What fun is it to read a 20th century detective fiction: phone books, treks to the library, phones ringing off the hook: it's not until one reads an account like this one that one realises just how much has changed! While this old-fashioned research does slow down the pace, I enjoyed the mystery as it developed, each layer of dirt uncovered bit by bit. I look forward to reading the rest of the series as a nice light read. ( )

This one is my very favorite of the Kinsey Millhone mysteries.

My first encounter with it was actually as an audiobook that my friend's mom had playing in the car when she picked me up one night for a sleepover (this was in junior high). It was super scary and exciting, and the next week I got the book from my library and read my little heart out.

Throughout junior high and high school I would get the audio version of this book and play it while cleaning my room. It was bliss. And whenever I want a good action book (it's not really a mystery anymore) this is inevitably the one I choose. ( )

Struggled to get through this one, plot moves way too slow. I like female detective mysteries, and like following series books... Going to try and jump to a later book in the alphabet for one more chance! ( )

I love Kinsey Millhone. But she's not everyone's cup of tea. I started reading the Alphabet series a few years ago - I think at the time it was up to O is for Outlaw. The idea of a mystery series each title beginning with a new letter amused me. I don't know why. I don't think it's particularly original. At least - I've seen a few others since. At the time though it was new to me and it just struck me as perfect. I flew through the series. Kinsey is riveting. She's brash and harsh and charming. She's fierce and flawed. She gets scared. She holds her own. She pushes herself to run often and tackles cases without judgement and with an open mind. Rosie and Henry are brilliant and I love the little family she builds around her.

But Kinsey Millhone isn't Jack Reacher - her speed is more Tracy Crosswhite. [b:My Sister's Grave|22341263|My Sister's Grave (Tracy Crosswhite, #1)|Robert Dugoni|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1405267054l/22341263._SY75_.jpg|41739579] Her cases aren't full of action and high speed chases - they're slowly nitpicking away until something clicks into place. She writes down all her thoughts and places her facts and ideas on 3x5 index cards - which she often shuffles and rearranges to help her solve her case. And I love it. Kinsey Millhone is great - but she's not for everyone.

For some reason I've seen reviewers compare this to Stephanie Plum - I don't know why - this is absolutely NOTHING like that. Stephanie Plum is a very different character and an extremely different type of book. That's more fluff. Kinsey Millhone is more procedural mysteries. And this series isn't current - it was first published in the 80's - there's not really technology. Messages were relayed by calling the landlines. Paper files were still the main form of storage. Not everyone will enjoy reading this. But if you like your mysteries to be more like procedurals with a determined and fierce character - Kinsey Millhone is for you.


What a ride. B is for Burglar is intense. There's a million different leads and twists and turns and I loved it. My favourite character was Julia. She was a funny old biddy. Her eagerness to go covert was hilarious. I also enjoyed the interaction with the cabbie who loves Henry's crosswords and treats him like a legend. The ending was good - although I would've liked to see Dolan's reaction - I'm sure it would've been epic.


4.5 stars, rounded up to five. ( )

Kinsey Millhone is hired to track down her client's sister. Is her disappearance linked to the burglary next door? Loved the elderly neighbor who helps Kinsey. ( )