A is for Alibi (Kinsey Millhone, #1) Summary & Key Insights

Sue Grafton's "A is for Alibi," the first in the celebrated Kinsey Millhone series, introduces the sharp, independent, and resourceful private investigator Kinsey Millhone. Set in Santa Teresa, California, in 1982, the novel centers on the investigation of a seemingly straightforward missing person case that quickly unravels into a complex web of deceit and murder.

The story begins with Kinsey taking on a seemingly simple job: finding a missing woman, Margaret Allison, for her worried mother. Margaret, a young mother with a troubled past, vanished without a trace, leaving behind her infant daughter. As Kinsey delves deeper, she discovers that Margaret was involved with several men, each with their own secrets and motives.

One of the key suspects is a wealthy and influential local businessman, Donald Lam, who initially presents himself as a concerned acquaintance, but gradually reveals a more suspicious and controlling nature. Another crucial figure is Henry, Margaret's former husband, a man plagued by his own demons and a history of violence. Further complicating matters is the involvement of a charming but unreliable informant named "Mickey" who leads Kinsey on a frustrating chase.

Kinsey's investigation reveals that Margaret was deeply unhappy in her marriage and involved in several risky ventures, including the possible embezzlement of funds. The seemingly disparate elements of Margaret's life – her strained relationship with her mother, her financial troubles, and her various romantic entanglements – all contribute to the complexity of the case. Kinsey must navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit and suspicion, piecing together fragments of information to unravel the truth. She skillfully uses her observational skills, sharp intellect, and her knowledge of the local underworld to uncover hidden connections and lies.

Throughout the investigation, Kinsey displays her signature blend of toughness and vulnerability. She's resourceful and independent, managing her own life while balancing the demands of her work. She also shows empathy for Margaret, particularly when she encounters Margaret's abandoned baby. This compassion underscores one of the novel's overarching themes: the fragility of life and the impact of choices on others.

The climax involves a thrilling confrontation that reveals the murderer and their motives. Kinsey's astute observation and deduction finally piece together the events that led to Margaret's death, revealing a plot driven by greed and desperation. The novel concludes with Kinsey resolving the case, highlighting her strength and competence in a world dominated by men. The final resolution, though, leaves a lingering sense of the complexities of human nature and the lasting consequences of hidden secrets. The success of Kinsey's investigation also establishes the blueprint for the many compelling mysteries to follow in the Kinsey Millhone series.