X (Kinsey Millhone, #24) Summary & Key Insights

Sue Grafton's X, the 24th installment in the Kinsey Millhone series, finds the intrepid private investigator embroiled in a complex case involving a seemingly simple missing person inquiry. The initial request comes from a wealthy and reclusive woman, Margaret Lancing, who hires Kinsey to find her estranged brother, the enigmatic and somewhat sinister, Michael. Michael, a successful sculptor, vanished without a trace, leaving behind only cryptic notes and a trail of unanswered questions.

Kinsey's investigation quickly unravels a web of secrets and lies woven around Michael and his family. His affluent background masks a history of troubled relationships and shady dealings. As she delves deeper, she discovers Michael's involvement with a group of activists protesting the construction of a controversial dam, potentially exposing a dangerous conspiracy.

The central plot revolves around the unraveling of Michael's past, exposing his involvement in illicit activities that extend beyond the environmental activism. He was apparently involved in activities that threatened powerful individuals, leading to his disappearance, and possibly his death. Kinsey's pursuit of the truth brings her into contact with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own hidden agendas and connections to Michael.

These characters include the stoic and suspicious Dolores Diaz, Michael's former lover with a secretive past of her own. Then there's the formidable lawyer, Teddy, a cynical and experienced professional who adds layers of complexity to the case. Kinsey also encounters various members of Michael's family, each harboring their own suspicions and resentments. As she pieces together the puzzle, she uncovers a history of betrayal, greed, and murder that reaches the highest levels of society.

A key theme in X is the exploration of family secrets and the corrosive power of wealth and privilege. The Lancing family's seemingly perfect façade hides deep-seated resentments and long-buried truths. Furthermore, the novel examines the complexities of environmental activism and the lengths to which some will go to protect their interests. The potential environmental disaster caused by the dam construction mirrors the larger societal problems caused by greed and corruption.

Kinsey's own personal journey in X is interwoven with the main plot. She grapples with her own vulnerabilities and the emotional toll of her work, reflecting on her relationships and the choices she's made in her life. As she faces danger and deception, her resilience and sharp intellect are tested to their limits. The resolution reveals a complicated truth that involves multiple perpetrators, highlighting the systemic nature of corruption and the enduring consequences of past actions. Ultimately, Kinsey delivers a measure of justice, though the overall darkness surrounding the case lingers, leaving a lasting impression on both the reader and the protagonist.