Sue Grafton's A Is for Alibi introduces private investigator Kinsey Millhone, captivating readers with its strong narrative and well-developed protagonist. The mystery is engaging, though some critics find the plot predictable. While Grafton's writing style is praised for its clarity and pacing, others note occasional character clichés. Overall, a solid start to a promising series.

Fans of hard-boiled detective fiction will relish A Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton. Readers who enjoy Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep or Sara Paretsky's Indemnity Only will appreciate Kinsey Millhone's sharp wit, gripping investigations, and the intricate plots set in the California landscape. Perfect for those intrigued by complex, strong female protagonists.

In A Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton, private investigator Kinsey Millhone is hired by Nikki Fife, a woman recently paroled after being wrongfully convicted of her husband's murder eight years prior, to clear her name and find the real killer, leading Millhone through a complex investigation involving themes of marriage dynamics, societal expectations, justice, deception, and wrongful imprisonment.

- A Is for Alibi was Sue Grafton's first novel in her famous Alphabet Mystery series, which features private investigator Kinsey Millhone and was published in 1982.
- Sue Grafton's inspiration to write A Is for Alibi stemmed partly from her desire to create a female detective who broke away from traditional stereotypes prevalent in the genre.
- Before becoming a novelist, Sue Grafton worked as a television screenwriter, a skill she credited for helping her craft the engaging plots and sharp dialogue found in her Kinsey Millhone series.

**Kinsey Millhone**  
A private investigator in her early 30s, known for her professionalism and keen attention to detail, who navigates various investigations with resilience and independence, often challenging traditional gender norms.

**Nikki Fife**  
A key figure whose quest to clear her name after serving time for her husband's murder drives the novel's primary plot, determined to prove her innocence and regain custody of her son.

**Laurence Fife**  
The murder victim whose life and complex relationships underpin the narrative, influencing the story even after his death through the mystery surrounding him.

**Charlie Scorsoni**  
An attorney and close associate of Laurence, whose dual role as a potential ally and suspect contributes to the suspense, complicated by his romantic involvement with Kinsey.

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