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

Worth the wait!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

After being a little disappointed after the last two books in the series, In was very pleasantly surprised with "W is for Wasted".

It is full of the mystery and humorous bits that make all of the alphabet books so entertaining, but this one is also full of heart and touches on some of the major problems facing too many people these days. This is a can't miss book - I'm just sad that we only have three more in the series.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes!

Any additional comments?

Definitely read them in order, of course!

finished this one faster than the others!

love this series been listening reading since i 2qs a child! this is one of my top faves!

Sue Grafton Keeps the Franchise on Top

This is the latest entry into the alphabetical run of mysteries from Sue Grafton. Certainly, this is one of the most successful series of all time and the accolades are well-earned. Sue has a facility recently to focus on an element of discord in our materialistic society, previously treatment of the aged. In this novel the focus is on the homeless. Sue loves to have have parallel plots running and forming that come together in the end. I found this novel particularly interesting. The pathos of the street people made you want for things to turn out for them. By now, the Kinsey Millhone series has a rich backdrop of characters that reappear and add humor and richness to the story. Kinsey is introduced to a new wing of her family with some startling results. Judy Kaye does her terrific job performing this novel. Judy has literally become the voice of Kinsey throughout the series.

A final note. This book stands alone perfectly. You do not need to reach the previous 20 odd novels in the series to dive into this very special series. This story is fresh and vital, not a run-through like other long-running series that have lost their inspiration and vitality.

Grafton does ot again

waiting for August for the next book. second listen. enjoy Kinsey again and again. LOVE having old and new characters.

My first Grafton book

I thought the story was slow starting-- in fact, I thought about giving up on it. Once it got going, I didn't want to stop listening! I will definitely but another Grafton mystery.

W is Worth the Wait

What made the experience of listening to W Is for Wasted the most enjoyable?

Kinsey as as funny as ever and every bit as sharp.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters and narration of course.

What does Judy Kaye bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I've loved her portrayal of Kinsey and she's at the top of her game with this one.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

As we near the end of the alphabet I realize how much I'll miss the anticipation of another wonderful installation in this series ... unless there is "life after Z" or she starts counting one, two three ...

Usual Grafton

I liked this story, but it is not as good as some of the first ones. Seems to be getting tired of this series????

W is for Wasted

What made the experience of listening to W Is for Wasted the most enjoyable?

Sue Grafton's books are fun. I like when the main character is a woman.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kinsey has a great sense of humor and a kind heart. She goes out of her way to solve her cases.

What about Judy Kaye’s performance did you like?

Judy did a good job of using different voices for each of the characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book was very entertaining.

typical who dunnit

The obvious culprit for me turned out to be the one who did it whereas normally it turns out it is a different person.

Sue Grafton is always a treat

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

I gave read the first part of Sue Grafton's alphabet novels in print but most of the second half on audio book of my stripe or another. I enjoy the narration and W and its predecessors have kept me company on many a long car ride.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Unfortunately about half way through I figured out the plot and it was Sue Grafton's writing that kept me listening.

Which character – as performed by Judy Kaye – was your favorite?

Always Kinsey, but she does a very fine job of evoking the men in the book as well. Pete was particularly well done.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really. It is not that sort of book.

Any additional comments?

I will be sorry when I get to XY and Z. I enjoy how Sue Grafton has been able to continue to keep you in the 1980's through all of the years she has been writing.