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karenholmes's review against another edition
4.0
Sue Grafton delivers what she promises and she promises a good mystery in a nice town in California. Characters in this one were a bit disturbing, starting with the bum that contracts Kinsey in the beginning. But I like how she works, and how she deals with stuff. I even like her blooming romance with Jonah and the way they take it, not too serious, just comraderie with some fun in the side. Kinsey is a believeable character and a relatable one. She is tough, but compassionate and stubborn to get to the end.
fr33ms005's review against another edition
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
hauntedjen's review against another edition
4.0
"D is for Deadbeat" begins with a client hiring Kinsey to find a person and deliver a check to him. Simple enough. Within the week however, her client's check bounces and she begins to hunt for him, discovering along the way that he is not at all who he claimed to be.
This book was the fastest read of the series so far. Kinsey chases down leads and meets the most outlandish characters we've seen so far. Everyone has reason to lie to her and I wasn't sure who the villain was until the very end. As always, Ms. Grafton paints the environment of Santa Teresa and her characters with language that is alternately beautiful and crude. Dead palm leaves on the ground are described as feathers and the surf resembles a taffeta skirt, yet Kinsey's pantyhose feels like a hot moist hand in her crotch. Little of Kinsey's personal life is seen, but there are a few good scenes with cop Jonah Robb and an intimate peek into her life growing up in her aunt's care. The ending was satisfying and hauntingly sad. I am so glad someone recommended this series to me. "Deadbeat" does not disappoint.
This book was the fastest read of the series so far. Kinsey chases down leads and meets the most outlandish characters we've seen so far. Everyone has reason to lie to her and I wasn't sure who the villain was until the very end. As always, Ms. Grafton paints the environment of Santa Teresa and her characters with language that is alternately beautiful and crude. Dead palm leaves on the ground are described as feathers and the surf resembles a taffeta skirt, yet Kinsey's pantyhose feels like a hot moist hand in her crotch. Little of Kinsey's personal life is seen, but there are a few good scenes with cop Jonah Robb and an intimate peek into her life growing up in her aunt's care. The ending was satisfying and hauntingly sad. I am so glad someone recommended this series to me. "Deadbeat" does not disappoint.
meganexclamationpoint's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
raymond_murphy's review against another edition
4.0
These are like candy to me. Short, sweet, immensely satisfying. I won't claim that Grafton reaches new literary heights but they are largely well written and Kinsey is just a great character.
For what it is worth, I thought the hook here was weak. Not really sure why Kinsey would feel so beholden to a dead ex-offender to deliver a check, but whatevs.
For what it is worth, I thought the hook here was weak. Not really sure why Kinsey would feel so beholden to a dead ex-offender to deliver a check, but whatevs.
topdragon's review against another edition
4.0
I think Sue Grafton, the author of this 4th book in the Kinsey Malone "Alphabet Murder" series, has hit her stride with this book. While enjoyed the first three novels in the series, I felt sort of like I was reading a typical modern day who-dunnit. But now with this 4th book, I feel like I know the character of Kinsey Malone much better.
These books have been described as a combination of Hard-Boiled crime novels and softer, cozy mysteries. I think that is an accurate description as the PI, Kinsey, is a loaner who often sees the darker, shadier side of life, and deals with it using honor, humor, and often, a gun. Not mention a dogged determined approach to hitting the pavement in search of clues, witnesses, etc. As she says, "When a case refuses to break, sometimes you've gotta break it yourself."
In this book, Kinsey is hired to deliver a $25,000 cashier's check to a 15 year old boy whom the client can't locate. But shortly thereafter, the client is dead, and the suspect list is long. It's a good set-up, a solid bit of detective work, and a satisfying conclusion.
Four down, only 22 to go...
These books have been described as a combination of Hard-Boiled crime novels and softer, cozy mysteries. I think that is an accurate description as the PI, Kinsey, is a loaner who often sees the darker, shadier side of life, and deals with it using honor, humor, and often, a gun. Not mention a dogged determined approach to hitting the pavement in search of clues, witnesses, etc. As she says, "When a case refuses to break, sometimes you've gotta break it yourself."
In this book, Kinsey is hired to deliver a $25,000 cashier's check to a 15 year old boy whom the client can't locate. But shortly thereafter, the client is dead, and the suspect list is long. It's a good set-up, a solid bit of detective work, and a satisfying conclusion.
Four down, only 22 to go...