The second book “B”, I thought, was much better than “A”. A definite improvement and I can feel Grafton coming into her own as a series writer.

Kinsey is hired to search for a missing woman, whose sister needs her signature for an inheritance document. At first Kinsey believes this will be an easy find, but soon realizes there is more than meets the eye with pretty much everyone she questions. The hard part is figuring out who is lying, and who is faking their identity, and who is really in danger of being killed off next.

Almost from the very beginning I was intrigued by the story and trying to formulate my own opinions. This story was more graphic than the last and many moments I cringed at the thought of finding myself in similiar situations.

It was very descriptive and I grew to like Kinsey a little more, but still a little unsure about her character development. So far there isn’t much in Kinsey’s background that jumps out at me and makes me like her or sympathize with her even more. Can’t wait to see what else is in store.

Kinsey Milhone is a single, 32-year-old private investigator. A woman named Beverly comes into Kinsey's office to hire her to find her widowed sister, Elaine. Once Kinsey gets on Elaine's trail, she discovers much more than just a missing person.

With a host of somewhat quirky characters and an interesting missing person's mystery, Grafton made this a very good read. It's been quite some time since I read A is for Alibi, so it was nice being reintroduced to Kinsey. I like her character and will not wait as long to pick up C is for Corpse. (3.75/5)

Originally posted on: "Thoughts of Joy..." ( )

I like detective novels and these are well written. I prefer the humor though of Evanovich as to the more serious tone of Grafton. I am just starting this series so I will have to see how far I continue into it. ( )

Elaine Boldt's sister needs a document signed, but she made her regular trip to Florida earlier than planned, and now no one knows where she is. Has she gone off on a whim, or is there something more sinister about her disappearance...?

Book 2 of the series starts just 2 weeks after the events of "A is for Alibi", and Kinsey has replaced her messaging service with an answering machine. We find out a little more about her work and living arrangements, and a few more characters are introduced who will re-appear often in later books. A little slow to start as all the elements are introduced, but eventually picks up pace and finishes at a canter. ( )

Grafton hits the target again with this quick read. The plot is rather involved and the characters are complicated and have quirks like the rest of us. Grafton always manages to make her characters realistic, in both dialogue and personality. These books are not for the "cozy" mystery enthusiast though, Grafton knows how to "whack" her victims and the fight at the end of this book is intense, painful and violent. I will read the next book in line, curious now to see how the author develops throughout the writing of each new book. ( )