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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A is for Alibi summary
Sue Grafton
Brief summary
A is for Alibi is a thrilling detective novel by Sue Grafton. Private investigator Kinsey Millhone is hired to uncover the truth behind a murder case, unravelling dark secrets and facing unexpected twists along the way.
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A is for Alibi
Summary of key ideas
Untangling a Criminal Web
We first meet Kinsey Millhone, a witty and dedicated private detective, in A is for Alibi. Sue Grafton plunges us into the complex case of Nikki Fife, a woman who spent eight years in jail accused of murdering her husband, Laurence, a prominent divorce attorney. Nikki professes her innocence and hires Kinsey to reinvestigate the case and identify the real murderer.
Kinsey subsequesntly delves into the murky past of the case, by interviewing Laurence's former clients, colleagues, and other significant people who were a part of his life. The evidence brought to light shows that Laurence was a serial womanizer with many enemies, making the pool of potential suspects vast and varied.
Connect the Dots
As Kinsey delves deeper into the case, the plot thickens. She stumbles upon the death of a woman named Libby Glass, apparently from oleander poisoning—the same way Laurence Fife had died. The circumstances arouse Kinsey's suspicion, and she senses a possible link between the two murders.
Upon Kinsey's relentless pursuit, several concealed facts begin to surface. She learns that Libby had been working as a secretary for Laurence, implying a probable romance between them, consequently connecting the murders. Even more shocking are the unethical business practices and illegal activities Laurence engaged in, making the case even more enthralling.
A Deadly Confrontation
Kinsey's exhausting investigation eventually leads her to the likely primary suspect—Sharon, Laurence's law firm partner. However, proving her guilt proves an uphill task as every piece of evidence Kinsey lays her hands on seems to disappear mysteriously, and witnesses are too scared to speak.
The climax arrives as Sharon lures Kinsey into her trap by getting her alone in a mountain cabin, intending to add Kinsey to her list of victims. However, Kinsey proves her mettle in a heartbeat-stopping face-off that ends with the police arriving just in time to save her and arrest Sharon.
Justice is Served
In the epilogue of A is for Alibi, Kinsey narrates the aftermath. Nikki Fife is finally vindicated of all charges and can live her life freely again. Sharon, rightfully, is sentenced to prison for her series of crimes. The novel closes with Kinsey nursing her wounds and pondering over her brushes with death, tying up loose ends.
This thrilling crime novel brings us face to face with the fragility of truth, manipulation, and the dangerous lengths people will go to safeguard their secrets. Sue Grafton wraps up the tale with a satisfying sense of justice, leaving us to look forward to more of Kinsey's adventures.
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What is A is for Alibi about?
A is for Alibi (1982) is a gripping detective novel that follows Kinsey Millhone, a private investigator, as she takes on a case that seems closed. Her investigation becomes increasingly dangerous as she uncovers secrets and unravels a complex web of deceit. With Sue Grafton's skillful storytelling, this book will keep you hooked until the very end.
Who should read A is for Alibi?
- Readers who enjoy mystery novels and detective stories
- People looking for a captivating and fast-paced read
- Those who appreciate strong and complex female protagonists
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