Review: The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam (May 7, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780399161469

The year is 1923. As a typist in a New York City Police Department precinct, Rose Baker can seal the fate of an individual within a few keystrokes. While she’s dictating testimony or a confession, she wields all the power. Outside the interrogation room, however, she once again becomes a member of the weaker set, not suited to deal with anything more trivial than brewing a pot of coffee. Her life is relatively quiet and routine. Then walks in the other typist.

It’s not like there aren’t any other typists other than Rose. She’s one of a few who are employed within the precinct, yet there is something vastly different about the beautiful and glamorous Odalie.  She bobs her hair, a relatively new and unique trend. She catches the eye (and attention) of powerful men within the precinct. Something is definitely sinister and suspect about Odalie, however. Despite this, and desperate for the companionship she’s lacked all of her life, Rose is drawn to Odalie and a friendship ensues. They visit speakeasies together and Rose is introduced to a completely different world within New York City. Odalie becomes a large part of her life, so large that Rose dedicates a journal to Odalie. Soon, however, the friendship turns into an obsession.

Going in, the reader knows that Rose is a completely unreliable narrator. The description of the book mentions it and several times throughout the book, Rose refers to her doctor and his opinion of her behavior. Therefore, it is no surprise when the tone of the book changes drastically. You know going in that something is going to happen, but just what that is isn’t revealed until the very end. This book quickly transforms into a book of chilling psychological suspense that will have readers sitting at the edge of their seat, rapidly flipping through the pages until IT happens.

I heard rumblings of IT going in, but I didn’t know the specifics. As I read, I honestly began to question what others were saying about this book. It’s not that it wasn’t engaging or interesting, it was. I was just waiting for IT, and when IT happened. Wow. I was stunned into silence for a few moments and then suddenly all sorts of expletives came rushing out of my mouth. Only once has this happened to me before. A story of another incredibly unreliable character with a twisty ending. Yet, dare I say it..this twisty ending was even more intense because IT totally wasn’t expected. This book, and the author’s incredibly skilled writing, completely messes with your head…and you’ll enjoy it.

Bottom line: looking for a completely mind-altering, intense psychological thriller? This is the title for you. Highly, highly recommended.