Sue Grafton was a beloved figure in the literary crime world known for her iconic alphabet mystery series featuring the tenacious private investigator Kinsey Millhone.
This collector’s guide to Grafton’s works is a guest article, primarily compiled by collector Chuck Vukotich.
Early Years
Born April 24, 1940 in Louisville, Kentucky, Sue Grafton developed a passion for writing at a young age, inspired by her father’s work as a detective novelist (CW Grafton). She started writing novels when she was 18, writing 7 by the time she was thirty, only two of which were published: Keziah Dane (1967) and The Lolly-Madonna War (1969). Despite facing multiple rejections for her other manuscripts, Grafton persisted in her craft, gaining experience by writing television scripts for 15 years before returning to her novel writing.
Alphabet Series Breakthrough
In 1982, Grafton achieved critical acclaim with the publication of A is for Alibi, the first book in her alphabet mystery series. (Grafton has said the inspiration for A is for Alibi was based on her own homicidal urges during a bitter divorce from her husband at the time.) Introducing the tenacious Kinsey Millhone and set in the fictional town of Santa Theresa, California, the novel captured readers’ attention although the first print run was only 7,500 copies. Each subsequent book in the series (which spans from B is for Burglar to Y is for Yesterday) continued to engage new audiences and by the time G is for Gumshoe was published, Grafton was so popular that initial print runs were at hundreds of thousands per book.
There are many interviews with Sue, as she frequently appeared on TV and radio over the years, and was always interesting, intelligent, and charming. In a 2007 interview with Powell’s Books, Grafton said she taught herself to write her first mystery by reading how-to books and teaching herself “anything that seemed relevant” to Kinsey’s job – from California criminal law to private eye and police procedures – a five-year process. This interview with Terry Gross on NPR discusses her significant contribution to transforming the mystery genre.
Grafton described hitting upon the idea of using alphabet titles for her novels as a whim after reading Edward Gorey’s delightfully dark (and hilarious) alphabet picture book, The Gashlycrumb Tinies, in which children die in grisly ways (“A is for Amy who fell down the stairs,” “B is for Basil assaulted by bears,” etc).
Unfinished Legacy?
Sue Grafton’s life sadly came to an end on December 28, 2017, at the age of 77, after a two-year battle with cancer. With her passing, the final book in the alphabet series, Z is for Zero, remains unfinished.
While Grafton was alive, she was resolute that her alphabet book series would never receive a screen adaptation, even going so far as to state she had asked her children to take a “blood oath” never to sell Kinsey to Hollywood. However, in 2021, A+E Studios announced they had acquired rights to the Kinsey Millhone series, with Grafton’s husband signing on as Executive Producer.
More information
- Sue Grafton’s website contains plot information for her books, journal notes for a few of the Kinsey Millhone mysteries, and various press interviews.
- G is for Grafton: The World of Kinsey Millhone by Natalie Hevener Kaufman and Carol McGinnis Kay provides “a fully dimensional biography of Kinsey Millhone that will answer every question readers have ever had” (current up to O is for Outlaw), and includes a chapter by Sue on Kinsey and a literary analysis of her writing style.
Building a Grafton Collection by Chuck Vukotich
Rule 1 of collecting is to collect what you like. Rule 2 is everyone is free to collect what they like without judgement. I am a very classic, “first edition only” collector. The ultimate expression of this is those who insist on perfect condition. I am not one of these, but finding Grafton in really good condition is not hard.
If you are even a semi-serious Grafton collector, you will collect first editions, at least for the most common books. You will also acquire books in dust wrappers. Older editions of someone like Agatha Christie can be collected without dust wrapper. Sue Grafton is not one of these authors.
This list is meant to be comprehensive so you can pick and choose what interests you. You can find Grafton books in your local book store. Some can be found at Half-Price Books, even if you are looking for first editions. Many of my books came from ABE and EBay. Simple internet searches will provide links to dealers.
Books from Sue’s collection
Books exist from Sue Grafton’s library and from her collection. These are worth a premium. When Sue died, her husband (Steven Humphrey) sold many of her books. The main conduit for these is Allen Hyam. He resold books to Tim Norlen, who is a bookseller. These gentlemen can be contacted at [email protected] and [email protected], respectively.
A few books have been seen with an ownership blind stamp (”Library of Sue Grafton”). There are a number of books identified as being from the personal library of author Sue Grafton. These will have a copy of provenance certificate signed by Steven Humphrey, Grafton’s husband. It’s hard to know which books were Sue Grafton’s books, or mere copies which had been sent by the publisher to her and were in here possession. Having spoken and done business with Mr. Humphrey, Mr. Hyam and Mr. Norlen, I have no doubts as to the authenticity of the books which can be traced to them. These all were clearly owned by Ms. Grafton. Copies without provenance may be questionable.
US vs UK editions
Most of Grafton’s work was first released in the US, and she is an American author. For this reason, UK editions are not included in this guide, with limited exceptions. Indeed, most Grafton collectors are not interested in the UK editions. However, the Lolly-Madonna war exists only in a UK edition. This book was given over to UK publisher Peter Owen, after Grafton used his leverage to find a major American publisher (MacMillan) for her first book. The only other Grafton for which the UK edition is preferred is O is for Outlaw. Macmillan (London) printed a limited edition prior to US publication. No explanation has been found for this, but it may well have been a favor for Macmillan or someone who worked there. This did not interfere in the least with her US publisher.
Signed editions
Sue Grafton ‘Kinsey Millhone’ Bookplate
Sue Grafton signed a lot of books: some dealers got signed books on advance order from the publisher; Sue had friends who regularly received an autographed copy; she did a lot of book tours and signings. Sue used a calligraphy pen to sign books. This creates lines of varying thickness, with sharp edges. There are a few, mostly early books that are signed with another kind of pen (i.e. ballpoint), but these signatures are rare.
