Title: Q is for Quarry
Author: Sue Grafton
First published October 14, 2002
618 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780739429334 (ISBN10: 0739429337)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
FBI Special Agent Samantha Kennedy has a dark past that she wants to keep hidden. Haunted by the memories of a serial killer who once abducted her, she puts on a facade of confidence to mask her fear.
But everything changes when she meets Max Ridgeway, a successful entrepreneur who she shares a night of passion with. Max can’t get enough of her, and when they meet again, he realizes that there’s more to Samantha than meets the eye.
As they navigate their growing attraction, they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous situation when Max’s stepbrother goes missing. Samantha’s past threatens to catch up with her, and they must work together to unmask a ring of bloodthirsty kidnappers before it’s too late.
Can they trust each other enough to face their fears and fight the deadly lies that threaten to destroy them?
About the Author
Sue Grafton, a renowned author, gained popularity as a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She is most famous for her “alphabet series” that follows the adventures of Kinsey Millhone, a private investigator in Santa Teresa, California.
Prior to her success with this series, she wrote screenplays for television movies. However, her earlier novels, Keziah Dane (1967) and The Lolly-Madonna War (1969), are both out of print.
In Kinsey and Me, Grafton gifted readers with stories about Kinsey’s origins and her own past.
Contrary to popular belief, Grafton never wanted her novels to be adapted into movies or TV shows. Additionally, she refused to let anyone ghostwrite in her name.
In honor of her wishes, her family announced that the alphabet series would end at “”.
The Mystery Writers of America named Grafton a Grand Master, and she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, the Ross Macdonald Literary Award, three Shamus Awards, and many other accolades.
Grafton had three children from previous marriages, and she was a proud grandmother to several grandchildren, including a granddaughter named Kinsey. She and her husband resided in Montecito, California, and Louisville, Kentucky.
Editoral Review
Sue Grafton’s Q is for Quarry is a thrilling addition to the Kinsey Millhone mystery series. Published on October 14, 2002, the book follows the successful publication of her 16 previous novels beginning in 1982 with A is for Alibi.
This series has earned a reputation for delivering intensively plotted and engaging mysteries that keep readers coming back for more.
Q is for Quarry opens with Kinsey Millhone, a private investigator, attending a hearing in a rural town in California.
The hearing is regarding the identification of a Jane Doe, a young woman who had been found brutally murdered in the late 1960s. Kinsey is approached by the local police department to help identify the woman, and thus begins one of the most gripping and thrilling mysteries of the series.
As Kinsey begins to explore the case, she meets a wide cast of characters, including prostitutes, pimps, and drug dealers. Each character seems to hold a piece of the puzzle, and Kinsey must navigate their sordid world to put together the pieces of the puzzle.
What she ultimately discovers is an appalling and heartbreaking history of abuse and neglect that drives the plot. With careful attention to detail and richly developed characters, Grafton delivers a powerful and intriguing mystery that captivates until the very last page.
Grafton is a master of her genre, and her writing is immersive and suspenseful. She builds tension through meticulous attention to plot and character development, and her prose style is engaging, poetic, and enjoyable.
This book, like the previous ones in the series, is a true page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The strengths of Q is for Quarry are vast.
The character development is excellent, and Grafton masterfully weaves a cast of unique and intriguing characters. The pacing is fast-paced and engaging, with a sense of urgency that keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.
The plot is intricately constructed, and Grafton’s attention to detail ensures that each revelation is an impacting moment for readers.
Despite its many strengths, Q is for Quarry is not without its flaws.
The historical setting and cultural significance of the book as it relates to current events are somewhat lacking; however, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. This novel could readily stand alone, and readers can jump into the series at any point without feeling lost.
Overall, Q is for Quarry is an excellent addition to the Kinsey Millhone series. Readers who love the genre will appreciate Grafton’s mastery of the genre, and those who are new to the series will find themselves immediately drawn into the world of Kinsey.
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery. I would give Q is for Quarry a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars due to its excellent writing, carefully crafted characters, and engaging narrative.
Fans of Grafton’s previous works should not hesitate to add this book to their collection, and readers with a taste for well-written detective fiction will certainly enjoy this novel. Q is for Quarry embodies the best of Sue Grafton’s writing a masterful combination of sharp writing, unique storyline, and skillful detective work.
