Rating: 
Summary: Now I know that Grafton is a hack writer.
Review: I just finished "M" -- my first Grafton novel. Grafton is a total hack, right down to the previously-undisclosed "surprise" ending.Kinsey Milhone is frumpy and thoroughly unbelievable as a detective. There was no suspense. I only finished reading because I hoped (unrequitedly) that _something_ interesting would happen plot-wise. Grafton has to describe the curtains in every room any character enters... The characters themselves are lifeless and cookie-cutter... What can I say? There are many better mystery writers out there; her fans would do well to spread their wings! I won't be wasting anymore $$ on this pulp.
Rating: 
Summary: Yet another page turner from Grafton...
Review: Grafton has produced another interesting mystery to add to such a great series - I've read and enjoyed them all. As for M is for Malice, this plot kept me intrigued and the characters came to life with Grafton's vivid descriptions and (lead character) Kinsey's often humorous observations. There is a comfortable familiarity with the recurring characters of Henry and Rosie, who have been present throughout the series. However, M is for Malice stands independently of any of the series' previous books and provides enough character information to make the new Grafton reader feel familiar with past events that have caused Kinsey to evolve to her current self. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery peppered with liberal doses of humor.
Rating: 
Summary: It took 12 Chapters to get to the murder.
Review: This is my first book by Sue Grafton. The main character, Kinsey Millhone, is a very likable person to whom I'd expect many people to be able to relate to. The story was smooth flowing and interesting. However, my main complaint is that it took no less than the first 12 chapters to explain the background of the story, during which certain facets of Millhone's social life were intermittently described. Although I did not find this boring, I think the whole point of reading a murder-mystery book is to enjoy the thrill of solving the 'whodunit'. The victim was murdered (finally!?) on page 165 out of a 300-page book (hardcover edition), and so the murder-mystery began in earnest when the book was already more than half complete. Overall, the book was quite enjoyable, but not exactly what I was looking for.
Rating: 
Summary: Ms. Grafton does it again!
Review: Some say that this particular series is declining in substance and style. True, "L" wasn't my favorite too, but this book as well as "N" reestablishes my faith in Grafton's talent in storytelling. This is a perfect example of greed and hatred, an unwillingness to forgive. Grafton makes the Malek brothers so real and lifelike, even I wanted to strangle them for being s.o.b's! You feel for the deceased and know why Kinsey is going to find the man/woman who did this. The ending was great in that it was left open. I love it when writers don't tell the reader everything and leave the ending up to interpretation or just guess work. All in all, a great novel. I read it in two days during my final exams. I just couldn't put it down. I can't wait for "O!"
Rating:
Summary: Fun, but missing Graftons' usual 'pizzaz'
Review: Kinseys' new assignment is to find Guy Malek, a rebellious "black sheep". His brothers need to find because their father has died and left them a huge fortune. Days after Guy Malek is found, he is murdered. Fate finds a shoe of a sibling with Guys brian matter. Other such eveidence piles up, and Kinsey must take a trip through Guys' dark past to find the murderer. I don't really care for some parts, such as Henry, or Rosie, and could care less about Dietz, her past lover, but all of it leads up to a most suprising conclusion, which ends up with another dead body, and a new unsolved mystery.
Rating: 
Summary: A long run for a short slide...
Review: 150 pages of soap opera and 150 pages of murder mystery. If I had read all 12 previous Letters, I guess the characters in Santa Teresa might seem alive, but not with "M" as my starting point. Now you might say, "You've got to read all the other ones to understand." Perhaps that is true, but the novel should be complete in itself, giving enough characterization to satisfy in its own right. After reading "M", I really could care less about Dietz, Henry, old bartenders, steroid pumped lawyers, or pickle and peanut butter sandwiches. But, wink, wink, I would care if I would only read 12 more novels. Give me a break. I found Kinsey Millhone whiny and shallow based on this reading and knew who the killer was as soon as the first heavy handed clue was presented (no, I won't give it away). I didn't know why the murderer did it until later, but the clue was just too clumsy. Now don't think I don't like series sleuths, because I do. Kay Scarpetta (Patricia Cornwell), Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn (Tony Hillerman), Dave Robicheaux (James Lee Burke) and Harry Bosch (Michael Connelly) are much more fully realized in each novel. I started reading each of those well along in their respective series and came away with a good sense about them, caring about them, wanting to go back and read more. Kinsey Millhone can stay in Santa Teresa, whine about her (lack of) love life, run on the beach, and drive her VW into the hills. I doubt she will ever show up on my bookshelf again.
Rating:
Summary: More twists & turns than a ball of yarn in a room of cats.
Review: "M" is for Malice was a page turner. Even though some of the characters were not as fully developed as others in the Grafton series, they provided enough interest to keep you turning the pages. The twists and turns kept this reader's mind busy working out a flow chart of who did what when and where. Kinsey let her hair down just enough to remind the reader that she does have a heart under that tidy chest. It would have been a treat to see a little more of this side of her nature. This was a quick read on a cross country flight - time flew and I had finished reading the book before I was even aware that my backside had permanently locked itself in the full upright position. Give me more Grafton!
Rating:
Summary: Good PI Book
Review: "M" can stand for many things, but in this rich family's life, it definitely stands for Malice! The family hired Kinsey Millhone to find the brother who had disappeared eighteen years ago. The father had died and the Will was no where to be found. Only an older Will was where the correct one should be. Guy was to be located so a way could be found for the black sheep to receive nothing from the existing Will... ***I enjoyed this one. There is no heart pounding from Kinsey being in any real danger, but for mystery lovers this is one to test you.***
Rating:
Summary: Hooray for Kinsey Millhone
Review: After reading some of the other comments, I have to disagree with some. I too liked the "spunkier" Kinsey Millhone, but at age 35, single, etc. I think the fact that she's going through a "black" period is actually very realistic. I think what Sue Grafton is trying to do is develop Kinsey's character enough that she is able to continue on with the rest of the alphabet. Come on, we all go through changes and if Kinsey didn't, I'd find her hard to believe as a character. As far as the story line goes, I too like it better when Kinsey's in mortal danger at the end, but then, if that happened in all the stories, it would get repetitious. And I have liked some of the other episodes better, but that's the way it goes with any series (take Patricia Cornwell, for instance). So ease up guys!! And if this is the first alphabet series book you read, then shame on you. You need to start this series at the beginning to really understand the character. I for one, am looking forward to the next letter!!
Rating:
Summary: Not as engrossing as the previous books.
Review: Having followed the alphabet adventures of Sue Grafton's female heroine, Kinsey Millhone, I think the author is losing steam. 'Malice' had a couple of good twists and turns in the storyline, and although I still find them enjoyable, her later books have failed to hold my attention the way her earlier books did. The author needs to pack a few punches if she is planning to continue with the other half of the alphabet.
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