# Sue Grafton

> American writer (1940-2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q234865](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234865)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sue_Grafton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sue-grafton

## Summary
Sue Grafton (1940–2017) was an American writer best known for creating the Kinsey Millhone mystery series, a groundbreaking series of detective novels featuring a female protagonist in a male-dominated genre. Her work redefined crime fiction by blending hard-boiled detective tropes with feminist themes, earning her widespread acclaim and numerous awards.

## Biography
- Born: 1940-04-24
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University
- Known for: Author of the Kinsey Millhone mystery series, pioneering female-led detective fiction
- Employer(s): University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University
- Field(s): Crime literature, detective fiction, novelist

## Contributions
Sue Grafton authored 22 novels in the Kinsey Millhone series, including:
- *A Is for Alibi* (1982), the first book in the series, which introduced Kinsey Millhone, a private investigator in Santa Barbara.
- *C Is for Corpse* (1986), which expanded the series' popularity and established Kinsey as a central character.
- *D Is for Deadbeat* (1987), which won the Shamus Award for Best Novel.
- *E Is for Evidence* (1988), which received the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *F Is for Fugitive* (1989), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *G Is for Gumshoe* (1990), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *H Is for Homicide* (1991), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *I Is for Innocent* (1992), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *J Is for Judgment* (1993), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *K Is for Killer* (1994), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *L Is for Lawless* (1995), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *M Is for Malice* (1996), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *N Is for Noose* (1997), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *O Is for Outlaw* (1998), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *P Is for Peril* (1999), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *Q Is for Quarry* (2000), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *R Is for Ricochet* (2001), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *S Is for Silence* (2002), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *T Is for Trespass* (2003), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *U Is for Undertow* (2004), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *V Is for Vengeance* (2005), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *W Is for Wasted* (2006), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *X Is for Murder* (2007), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *Y Is for Yesterday* (2008), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *Z Is for Zero Tolerance* (2009), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.

## FAQs
**What is Sue Grafton known for?**
Sue Grafton is known for creating the Kinsey Millhone mystery series, a groundbreaking series of detective novels featuring a female protagonist in a male-dominated genre. Her work redefined crime fiction by blending hard-boiled detective tropes with feminist themes.

**Where did Sue Grafton work?**
Sue Grafton worked at the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University, where she taught English and creative writing.

**What awards did Sue Grafton receive?**
Sue Grafton received numerous awards, including the Cartier Diamond Dagger, the Anthony Award, the Shamus Award, and the Macavity Awards. She won the Anthony Award for Best Novel multiple times and was recognized for her contributions to crime literature.

**What is the Kinsey Millhone series?**
The Kinsey Millhone series is a collection of detective novels featuring Kinsey Millhone, a private investigator in Santa Barbara. The series is known for its blend of hard-boiled detective tropes with feminist themes and has been widely acclaimed for its unique perspective on crime fiction.

## Why They Matter
Sue Grafton revolutionized crime fiction by creating a series of detective novels featuring a female protagonist in a male-dominated genre. Her work redefined the genre by blending hard-boiled detective tropes with feminist themes, earning her widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Grafton's influence extended beyond her writing, as she inspired a new generation of female-led detective fiction and challenged traditional gender roles in crime literature. Her legacy continues to shape the modern mystery genre, making her a pivotal figure in the evolution of detective fiction.

## Notable For
- Author of the Kinsey Millhone mystery series, a groundbreaking series of detective novels featuring a female protagonist.
- Pioneer of female-led detective fiction, redefining the genre by blending hard-boiled detective tropes with feminist themes.
- Recipient of numerous awards, including the Cartier Diamond Dagger, the Anthony Award, the Shamus Award, and the Macavity Awards.
- Influenced a new generation of female-led detective fiction and challenged traditional gender roles in crime literature.
- Known for her unique perspective on crime fiction, which has shaped the modern mystery genre.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Sue Grafton was born on April 24, 1940. She attended the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University, where she studied English and creative writing. Her education laid the foundation for her future career as a writer and her contributions to crime literature.

### Career and Writing
Sue Grafton began her career as a teacher, working at the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University. She later transitioned into writing, focusing on crime fiction and detective novels. Her breakthrough came with the publication of *A Is for Alibi* in 1982, the first book in the Kinsey Millhone series. The series quickly gained popularity and established Kinsey Millhone as a central character in crime fiction.

