MADreads

Still going strong after all these years

March 3rd, 2008 Mary K. - Central

Sue Grafton began her mystery series featuring Kinsey Milhone in 1982 with A is for Alibi.  At that time she announced that she planned to write a series featuring every letter in the alphabet, and with this book, her twentieth, she is well on the way to doing just that.  T for Trespass is one of the best books in the series, and it seems that Grafton may well finish the alphabet and leave her fans wanting more. 

All so far have been set in the 1980’s,  and except that Kinsey lacks some of the technological conveniences that we take for granted ( cell phones are the prime example of this), the time period is not a factor because the issues that are a major part of the story are still very relevant today.  T is for Trespass takes place in 1988 and describes elder abuse and identity theft in a very personal and realistic way.

Kinsey’s cantankerous elderly neighbor, Gus, falls in his home and needs help.  He has one relative,  a great-niece who lives out of state.  That niece must return to her job and decides to advertise for home help.  She hires Solana Rojas and asks Kinsey to check on Solana’s credentials.  Everything seems in order, but strange events at Gus’s house get Kinsey’s attention.  For example, a  dumpster appears in the driveway and Solana is protecting Gus from visitors.

As Kiinsey  tries to investigate and find out what is really happening next door, her relationship with Solana quickly becomes adversarial.   Kinsey’s landlord Henry also gets involved, and unsavory details about Solana’s past are slowly revealed.

This is very readable book that is hard to put down.  My one minor criticism is with the ending, which was not totally believable.  Long-time readers will now start the wait to see what “U” is for.  And for readers new to the series, there are 19 other books to enjoy.

Entry Filed under: Mystery