Review: PINS – Jessica McHugh

Posted 8 January, 2013 by Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms in Reviews / 0 Comments

Review: PINS – Jessica McHughPins by Jessica McHugh
Published by Post Mortem Books on 14 September 2012
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Suspense
Pages: 276
Source: Netgalley
Buy on Amazon
3 Stars

*PINS may be unsuitable for readers younger than 17 due to sexual and violent content as well as very adult language.*

PINS is the story of Birdie, who left college and wasn't able to hold on to a normal job and decided to start stripping at PINS instead. She then has break-up sex with her boyfriend Scott, they have a little shouting match and off she goes to her new life - filled with glitter and garters. Scott is a piece of work, really, and I was glad Birdie stuck to her guns and left him! Especially later in the book when they meet in Birdie's hometown he acts like a total douche.

 

*I received a free ARC of this book from Post Mortem Press via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*

PINS is the gritty, honest tale of Eva ‘Birdie’ Finch who quits her newest job and decides that stripping might be the way to go in order to pay her rent.

The writing is a little strange – her first night at work is mixed in with other nights several weeks later, then back to the first night and meeting with all the girls, learning the ropes of her new profession. I had trouble following the action during the first part because both the writing and the pacing was jilted. And I’m not sure if this was done on purpose or not, to me, it was only distracting me away from a story that was really good.

PINS is a gritty place but it seems to be full of life-lessons, both for Birdie and her fellow strippers. Birdie learns to be a lot more accepting, both of herself and of the girls she works with, and I think the story also shows readers that strippers are human, too! I believe that a lot of people tend to discard strippers as being one-dimensional, and that they strip because they are superficial and can’t really get another job.

I thought my English was close to perfect, even if it isn’t my mother tongue, however, I have learned quite a few new words for female genitals in this book! 🙂 The way the girls talked among them, was pretty harsh, but also very honest, and I have always appreciated honesty, even if it sometimes hurts to hear (or read).

Another negative note is that I felt like I could get to know the characters better, even Honey and Birdie, who are the main characters, are not really as fleshed out as they could have been. Yes, we do learn quite a few things about them, but it still doesn’t feel as if I really know them.

The overall storyline and plot was really well done, so that is a big plus for me. I was drawn in by PINS and the people there, and the serial-killer plot had me wondering who the killer might be. I guessed it before it was revealed to the readers, but I think that’s only because I’m a very suspicious person.

All in all I enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to my fellow readers who like to read about strong women who dare to make difficult choices, and where there is a very nice mystery to solve as well.

Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms

About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms

Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.

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