A is for Alibi

A Kinsey Millhone Mystery

By: Sue Grafton

Narrated by: Mary Peiffer

Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

When Laurence Fife was murdered, few mourned his passing. Plenty of people had reason to want him dead. But the police thought his wife Nikki , with motive, access and opportunity, was the #1 suspect. The jury thought so too.

Eight years later and out on parole, Nikki hires Kinsey Millhone, a gutsy P.I., to find the real killer. The trail is cold, but Kinsey finds a lead that brings her face-to-face with the murderer!

This is the first in the popular series featuring California investigator Kinsey Millhone. She's 32, twice divorced, no kids, an ex-cop who likes her work...and who works strictly alone!

Don't miss the other titles in the Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Mystery Series.

©1982 Sue Grafton (P)1993 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Grafton has created a woman we feel we know, a tough cookie with a soft center, a gregarious loner....Smart, well-paced and very funny." (Newsweek)

The first in a great series and one of the best.

Great beginning to a wonderful series. It is obviously an older recording as the editing is not as smooth as later books. Mary Peiffer is great as Kinsey and is fluid at doing the other character voices. The story is a fresh perspective on the classic detective genre and still reads fresh 36 years later. If you are looking for a series that will give you hours of enjoyment start here. Sadly, the Alphabet ends with Y.

Couldn't Finish

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would if they cared more for plot than character

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something set in the 19th century

What three words best describe Mary Peiffer’s voice?

Hard-edged but loose

Did A is for Alibi inspire you to do anything?

Yes; I believe I will stick with lighter fare like Janet Evanovich and Lisa Lutz

Any additional comments?

I had to quit listening because I couldn't believe she had sex with someone she thought might be dangerous. Idiot.

Story good - Narration robotic

The story was well written for a first book. The narrator was very robotic. Worth the listen during a long drive.

Fun trip back in time

I was 16 years old when this book was published, so I remember the ‘80s. No cell phones or personal computers and motel rooms for less than 20 dollars! I really like Kinsey Millhone character and share some of her outlooks on life and relationships, having chosen to remain single myself after a divorce and a couple failed serious relationships. I suspect she’ll eventually find her match, though. I also love the descriptions of Southern California, as I grew up there. I’ll definitely be continuing with the series!

Not Totally Awful

This wasn't the most stimulating thriller I have ever read, but it was entertaining. I would put it in the category of "beach fare." I will purchase others in the series and hope they get a little more stimulating. If not, then I know not to expect great literature.

best because the first

It's as fresh and sassy as it was back in the 20th century. Plus it's fun to see things when she's telling you things for the first time: the car, the lifestyle, the back story. And a tricky ending brought off well. We owe Sue Grafton a great debt for taking up this challenge and scoring with all 26 books. .

First time reader

First time reader and loved it! looking forward to B and the rest of the series.

OK for First

Am anxious to get to the next book. This one did lack umph!! It seemed to drag a bit. Here's hoping the next in series is better.

Good entertainment but not great literature

If you’ve listened to books by Sue Grafton before, how does this one compare?

I liked Knitting Yarns much better

Any additional comments?

This is fast moving, and fun to read but will not "change" you as really great literature can. Still, sometimes we all need a little fluff.

Not really my Genre, I guess

I was exploring new genres and thought I would try this style of mystery. It is well written, the character descriptions are done well, the locations are described correctly (I grew up in the area it describes at about the time it is set) So I understand why there are 26 of these stories.
It is So dated and the repeated mentions of the pointless details were distracting. There was a distinct feeling that the author was trying to describe everything in a Noir style but it is set in the 80s. That was distracting. I kept being pulled out of the story and I would have to work my way back into the story.
Just really not my genre, which is a shame because they are well written and there are a lot of them to read.
If it is your style Enjoy.