I is for Innocent by Sue Grafton

27^th July 2023.

Revisiting these novels has given me more pleasure than I imagined. The stories and characters have lost none of their original magic, and feel as fresh and original as they did 30 years ago. This time, Kinsey is employed to complete an investigation carried out by another PI who unexpectedly died.

The case concerns the murder of Isabella Barney, whose husband was acquitted of her murder. Unhappy with this verdict, her former husband is mounting his own lawsuit, seeking justice. While all the evidence is there to see, Kinsey’s investigation soon starts to find gaps in the evidence.

It isn’t long before she finds herself doubting her husband’s guilt. But if he is innocent, it means there’s a killer still loose and watching closely.

Kinsey’s at her wise-cracking best in this intriguing story where she constantly finds herself at odds with what she’s supposed to do and what appears to be the truth. The way she weaves herself through this minefield, exposing herself to more and more danger, is beautifully handled, cranking up the tension towards a blistering finale.

There are moments of sadness, empathy and weakness that display the depth and appeal of Kinsey. She can be a tough, uncompromising PI, but her heart’s in the right place, even if it puts her in the firing line.

Another riveting and original addition to my favourite crime series.

Description

I feel compelled to report that at the moment of death, my entire life did not pass before my eyes in a flash . . . What I experienced was a little voice piping up in an outraged tone: “Oh come on. You’re not serious. This is really it?”

It was a Monday early in December when Kinsey Millhone first got involved in the Isabelle Barney murder case.

She was out of work. Attorney Lonnie Klingman’s usual private investigator had just dropped dead of a heart attack. Kinsey was more than happy to oblige.

The trouble started on the very first day of the investigation. Either Kinsey’s predecessor was incompetent – or someone had been getting away with murder. And next time it might turn out to be hers . . .