Status
Available
Series
Genres
Publication
Fawcett (1992), Edition: Reprint, 304 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. HTML:"THE LADY CAN WRITE . . . Any reader who needs a smart and sassy P.I. would do well to hire Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone. . . . H' is for Homicide continues to show the author in strong storytelling form. . . . [It] finds Kinsey Millhone working on a case involving the death of a claims adjuster for a California insurance company. The story takes her into the Los Angeles barrio in pursuit of a violent criminal, into jails and hospitals, and into a grungy bar named the Meat Locker. . . . Count on Millhone not only to corner the murderer but also to make a statement against the foibles of the insurance game." â??The New York Times "The eighth in Grafton's bestselling series is perhaps the wildest ride yet. . . . Grafton's skill with dialogue, her vivid characterizations and California scenery are priceless. . . . There are moments when the tension becomes so unbearable that you are tempted to skip paragraphs out of self-preservation." â??USA Today "One of the best . . . A vivid, funny portrait of life in an ethnic underworld, viewed without judgment. Suspense there is, plentifully, and a final suggestion that Kinsey will be exploring different mischiefs next time. Outstanding." â??Los Angel… (more)
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User reviews
LibraryThing member reading_fox
Fraud. By far the best of the series so far. More old school friends re-surface as Kinsey is tasked to investigate car insurance fraud. A night in jail ends up with kinsey trapped in LA as part of the fraudsters gang. Can she outwit the 'boss' and gather the evidence needed?
LibraryThing member Heptonj
Kinsey gets involved with gathering evidence regarding an insurance fraud ring complete with a psycho 'boss'. After a night in jail her life gets more complicated as she gets deeply involved with the crooks. An old school friend is brought back into her life which complicates matters.
This is an
This is an
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excellent book which I think is one of her best. I thought the ending came about rather abruptly but there was still a small surprise in store from Luis. Show Less
LibraryThing member riverwillow
I still can't make my mind up about this series, reading them passes the time quite nicely, so I don't hate them. But on the other hand they aren't memorable and I haven't bonded with Kinsey as a character, and this is the eighth book in the series I have read. I've got two more books in the series
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on my tbr pile so I will read those (every book that comes into the house has to be read) but, unless something amazing happens in these books, won't be rushing to read the remainder of the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member miyurose
I have to give this one a thumbs up. I think it was actually one of the better books in the series. Really sucked me in towards the end! I like a book that I have a hard time putting down.
LibraryThing member ffortsa
Kinsey Millhone allows herself to be convinced to work undercover to break up an insurance fraud ring, more for the people she has become attached to than out of any basic altruism. The plot varies from the usual 'whodunnit' format, as we know immediately who (most of) the bad guys are, and the
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suspense is in the details of how she manages the undercover work and how she gets out of it alive (of course she does, we're up to 'U'!). I found this extremely exciting and entertaining, full of telling details and fast action. Show Less
LibraryThing member kaulsu
This was a twist and a departure. Kinsey goes "under cover"; the bad guys aren't necessarily bad; her working arrangements with the insurance agency are in jeopardy. Hmmm. Guess I will need to read _H is for..._
LibraryThing member bookworm12
After Kinsey's most recent case comes to a close, she heads back home and finds out that a friend has been murdered. A short time later she begins investigating an insurance scam and finds out that the two cases are connected. Soon she finds herself working undercover in the home of Raymond
As with all of Grafton's mysteries, the strength is in the details and in Kinsey's cleverness. In H Grafton introduces us to a man with Tourette syndrome, a bi-polar pit bull and a grade school chum of Kinsey's, among others. It’s a fun addition to the series, though her situation never seemed as dire as it does in some of the other books.
I did think it was funny that Grafton used her H is Homicide letter on a novel that had very little to do with homicide. I is for Insurance Fraud maybe?
"Violence is a form of theater that only the disenfranchised can afford."
