"M" is for Malice

Rating:
Summary: mostly agree with the 4s or so; just one additional ?
Review: Almost all first-person private eye novels are written in the past tense, which always creates a little bit of a problem--why is the PI thinking back over the entire case in such a chronological, narrative manner? Usually, however, we just suspend our disbelief and enjoy. Yet Grafton, at least in this book, has Millhone more or less address--and certainly demonstrate an awareness of--her audience. #$(*#)@@(#)? She may not realize it, but such a move endangers the entire private eye genre (one of my personal favorites, don't get me wrong) forever. N had better be for Normal.

Rating:
Summary: Buy, Borrow or Steal it!
Review: Another winning story about Kinsey Millhone - that's TWO l's in Millhone (have to read the book to get that one!) I have been anxiously awaiting this book. For those of you who have not read her books, you are the lucky ones. I say you are lucky because you can begin with "A is for Alibi" and have your fill of Kinsey's escapades, and hopefully be done with them by the time the next novel is done. The rest of us faithful followers have to patiently wait for around a year to get our "fix". It's worth it, the books just keep getting better every year! Every time I read one of her books, I always find myself wishing the next novel was already out so I could continue reading

Rating:
Summary: I think Sue Grafton is losing some steam with this series.
Review: As always, Kinsey Millhone is getting into her usual trouble and scuffles. However, at this point in the series, much of the storyline seems to be the same old stuff. I'm hoping that things pick up, because I have really looked forward to the publication of each book in this series.

Rating:
Summary: Different enough to be interesting again
Review: At last, Kinsey breaks down & gets a decent haircut. The characters from past novels appear only as needed, so we don't get the requisite visit with the landlord to eat great food, kinsey doesn't lick her hand to style her hair every chapter, and she isn't able to figure out every character based on the first meeting. A refreshing look at a nasty, twisted story. Makes you wonder how quickly Whitewater investigation would have been resolved if Kinsey had been on the case (hey, do I have an idea or what?). Kinsey's investigation and documentation process is also worthwhile reading here - I sense organization tips for all project managers. I hope you can tell how much I enjoy this character, and I'm glad to see she's capable of something different. Bless her heart, I'd like to see her get laid more often, but meanwhile, she's a terrific sleuth

Rating:
Summary: A fun read but less satisfying than some of the others
Review: Compared to some of the others in this dependably engrossing series, 'M is for Malice' ranks a bit lower due to an unsatisfying ending. I found myself wondering about the characters' reactions when they learned what really happened, since the story ended somewhat abruptly. Also the interactions between Kinsey and her friends and other regular supporting characters could have been better developed. Despite these criticisms, 'M' was a fun read and it's a strong series.

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining Listen
Review: Duly chided for not reading anything else in this series, I compounded the chastisement (of another reviewer, see below) by not reading, but only listening to this one, on a Thanksgiving drive to Arkansas. I wasn't expecting all that much but I was pleasantly surprised; it kept me awake and interested, and the character of the female private investigator, as well as her love interests, was deftly handled. The murderer at the end seemed somewhat pulled out of a hat, but I guess that is an occupational hazard of formulaic fiction. It served its mysterious purpose.

Rating:
Summary: Kinsey's at her best!
Review: Each moment of this latest in the Kinsey Millhone series is enjoyable. I sat into the wee hours of the morning reading Sue Grafton's "M is for Malice" and by the time I had finished, I was left hoping that the next book in the series has already been writen and is on it's way to the editor's. There was a haunting softness in Kinsey's relationship with Guy, while reading it I couldn't help but want to see Kinsey's next moves towards her estranged family and Dietz. One of the best in the series

Rating:
Summary: "KINSEY, YES----DIETZ, NO
Review: Give me Kinsey but without Dietz. I know the sex angle should not bother me if I read mysteries but it does. I really wish Grafton would not use it as much. But, who am I to say, I could not write anything. Just like to read. Kinsey was her usual wise acre self. She went though the Malek family pretty good. The killer was a surprise in the end. A good read if you like fast paced mysteries. Kinsey is a good PI. I wonder if Grafton sees herself in Kinsey's place?????

Rating:
Summary: Yet another page turner from Grafton...
Review: Grafton has produced another interesting mystery to add to such a great series - I've read and enjoyed them all. As for M is for Malice, this plot kept me intrigued and the characters came to life with Grafton's vivid descriptions and (lead character) Kinsey's often humorous observations. There is a comfortable familiarity with the recurring characters of Henry and Rosie, who have been present throughout the series. However, M is for Malice stands independently of any of the series' previous books and provides enough character information to make the new Grafton reader feel familiar with past events that have caused Kinsey to evolve to her current self. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery peppered with liberal doses of humor.

Rating:
Summary: thumbs up
Review: Grafton is a pro, and M IS FOR MALICE has tension and action and all the things that make for good suspense (if you like this, you might like my own novel THE SHAPE by Craig Furnas). She has 12 more letters to get through, and it will be fun to see her do it. -- C.F.