Kinsey and Me: Stories (Kinsey Millhone Mystery)

The book was just as advertised, a series of short stories by Sue Grafton about Kinsey. I enjoyed them, but I like the longer stories in her books better. I think any fan would enjoy it, but I am looking forward to the next Y book soon.

I normally like Sue Grafton and her Kinsey Millhone adventures but found this book not to be to my taste. The first part was more bearable than the latter. I definitely would not buy any others that are written in this same style. I will stick to her alphabet series which I thoroughly enjoy.

The Kinsey short stories were good, but the revealing of her own life story, briefly sets the way for tha last short stories in the book which are beautifully written, revealing and heartwarming. If you're a fan, you owe it to yourself to read this.

I have read all of Sue Grafton's Kinsey mysteries, starting with "A is For Alibi." This book was different in that it was short stories of Kinsey. I really enjoyed reading the mini murder mysteries. Sue Grafton has a great way of capturing the reader and leaves you wanting more.

The short stories are good, but the second part if the book is a depressing story of (possibly or based on) the authors life growing up and as an adult. Not the fun mysteries of Kinsey Milhone. Don't recommend it.

5 stars to the Kinsey short story section. I really enjoyed the short stories... just long enough to read while my husband drove somewhere while I read. The little stories are just delightful! I'm finding the the "Me" section rather dark and depressing since I just lost my own mother. I still love Sue Grafton and have read all the Kinsey series.

I really enjoy Sue Grafton's alphabet of mysteries and admire her writing style very much. Even the most gifted writers, though, may find the short story a tough genre to tackle, given its peculiar demands of brevity and fullness at the same time. What a great pleasure to find that Sue Grafton has met the challenge so wonderfully well.

80% of the book was great. Unfortunately near the end, Ms. Grafton starts telling the EXACT SAME STORY over and over only slightly changing names. I imagine it was her way of processing her past, but man was it dull, repetitive and depressing. I almost stopped reading it several times. I think I like it better NOT knowing as much about Mrs. Grafton.

After reading this, I went to read 'W is for Wasted" and I have to say I think this book influenced me. I was NOT as excited as I usually am and actually put the book down for a few months and then came back to it. By the end of the book I was back into it though.

I really enjoyed the way the book was formatted in short stories. It's not always possible to take time to read, and then you may forget the plot. With these, you can read as many or few stories as you want.

The Kinsey short stories were fair, although not up to the novels. The endings were far too abrupt for my taste. The "and Me" were the sort of stories one has to write for completion of one's personal ordeals, but are probably better off unpublished.

Pure written perfection. I've always been a fan of the Kinsey Millhone series; but, had never read anything else by Sue Grafton. This book is split in two: the first half is short Kinsey stories and the second half is short (true?) narratives by Grafton. First half - great stories that only made me more impatient for the next book in the series. Second half - an example of pure and real writing. The imagery evoked in the narratives told from the little girl, teenager, and adult perspectives was as raw and honest as it gets. I highly recommend this for anyone new to the series - as it is a great introduction to the Kinsey Millhone character. Regular regulars will only appreciate the bonus - and gift - that is this book.

Sue Grafton is possibly one of the all time great mystery writers. This book provided some insight into her background as a person and an author. I look forward to her next offering - never soon enough for me & my daughter, another mystery buff & English Lit. major.

The short stories at the beginning are terrific. However, at the end the semi-biographic details of life with an alcoholic mother was very depressing and disjointed. If you only read the short stories you will be happy.

The first part was total fun. After finishing, just as with the full length books, I wanted more. Kinsey is someone you wish was real so you could become friends. The second part was so moving. Growing up also with two alcoholic parents I so understood what was being said. The situations were somewhat different, but the emotions were the same and real. Maybe I should wish to be friends with Sue Grafton :-)!

I was kind of disappointed in this book. I thought there was going to be more about the character Kinsey and less about Grafton. I am very sorry graton had a tough life but I wanted to read more about how she cam up with her character Kinsey.

Although the stories of Sue's childhood were fascinating in the way you find not being able to look away from a car crash, they are so awfully sad. There didn't seem to be any periods of happiness or joy in her life. She carried the weight of her mother's alcoholism on her shoulders night and day. I'm glad that Sue Grafton has apparently finally found a creative outlet that brings some satisfaction into her adult life.

A combination of short stories. There were two or three of these that were really good... but there were several that were really boring. When I compare these stories it's hard to believe they were written by the same author.

Each story was mesmerizing. They pulled me along as if I were tethered to a moving train and had no choice but to follow along quickly. The Kit Blue stories painted a palpable picture of growing up with Vanessa, although the specifics were few. Amazing writing.

I have loved of Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone stories and look forward to future stories. I was overwhelmed by Sue's personal story in the "and Me" section of this book. My heart broke at the same time it was encouraged by the roads she took to overcome. Obviously struggle can lead to success. Thank you Ms Grafton, for sharing your life.

I love the "alphabet" books. This books provides a bit of background on how Kinsey came to be as well as several short stories. I enjoyed the book but it certainly doesn't compare to reading one of the full length mysteries.

I read the entire Alphabet Series last year and am completely hooked. These short stories are like layers of frosting between the cake. I rotate my books to community libraries but this one will remain on my shelf forever.

This is a very interesting concept. The author telling you about her life,her upbringing while also telling how she developed her main character.
I have never read a boring Kinsey Malone mystery or even one that was slow moving. Sue Grafton has done it again with this one. I don't normally enjoy short stories but enjoyed every one of these.

Amazingly entertaining short mysteries with clever twists are delectable. Sue creates such complex characters and meshes their foibles and deceits into a amusing adventure. The best writer on my list.

Sue Grafton has a wonderful writing style---open and honest and cathartic as she writes with bittersweet memories of her mom and her less than idyllic childhood. She seems to come to terms with the disappointments and disillusionment of her family environment and you can empathize and cheer her on as you sense she has made it through this difficult dark period.

I enjoy reading about Kinsey and this time proved no exception. The "me" stories are equally compelling as they are deeply personal. I am sorry that Sue Grafton had to undergo similar experiences and I hope writing about them was healing for her. Every child of an alcoholic can relate more than is comfortable to these stories.

The stories had no depth. The mysteries themselves were lame. I've only read a couple of stories. They were so poorly written, I probably won't bother to read any more. I'm sorry I wasted my money on this one.

This was a wonderful treat! I loved the mini Kinsey stories. I was not expecting to be so moved by the other stories--they were unsettling at times, but contained an uderlying optimisim that I found exceptional.

Kinsey and Me. I am so disapointed in Sue Graftgon's new book. The first section is OK because she explains how to write a mystery book. Great hints and such. Yes, her dad was also a mystery writer, but that is where this book ends. A series of short stories, no. Later on she explains how her father and mother were alcoholics. OK, many of us grew up with one or both parents were alcoholics. Most of us came through this horrid life style in good shape as did Sue Grafton. I am very pleased that she did. However, I was looking forward to her new novel, "W is for whatever!" I have read and really enjoyed every book she has writen until now. I gave it three stars with some reluctance. Near the end she writes, "The Closet and A Portable Life." So, so! I await her "W is for......!"
DP

but I love the short story concept. Sue Grafton really shows her writing chops in this novel, but did we ever really doubt. If you are a Kinsey/Sue fan, this is a must have! Can't wait for W is for Wisdom.

I liked first half of book better than the depressing second half. We all have life issues we could write about.
I undertand why Sue Grafton wrote about her early life, but most people think privately dealing with their past is best.