D Is for Deadbeat was published by Henry Holt in 1987. John Daggett, a seedy alcoholic just released from prison, hires Kinsey to deliver a $25,000 cashier’s check to a young man named Tony Gahan. When Daggett is found drowned and the check turns out to be stolen, Kinsey investigates the dead man’s past and discovers a drunk-driving accident that killed multiple people — giving several survivors motive for murder.
The novel demonstrates Grafton’s ability to generate sympathy for deeply flawed victims: Daggett is not likeable, but his murder still demands justice. This moral clarity — that even the worst people deserve to have their deaths investigated — is central to Kinsey’s ethos.
The Unworthy Victim
Daggett embodies a recurring Grafton theme: the victim nobody wants to speak for. He is an alcoholic, a deadbeat, a man who killed people while driving drunk. But Kinsey’s commitment to the investigation is not contingent on the victim’s character — it is a matter of principle, and this principled stubbornness is what makes her a great detective.
The Check
The cashier’s check — $25,000, stolen, intended for the son of one of Daggett’s victims — is a beautifully constructed plot device. It connects the murder to the old accident, motivates the investigation, and raises questions about guilt, restitution, and whether money can atone for manslaughter.
Collecting D Is for Deadbeat
First edition (Henry Holt, New York, 1987): Boards with dust jacket.
Approximate market values:
- Fine in dust jacket: $100–$250
- Signed first edition: $200–$600
Projected values (2026–2036): Moderate to strong appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this among the best early Millhone novels? It is frequently cited as the best of the first five — the plotting is tight, the characterisation of Daggett is memorable, and the moral complexity is ahead of its time.