Rating: 
Summary: R is for "Reba's Revenge"
Review: The latest in Grafton's alphabet series finds Kinsey along for the ride in "Reba's Revenge". Overall it is an enjoyable continuation of this long-running series. While Reba is getting her revenge against Beck, her former lover and boss, Kinsey deals with new romance in her life and tries to counsel her landlord, Henry, on his love life. She trails along on various illegal escapades with the paroled Reba and doesn't really do much sleuthing. There is nothing new or very exciting, but if you are a fan of the series, you will enjoy spending a few hours catching up with Kinsey.You have to admire Sue Grafton for keeping the series set in the 80's so that Kinsey doesn't age too much (otherwise Kinsey would be 54 this year!). Grafton keeps fairly true to the time period with Kinsey still not owning or using a computer although business use of computers is part of the story. Kinsey still pigs out on McDonalds, gets by without a cell phone and other gadgets we are so dependent upon today. As much as I'd like to get to the end of the alphabet, I don't want Grafton to rush and finish the series just to appease the readers who want a new book every year. I would prefer she take her time and maintain the quality of the series. I look forward to seeing what happens to Kinsey in "S", no matter how long I have to wait.
Rating:
Summary: Duck for the Ricochet
Review: This is only the second Grafton book I have read. As a public library director I try to read a variety of novels so that I can recommend, honestly, the best authors writing to my patrons. I have to honestly say that I really enjoyed R is for Ricochet. Kinsey Millhone is hired by Nord Lafferty to baby sit his middle aged daughter, Reba, upon her parole from prison. The assignment seems straightforward enough, but as in most of Grafton's novels, the obvious should never be relied upon too strongly and often what seems to be simple on first blush often turns out to be complicated. It isn't very long before the simple assignment turns difficult especially as some of Reba's old friends begin to make their appearance. Well written....written with the reader in mind....R is for Ricochet will keep you turning pages. Not Grafton's strongest work (I liked Q is for Quarry better), R is certainly worth the time you'll spend reading it. I wonder what S will be?
Rating: 
Summary: Tired series
Review: This was a disappointing outing about one of my favorite characters in mystery fiction. We need a new female sleuth to take Kinsey's place! For the male version of Kinsey, check out the Jimmy O'Brien character in Jeff Sherratt's new series. Six to Five Against was a hoot!
Rating: 
Summary: By the letter R, you would think Kinesey more competent.
Review: What happened to Kinsey M.? I thought she was a little more competent in her previous cases. This Kinsey allowed herself to be taken for a complete ride. Perhaps "R" should have been for Ride. First of all, the story really did not get going until about halfway through the book. When the story did take off, Kinesy was a totally ineffectual participant. Throughout the whole story she was nothing more than a dupe. Even the resolution did not benefit from her actions. Apparently, this was Grafton's plan. The last line refers to Kinesey being an actor is someone elses play. Perhaps Grafton is bored with the alphabet series and wanted to try something a little different. But did she have to destroy the credibility of her detective in the process?
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