The first Sue Grafton novel is 'A Is for Alibi'. It introduced her popular detective character Kinsey Millhone. This novel set the stage for Grafton's alphabet series, where each subsequent book was named after a letter of the alphabet. 'A Is for Alibi' was published in 1982 and quickly gained a following for its engaging mystery plot and well - drawn characters.
Well, 'K Is for Killer' is also a top contender. The story is dark and suspenseful. The way Sue Grafton delved into the psyche of the characters, especially the killer, was really fascinating. It's a page - turner that shows her talent for creating a gripping mystery.
Well, many people love 'G Is for Gumshoe' because of its complex mystery and the way Sue Grafton builds suspense. But the best one really varies from reader to reader based on what they enjoy in a mystery novel.
I would also say 'X Is for X - Rated' is quite well - known, though it's important to note that it doesn't have adult content in a vulgar sense. It's just a creative title within the series, and like the others, it has a great mystery for Kinsey to solve.
A strong plot is key. For example, in 'A Is for Alibi', the mystery around the murder was well - crafted. It had enough clues to keep you guessing but not so many that it was overwhelming. Also, the character of Kinsey Millhone. She's a relatable and tough detective, which makes her adventures interesting.
As of July 2023, Sue Grafton passed away in 2017, and her last novel was 'Y is for Yesterday'. It was another great addition to her 'Alphabet Mystery' series. This series was quite popular as it followed the detective Kinsey Millhone through various mysteries, each corresponding to a letter of the alphabet.
Sue Grafton novels are known for their strong female protagonist. Her main character, Kinsey Millhone, is a private investigator. The novels are often set in California and have a great sense of place. They are filled with complex mysteries that keep readers guessing until the end.