For the record, the name is Kinsey Millhone. Private investigator. One hundred and eighteen pounds of female in a five-foot six-inch frame. Just turned thirty-three (after what seemed like an interminable twelve months of being thirty-two) . . .

Three things happened on May 5, the day everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Kinsey Millhone.

The repairs were completed on her apartment, and she moved back in. She was hired by Mrs Clyde Gersh to bring her mother back from the Mojave Desert.

And lastly, a real surprise. The news that she’d made one of the top slots on Tyrone Patty’s hit list . . .

‘Sue Grafton is on top form’ Today

‘Shivery, skilful and fast-paced’ Sunday Times