Book Review - The Other Typist

The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell captures you with its style and intriguing characters. It's written in low key fashion but slowly builds and you aren't sure, along with Rose, if Odalie is who she says she is. Rose Baker was an orphan and accustomed to a very spare life. She follows rules and likes rules, and then Odalie comes along and breaks all rules. A typist working for a New York City Police Department in the days of Prohibition has responsibilities. What the ladies transcribe can seal a man's fate.

Odalie comes along and suddenly some criminals seem to walk easily. However, Rose is now Odalie's roommate in a fancy hotel. Odalie lends Rose her fashionable clothes and jewelry, and treats her to nights out at the movies and dare we say it? a speakeasy. They navigate serious work at the station, and then sparkle in glamorous underworld life at night. It's a highstakes world. Soon Rose's fascination with Odalie turns into an obsession from which she may never recover. (cover blurb)

The Other Typist is a mystery and a psychological study told by a slightly biased and unreliable witness. But you will sympathize with Rose and be engaged by Odalie's energy and pizzazz. You'll be drawn into her sphere and desire more. Rindell's writing is superb and you will keep the pages turning, afraid of what might happen to Rose and yet unable to avert your eyes to the drama. Excellent book.