One-line Summary:

Private investigator Kinsey Millhone is hired to track down a man who skipped out on his bail, but soon finds herself entangled in a web of deception, murder, and family secrets in “D is for Deadbeat.”

The Case of the Missing Deadbeat

In “D is for Deadbeat,” the fourth installment of Sue Grafton’s popular Kinsey Millhone series, our intrepid private investigator finds herself embroiled in a case that takes her on a twisted journey through the underbelly of Santa Teresa, California. Kinsey is hired by a bondsman named Bobby Callahan to track down a man named David Barney, who skipped out on his bail after being charged with a hit-and-run accident. As Kinsey delves deeper into the case, she soon realizes that there is more to Barney’s disappearance than meets the eye.

A Web of Deception and Murder

As Kinsey follows the trail of clues, she uncovers a web of deception and murder that stretches back years. She discovers that David Barney was involved in a fatal car accident that killed a young woman named Jean Timberlake. The accident was ruled as a hit-and-run, but Kinsey suspects foul play. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a tangled web of secrets involving Jean’s family, including her wealthy father, Dwight, and her troubled brother, Guy.

Kinsey’s investigation takes her to various locations in Santa Teresa, including a seedy motel where Jean was last seen alive and a local bar where she had been a regular. Along the way, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, including a shady lawyer, a nosy reporter, and a retired police officer with a grudge against Barney. As the pieces of the puzzle start to come together, Kinsey realizes that she is not only searching for a missing deadbeat but also trying to uncover the truth behind a tragic accident and a possible murder.

Family Secrets and Betrayal

As Kinsey delves deeper into the case, she uncovers long-held family secrets and betrayal. She discovers that Jean Timberlake had been involved in an illicit affair with a married man, which may have played a role in her untimely demise. Kinsey also uncovers a connection between Jean’s family and the powerful local politician, Morley Shine, who may have been involved in a cover-up.

As the tension rises and the danger escalates, Kinsey finds herself in a race against time to uncover the truth and bring the guilty parties to justice. Along the way, she must confront her own fears and vulnerabilities, as well as navigate the complex dynamics of the Timberlake family.

Key Takeaways:

• Appearances can be deceiving, and the truth is often hidden beneath layers of lies and secrets.
• Family dynamics and personal relationships play a significant role in shaping the actions and motivations of individuals.
• Justice may not always be served through conventional means, and sometimes it takes a determined and resourceful individual like Kinsey Millhone to uncover the truth.

“The truth is a slippery thing. I keep wanting to pin it down and show it to you. I keep thinking if I can just put it into words, explain it, then you’ll understand. But some things don’t lend themselves to explanation.” – Sue Grafton, D is for Deadbeat

In “D is for Deadbeat,” Sue Grafton weaves a gripping tale of deception, murder, and family secrets that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Through Kinsey Millhone’s relentless pursuit of the truth, Grafton explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. With its engaging plot and well-drawn characters, “D is for Deadbeat” is a must-read for fans of mystery and detective fiction.