U is for Undertow (by Sue Grafton)
I’m getting close to finishing the Alphabet series by Sue Grafton. I’ve enjoyed all books in the series, otherwise I wouldn’t keep reading them; furthermore, U is for Undertow, stands out as one of my favorites.
Twenty-seven-year-old Michael Sutton enters Kinsey Millhone’s private detective office and shares a memory that occurred when he was six years old. A newspaper article about a 20-year-old kidnapping triggers a memory of Michael encountering two men burying something in the ground near a friend’s house he was visiting. The men said they were pirates, buying a treasure. In the story's present day, 1988, Michael worries they are burying the missing four-year-old girl. The story vacillates between Kinsey’s investigation in 1988 and the 1960s, when the kidnapping occurred.
The mystery was quite engaging and maintained my interest. I also have an adoration for Kinsey’s relationships with her landlord and the people at the local restaurant she frequents. It's a feeling of fondness that arises when familiar characters continue to make appearances in a book series like this one. Kinsey was primarily raised by her aunt after her parents were killed in a car accident. This installment continues to explore her family background and an invitation to a family reunion. The conclusion to this story was filled with tenderness and affection. It was a pleasure to read.
I borrowed the audiobook from my local library through the Libby app. Judy Kaye continues to narrate the series – her voice makes for an enjoyable experience.
You’re welcome to read my other reviews for books by Sue Grafton, which are linked below. Also linked is the author event she participated with John Grisham.
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