Signed books by authors all have some value over unsigned counterparts. Agatha Christie did not sign a lot so that her signature adds $1000 to the price of even an ordinary book, and it can add much more. The premium for a Sue Grafton signed books is generally not large, but there are some exceptions.
- Some books have bookplates signed, and laid or pasted in. These are, in general, the least valuable signatures. A Kinsey Millhone Bookplate signed “Sue Grafton” appeared some time during the later Alphabet Series books, although it is not certain when. These are certainly associated with X and Y. These are ephemera in their own right, with some small value.
- Flat signed copies, signed on the actual book, are more desirable. Both command a small premium and are generally available. Inscribed copies are somewhat scarcer, and have some additional value. Association copies are inscribed to someone famous, or who is part of the authors circle, such as her agent. They are scarcest and have greater value. It is sometimes hard to know the difference between an inscription and an association copy. The name may not be recognizable. I have a copy of B is for Burglar, New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1985, inscribed on title page “For Mary, with every good wish for a talented writer at the beginning of a new career.” The printed name Sue Grafton is lined out and Sue Grafton is written in, and then signed Sue 9-21-85 [publication date]. But who is Mary?
- In the world of autographs, contemporary signatures are relatively more valuable than later signatures. Books which are dated in their era of publication, especially those dated on the date they were issued, command a premium.
- Y is for Yesterday is a special case. There are not many flat signed copies; the “first editions” tab has a full explanation. The book was released August 22, 2017; Sue got sick and died December 28, 2017. There was no book tour.
Fake signatures
Unscrupulous sellers can fake signatures to try and increase the price. There is reason to believe that fake signatures may exist on Y is for Yesterday. I have seen a book offered by a dealer at a low price, which was a red flag. When I inquired, the dealer said that it had come from another dealer who advised that I “had an agreement with Ms Grafton and had a set signed 4 months before her death.” The signature is suspect because:
- Sue Grafton always used a calligraphy pen (fiber-tip) to sign, resulting in her well-known, distinctive autograph.
- This appears to be signed with a Sharpie marker. I have seen Ms. Grafton use a Sharpie marker, but only to sign letters and photos with the name “Sue.”
- The signature is stylistically like Grafton’s, but the lines of the signature are thick, and evenly thick, unlike the usual variability of line thickness created by a calligraphy pen.
- The book has a remainder mark. In all likelihood, Sue Grafton died before any copies of Y were remaindered, so she could not have signed it.
- The authentic signed books were signed 4 months prior to her death. If the original dealer had gotten this book at that time, there is no possibility that it could have a remainder mark.
- Given the scarcity of autographed copies, it is unlikely that any signed copy would be remaindered.
- I have assigned copy of “Y” with a Certificate of Authenticity. The signature is different that the certified signature.
A “suspect signature” on Y is for Yesterday
Caveat: I am not saying that the book in question is a fake, I cannot prove this. I am saying that it is suspect. If you encounter it, or any flat signed copy of Y, I recommend that you only purchase an autographed “Y” which has a certificate of authenticity or insist on a certificate as a condition of sale.
Which books are most scarce?
Building a Grafton collection can be inexpensive, but can also be expensive. The initial printing of A is for Alibi was only 7500. Most of the later alphabet series books had initial print runs in the hundreds of thousands.
The key, and most expensive books are Keziah Dane, Lolly-Madonna War, A and B. You might expect to pay $1000 or more for any of these. The books get more affordable with C, and inexpensive around G.
Some other key books
- Kinsey and Me limited editions are priced in the hundreds.
- O is for Outlaw Macmillan London first edition (700-800 copies) is scarce. You may be able to find this at a reasonable price, but this should be expensive.
- A movie-edition paperback of The Lolly-Madonna War was released by Sphere in 1973 and has a movie-related picture on the cover.
- Proof copies of A is for Alibi and B is for Burglar are getting hard to find and often cost as much as the first edition of the book.
- The proof copies with proof dust wrappers are really rare. This doesn’t seem to be recognized but these are hard to find.
- F is for Fugitive, New York: Henry Holt, 1989, Uncorrected Reading Copy in pictorial softcover. The publisher created a numbered edition of 23 advance copies. This proceeds the general distribution. A specialized piece, but quite rare.
- In 2004, The Quill & Brush Author Price Guide said of movie scripts: “the screenplays, except for lolly-madonna ($250) seem to be in the $75-$125 range. Lolly-Madonna is now several thousand dollars, and the others over $300-400. Worst of all, they seem to be disappearing from the market.”
- The Lying Game was first published in the Land’s End 40th Anniversary Catalog (September, 2003). I am not sure that this can be found. Land’s End has one copy in their archive.
- If you decide to collect Grafton short stories, or original sources for “Kinsey and Me”, you may find some of them hard/impossible to find. Clearly, 8, above is already elusive. Finding copies of stories published in books is fairly easy, and inexpensive. Finding first edition copies of the books has been difficult. Original stories which occurred in periodicals, or which were one-offs, are already hard to find, including the Redbook stories, and California Review. While these things may not be intrinsically valuable, as they get harder to find, dealers may raise the prices accordingly.
Further information
Comments and questions are welcome. Chuck can be reached at [email protected].i
Sue Grafton First Editions by Chuck Vukotich
US vs UK editions
Most of Grafton’s work was first released in the US, and she is an American author. For this reason, UK editions are not included in this guide, with limited exceptions. Indeed, most Grafton collectors are not interested in the UK editions. However, the Lolly-Madonna war exists only in a UK edition. This book was given over to UK publisher Peter Owen, after Grafton used his leverage to find a major American publisher (MacMillan) for her first book. The only other Grafton for which the UK edition is preferred is O is for Outlaw. Macmillan (London) printed a limited edition prior to US publication. No explanation has been found for this, but it may well have been a favor for Macmillan or someone who worked there. This did not interfere in the least with her US publisher.
