SOURCE: Grafton, Sue, and Stephanie Stassel. “Sue Grafton's Best-Selling Mysteries—Each Titled with a Different Letter—Feature Her Smart-Alecky But Down-to-Earth Alter Ego, Kinsey Millhone.” Los Angeles Times (3 April 2000): E1.

In the following interview, Grafton discusses the success of and inspiration behind her Kinsey Millhone series of mysteries.

Fifteen down and 11 books to go. For Sue Grafton, it's a good thing there are only 26 letters in the alphabet.

Since “A” Is for Alibi was published in 1982, Grafton has been working her way to Z, chronicling the adventures of Kinsey Millhone, a tough, unpretentious private detective who pays her disability insurance even before her rent.

“When I sit there and think about the entire rest of the alphabet, I about have apoplexy,” said Grafton, who later this month will turn 60, which will put her at about 75 by the time she's done with the series. “I lower my focus and...