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Description edit
Thirty-four years ago, Violet Sullivan put on her party finery and left for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display. She was never seen again. In the small California town of Serena Station, tongues wagged. Some said she'd run off with a lover. Some said she was murdered by her... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Summary edit
Volet is a beautiful, but poor woman. Married to a poor abusive man. She has many dreams, uses her beauty to get them. She disappears. 34 yrs later her daughter hires Kinsey to find her. During the search Kinsey uncovers many facts everyone in town want kept secret.
Characters/People edit
- Violet Sullivan: As a 24 yr old she was quite promiscuous in a small town. She had a husband Foley who belted her round. Had a daughter Daisy. She disappeared on 4 July 1953.
- Daisy Sullivan: Was only 8 when her mother disappeared. Now wants to find out what happened to her Mum.
- Liza Mellincamp (later Clements): 14 yr old (in 1953) with boyfriend Ty (17 yrs old). Adored Violet.
- Kathy Kramer: Another 14 yr old who was mates with Liza but came from a very well-respected family.
- Tannie Ottweiler: Was a girlfriend of Daisy's. Her family features prominently.
- Chet Kramer: Owns the Chev dealership. A 1953 Chev Bel Air is a focal point in the whole story. Father to Kathy. 1st wife Livia 2nd wife Caroleena.
- Foley Sullivan: Violet's husband. Did he do it? He was a wife beater! Not a great father to Daisy.
- Tom Padgett: Owns a heavy equipment business. Wife Cora.
- Winston: Young car salesman. Involved when Violet wants to have a drive of the Chev Bel Air. Later marries the boss' daughter, Kathy.
- Calvin Wilcox: Violet's older brother.
- Kinsey Millhone: Protagonist, a private investigator and former cop
- Jake Ottweiler: Add a description of this character.
- Mary Hairl
- Cora
- Livia Cramer
- Steve Ottweiler
- Chet Cramer
- Tanner
- Cromwell
- Nichols
- Kathy Cramer
- Tim Schaefer
- Galsworthy
- Mrs. Wyrick
- Rosie: Owner of Rosie's Tavern, a local joint that Kinsey frequents.Quirky! Hungarian, speaks with an accent
- Miss Carrico
- Kyle
- Eddings
- Henry Pitts: Kinsey's landlord and good friend
Setting & Locations edit
- Santa Maria
- Blue Moon
- Santa Teresa: California town where Kinsey lives and works
- New Cut Road
- Silas
- California
- Bakersfield
First Sentence edit
When Liza Mellincamp thinks about the last time she ever saw Violet Sullivan, what comes most vividly to mind is the color of Violet's Japanese silk kimono, a shade of blue that Liza later learned was called "cerulean," a word that wasn't even in her vocabulary when she was fourteen years old.
Series & Lists edit
This is book 19 of 22 in Kinsey Millhone. (standard series)
Preceded by "R" Is for Richochet, and followed by "T" is for Trespass.
Authors & Contributors edit
- Sue Grafton (Author)
First Edition edit
Original Language: English
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons; NY
Country: USA
Publication Date: 2005
ISBN: 0399152970
Page Count: 374
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons; NY
Country: USA
Publication Date: 2005
ISBN: 0399152970
Page Count: 374
Classification edit
- Library of Congress: PS3557.R13 S15 2005
- Dewey: 813.54
Subjects edit
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