April 30, 1982. Kinsey Milhone files her first report.

April 30, 1982.  A is for Alibi was published today.  It was not Sue Grafton's first book, but it is the one that made her career.  Kinsey Milhone was one of the first female private eyes to make an impression. 

One of the unique things about the series is that they have stayed in the 1980s, progressing a few months in each book.  By the time Z is for Zero arrives Kinsey may have a cell phone.  It is rare for a series to turn into historical fiction.

MWA named her a Grand Master in 2009.  I won't list all the other awards.  I will say Grafton is one of my favorite writers of P.I. short stories.