Some trivia
- Keziah Dane is the fourth novel Grafton wrote, but the first one published. Originally written under the title The Seventh Day of Keziah Dane, Sue entered the unpublished novel in an Anglo-American Book Award contest. The novel did not win, but it drew a publication offer from a British publisher Peter Owen, which Grafton leveraged to get an agent who got the book an American publisher, Macmillan.
- Grafton took her second book, The Lolly-Madonna War, to Peter Owen. Lolly Madonna War was adapted into a film in 1973 (Lolly-Madonna XXX), and Grafton refused to allow publication in the US, nor any reprints of this title.
- Most first editions were published in the US, but a limited print run in UK for O is for Outlaw preceded the US printing making the UK edition for this title the true first.
- Y is for Yesterday is one for the few Grafton signed editions that command a premium. The book was released August 22, 2017, and Grafton died December 28, 2017. Ms Grafton passed soon after publication and did not do her usual signings as she passed before her book tour. Hence, very few of the ‘Y’ edition were ever signed. So only those books held by the family and the extremely few number that were sent out as signed pre-orders got the Grafton signature. Signed copies of this book exist with signed bookplates, yet even these are unusual. When purchasing this book, insist on a Certificate of Authenticity. You can buy a nice, but nothing special copy of Y is for Yesterday for around $5. A first edition can be had for $10. A signed bookplate edition will fetch $100-150, while a flat signed book for this title is around $750 – $1000.
List of first editions
| Cover | Title | Year | ISBN | Purchase links | Cover artist/ photographer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Keziah Dane | 1967 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Andy Virgil | Macmillan Company, New York. 1st US Ed. | |
 | Keziah Dane | 1967 | Abes | eBay | Peter Owen, London. 1st UK Ed. “First British Edition” is indicated. | ||
 | Lolly-Madonna War, The | 1967 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Keith Cunningham | Peter Owen, London. 1st UK Ed. “First British Commonwealth Edition” is indicated. There is no American edition. Ms. Grafton decided not to publish the book in the U.S. and never allowed it to be reprinted – the only other editions of this book are two 1973 paperbacks associated with the movie published by Sphere. | |
 | A is for Alibi | 1982 | 0-03-059048-5 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Kathie A. McGinty | Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | B is for Burglar | 1985 | 0-03-001889-7 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Linda M. Berson | Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | C is for Corpse | 1986 | 0-03-001888-9 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Abby Kagan | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only (lack of first edition indicator caused some confusion at the time of publication). |
 | D is for Deadbeat | 1987 | 0-8050-02480-0 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Abby Kagan | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | E is for Evidence | 1988 | 0-8050-0459-9 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Abby Kagan | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | F is for Fugitive | 1989 | 0-8050-0460-2 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Abby Kagan/ Joe Albanese | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | G is for Gumshoe | 1990 | 0-8050-0461-0 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Abby Kagan/ Greg Goebel | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | H is for Homicide | 1991 | 0-8050-1084-X | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Abby Kagan/ Greg Goebel | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | I is for Innocent | 1992 | 0-8050-1085-8 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | King Kong Cody Design/ Gerg Goebel | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | J is for Judgment | 1993 | 0-8050-1935-9 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Mark Clifford/ Raquel Jaramillo | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | K is for Killer | 1994 | 0-8050-1936-7 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Raquel Jaramillo | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | L is for Lawless | 1995 | 0-8050-1937-5 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Raquel Jaramillo/ Erich Schrempp | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | M is for Malice | 1996 | 0-8050-3637-7 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Raquel Jaramillo | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | N is for Noose | 1998 | 0-8050-3650-4 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Raquel Jaramillo | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. |
 | O is for Outlaw | 1999 | 0-8050-5955-5 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Raquel Jaramillo | Henry Holt, New York. 1st US Ed. “First Edition” is indicated with number line. Note that the UK limited edition by Macmillan is the true first edition for this title. |
 | P is for Peril | 2001 | 0-399-14719-5 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Tafari/Redmer | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only. |
 | Q is for Quarry | 2002 | 0-399-14915-5 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Thomas Tafari | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only. |
 | R is for Ricochet | 2004 | 0-399-15228-8 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Thomas Tafari | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only. |
 | S is for Silence | 2005 | 0-399-15297-0 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Lisa Amoroso | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only. |
 | T is for Trespass | 2007 | 978-0-399-15448-5 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Lisa Amoroso | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only. |
 | U is for Undertow | 2009 | 978-0-399-15597-0 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Not Identified | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only. |
 | V is for Vengeance | 2011 | 978-0-399-15786-8 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Not Identified | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only. |
 | W is for Wasted | 2013 | 978-0-399-15898-8 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Not Identified | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only. |
 | X | 2015 | 978-0-399-16384-5 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Richard Hasselberger | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only. |
 | Y is for Yesterday | 2017 | 978-0-399-16385-2 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Yanchous/ Shutterstock | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. Number line only. Very few signed copies of this last of her titles exist. |
 | O is for Outlaw | 1999 | 978-0-333-74145-0 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Macmillan. 1st UK Ed. Number line only. UK edition precedes the US for this book. Reported in Quill & Brush APG as limited edition, 700 copies (Nicholas and Helen Burrows, 1/2000) or 750 copies (Leather Stalking Books 2/2000. This is the true first for this title and a truly limited printing. | |
 | Kinsey and Me | 1991 | Abes | eBay | Stephen Humphrey | Bench Press, Santa Barbara. 1st US Ed. Slipcased, with marbled endpapers custom made by Peggy Skycraft. There are two versions: the first is limited to 300 hardcover copies numbered (1 to 300) and signed by the author; the second is limited to 26 copies which are hand bound by Katers-Crafts Bookbinders in Pico Rivers, California, lettered (A to Z) and signed by the author. | |
 | Writing Mysteries: A Handbook by the Mystery Writers of America | 1992 | 978-0-898-79502-8 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Writer’s Digest Books. 1st US Ed. Edited by Sue Grafton. | |
 | Writing Mysteries: A Handbook by the Mystery Writers of America | 2002 | 978-1-582-97145-2 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Writer’s Digest Books. 2nd US Ed, first thus (contents are different). Edited by Sue Grafton, Jan Burke and Barry Zeman. | |
 | Kinsey and Me | 2013 | 978-0-399-16383-8 | Abes | Amazon | eBay | Putnam, New York. 1st US Ed. This is the trade edition of the limited edition of 1993. It contains nine Kinsey stories (1986-93), and 13 stories about herself, written in the decade after Grafton’s mother died. This edition adds six new pieces to the limited edition. |
Sue Grafton ARCs by Chuck Vukotich
About Grafton ARCs
Publishers create draft copies of books to provide for manuscript review, or to allow the author, reviewers, staff and
select others an opportunity to review the books prior to publication. To make things simple, we will refer to all of these generically as ARCs, although we will explain the different types. ARCs are typically paperbound editions, as are all the Grafton related releases. There are basically two variants for Grafton’s ARCs: Uncorrected Proofs and Advance Reading Copies. Although they have different names, and different reasons to exist, as a practical matter the terms are often used interchangeably. The early series ARCs are smaller than the issued edition, while later versions are the same size as the published paperback.
