Scan barcode
bekahmurphy's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this book more than I actually liked it. I love noire novels (like Graham Greene and Dashiell Hammett) so I was interested to read a modern take with a woman protagonist.
I'm not sure when this novel is supposed to take place. The 1940s are referenced as being in the youth of the main character's mentor; so late '50s / early '60s? The story is written in an affected manner, copying the style and dialog of earlier works. I found this style to be distancing in a way I don't experience in novels actually written in the period. It was hard for me to get into the story, I kept seeing it as words on the page.
I was also put off by the fact that the love interest makes no sense. From the moment he his introduced he is described as a loser, and no redeeming qualities where ever added except that he is good in bed. Since he makes no sense, the plot around him is weak and the whole book left me rather deflated.
However, I still kinda liked it. It has its charms and I would consider reading more by this author, but maybe one in a different genre.
I'm not sure when this novel is supposed to take place. The 1940s are referenced as being in the youth of the main character's mentor; so late '50s / early '60s? The story is written in an affected manner, copying the style and dialog of earlier works. I found this style to be distancing in a way I don't experience in novels actually written in the period. It was hard for me to get into the story, I kept seeing it as words on the page.
I was also put off by the fact that the love interest makes no sense. From the moment he his introduced he is described as a loser, and no redeeming qualities where ever added except that he is good in bed. Since he makes no sense, the plot around him is weak and the whole book left me rather deflated.
However, I still kinda liked it. It has its charms and I would consider reading more by this author, but maybe one in a different genre.
noirbettie's review against another edition
5.0
If James M. Cain were a woman, writing about women, this is the book he would write.
excuseforjuice's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
smkean's review against another edition
4.0
what a cool little novel, old school noir with money running and gambling. The main characters being woman, and of course a cad of a man to ruin it all. I just really wish this had been longer and more fleshed out!
bunnieslikediamonds's review against another edition
4.0
Very enjoyable, edgy noir with a couple of tough broads as the main characters. A quick - less than 200 pages - read, more like a novella than a novel.
sewnancie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
folkybookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
lindylevito's review against another edition
4.0
Still my favorite Megan Abbott book. An amazing Noir with the Femme Fatales at center. She really nailed the genre.
askh's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5