W Is for Wasted

A Kinsey Millhone Mystery

By: Sue Grafton

Narrated by: Judy Kaye

Length: 17 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Of the #1 New York Times best-selling Kinsey Millhone series, NPR said, "Makes me wish there were more than 26 letters."

Two dead bodies changed the course of my life that fall. One of them I knew and the other I'd never laid eyes on until I saw him in the morgue.

The first was a local PI of suspect reputation. He'd been gunned down near the beach at Santa Teresa. It looked like a robbery gone bad. The other was on the beach six weeks later. He'd been sleeping rough. Probably homeless. No identification. A slip of paper with Millhone's name and number was in his pants pocket. The coroner asked her to come to the morgue to see if she could ID him.

Two seemingly unrelated deaths, one a murder, the other apparently of natural causes.

But as Kinsey digs deeper into the mystery of the John Doe, some very strange linkages begin to emerge. And before long at least one aspect is solved as Kinsey literally finds the key to his identity. "And just like that," she says, "the lid to Pandora's box flew open. It would take me another day before I understood how many imps had been freed, but for the moment, I was inordinately pleased with myself."

In this multilayered tale, the surfaces seem clear, but the underpinnings are full of betrayals, misunderstandings, and outright murderous fraud. And Kinsey, through no fault of her own, is thoroughly compromised.

W is for…wanderer…worthless…wronged….

W is for wasted.

©2013 Sue Grafton (P)2013 Random House Audio

W is for wanting

If you could sum up W Is for Wasted in three words, what would they be?

As usual Judy Kaye renders Kinsey Millhone a wonder one wants to know, hang out with. In her latest novel, Sue Grafton, once again brings us to Santa Teresa during the 1980s following Millhone around scoping out clues. Kinsey's strong independent streak is refreshing in today's world weak kneed women. As usual she is a breath of fresh air. In this latest installment of the alphabet series, Millhone is looking for the family of a deceased homeless man to resolve his will. Through the plot turns we see Kinsey at her best.

What did you like best about this story?

Kinsey Millhone's independent streak but also her vulnerability.

Addicted to the alphabet!

When is Y and Z coming out? Can't wait. I love Kinsey Mellhone and this series.

W is Grafton's best in a while.

Would you consider the audio edition of W Is for Wasted to be better than the print version?

I like all of her books but I thought this one was above a lot of the others. I heard it on audible. I have not fallen in love with the audible story teller. She always sounds like Henry or one of Henry's siblings.

Homeless & distant relatives

As usual, Sue Grafton keeps me involved in her Kinsey. Thumbs up! You're comfortable & in the story with her. Y soon??

I hope I live to read Z

I see why Ms Grafton publishes a new book every two years as opposed to others who put them out every month or so. This book was a masterpiece of familiar characters, intricate plotting and good old research. Wonderful book.

Great ending

Sue never disappoints. The characters were so colorful. The message at the end of this story was uplifting

A long way to go but probably worth it!

Took a long time to get back to the main story. Lots of people to follow and remember.

Mixed Feelings

Narrator did a great job but, Im sorry, she sounds masculine. The story had several flaws to make it work (espec Ch 28) and the overly descriptive details became tedious at times. I would not proceed with another from this author but I'm aware she is very popular. Was set in the 1980's and was fun to listen to days with tape recorders and answering machines.

Very involved plot lines.

This story took a long time to unwind. There were so many threads I kept getting a bit confused. I really like this series but this was not my favorite. But it was a very good read.

A First Time Listen! Enjoyed It~

This is the first time that I've listen to a Millhone mystery but I enjoyed it and will recommend to a listener who's seeking a break from their usual interest (like myself who is a diehard Michael Connelly fan). The star here is a woman sleuth that you wouldn't expect.