There are six different descriptions that are used on these advance copies of Grafton’s books. Most of Sue Grafton’s books are called uncorrected proofs. Sometimes these copies will have publication information written on, pasted or stapled onto the book; sometimes not.
- Uncorrected proofs are Articles in Press that have been copy-edited and formatted, but have not yet been finalized. They still need to be proof-read and corrected by the author(s) and the text could still change before final publication. In the Grafton series, these are also called uncorrected page proofs and uncorrected advance manuscripts.
- An advanced reader copy, also known as a galley or an ARC, is a pre-published version of a book sent out to reviewers and book buyers in advance of publication. Although the story in an advanced reader copy has been edited and all the plot points are in place, the book may still have typos or incomplete illustrations. In the Grafton series, we see ARCs also called Complimentary Copies and Uncorrected Reading Copies.
As with other Grafton material you will find some of these signed. Some of these were from Sue Grafton’s personal, library or holdings, and have a certificate of authenticity. Pictorial wraps match the cover of the trade edition.
ARC Dust Jackets
Some Grafton books are reported with proof dust jackets. These are printed in the front and spine only with the back and flaps unprinted. These were reported by Allen Ahearn in the Grafton “Author Price Guide” (© Quill and Brush, Inc. 2004). Mr. Ahearn reported jackets for G, I, J, K, and N. No others have been found, although H, L and M might be logically thought to exist, and others might exist. However, there is no evidence that any exist beyond those reported by Mr. Ahearn. This reporter has never seen a copy of N. This is unusual, and there is no known explanation for why these exist. Proof dust wrappers are unusual in the book business.
List of ARCs
- A is for Alibi, New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1982. Uncorrected Page Proof, softcover, blue wraps.
- B is for Burglar, New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1985. Uncorrected Page Proof, softcover, gray wraps.
- C is for Corpse, New York: Henry Holt, 1986. Complimentary proof in shiny cover, black printing on white / Advance Reading Copy, softcover, pictorial wraps.
- D is for Deadbeat, New York: Henry Holt, 1987. Uncorrected Proof, softcover, salmon wraps.
- E is for Evidence, New York: Henry Holt, 1988. Uncorrected Proof, softcover, orange wraps.
- F is for Fugitive, New York: Henry Holt, 1989. Uncorrected Reading Copy, pictorial softcover (23 numbered advance copies).
- G is for Gumshoe, New York: Henry Holt, 1990. Uncorrected Proof, softcover, white wraps, with red and black illustrated printing. Also exists with proof dust wrapper.
- H is for Homicide, New York: Henry Holt, 1991. Uncorrected Proof, softcover, blue wraps.
- I is for innocent, New York: Henry Holt, 1992. Uncorrected Proof, softcover, red wraps. Also exists with proof dust wrapper “300,000-copy first printing.”
- J is for Judgement, New York: Henry Holt, 1993. Uncorrected Proof, softcover, blue wraps. Also exists with proof dust wrapper
- K is for Killer, New York: Henry Holt 1994. Uncorrected proof, softcover, red wraps. Publication date listed as May 5. Also exists with proof dust wrapper. “Because advance orders were so strong, the publisher did not bother to issue an advance reading copy and fewer than 100 proof copies were issued.” (Joseph The Provider Books 12/94.)
- L is for Lawless, New York: Henry Holt, 1995. Uncorrected Proof, softcover, yellow wraps.
- M is for Malice, New York: Henry Holt, 1996. Uncorrected Proof, softcover, red wraps / Uncorrected Proof, softcover, blue wraps.
- N is for Noose, New York: Henry Holt, 1998. Uncorrected Proof, softcover, red wraps. Also exists with proof dust wrapper.
- O is for Outlaw, New York: Henry Holt, 1999. Advanced Reading Copy, pictorial softcover.
- P is for Peril, New York: Putnam, 2001. Uncorrected proof, pictorial softcover.
- Q is for Quarry, New York: Putnam, 2002. Uncorrected Proof, pictorial softcover.
- R is for Ricochet, New York: Putnam, 2004. Uncorrected Proof, pictorial softcover.
- S is for Silence, New York: Putnam, 2005. Uncorrected Advance Manuscript, softcover.
- T is for Trespass, New York: Putnam, 2007. Uncorrected Proof, pictorial softcover.
- U is for Undertow, New York: Putnam, 2009. Uncorrected Proof, softcover.
