I'm not sure how old I was when I started reading Sue Grafton novels. I'm guessing I was younger than Kinsey Millhone, the private investigator in all of the lettered mystery novels. A is for Alibi was written in 1982, making me about 23. I can't say I've read every single book written by Ms. Grafton, but I can say I've read a good many of them. Her latest book is Y is for Yesterday.
In a post on Ms. Graton's Facebook page, her daughter has this to say:
"Hello Dear Readers. This is Sue's daughter, Jamie. I am sorry to tell you all that Sue passed away last night after a two year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family, including her devoted and adoring husband Steve. Although we knew this was coming, it was unexpected and fast. She had been fine up until just a few days ago, and then things moved quickly. Sue always said that she would continue writing as long as she had the juice. Many of you also know that she was adamant that her books would never be turned into movies or TV shows, and in that same vein, she would never allow a ghostwriter to write in her name. Because of all of those things, and out of the deep abiding love and respect for our dear sweet Sue, as far as we in the family are concerned, the alphabet now ends at Y."
And so ends a part of a lot of our lives, those of us who like to get lost in a book, particularly, a mystery. If you're like me, you'll wonder what happens to Kinsey's landlord and neighbor and the rest of the gang at the bar. For me, I'll let Kinsey stay forever how old she seemed to be in her novels and remember fondly the many days and nights she kept me company.
Rest in peace Sue Grafton. Peace to her family, friends and loved ones. She will be missed.
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