Well-written. Rose Baker is a plain-looking stenographer at a police precinct. Raised in an orphanage; its not surprising that she is vulnerable and lonely.

In Odalie she sees the sister, the best friend she always wanted but never had. She is easily manipulated by Odalie as most people who meet her are. Strong emotions compel Rose to make a series of poor decisions and take bold risks.

Okay read.

narrator: im not gay
keira knightley reading this: *actually believes her* ( )

The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell is set in the mid-1920s in New York during Prohibition. The story is narrated by Rose, who becomes obsessed with another typist at their workplace, the local police precinct. The other typist is Odalie who is beautiful, charming, alluring and mysterious. In a sense this story acts as Rose’s confession, yet I couldn’t help but wonder if Rose was being truthful about everything as during the course of the tale, there were a number of discrepancies that led me to realize that Rose is an unreliable narrator.

An orphan, raised by nuns, Rose is a play-it-safe and follow the rules type of girl and at first she is unsure about Odalie, but at the same time she watches her closely and takes notes on her behavior. When Odalie drops a valuable broach, Rose calmly picks it up and keeps it. Eventually the two women become friendly and before too long Rose moves into Odalie’s apartment and adjusts her lifestyle to fit in with her world of speakeasys, jazz and bathtub gin. Men are never far away from Odalie and soon one comes to Rose with a story of murder and betrayal.

The Other Typist is a twisty, riveting story about two unreliable women that keeps the reader involved and questioning what exactly is going on. One starts the book thinking they are in for a read about young women entering the workplace in the 1920s, but instead find yourself reading a page turner that is eerie, compelling and confusing. It’s a fun read but the bizarre and confusing end has kept me from rating it higher. ( )

The plot became so convoluted that the ending made no sense. Either that or I'm a idiot, both are entirely possible. ( )

Wonderfully written. Atmospheric, riveting period piece/ psychological thriller. I am still mulling over that ending. May add a fourth star if I figure it out. This a great debut novel, looking forward to more from Ms. Rindell.

EDIT: three years later, and my response to finding out Ms. Rindell is about to drop another novel was of great enthusiasm and excitement. Therefore I must have liked it better than 3 stars. My memory of it is at least a 4 star book. ( )