- V is for Vengeance, New York: Putnam, 2011. Uncorrected Proof, softcover,
- W is for Wasted, New York: Putnam, 2013. Uncorrected Proof, softcover.
- X, New York: Putnam, 2015. Uncorrected Proof, softcover.
- Y is for Yesterday, Putnam, 2017. Uncorrected proof, softcover.
Other Sue Grafton Editions by Chuck Vukotich
UNIQUE COPIES
Putnam Publishing presented Sue Grafton with a complete set of her books bound in leather, and stamped with her initials on the cover. These were from A to Y, along with the trade edition of Kinsey and Me. All have a bookplate pasted in “From the Library of / SUE GRAFTON”. These are unique copies. The four listed below are the only ones that have come to market. These were sold to Allen Hyam who purchased a substantial portion of her holdings. Verification exists from Steven Humphrey, Sue Grafton’s husband, that they are genuine and he has the remainder of the books.
- V is for Vengeance, New York: Putnam, 2011, First edition, first printing. Orange Leather.
- W is for Wasted, New York: Putnam, 2013, First edition, first printing. Burnt Orange leather.
- X, New York: Putnam, 2015, First edition, first printing. Red leather.
- Kinsey and Me, New York: Putnam, 2013. First edition, first printing. Grey leather.
MULTI-VOLUME COLLECTIONS
Wings Books (New York) published compilations of Sue Grafton’s works. These are fairly common, but finding the first edition, first printing is challenging, as these are considered reading copies, not collectable, by many dealers. The series appears to have ended at 5.
- Three Complete Novels, New York: Wings Books, 1999, Contains A is for Alibi, B is for Burglar, C is for Corpse.
- Three Complete Novels, New York: Wings Books, 2002, Contains D is for Deadbeat, E is for Evidence, F is for Fugitive.
- Three Complete Novels, New York: Wings Books, 2002. Contains G is for Gumshoe, H is for Homicide, I is for Innocent.
- Three Complete Novels, New York: Wings Books, 2007. Contains J is for Judgment, K is for Killer, L is for Lawless.
- Three Complete Novels, New York: Wings Books, 2008. Contains M is for Malice, N is for Noose, O is for Outlaw.
BOOKS EDITED/INTRODUCED BY SUE
- Writing Mysteries: A Handbook by the Mystery Writers of America. 1992. Edited by Sue Grafton. First edition, Writer’s Digest Books.
- Telling Lies for Fun & Profit.1994. Lawrence Block, William Morrow and Company (Quill edition), New York. The original hardbound edition of this was published in 1981 by Arbor House. This edition added a new, original introduction by Sue Grafton.
- The Best American Mystery Stories. 1998. Edited by Sue Grafton; Otto Penzler (Series Ed).
- Writing Mysteries: A Handbook by the Mystery Writers of America. 2002. Edited by Sue Grafton, with Jan Burke & Barry Zeman. Second (revised) edition, Writer’s Digest Books, 2002.
- A New Omnibus Of Crime. 2005. Tony Hillerman, Rosemary Herbert, eds. Sue Grafton and Jeffery Deaver, contributing editors, Oxford University Press. Contains A Poison that leaves no trace by Grafton, originally published in Sisters in Crime 2.
LARGE PRINT EDITION
In 1991, G. K. Hall & Company created a large print edition of the ‘Alphabet’ series of Kinsey Millhone mysteries. These are all softcover. These were from A to G, which had all been published at this time. Additional volumes were published as new works were available, all the way to “Y.” Starting with H, these were published by the Thorndike Large Print Press, which succeeded G. K. Hall. These can all be considered one series.
SCREENPLAYS
After publishing her first two books, which were not great successes, Sue Grafton wrote for film and television, especially TV movies. She had success professionally and personally as she met, worked with and married Stephen Humphrey (1978). She wrote a few TV episodes (notably for Rhoda and Seven Brides for Seven brothers), and had a number of technical roles, which includes the creation of shows for production. She did a lot of work with her husband.
Since the focus of this effort is Sue Grafton’s writing, screenplays which she wrote/co-wrote are listed here. Scripts are typically on 8 ½ x 11 paper, and can be found in various drafts down to the final shooting version. They often have colored paper inserted where pages have been replaced.
- 1973 Lolly-Madonna XXX (screenplay) is a 1973 film directed by Richard C. Sarafian (MGM). The film was co-written by Rodney Carr-Smith and Sue Grafton, based on the 1969 novel The Lolly-Madonna War.
- 1979 Sex and the Single Parent (TV Movie). Original 114 page shooting script with pale green rewrite pages., Time-Life Films (Studio City, Time-Life Films: 1979). Brad-bound in printed production company wrappers. Directed by actor turned director Jackie Cooper, and included Mike Farrell, Susan St. James, Timothy Gibbs, Julie Sommars, Frank Bonner, et al, in the cast. Sue Grafton took Jane Adams’s non-fiction book, used the title and created a fictional comedy drama of two couples. Grafton’s text has never been published.
- 1979 Walking Through the Fire (TV Movie) is a 1979 CBS network television drama movie which aired on May 15, 1979.
- 1980 Mark, I Love You (TV Movie) (teleplay). Written by Sue Grafton based on the 1967 book by Hal W. Painter. Directed by Gunnar Hellstrom, starring Kevin Dobson, James Whitmore, Cassie Yates. Los Angeles: The Aubrey Company, 1980. Originally aired December 10, 1980 on CBS.
- 1980 Nurse (TV Movie) April 9, 1980, was a pilot for a TV series which was shown as a TV movie on CBS.Teleplay by Sue Grafton based on a Peggy Anderson novel.