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Maldonado, after befriending his ex-girlfriend Bibianna Diaz. As with all of Grafton's mysteries, the strength is in the details and in Kinsey's cleverness. In H Grafton introduces us to a man with Tourette syndrome, a bi-polar pit bull and a grade school chum of Kinsey's, among others. It’s a fun addition to the series, though her situation never seemed as dire as it does in some of the other books.
I did think it was funny that Grafton used her H is Homicide letter on a novel that had very little to do with homicide. I is for Insurance Fraud maybe?
"Violence is a form of theater that only the disenfranchised can afford."
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LibraryThing member simplywriting
Recently went through and began reading them all again. Currently on this one, but have read them all.
LibraryThing member sumariotter
these are all fun reads--perfect beach, train, or waiting room reads. But this one kicks it up a notch. addictively readable
LibraryThing member TerriBooks
In this eighth book of the series, Kinsey branches out a bit, reluctantly, into undercover work. It gives us a little something different and opens up the character to us in some new ways. I really enjoyed this book--Grafton seems to be able to avoid falling into a rut with a long series with this
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one. Easy and entertaining, it doesn't ask a lot of the reader. Show Less
LibraryThing member Barb_H
Audiobook. Very good series to listen to while exercising and doing housework. I will definitely continue to listen to and/or read them.
LibraryThing member Mrsbaty
The situation that Kinsey Millhone finds herself in is completely different than other stories in the series. That's one of the things that keeps it interesting! The characters are well developed. I feel like I know exactly who they are by the end of the book. The situation keeps the tension high
It begins with the death of a insurance adjuster that Kinsey is familiar with. Kinsey is asked by the insurance company to investigate some traffic accident claims as there seems to be a fraud ring involved. By the time it's all over, Kinsey has gotten herself thrown in jail to stick with her suspect and then, when released, smack dab in the middle of the fraud ring herself. She needs to get away from these guys and get back to her own life but it will be a dangerous situation to try to get away from.
If you've never read a Kinsey Millhone story, I wouldn't start with this one. You need to read a few others so you know who she is but if you've read some of the others, you'll enjoy this one!
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while you try to figure out how she can extricate herself from the trouble she's found herself in.It begins with the death of a insurance adjuster that Kinsey is familiar with. Kinsey is asked by the insurance company to investigate some traffic accident claims as there seems to be a fraud ring involved. By the time it's all over, Kinsey has gotten herself thrown in jail to stick with her suspect and then, when released, smack dab in the middle of the fraud ring herself. She needs to get away from these guys and get back to her own life but it will be a dangerous situation to try to get away from.
If you've never read a Kinsey Millhone story, I wouldn't start with this one. You need to read a few others so you know who she is but if you've read some of the others, you'll enjoy this one!
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LibraryThing member lkernagh
Grafton's Kinsey Alphabet Mysteries series continues to be a great 'change of pace' read for me with a reliable lead character and a retro setting that I always enjoy bouncing in and out of. I found H is for Homicide to be a little different from the previous books in the series. While Grafton's
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books always go into detail about the characters and their environment, this was the first time that detailed focus has been on the insurance fraud Kinsey was investigating. While the whole 'infiltration into the fraud ring' didn't quite work for me, the information on how the frauds were being perpetrated was quite interesting. Having a character with Tourette syndrome was another interesting twist to the story. The middle part of the story started to drag for me and even some of the bits that were probably supposed to be suspenseful really didn't come across as such. Maybe because I have been reading too many Scottish police procedural of late, but for me it was almost as though Grafton was being a bit tongue-in-cheek about part of the story, especially when our fraud ring kingpin Raymond Maldonado's point of view of the world and morals are at discrepancy with his character. While I was starting to worry that this was going to be my most boring Grafton read to date, Grafton managed to spice up the last 3-4 chapters and brought the story to a close with her usual suspense as we wait to see what happens. I love the curve ball ending - I do enjoy it when an author is able to sneak a plausible surprise into the story - and I am looking forward to dipping into the next book in the series the next time I am in the need of a change of pace story. Show Less
LibraryThing member beearedee
I’ve been reading this series for a few months and I love it. I love starting a new Kinsey Millhone novel because I know it’s going to be great. Some of them are harder to pick up and some are gripping from the first page. This one was slower to get into. It took about 50 pages before I really
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was into it, but then I was sucked in. The plot didn’t come out until about 25 pages in and even then I didn’t really know where or how it was going to go. I didn’t think it would be a great story and was worried this would be the first that I didn’t really like. But it ended up being in top 3 by the end. There were twists and turns along the way but the biggest blow came in a huge plot twist at the end that caused me to actually set the book down so I could process it. Grafton brought in a new type of mystery. Kinsey, for the first time in her career, did undercover work. Because of that, it was a different flow to the story and didn’t writing because she had to be someone else. Once I got used to the differences, it was a great book. I would recommend it to every mystery lover. Show Less
LibraryThing member jguidry
I enjoyed this installment in the Kinsey Millhone series. Sue Grafton created a sociopathic villain that was almost likeable. I enjoyed reading about Kinsey's character wavering back and forth between liking and hating Raymond. The ending wasn't a huge surprise, but it was still fun nonetheless.
