X

Kinsey Millhone, Book 24

By: Sue Grafton

Narrated by: Judy Kaye

Of #1 New York Times–bestselling author Sue Grafton, NPR’s Maureen Corrigan said, “Makes me wish there were more than 26 letters.” With only two letters left, Grafton’s many devoted readers will share that sentiment.

X: The number ten. An unknown quantity. A mistake. A cross. A kiss.

X: The shortest entry in Webster’s Unabridged. Derived from Greek and Latin and commonly found in science, medicine, and religion. The most graphically dramatic letter. Notoriously tricky to pronounce: think xylophone.

X: The twenty-fourth letter in the English alphabet.

Sue Grafton’s X: Perhaps her darkest and most chilling novel, it features a remorseless serial killer who leaves no trace of his crimes. Once again breaking the rules and establishing new paths, Grafton wastes little time identifying this sociopath. The test is whether Kinsey can prove her case against him before she becomes his next victim.

Critic reviews

Praise for X

“Grafton’s endless resourcefulness in varying her pitches in this landmark series, graced by her trademark self-deprecating humor, is one of the seven wonders of the genre.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Excellent...pulse-pounding...Grafton has never been better.”—Booklist (starred review)

“Ratcheting up the heat as she heads toward the finish line of her alphabetically-framed series, Grafton has turned in a corker of a novel with X, upping her already high-level game.”—The Boston Globe

“X features a smashing ending that rivals that of her debut, A is for Alibi.”—The Washington Post

More Praise for Sue Grafton and the Alphabet Series

“I’m going to miss Kinsey Millhone. Ever since the first of Sue Grafton’s Alphabet mysteries, A Is For Alibi, came out in 1982, Kinsey has been a good friend and the very model of an independent woman, a gutsy Californian P.I. rocking a traditional man’s job...it’s Kinsey herself who keeps this series so warm and welcoming. She’s smart, she’s resourceful, and she’s tough enough to be sensitive on the right occasions.”—New York Times Book Review

“The consistent quality and skillful innovations in this alphabet series justify all the praise these books have received over the past 35 years.”—Wall Street Journal

“A superb storyteller.”—Publishers Weekly

“Grafton is a writer of many strengths—crisp characterizations, deft plotting, and eloquent dialogue among them—and she has kept her long-running alphabet mystery series fresh and each new release more welcome than the last.”—Louisville Courier-Journal

“[Grafton’s] ability to give equal weight to the story of the detective and the detective story sets her apart in the world of crime fiction.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch

Just love these books....

Sue Grafton is the best along with Judy Kay as the narrator....been a fan since the 90's...

Follower of the series

Where does X rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was my first audio book and I have followed this series for over 20 years. However, most likely fourth on my list of most enjoyed so far. I am almost finished with my seventh audio book now. I became a member in mid August so am loving Audible.

What was one of the most memorable moments of X?

Oddly, I love the way unimportant characters jump out at you in her books. The description of the visit with her pregnant friend and the "baby girl" was such a moment.

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

Duh....Kinsey of course

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

Besides the one mentioned above, I enjoyed how true love endured, and how second chances are possible.

Entertaining

Enjoyable and entertaining as always. Well narrated and easy to follow. Liked that the ending was not predictable.

Fabulous

Loved it, same as the preceding alphabet books. Sue Grafton is the best!!! And I intend to read the rest.

excellent again

loved it! can't wait for Y. I hope Z is not the end I've loved A-x. please keep it going maybe doubleAA.