- 1983 A Caribbean Mystery (TV Movie) (teleplay by). Based on Agatha Christies novel A Caribbean Mystery. Script written by Sue Grafton and Steve Humphrey, Warner Brother Television Burbank CA, 1982. First broadcast October 22, 1983 on CBS, starring Helen Hayes as Miss Jane Marple, Barnard Hughes as Mr Rafiel, Jameson Parker as Tim Kendall, Season Hubley as Molly Kendall, Swoosie Kurtz as Ruth Walter, Cassie Yates as Lucky Dyson, Stephen Macht as Greg Dyson, Zakes Mokae as Captain Daventry, Beth Howland as Evelyn Hillingdon, Maurice Evans as Major Geoffrey Palgrave, Lynne Moody as Victoria Johnson, George Innes as Edward Hillingdon, Brock Peters as Dr Graham.
- 1983 A Killer in the Family (TV Movie) (teleplay) is a 1983 American made-for-television crime film directed by Richard T. Heffron. The film is based on the Tison v. Arizona case, which took place in Arizona in 1978. The film first aired on ABC on October 30, 1983. Written by Grafton, Robert Aller and Steven Humphrey.
- 1983 Sparkling Cyanide (TV Movie) (teleplay). Based on Agatha Christie’s novel Sparkling Cyanide, written by Robert Malcolm Young and Sue Grafton and Steve Humphrey, Warner Brothers Television Burbank CA. This was first televised November 12, 1983, directed by Robert Michael Lewis, set in modern day California and starring Anthony Andrews as the central character, Tony Browne, with Deborah Raffin as Iris Murdoch, Pamela Bellwood as Ruth Lessing, Josef Sommer as George Barton, David Huffman and June Chadwick as Stephen and Sandra Farraday, Nancy Marchand as Lucilla Drake, and Christine Belford as Rosemary Barton.
- 1985 Love on the Run (TV Movie).Written by Sue Grafton and Steve Humphrey, NBC Television. First broadcast October 21, 1985 on NBC. A criminal lawyer (Stephanie Zimbalist) goes on the run with her new lover (Alec Baldwin), a convict she had as a client and whom she helped escape from prison.
- 1986 The Canterville Ghost (TV Movie) is a 1986 American-British made-for-television syndicated comedy fantasy horror film based on the 1887 short story “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde, directed by Paul Bogart. It was shot at Eastnor Castle in England and stars John Gielgud, Ted Wass, Andrea Marcovicci and Alyssa Milano. Written by George Zalessio and Sue Grafton.
- 1987 Tonight’s the Night (TV Movie) is a 1987 film produced by IndieProd, Phoenix Entertainment Group (PEG). Written by Sue Grafton and Steven Humphrey.
KINSEY & ME: Original Sources
The Kinsey Millhone short stories appearing in Kinsey & Me were all published elsewhere first. The following identifies the original sources and their first appearance in print. The limited editions contained nine stories, and the trade edition included two additional stories (The Lying Game and An Eye for an I). Some of these stories were also published in other anthologies. In looking for these volumes, some may exist in ARC format.
- Maple Hill originally published in California Review #3, Capricorn Press Santa Barbara, Number 3 (1970) edited by William Richardson, Orange paper wraps, edition of 500. 6 1/2 x 5 1/4, 40 pp. California Review was a magazine which featured literary material only from CA. This book solicits manuscripts, indicating that it would pay $2 per printed page. This suggests that Sue Grafton was paid $10 for her 5 page short story.
- Between the Sheets originally published in REDBOOK, October, 1986, as “Murder Between the Sheets.”
- Long Gone originally published in REDBOOK, April, 1986, as “She Didn’t Come Home.”
- The Parker Shotgun originally published in Mean Streets: The Second Private Eye Writers Of America Anthology, edited by Robert J. Randisi, The Mysterious Press (New York), 1986. Limited first edition of 250. A later trade edition was also issued.
- Non Sung Smoke originally published in An Eye For Justice: The Third Private Eye Writers of America Anthology, edited by Robert J. Randisi, The Mysterious Press (New York), 1988. Limited first edition of 250. A later trade edition was also issued.
- Falling Off the Roof, originally published in Sisters in Crime, edited by Marilyn Wallace, Berkley Pub Group (New York), 1989. This original edition is paperback.
- A Poison That Leaves No Trace originally published in Sisters in Crime 2, edited by Marilyn Wallace, Berkley Pub Group (New York), 1990. This original edition is paperback.
- Full Circle originally published in A Woman’s Eye: 21 New Stories Featuring the Finest Female Sleuths By the Best Women Crime Writers Ever, edited by Sara Paretsky, Delacorte Press (New York), 1991.
- A Little Missionary Work originally published in Deadly Allies, edited by Robert Randisi & Marilynn Wallace, Doubleday, New York, 1992 (Perfect Crime).
- An Eye for an I originally published in The Crown Crime Companion edited by Otto Penzler, New York, Crown Trade Paperbacks, 1995.
- The Lying Game first published in the Land’s End 40th Anniversary Catalog (September, 2003).
ESSAYS, ANTHOLOGIES, AND GRAFTIANA
- The Parker Shotgun appears in Lady On The Case, Marcia Muller, Bill Pronzini and Martin Greenberg, editors. Grammercy, New York 1988. The story first appeared in Mean Streets.
- The Parker Shotgun appears in City Sleuths and Tough Guys. David Willis, ed., Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1989. The story first appeared in Mean Streets.
- Non Sung Smoke appears in Under the Gun, 1990, edited by Edward Gorman, Robert Randisi and Martin Greenberg, New American Library New York. This volume was compiled by Mystery Scene Magazine, founded in 1985, was published four times per year in a full-color glossy magazine format, usually between 68 and 76 pages long. It suspended print publication with the 2022 Winter Issue #174, and continues on-line today. This is the first of a series of 5 anthologies ending 1994), which contain “the best suspense and mystery”.
