4/30/1982 A is for Alibi

April 30, 1982. This date saw the publication of  A is for Alibi, by Sue GraftonIn it she invented 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.

10/11/1986 Grafton nabs the first Anthony Award

October 11, 1986.  The Anthony Awards are voted on by the attendees at each year's Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention.  In effect they are modeled on the Hugo Awards, since science fiction fandom got organized a long time before our field di. 

The first Anthonys (Anthonies?)  were distributed on this date at the Bcon in Baltimore, Maryland.  Sue Grafton took home the Best Mystery Novel for B Is For Burglar, the second Kinsey Milhone book.  It also scored the Shamus Award for Best Private Eye Novel.

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.