Queenpin by Megan Abbott is a noir novel that follows a young woman who starts working at a small casino and quickly rises in the underworld using her looks and intelligence. The story delves into the complexities of loyalty, passion, lies, and violence as she navigates her relationships in the criminal world. The book is well-written, with a mysterious unnamed narrator who idolizes a legendary figure in the noir world, Gloria Denton, and aims to prove herself worthy of her mentor's attention.

Characters:

Characters are intricately developed, featuring a dynamic mentor-apprentice relationship that complicates as tensions rise, particularly involving gender dynamics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by evocative and creative prose that immerses the reader in a gritty, hard-boiled noir atmosphere while subverting gender norms.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a young woman's initiation into the crime world under a seasoned mentor, evolving into a survival game after romantic entanglements disrupt their bond.

Setting:

The novel is set in a casino in Las Vegas during the 1950s, providing a gritty backdrop that enhances the noir atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is thrilling and relentless, maintaining a strong momentum that draws readers into the suspenseful unfolding of events.

It was a tall, pistachio-colored building along the scenic ridge outside of town. The lobby was covered with mirrors and tall, potted plants. There was an automatic elevator with a carpet in it and wh...

Notes:

Queenpin is set in 1950s Las Vegas and features a young woman learning the crime underworld.

The story is about a mentorship between the young woman and mob Queenpin Gloria Denton.

Abbott cleverly subverts traditional gender roles found in classic noir, portraying powerful female characters.

The unnamed narrator rises through the ranks in the mob world, demonstrating intelligence and resilience.

The book explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complicated dynamics between mistress and apprentice.

Readers praise Abbott's writing, noting its evocative style and gripping storytelling.

Queenpin is described as a hard-boiled crime novel with a dark atmosphere.

Several reviewers are particularly impressed by the character development and vivid portrayal of the crime world.

The book has a relentless pace, keeping readers engaged until the end.

Megan Abbott is recognized as a unique voice in contemporary noir, especially with strong female leads.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, betrayal, manipulation, and sexual situations.

Has Romance?

There is a romantic subplot that complicates the relationships among the characters, particularly involving loyalty and betrayal.

From The Publisher:

By the author of Dare Me and The End of Everything

A young woman hired to keep the books at a down-at-the-heels nightclub is taken under the wing of the infamous Gloria Denton, a mob luminary who reigned during the Golden Era of Bugsy Siegel and Lucky Luciano. Notoriously cunning and ruthless, Gloria shows her eager young protégée the ropes, ushering her into a glittering demimonde of late-night casinos, racetracks, betting parlors, inside heists, and big, big money. Suddenly, the world is at her feet-as long as she doesn't take any chances, like falling for the wrong guy. As the roulette wheel turns, both mentor and protégée scramble to stay one step ahead of their bosses and each other.

Ratings (2)

It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (7):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

It Was OK

2 months

It's a noir story and I'm not sure it was for me to be honest. It wasn't bad, liked some parts of it but overall not my thing. But then again I usually struggle with noir books.

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About the Author:

Megan Abbott is the author of three acclaimed novels, the Edgar Award-winning Queenpin, The Song Is You, and Die a Little. She lives in New York City.

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Queenpin

Megan Abbott