“J” is for Judgment

“J” is for Judgment by Sue Grafton, published by Macmillan in 1993, is a mystery novel featuring the private investigator Kinsey Millhone. In this first edition, spanning 288 pages, Millhone is tasked with tracking down Wendell Jaffe, a man presumed dead for five years, after his former insurance agent spots him in a bar. The plot thickens as Jaffe’s widow recently collected on his life insurance policy, raising questions about his past and the circumstances surrounding his supposed death.

Readers will find Kinsey delving into a complex web of deceit and family dynamics as she investigates Jaffe’s life and the implications of his return. The narrative intertwines elements of mystery and detective work, showcasing the challenges faced by women sleuths in the genre. As Kinsey navigates through the layers of this case, she also confronts her own history, revealing that sometimes, in both crime and personal matters, it is wise to reserve judgment.