"R" Is for Ricochet

Private investigator Kinsey Millhone accepts an assignment to escort Reba Lafferty from prison and help her transition back to civilian life. The case appears simple at first, but Reba's past connection to her former employer Alan Beckwith complicates matters. Law enforcement agencies are building a case against Beckwith for money laundering and seek Reba's cooperation as an inside witness. Kinsey finds herself caught between her professional obligations and her growing personal investment in Reba's well-being, while simultaneously developing feelings for Lieutenant Cheney Phillips. A parallel storyline follows Kinsey's elderly landlord Henry as he explores a potential romance, adding depth to the novel's exploration of relationships and trust. The novel examines themes of loyalty, redemption, and the complex motivations that drive people to protect those who have betrayed them. Through its interweaving narratives, the story raises questions about justice and the price of second chances.

Readers call this one of the slower entries in the Kinsey Millhone series, with less mystery and more focus on relationships and character development. What readers liked: - Strong character development between Kinsey and Dolan - Complex portrayal of ex-con Reba Lafferty - Exploration of white collar crime instead of typical murder mysteries - Natural dialogue and humor What readers disliked: - Lack of traditional detective work and investigation - Too much time spent on romance subplots - Predictable story progression - Less action than previous books Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (47,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,400+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.2/5 (200+ ratings) Several readers noted this book feels more like a character study than a mystery novel. As one Amazon reviewer stated: "The crime takes a backseat to the relationships in this one. Whether that works for you depends on why you read the series."

The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson A Wyoming sheriff investigates a murder while dealing with complex relationships and a small town's dark secrets, blending personal and professional challenges in a way that mirrors Kinsey's dual responsibilities.

Through the Evil Days by Julia Spencer-Fleming A female police chief and an Episcopal priest work together on a case involving a young girl, creating the same tension between duty and personal involvement found in Grafton's work.

Darkness, Take My Hand by Dennis Lehane Private investigator Patrick Kenzie navigates relationships with law enforcement and clients while protecting a witness, echoing the professional and emotional conflicts in Kinsey's cases.

Shell Game by Sara Paretsky V.I. Warshawski takes on a case involving financial crimes and personal loyalty that parallels the themes of money laundering and conflicted allegiances in Grafton's novel.

Open Season by C.J. Box A game warden's investigation becomes entangled with personal relationships and moral choices, creating the same balance of professional duty and emotional investment that characterizes Kinsey's work.

🔍 "R Is for Ricochet" is the 18th book in Grafton's alphabet mystery series, published in 2004. 📚 Sue Grafton wrote 25 novels in her "alphabet series," ending with "Y is for Yesterday" - she passed away before writing "Z." 🏢 The fictional Santa Teresa, California, where the series is set, is based on Santa Barbara, where Grafton lived for many years. 💰 The book breaks from Grafton's usual murder-mystery format by focusing on white-collar crimes like embezzlement and money laundering. 👥 The character of Kinsey Millhone was partially inspired by Grafton's own experiences working in the insurance industry and her interest in private investigation work.