### The Kinsey Millhone Series
The Kinsey Millhone series consists of 22 novels, each featuring Kinsey Millhone, a private investigator in Santa Barbara. The series is known for its blend of hard-boiled detective tropes with feminist themes, redefining the genre and earning widespread acclaim. Notable books in the series include:
- *A Is for Alibi* (1982), which introduced Kinsey Millhone and established the series' unique perspective.
- *C Is for Corpse* (1986), which expanded the series' popularity and solidified Kinsey's role as a central character.
- *D Is for Deadbeat* (1987), which won the Shamus Award for Best Novel.
- *E Is for Evidence* (1988), which received the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *F Is for Fugitive* (1989), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *G Is for Gumshoe* (1990), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *H Is for Homicide* (1991), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *I Is for Innocent* (1992), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *J Is for Judgment* (1993), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *K Is for Killer* (1994), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *L Is for Lawless* (1995), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *M Is for Malice* (1996), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *N Is for Noose* (1997), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *O Is for Outlaw* (1998), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *P Is for Peril* (1999), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *Q Is for Quarry* (2000), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *R Is for Ricochet* (2001), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *S Is for Silence* (2002), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *T Is for Trespass* (2003), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *U Is for Undertow* (2004), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *V Is for Vengeance* (2005), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *W Is for Wasted* (2006), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *X Is for Murder* (2007), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *Y Is for Yesterday* (2008), which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
- *Z Is for Zero Tolerance* (2009), which was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel.

### Awards and Recognition
Sue Grafton received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to crime literature, including:
- Cartier Diamond Dagger (1986), awarded for an outstanding lifetime's contribution to the crime novel genre.
- Anthony Award (1986–2009), won multiple times for Best Novel.
- Shamus Award (1982–2009), won for Best Novel.
- Macavity Awards (1987–2009), recognized for her contributions to mystery literature.

### Influence and Legacy
Sue Grafton's influence extended beyond her writing, as she inspired a new generation of female-led detective fiction and challenged traditional gender roles in crime literature. Her legacy continues to shape the modern mystery genre, making her a pivotal figure in the evolution of detective fiction. Grafton's work redefined the genre by blending hard-boiled detective tropes with feminist themes, earning her widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Her contributions to crime literature have left a lasting impact on the genre and continue to influence writers and readers today.

## References

1. [Source](http://articles.latimes.com/1990-02-18/magazine/tm-1682_1_kinsey-millhone)
2. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
3. BnF authorities
4. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/04/garden/at-home-with-sue-grafton-a-is-for-alter-ego.html)
5. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/books/review/Crime-t.html)
6. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/04/books/review/notable-crime-books-of-2011.html)
7. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
8. Geni.com
9. [Source](http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0931883.html)
10. [Source](http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/reviews/story/2011-11-17/mystery-roundup/51243192/1)
11. Czech National Authority Database
12. [Source](http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2009-12-01-grafton01_ST_N.htm)
13. [Source](http://www.infoplease.com/biography/g-bios.html)
14. [Source](http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2012/04/24/The-almanac/UPI-34311335252600/)
15. The Fine Art Archive
16. American Women Writers
17. [Source](http://articles.mcall.com/1995-10-07/entertainment/3069858_1_kinsey-millhone-grafton-novels)
18. [Amazon.com](http://www.amazon.it/Is-For-Silence-Sue-Grafton/dp/0739323091)
19. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/org/621/000050471/)
20. NNDB
21. [Source](https://edgarawards.com/category-list-the-grand-master/)
22. [Source](http://www.bouchercon.com/anthony-awards/winners-and-nominees/1980s/)
23. [Source](https://www.bouchercon.com/anthonys-1986-1989)
24. [Source](http://www.bouchercon.com/anthony-awards/winners-and-nominees/)
25. [Source](http://www.privateeyewriters.com/shamus_winners.html)
26. CiNii Research
27. [Source](https://opac.sbn.it/risultati-ricerca-avanzata?item:5032:BID=CFIV107204)
28. IMDb
29. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/lists/499/000063310/)
30. SNAC
31. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
32. Find a Grave
33. Discogs
34. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
35. [Louisville mystery writer Sue Grafton dies of cancer at age 77](http://www.wdrb.com/story/37160155/louisville-mystery-writer-sue-grafton-has-died-family-friend-says)
36. [L’auteure de « L’Abécédaire du crime », Sue Grafton, est morteEn savoir plus sur http://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2017/12/29/l-auteure-de-l-abecedaire-du-crime-sue-grafton-est-morte_5235884_3382.html#D2aWTtbLVC0iOJqI.99](https://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2017/12/29/l-auteure-de-l-abecedaire-du-crime-sue-grafton-est-morte_5235884_3382.html)
37. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
38. [Source](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL15973237W/A_Is_for_Alibi)
39. [Source](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL14852149W/B_Is_for_Burglar)
40. Virtual International Authority File
41. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
42. CONOR.SI
43. Autoritats UB
44. Goodreads
45. LIBRIS