- She Didn’t Come Home appears in P. I. Files edited by Martin H Greenberg and Loren D. Estleman, Ivy Books/ Ballantine, New York, 1990. First Edition (stated) mass market paperback, no hardback edition. This is the story’s first appearance in book form.
- A Poison That Leaves No Trace appears in The Year’s Best Mystery and Suspense Stories 1991, 1991, edited by Edward D. Hoch, Walker, NY, 1991. Stories by: Sue Grafton, Lynne Barrett, Lawrence Block, Stanley Cohen, Ed Gorman, oyce Harrington, Edward D .Hoch, Clark Howard, Bill Pronzini, Ruth Rendell, Julian Symons, Donald Westlake, and Carolyn Wheat.
- A Poison That Leaves No Trace appears in The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories, New York, Carroll & Graff, 1992. Story originally published in Sisters in Crime 2.
- A Little Missionary Work appears in 2nd Culprit: An Annual of Crime Stories, Liza Cody and Michael Z. Lewin, editors., New York: St Martin’s, 1994. Story first appeared in Deadly Allies, 1993.
- Full Circle appears in Female Sleuths, Sara Paretsky, ed. Mind’s Eye, Novato CA 1993. Audiotape.
- The Parker Shotgun appears in The New Mystery: The International Association of Crime Writers’ Essential Crime Writing of the Late 20th Century, 1994. Edited by Jerome Charyn, Dutton (Penguin), New York.
- The Parker Shotgun appears in The Oxford Book of American Detective Stories, Hillerman, Tony and Rosemary Herbert, Eds. New York Oxford University Press, 1996. A collection of 33 short detective stories that show the evolution of crime fiction in the US. The story first appeared in Mean Streets.
- Long Gone appears in First Cases: First Appearances of Classic Private Eyes, 1996, edited by Robert Randisi, Dutton (Penguin), New York. Contributions by Sue Grafton, Linda Barnes, Lawrence Block, Sara Paretsky, and more.
- Long Gone appears in The Orion Book of Murder: 100 of the World’s Greatest Crime Stories, 1996, edited by Peter Haining, Orion Publishing Co, London. Paperback only, no hardback issued.
- “G” is for Grafton, The World of Kinsey Millhone, Natalie Hevener Kaufman & Carol McHinnis Kay, New York: Henry Holt, 1997.
- Full Circle appears in Crime Story Collection, 1998, stories retold by John & Celia Turvey, edited by Andy Hopkins & Joselyn Potter, Longman Fiction, London. This is part of a series where fiction is simplified for lower reading levels (a level 4 reader). A later edition was published by Penguin in the US.
- Full Circle appears in Crime Story Collection, Sara Paretsky, ed. Penguin reader, New York, 2000.
- The Parker Shotgun appears in The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century, 2000 edited by Tony Hillerman, Houghton Mifflin, New York.
- A Poison That Leaves No Trace, short story and mystery jigsaw puzzle. University Games Corporation, San Francisco, 2002. Short story in pamphlet form (4 1/4’” x 8 ½”) with illustrated cover. First edition as separate story. First edition of puzzle. Story originally published in Sisters in Crime 2.
- A Poison That Leaves No Trace appears in A New Omnibus Of Crime, Tony Hillerman, Rosemary Herbert, eds. Sue Grafton and Jeffery Deaver, contributing editors, Oxford University Press, 2005. Story originally published in Sisters in Crime 2.
- How I became an Edgar Allan Poe Convert, an original essay, appears in In the Shadow of the Master: Classic Tales by Edgar Allan Poe, Michael Connelly ed New York, William Morrow 2009. Classic Poe tales and original essays by 20 authors presented by the Mystery Writers of America.
- The Lying Game. Norfolk VA, Crippen & Landru, 2011. First Separate Edition. Softcover. 650 copies printed. 5pp. plus 1pp ads. White printed wraps. Published to honor Sue Grafton, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Malice Domestic XXIII, April 29-May 1, 2011. This was given to attendees. This Kinsey Millhone short story first appeared in the September 2003 special 40th anniversary Lands’ End catalogue. It is also included in Kinsey and Me.
- Teaching a Child to Knit. Original essay in the anthology Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting, Ann Hood (editor), New York, W. W. Norton & Company 2013.
- Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea, Verena Rose & Rita Owen (eds), New York, Wildlife Press, 2013. Print on demand edition only. Paperback. This is the history of Malice Domestic, an annual event honoring the traditional mystery. Sue Grafton was the 2011 winner of a lifetime achievement award, and an interview with her appears in this volume.
- If You Want Something Done Right first appears in Deadly Anniversaries: A Collection of Stories from Crime Fiction’s Top Authors, Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini (eds), Hanover Square Press, Toronto, 2020. This is an original, unpublished story found among Sue Grafton’s paper by her husband (Stephen Humphrey) after her death.
- If You Want Something Done Right appears in The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2021, 2021, edited by Lee Child, The Mysterious Press, New York. This is a new find among Sue Grafton’s papers by her husband after her death and originally published in Deadly Anniversaries.
SISTERS IN CRIME SERIES
Sue Grafton was a member of Sisters in Crime, a crime writing association of women crime writers, focused on equity and inclusion in publishing. Founded in 1986 to represent and advocate for women crime writers, they celebrate and honor their history. They published a set of five anthologies from 1989 to 1992, and two ‘Best of’ volumes. The anthologies included original short stories from women crime authors. The included ‘Best of’ series reproduced works from the first five volumes.
The series was first published in paperback. A book club edition was published in hardback, the first and only edition in hardback. The books below contain stories by Sue Grafton, including the first appearance in #1 and #2, below.
- Sisters in Crime, Marilyn Wallace, editor. New York: Berkley Pub Group, 1989. This volume contains the first appearance of Falling Off the Roof.
- Sisters in Crime 2, Marilyn Wallace, editor. New York: Berkley Pub Group, 1990. This volume contains the first appearance of A Poison That Leaves No Trace.