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The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star book is that you find out how the homicide from the title was commited, but nothing was ever done about it. It was just fluffed off. Show Less
LibraryThing member lamotamant
I have to say that each book seems to get better as the series progresses.
LibraryThing member lamour
When Kinsey comes home from doing a case in San Diego, she finds the police investigating a murder in the parking lot of her office. This leads to her investigating insurance fraud and at the request of Lieutenant Dolan she goes under cover. Eventually she is held hostage by the fraud kingpin along
Lots of action and tension as Kinsey tries to escape her predicament. It is a different case in that Kinsey is forced away from her usual sites such as her home because she is under cover.
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with the girl, Bibianna, he wishes to marry. Unknown to the villain, she is already married to an ex cop, Jimmy Tate, who Kinsey knows. Lots of action and tension as Kinsey tries to escape her predicament. It is a different case in that Kinsey is forced away from her usual sites such as her home because she is under cover.
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LibraryThing member hopeevey
I especially enjoy the clear sense of place and time in this series. While southern California in the 80s certainly had its issues, it's where and when I grew up. I love to get a feel for a place from reading any book; it's especially charming to spend a while in a familiar time and place :)
LibraryThing member DocWalt10
As always, a great read. Never a dull moment. Her books could be read in one seating if one had the time. I never tire of Kinsey Millhone, the main character in Sue Grafton's books. She is an independent young woman, self-employed, doing what she loves to do and is good at it. As a private
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investigator, she is a minority in her field. If you enjoy. suspense, this is book and series for you. Show Less
LibraryThing member polywogg
BOTTOM-LINE:
H should be for huckster.
.
PLOT OR PREMISE:
Kinsey has her hands full with a dead claims adjuster, a scam artist on the run from a dangerous ex, and an efficiency expert at the insurance company.
.
WHAT I LIKED:
Kinsey goes undercover with the scam artist and her ex, with support from Dolan,
.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
The crazy ex is indeed crazy, but the ridiculous explanation for a lot of his behaviour is that he has Tourette's. Not exactly a deep plot device nor very accurate portrayal.
.
DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow her on social media.
H should be for huckster.
.
PLOT OR PREMISE:
Kinsey has her hands full with a dead claims adjuster, a scam artist on the run from a dangerous ex, and an efficiency expert at the insurance company.
.
WHAT I LIKED:
Kinsey goes undercover with the scam artist and her ex, with support from Dolan,
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and she really throws herself into the role. She shows up as the scam artist's friend, and hangs out while the relationship with the crazy ex deteriorates even further..
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
The crazy ex is indeed crazy, but the ridiculous explanation for a lot of his behaviour is that he has Tourette's. Not exactly a deep plot device nor very accurate portrayal.
.
DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow her on social media.
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LibraryThing member tkcs
I decided not to finish this one--it was too crude and unpleasant.
