R Is For Ricochet: A Kinsey Millhone Novel

I think the problem for best-selling writers like Sue Grafton is that everyone reads her books with high expectations. ALthough some reviewers have complained about this book (and that made me uneasy about reading it), I really enjoyed this book and thought it was one of the better ones in the series (and I've read them all).Kinsey Millhone is such a great character, it's like a visit with an old friend to meet her in a new book. Someone said that this book should have been called R is for Romance, and I have to agree -- there's a lot of stuff about love and romance and relationships in it -- at least three primary couples, some in good relationships, some in bad. Kinsey finds some romance herself in this book, this time with a guy who is a little more available than the mysterious Dietz of previous books.The plot involves a young woman, Reba Lafferty, who has just spent 2 years in prison for embezzlement -- the owner of the company she embezzled from is or was her lover. Kinsey Millhone has been hired by Reba's wealthy father to pick her up from prison and drive her home, and to try to keep an eye on her to make sure she stays out of trouble. Fat chance. Reba makes Kinsey look stodgy and cautious in comparison. In no time at all, Kinsey is mixed up with a mess that Reba has gotten herself into.Reba's character is so vivid I hope we'll hear from her again.I didn't stay up all night reading this book, but I sure looked forward to getting back to it -- it was a real pleasure for me to read this book. I just hope Kinsey doesn't sell out what with this stuff about her wearing make-up and buying clothes. The next thing you know she'll buy a condo and a new car. I sure hope not.

I have read the reviews that go with R is for Ricochet, and I can agree with some the of negatives, and all of the positives. I must add that one of the strongest reasons I love the Alphabet series by Grafton, IS the background detail, her personal life, and also that of her landlord, Henry. Adding stuff about Henry and others from her past books brings you into her life. We have to wait a year or more between books, and when she refers to the people who are her "extended family" members, it gives her books that sense of real life, home, security, and continuity. Her books stand alone, but also link together because of the subplots she adds regarding her extended family and friends.I have tried to find other books out there that are like hers: mystery, light, well written, funny, and that have that sense of family. Some head in her direction, but none have managed to carry it off like Grafton.I agree with some of you that have read all her books and therefore can rightfully assess the quality, etc., but even her 'not so good' books are wonderful. And isn't that the way our lives are anyway? Some days, some experiences are just more fascinating than others.Sue Grafton... I don't know what you will do when you reach the end of the alphabet series, but I hope you continue along this line. I love you work, and applaud you...!

Sue Grafton is a must buy, must read author. This stand-alone is easy to follow and difficult to put down. No editing errors, gratuitous violence or drag-you-down drama.This storyline has plenty of twists to keep the reader’s interest. Descriptive writing that draws the reader into each scene. Flexible procedures, actions and reactions. Believable characters with distinct personalities and great banter. Thought-provoking and memorable dialogue.I will re-read this story and always look forward to works by this author and am sorry she has passed.

I am rereading this series because I enjoyed it a number of years ago. Great light reading to settle my mind at night before bed.

I am on T, the back side of the series. I am not going to review each book. It is an excellent series. It starts slow with A and gets better as one moves through the alphabet. The all start slow with very intricate and involved plot building including many names. She has a very effective way of putting you in the story and making you want to meet Kinsey, Henry, Rosie and many others, as they are all in every book. The irony is the endings are in quite contrast with the beginnings as they tend to wrap up with a bang, keeping you in suspense to the end. I learned about Grafton from Carol McGuinnes Kay, the co author of "G is for Grafton", a book on Grafton that I plan to read after I complete the series.

You can read the entire book before the ending is apparent. Thanks again for an epilog that wraps up the characters .

Reba Lafferty is so far (of the three alphabet books I've read) my favorite character. So that made the ending a big disappointment. I don't like my escape fiction quite that realistic. On the other hand, Lucinda Cunningham is one of the most disgustingly self righteous characters in the modern crime/mystery/thriller genre. I don't mind disgusting so much but she just didn't fit in. Why would Nord put up with her? In real life I don't think rich guys let women they aren't interested in decamp in their homes and intrude into their personal, private, and family affairs. She didn't serve any vital purpose to the plot so I don't know why she was even in the book.And another thing...why would Reba take this illegal route to get money? I assume she's the heir to her father's fortune and while he's alive I don't think he's going to deprive her of much, so her money scheming didn't work for me either. And the whole thing with Marty was too dark for the tone of the book.My analysis of the three Grafton books I've read is "T for Trespassing" moved too slowly, "U for Undertow" was well plotted and captured the 60's counter culture with nicely juxtaposed mainstream vs hippie freak characters. It moved right along and was hard to put down. "R for Ricochet" was somewhere between the two. Like I said, Reba was an original and colorful character and I'm a sucker for the girl buddy theme. But that was all it had going for it. I couldn't figure out if it wanted to be a light hearted, comedic frolic or a women's prison noir cautionary tale.

Exactly as promised

This and each book in Sue Graftons alphabet series is excellent and very worth reading. None of them will leave you disappointed.

Great Kinsey Millhone novel.

Love sue's books

I like this older serie.

Another good read by Sue Grafton. Anxiously waiting for X. I have read every one of this Alphabet Series and have enjoyed reading about Kinsey's clients. Sounds like a great job and a great life.