- Sisters in Crime 4, Marilyn Wallace, editor. New York: Benkley Pub Group, 1990. This volume contains Long Gone by Sue Grafton which originally appeared in REDBOOK.
- The Best of Sisters in Crime, Marilyn Wallace, ed. Berkley Prime Crime, 1997. Contains A Poison that Leaves No Trace by Sue Grafton.
Sue Grafton Ephemera by Chuck Vukotich
There is a lot of Sue Grafton ephemera. There are letters and press clippings; she sent postcards to fans; there is also publisher material describing the books that was sent with proof and review copies. Sue also sent Christmas cards to friends and some big fans – it’s not clear, but these appear to have started in the early 1990s and gone on to 2018 (after her death). Photos of Sue were included in proof and advance copies of her books.
Sample items
Sue sent book tour schedules and promotions every year. Some of these items included:
- There was a foldable base with Kinsey and Me
- A lottery was held for Kinsey Millhone’s (Sue Grafton’s) VW, done in conjunction with K is for Killer.
- Wrist bands for book signings.
- A tea bag .
- A bottle opener on which is stamped, “We open our minds each time we open a book.”
- A small first aid kit. Printed on the front of the kit is “‘P is for Peril”.
- A blue bookmark “P” is for Peril.
- A credit card sized plastic card reading: “Need to relax? Try reading… Q is for Quarry. The Original Stress Control Biofeedback Card.” There is a place to press your thumb on the card and above it a four colored arch with various stress levels indicated. The back of the card lists instructions.
- A tea bag printed: “Sue Grafton – T is for Trespass”.
- A drink coaster. Printed in white on black: “Sue Grafton – U is for Undertow”.
- A white plastic (on one side) nail file. Printed in blue: “Reading smooths the rough edges. V is for Vengeance. Sue Grafton”.
- “Have a Drink on Us” – (flat paper cup enclosed). Inside is a brightly colored 8 1/2 x 11″ trifold. The outside has a photo of Sue and promotes “X”: The twenty-forth letter in the alphabet.
Two special items
- “J” Broadside: At This Stage of Any Investigation, Sue Grafton, Berkeley, California: Black Oak Books, 1993. 26.5 x 12.5 cm. Single sheet 2 color broadside featuring an excerpt from ‘J is for Judgment’. Designed and printed by Okeanos Press as a gift on the occasion of a reading by the author. Signed by Grafton in blue ink.
- M is for Malice black silk-screened tee shirt with book cover art. Distributed by the publisher for promotion. Fruit of the Loom, 100% cotton. Counterfeits may exist on Etsy.
About guest collector Charles J. Vukotich, Jr. – “Chuck”
Chuck has loved books since he was in sixth grade. He is mostly a non-fiction reader. His favorite authors are William Shirer and Ray Bradbury, and his favorite books The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich and Martian Chronicles, which he has read many times. Surprisingly, although he has many books, with many in first edition, he does not actively collect these favorites.
Formal book collecting came in 1979, when he and his wife (Janet, married 50 years), wandered into Quill & Brush bookstore in Bethesda, MD. They met Pat Ahearn, and he bought Janet a first edition copy of an Agatha Christie, who was her favorite author. This single book purchase grew as he bought more Agatha Christie books for Janet. A secret for married people: these were convenient presents. Today Janet has a significant Agatha Christie collection. She is not really a collector, but Chuck is. He calls himself her curator. Janet later had a fondness for Sue Grafton and the Alphabet Series. A nice Grafton collection came up for auction, and Chuck bought it for Janet, and thus began Janet’s Sue Grafton collection, which is the basis for this collector’s guide.
As for the rest of Chuck’s life, he spent an entire career in public health, with 30 years at Allegheny County Health Department, and 12 years at the University of Pittsburgh. In retirement, Chuck continues to review papers for scholarly journals, with a special emphasis on Covid. Chuck collect stamps, specifically envelopes which have been canceled on the date and in the place of space events (“astrophilately”) He has a significant collection. Chuck has been a writer his whole life, writing on aerospace and astrophilately, starting at age 15. Today, he writes a regular column on astrophilately for Linn’s Stamp News, an American weekly magazine for stamp collectors. He has published on a book on Astrophilately, called Space Craft Covers*. Professionally, he has 24 peer-reviewed scholarly papers, plus numerous reports and presentations.
Janet and Chuck share a passion for wine, theatre and science fair.
Comments and questions are welcome. Chuck can be reached at [email protected].
* Space Craft Covers: A Monograph and Catalog. Revised and updated second edition by Charles J. Vukotich, Jr.
Space Craft Covers (SCC) have always been the Cadillac of the hobby, covering the “golden age” of space exploration. The first edition of this work has now become a standard reference work on this popular series of cacheted covers, and has long been out of print. Chuck Vukotich has now delivered on the long promised second edition. This is the complete reference book on Space Craft and Swanson designed cacheted covers. The second edition presents many new discoveries not in the first edition, and much new Space Craft lore. The section on non-SCC Swanson covers is also greatly expanded. There are completely new sections on Space Craft collectibles and Swanson rubber stamp designs. The catalog section is expanded to include information on cancel types (hand or machine). Prices have been updated to reflect the latest auctions and dealer sales. The first edition was created at the very beginning of the word processing revolution, and is crude in comparison. The second edition makes full use of the PC and is much cleaner than the first. The catalog section has a better presentation style, making it very easy to use. The work does not illustrate all SCC cachets, but rather those which are unusual or of major interest. The illustrations are 25% of actual size, but sufficient for identification purposes. Two nice touches are the use of deluxe coil binding and a cover front reproducing an early piece of space art by Carl Swanson in full color. There are 82 pages to this catalog that should be in every collectors space reference library.
$40 (postpaid by Media Mail in US). Order from Chuck directly.