P is for Peril (Kinsey Millhone, #16) Summary & Key Insights

In Sue Grafton's P is for Peril, Kinsey Millhone, the independent investigator, finds herself embroiled in a case that delves into the murky world of Hollywood and its hidden secrets. The story begins with a seemingly straightforward missing person's case: a young woman, Polly Dyer, vanishes after a party, leaving behind only a cryptic note and a lingering sense of unease. Her mother, a faded starlet named Grace Atwood, hires Kinsey to find her.

The investigation leads Kinsey down a twisting path, uncovering a complex web of deceit, blackmail, and long-buried resentments within the Dyer family and their Hollywood connections. Polly's father, Michael, a successful but emotionally distant screenwriter, proves less than forthcoming, adding another layer of mystery to the case. Kinsey's inquiries reveal a history of troubled relationships, professional rivalries, and potentially dangerous secrets within the family's past.

As Kinsey digs deeper, she encounters a cast of intriguing and suspicious characters. There's the enigmatic Richard Kenyon, a former acquaintance of Polly's with a shady past and a potential connection to her disappearance. The investigation also brings Kinsey into contact with a variety of Hollywood players, including agents, producers, and other actors, each with their own hidden agendas and potential motives.

The central mystery revolves around Polly's relationship with a renowned television producer, and the discovery of a series of threatening letters sent to her. Kinsey uncovers a blackmail scheme involving stolen property and illicit affairs, linking various characters together in a tangled plot. The peril in the title refers not only to the danger Polly finds herself in but also to the inherent risks Kinsey takes in uncovering the truth, navigating the treacherous world of Hollywood deception.

Throughout the investigation, Kinsey relies on her sharp wit, observational skills, and unwavering determination. She confronts threats, navigates difficult social situations, and faces the personal risks associated with uncovering powerful people's secrets. The overarching theme explores the dark underbelly of the glamorous Hollywood facade, revealing the desperation and moral compromises that often lurk beneath the surface.

Ultimately, Kinsey unravels the truth behind Polly's disappearance, exposing a complex conspiracy involving betrayal, greed, and murder. The resolution is satisfyingly intricate, tying together seemingly disparate plot threads and providing a fitting conclusion to a case that tests Kinsey's skills and resilience. The novel's success lies not only in its intricate plot but also in its character development and exploration of the human condition within the high-stakes world of Hollywood.