Grafton's writing is dull, formulaic, and unrealistic. Her characters are from the one-dimensional, connect-the-dot trash heap. N is for Noose is further undermined by scenes drawn from a simpleton's vision of reality. For example, Kinsey is trapped in her motel room while a thug breaks in... and what happens? The guy pins her on the ground and then dislocates two of her fingers. What a brute! We could only hope a similar experience might befall Ms. Grafton and keep her away from the keyboard where she threatens to belt out more of her "literature." After all of the overblown discriptions are removed and a decent editor cuts a hundred pages, N is for Noose can be viewed as a short story that deserves a C- in high school composition. Please Sue, get a full-time job at UCSB and save everyone from your next "novel."