Sue Grafton: Chautauqua Perfomance by Jacqueline Hamilton

Mystery writing was in Sue Taylor Grafton's blood. Born in Louisville, she grew up in a household of voracious readers. After receiving a degree in English from the University of Louisville, Grafton moved to California where she worked odd jobs, published several mainstream novels, and worked as a Hollywood screenwriter. Grafton's first mystery novel, A is for Alibi, was released in 1982, setting the stage for her best-selling alphabet murder mystery novels. Grafton's central character, Kinsey Millhone, worked for just causes, was one of the first female hard-hitting detectives, and paved a new road for both female mystery writers and their heroines. The novels explored various social issues: family, domestic violence, child abuse, discrimination, homelessness, and the justice system. Grafton wrote 25 best-selling alphabet novels before she died.