One Sentence Summary
A private investigator is hired to solve a case of apparent suicide that turns out to be a murder in a small Californian town.
Book Genre
Mystery, Detective Fiction
Main Topic of the Book
The book follows private investigator Kinsey Millhone as she investigates the mysterious death of a man in a small town and uncovers a web of secrets and lies.
Key Ideas
- Appearances can be deceiving
- Small towns hold big secrets
- Trust no one
- Justice prevails in the end
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
- Part 1: The Case of Tom Newquist’s Death
- Part 2: The Town of Nota Lake
- Part 3: The Suspects and Alibis
- Part 4: The Truth is Revealed
- Part 5: The Aftermath
Kinsey Millhone is hired by the wife of Tom Newquist, a police detective who was found dead in what appears to be a suicide. Kinsey begins her investigation and starts to unravel the events leading up to Tom’s death, questioning if it really was suicide or if there is something more sinister at play.
Kinsey travels to Nota Lake, a small town where Tom and his wife had recently relocated to, to gather more information about the case. She meets with Tom’s colleagues and neighbors, and discovers that there may have been more going on in this seemingly peaceful town than meets the eye.
Kinsey digs deeper into the lives of those who were close to Tom, including his wife, his colleagues, and the residents of Nota Lake. She uncovers secrets, motives, and alibis, and pieces together the true events of the night of Tom’s death.
As Kinsey gets closer to finding out the truth, she faces danger and resistance from those who do not want the truth to come out. But with her determination and sharp detective skills, she finally reveals the shocking truth behind Tom Newquist’s death.
After the case is solved, Kinsey reflects on the events and the impact they have had on the people involved. She also comes to terms with her own personal issues and finds closure in the resolution of the case.
Key Takeaways
- Things are not always as they seem
- Small towns can hold dark secrets
- Never underestimate the power of determination and perseverance in solving a case
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Sue Grafton was an American author with a background in screenwriting and editing. She was best known for her mystery novel series, the “Alphabet Series”, featuring private detective Kinsey Millhone. Grafton’s books have been translated into multiple languages and have won numerous awards.
Target Audience
Adults who enjoy mystery and detective fiction, fans of the “Alphabet Series” by Sue Grafton.
Publisher and First Publication Date
Published by Picador in 1998.