LibraryThing member booklover3258
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This time Kinsey goes undercover and basically is in danger the whole entire book. I just had to keep reading it to see how she finally gets away from Raymond. And what an ending! Did not see that coming about Luis! As usual, excellent characters and story and
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looking forward to reading I next! Show Less
LibraryThing member TVNerd95
So I pointed out in my last review that I prefer Kinsey working on her own and that is exactly what you get with H is for Homicide. This book went very fast for me as compared to the other books. I think because the story is confined to such a narrow point once Kinsey goes undercover. Yep, that’s
.
Even though the story spans from Santa Theresa to Los Angeles, Grafton does a fantastic job of making you feel just as trapped and confined in the environment as Kinsey is with her precarious situation. I think some of the appreciation also must go to Judy Kaye and her narration. She emotes and helps the reader build the world in their head. The story moves at a very quick pace and the action scenes convey a profound sense of tension of excitement. I developed a true appreciation for some Kinsey’s abilities as clues “click” in her head and she is able to put the big picture together.
I also liked the integration of more of Lt. Dolan’s character and you can tell he may not fully like detectives but he has a great deal of respect for Kinsey.
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right Kinsey is undercover and unable to break cover without risking not her life but the lives of some of those around her.
Even though the story spans from Santa Theresa to Los Angeles, Grafton does a fantastic job of making you feel just as trapped and confined in the environment as Kinsey is with her precarious situation. I think some of the appreciation also must go to Judy Kaye and her narration. She emotes and helps the reader build the world in their head. The story moves at a very quick pace and the action scenes convey a profound sense of tension of excitement. I developed a true appreciation for some Kinsey’s abilities as clues “click” in her head and she is able to put the big picture together.
I also liked the integration of more of Lt. Dolan’s character and you can tell he may not fully like detectives but he has a great deal of respect for Kinsey.
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LibraryThing member ValerieAndBooks
***This is a project of e-reading Grafton's series -- I started reading these back in the 1980s and would read each release as they came out over the years. To prevent spoilers, I will not attempt to summarize in detail. ***
Events at the beginning of the book aren't developed as much as the reader
If I am correct, H is for Homicide is the first one in the alphabet series where Sue Grafton was able to be a full-time writer thereafter. So, she seems to be just beginning to stretch her writing chops here, but isn't quite successful in pulling it all together here. Still a good read, nevertheless.
Events at the beginning of the book aren't developed as much as the reader
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is initially led to think. The hapless murder victim at the beginning (and on the cover of my edition) only hints at more serious things to come -- this victim is only incidentally part of the overall story. In this one, Kinsey finds herself trapped and undercover in an auto insurance fraud ring. With this plot line in consideration, H is for Hostage would probably have been a better title for this one. If I am correct, H is for Homicide is the first one in the alphabet series where Sue Grafton was able to be a full-time writer thereafter. So, she seems to be just beginning to stretch her writing chops here, but isn't quite successful in pulling it all together here. Still a good read, nevertheless.
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LibraryThing member Bookish59
Kinsey Millhone investigates insurance fraud cases for California Fidelity. Finding her suspect she spends time trying to build trust but gets involved in a murder and is arrested. Los Angeles Police Lt. Dolan knows Milhone and informs her that her suspect is just one small cog in a mid-size
At great risk she agrees, spending days living as a hostage in the barrio with some violent and twisted men and women. She needs to lie on the spot, show attitude or respect when appropriate. But when she helps her suspect escape her abusive boyfriend, he grabs Milhone and takes her on a high-speed chase that ends at a hospital.
I found H is for Homicide to be mediocre. The best part was how well and how long Milhone created and maintained a fake identity and persona.
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network of auto insurance fraudsters. Milhone is asked to go undercover to identify more of those involved, and learn who coordinates daily operations and how. At great risk she agrees, spending days living as a hostage in the barrio with some violent and twisted men and women. She needs to lie on the spot, show attitude or respect when appropriate. But when she helps her suspect escape her abusive boyfriend, he grabs Milhone and takes her on a high-speed chase that ends at a hospital.
I found H is for Homicide to be mediocre. The best part was how well and how long Milhone created and maintained a fake identity and persona.
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Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1991-05-15
ISBN
0449219461 / 9780449219461