First edition signed by both authors as new

What do you get when you combine two college professors and a love of contemporary genre fiction? "G" is for Grafton. Kaufman, a political scientist, and Kay, a Shakespeare professor, are both faculty members at the University of South Carolina at the time of publication, and together they have endeavored to provide an examination of the Alphabet Mysteries by Sue Grafton.

The result of their conjoined efforts is a blend of careful explication, analysis, and personal response that has come from the obviously enthusiastic interest in the contemporary mystery series. Treating novels "A" through "M" (the extent of the series at the time), Kay and Kaufman present an almost encyclopedic categorizing of the world of Kinsey Millhone, with some psychoanalysis for good measure.

The content of the book itself is at times dry, but for a casual fan of the series (who has, admittedly, stepped aside for quite awhile), the book proved to be a wonderful reintroduction into Kinsey's world, and helped revamp interest in the series. At times it feels as if Kaufman and Kay are attempting to write Kinsey to be the character they want her to be, but the majority of the information is no less trustworthy for this analysis, and some of the information - such as Grafton speaking of Kinsey directly - can be a real treat. ( )

This is a very helpful guide for fans of the alphabet series by Sue Grafton. Aided by Ms. Grafton herself, this guide compiles all the information the books give us about Kinsey Millhone in one helpful location.

There are maps of Kinsey's neighborhood and drawings of her apartments. The authors piece together everything we know about Kinsey's past, her family, her friends, her love interests, and her career. Even her views on life and morals are discussed.

You will even find a section discussing Grafton's inspiration and her personal opinions about Kinsey. I thought it was interesting that Grafton says one of her writing inspirations is Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe series. I'm a Chandler fan as well, and there are definitely some similarities in style between the Marlowe and Millhone series. I never would have thought of that on my own. I think I have more respect for Grafton now.

Kinsey seems even more of a real person after reading this book. I've only read up to book F so far, and one warning I will give is that this book was written around the time that "M" came out. There are major plot spoilers if you haven't read up to "M" yet. This also means, of course, that any information revealed after book M is not included here.

Highly recommended for fans of this series. If you are working your way through the series, don't read this until after you've read book M. ( )

This book was such a fun read, after being a big follower of not only Sue Grafton, but of Kinsey Milhone. I hated that they were tearing apart all the inconsistencies in the stories, but at the same time it was fascinating and I was riveted. This is a great book to read if you are big Grafton fan. But understand before you read it, she's human - mistakes are made and Natalie Kaufman points them all out. ( )

I LOVE the Grafton alphabet series and am anxiously awaiting the next one in the line. When I found this book at a book sale, I was eager to learn all I could about Kinsey Millhone and her creator, Sue Grafton. I did enjoy the book, but found it a bit tedious to get through, with so much detail given. But for someone who enjoys this type of explanation to a book or to an author, it would be an enjoyable book to have in their collection. I had a hard time separating the Millhone stories from the Grafton, only because of both being women. I had to remember Grafton was the author, and kept reminding myself. But, again, this is me, and not the critique of the book. A great find, and one to be recommended to those who can't get enough of Kinsey Millhone and Sue Grafton. ( )