Pennie Picks U Is for Undertow

Pennie Clark Ianniciello, Costco's book buyer, has chosen U Is for Undertow by Sue Grafton (Harper, $26.99, 9780060852573/0060852577) as her pick of the month for December. In Costco Connection, which goes to many of the warehouse club's members, she wrote:

"The great thing about a series--be it books, film or television--is how the characters start to feel like old friends. After spending 21 books with Kinsey Millhone, the lead in Sue Grafton's Alphabet series, I almost feel as if she's a member of my family.

"Kinsey, a private investigator, is flawlessly fleshed out. As she tries to solve a murder in the latest novel, U Is for Undertow, her imperfections surface, allowing the reader to, if not like her, at least recognize the qualities that make her human. Not only do I adore Grafton as a person, but as a writer she successfully keeps the mysteries fresh in each novel."