V is for Vengeance (by Sue Grafton)
I finally reached Sue Grafton’s 22nd book in the Kinsey Millhone series, titled V is for Vengeance. In this installment, Kinsey encounters a woman shoplifting in a department store. Shortly after her arrest, the woman is discovered dead, seemingly by suicide. Kinsey’s fiancé hires her as a private investigator to help him understand the woman’s shoplifting behavior and to ensure that she did not commit suicide. As the case unfolds, it becomes increasingly complex, revealing a web of crime, secrets, and dangerous connections in 1980s California.
V is for Vengeance is easily the most character-rich story in Grafton’s Alphabet series that I’ve read so far. The book introduces a colorful cast that includes a high-stakes gambler, a connected mob figure, an unhappily married woman, a shoplifting accomplice, and a dirty cop—just to name a few. I thoroughly enjoyed following each of their interwoven stories; the multiple perspectives kept the narrative lively and held my interest from start to finish.
What I especially appreciate about Grafton’s writing is how she weaves in a small cluster of familiar faces from Kinsey’s world into every book. It’s always a pleasure to catch up with her charming landlord, Henry, and get an update on his elderly siblings. Those comforting touches of continuity make the series feel like visiting old friends while diving into fresh intrigue. Overall, this was an engaging read that reminded me why I keep coming back to Kinsey Millhone’s world.
I acquired the audiobook of V is for Vengeance from iBooks. Judy Kaye has become a dependable voice for Kinsey.
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.
As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, I earn from qualifying purchases linked back to Amazon. Every penny earned allows me to blog about books and keeps this site running.
