Review: Y is for Yesterday (Kinsey Millhone #25) by Sue Grafton

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 1602 KB
• Print Length: 494 pages
• Publisher: Marian Wood Books/Putnam (Aug. 22 2017)
• Sold by: Penguin Group USA
• Language: English
• ASIN: B01MUBJLNC

Book Description

The darkest and most disturbing case report from the files of Kinsey Millhone, Y is for Yesterday begins in 1979, when four teenage boys from an elite private school sexually assault a fourteen-year-old classmate—and film the attack. Not long after, the tape goes missing and the suspected thief, a fellow classmate, is murdered. In the investigation that follows, one boy turns state’s evidence and two of his peers are convicted. But the ringleader escapes without a trace.

Now, it’s 1989 and one of the perpetrators, Fritz McCabe, has been released from prison. Moody, unrepentant, and angry, he is a virtual prisoner of his ever-watchful parents—until a copy of the missing tape arrives with a ransom demand. That’s when the McCabes call Kinsey Millhone for help. As she is drawn into their family drama, she keeps a watchful eye on Fritz. But he’s not the only one being haunted by the past. A vicious sociopath with a grudge against Millhone may be leaving traces of himself for her to find…

About the Author

Sue Grafton was a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She is best known for her “alphabet series” featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone in the fictional city of Santa Teresa, California. Prior to success with this series, she wrote screenplays for television movies. Her earlier novels include Keziah Dane (1967) and The Lolly-Madonna War (1969), both out of print. In the book Kinsey and Me she gave us stories that revealed Kinsey's origins and Sue's past.

Grafton never wanted her novels to be turned into movies or TV shows. According to her family she would never allow a ghost writer to write in her name. Because of these things, and out of respect for Sue’s wishes, the family announced the alphabet now ends at “Y.”

Grafton was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, the Ross Macdonald Literary Award, three Shamus Awards, and many other honors and awards.

Grafton had three children from previous marriages and several grandchildren, including a granddaughter named Kinsey. She and her husband lived in Montecito, California, and Louisville, Kentucky.

My Review

The alphabet ends with Y.

I have been a fan of Sue Grafton's for over 30 years. Her Kinsey Millhone mysteries introduced me to an interesting and unconventional female detective whose adventures always kept me enthralled. I have to say that over the years one of the most interesting story lines was Kinsey finding her birth family. I am sad that there will be no Z.

Y is the last book. To me it was a typical Kinsey book. Kinsey is still living in her small house on Henry's property. She has a non existent love life. And a crazy serial killer is trying to kill her. All while she is trying to solve a 10 year old mystery.

I guess you could say I read this book with respect and reverence. I wanted to absorb every detail. It is not that there are not other books that are better but this book is the end of an era. It was sad to say good bye to Santa Teresa and all the fascinating people in Kinsey's life.

Great read and a must read for all Grafton fans. RIP Sue Grafton. It has been a fun ride.