows herself no mercy as she probes her feelings about her mother’s early death from lung cancer and alcoholism-related illness.

     Sue Grafton’s continued achievements in skillful writing, including well-drawn characterization, original plot and vivid language, leave the reader looking forward to her next novel.