Sue Grafton. (1940-2017). American author of detective novels. She is best known as the author of the “alphabet series” (“A” is for Alibi, etc.) featuring private investigator Kinsey Milhone in the fictional city of Santa Teresa, California. Before her success with this series, she wrote screenplays for television movies.

Typed letter signed, 8.5x11, Santa Barbara, CA, February 21, 2005, to a collector. In part, “I’m currently in Chapter 21 of “S,” approximately two-thirds of the way through. The writing seems to be going well and I’m sailing along with such ease that it’s making me nervous. You’d think that having written eighteen books, I’d get the hang of it, but in truth, every book presents its own unique set of challenges. I suffer and agonize and there’s always that inevitable point where I see that I’ve painted myself into a corner that I can’t escape. Fortunately, I have an on-going email correspondence with two or three writer pals and if one of us isn’t whining and complaining, the other two are. We have ample opportunity to remind each other that our processes are similar and that we (generally) manage to muddle through. Of course, when the problems arise, I’m always convinced that this is the book that’s finally going to do me in.” She goes on to write about the publication date of S is for Silence. Mailing folds and one slight tear along the fold. In very good condition. Extraordinary content.