Quick Take

It is now nine weeks since Dr. Dowan Purcell vanished without trace.The 69-year-old doctor said goodnight to colleagues at the Pacific Meadows nursing home, climbed into his car and drove away - never to be seen again. His embittered first wife Fiona is convinced he is still alive. His second wife, Crystal, a former stripper forty years his junior, is just as sure he is dead.Enter private investigator Kinsey Millhone, hired by Fiona to find out just what happened to the man the two women loved. And also enter Tommy Hevener, a flame-haired, twenty-something who has set his romantic sights on Kinsey. It doesn't take long before we find out that Tommy is a man with a very interesting past. The word 'peril?' It applies most of all to Kinsey herself!

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: P is for Peril (Kinsey Millhone, #16)

Introduction

"P is for Peril" is the 16th book in Sue Grafton's popular "Kinsey Millhone" mystery series, published in 2000. The story follows private investigator Kinsey Millhone as she takes on a case involving a missing doctor, Dr. Dowan Purcell, who vanished without a trace. With two wives involved, a possible connection to Medicare fraud, and a flirtatious young man named Tommy Hevener pursuing her, Kinsey finds herself navigating a complex web of lies and deception. This article will provide an analysis of the book's views, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommending it.

About Sue Grafton

Sue Grafton was a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her "alphabet series" featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone. Prior to success with this series, she wrote screenplays for television movies. Grafton's earlier novels include "Keziah Dane" (1967) and "The Lolly-Madonna War" (1969), both out of print. In her later years, she received numerous honors and awards for her contributions to the mystery genre. Grafton passed away in 2017, leaving her "alphabet series" incomplete at "Y is for Yesterday."

Analysis of Views

Engaging Mystery: Readers praised the book for its engaging mystery plot, with two wives involved in the investigation adding an extra layer of intrigue. The mystery kept them guessing until the end, and they appreciated the unexpected twists and turns.
Humorous Elements: Grafton's trademark humor shines through in this book, with Kinsey's witty observations and sarcastic remarks adding levity to the story. Readers enjoyed the humor and found it a refreshing aspect of the series.
Kinsey's Romantic Dilemma: The inclusion of Tommy Hevener, a potential romantic interest for Kinsey, added a new dimension to the story. Readers found it interesting to see Kinsey struggling with her feelings and questioning her own beliefs.
Well-Developed Characters: The characters in the book were well-developed, with each having their own unique personality and motivations. Readers appreciated the depth and complexity of the characters, which added depth to the story.
Grafton's Writing Style: Readers praised Sue Grafton's writing style, describing it as engaging, clear, and easy to follow. Her ability to create vivid descriptions and maintain a fast-paced narrative was highly appreciated.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Mystery: The engaging mystery plot kept readers hooked from start to finish, with unexpected twists and turns keeping them on their toes.
Humorous Elements: Grafton's trademark humor added a lighthearted touch to the story, making it enjoyable and entertaining for readers who appreciate wit and humor in their mysteries.
Kinsey's Romantic Dilemma: The inclusion of a potential romantic interest for Kinsey added an interesting dynamic to the story, exploring her personal growth and challenging her preconceived notions.
Well-Developed Characters: The well-developed characters added depth and complexity to the story, making it more immersive and enjoyable for readers who appreciate well-crafted characters.
Grafton's Writing Style: Sue Grafton's writing style was praised for its engaging narrative, clear descriptions, and ability to create vivid imagery. Readers found it easy to follow and appreciated her skill as a storyteller.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Resolution: Some readers felt that the ending was lacking in resolution, leaving them with unanswered questions and a sense of dissatisfaction. They felt that the story should have been tied up more neatly.
Repetitive Themes: A few readers noticed that some themes in the book felt repetitive compared to previous installments in the series. They felt that certain elements of the story were overused or lacked originality.
Disappointing Ending: A minority of readers expressed disappointment with the ending, feeling that it was abrupt and left them feeling unsatisfied. They felt that the story should have been wrapped up more conclusively.

Conclusion

"P is for Peril" by Sue Grafton is a well-crafted mystery novel that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. With its engaging mystery plot, humorous elements, well-developed characters, and Grafton's signature writing style, it is a strong addition to the "Kinsey Millhone" series. While some readers found the lack of resolution and repetitive themes disappointing, overall, "P is for Peril" receives positive reviews from fans of the series and those looking for an entertaining mystery read.