A young bookkeeper in 1950s America works for Gloria Denton, a formidable woman in the criminal underworld, and learns the business from her. Megan Abbott writes in a hard-boiled style, with a girl's-eye view of the mob, and the story moves toward violence as the narrator's loyalty is tested. The setting is stylized, with cigarette smoke, nightclubs and fashion.
It suits readers who like noir and crime fiction with a female lead, and who enjoy period atmosphere. It is a short, fast book that plays with the conventions of the genre.
Practical and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2007
- Language
- EN
