The Other Typist

By: Suzanne Rindell

Narrated by: Gretchen Mol

A haunting debut novel set against the background of New York City in the 1920s…

Confessions are Rose Baker’s job. A typist for the New York City Police Department, she sits in judgment like a high priestess. Criminals come before her to admit their transgressions, and, with a few strokes of the keys before her, she seals their fate. But while she may hear about shootings, knifings, and crimes of passion, as soon as she leaves the room, she reverts to a dignified and proper lady. Until Odalie joins the typing pool.

As Rose quickly falls under the stylish, coquettish Odalie’s spell, she is lured into a sparkling underworld of speakeasies and jazz. And what starts as simple fascination turns into an obsession from which she may never recover.

Worth the Listen

It took about 2.5 hrs before things got going in this audiobook and even then things would drag at times throughout. It has a lot of character development as opposed to action, I think that's why it seemed to drag to me. However with that said I would recommend listening to it. The story is interesting and well written. The characters, because of the character development given to them by the author (especially the main character) really pull the story along without a lot of action. The narrator is very good. The main character is quite complex. I thought I had her figured out but she is a doozy! Have fun with this one, it is something of a mystery.

First Half is slow going, second half picks up

I didn't like the beginning of the book at all - it was a chore to continue listening to it - I skipped ahead quite a bit. I didn't like that it was mostly narration and little dialogue. I did not like the main character Rose and how goody goody and naive she was. I did however like the ending and the era it was set in.
This book would be for people that enjoy a good twist in the story - if they're willing to wait for it and be okay with it only being at the very end.
I gave it a 3 star rating because it was just okay and I would never listen to it again. I probably won't even think about it much ever again either.

LOVED IT!

This seems to be the kind of book you either love or hate. I am in the former category. First off it was an original story with interesting characters and good descriptions of the time period. I loved Gretchen Mol's narration unlike some others, I though the pace and tone was perfect for the story and the characters. The ending was ambiguous and can really be debated. I think I would like to read the hard copy knowing the ending and see what I missed the first time. All in all, its a pleasant way to spend your time and your credits! I am going to recommend to my book club! #fairytaletwists #dark #mindbending #tagsgiving # sweepstakes

better than GONE GIRL

Clever Prohibition-era suspense, charmingly performed by Gretchen Mol.
I dont often write reviews, but really enjoyed this one.

Worth a listen and pay attention! Will look for additional work from this author.

Research required

The only issue I had with the narrator was that sometimes she sounded like she might be sick.

I struggled to finish once I heard in chapter 5 that the author clearly didn't bother to research Catholicism.
Mentioning that the nuns made the girl wait to take vows for years (it takes about 8 years to become a nun. At least)
Mentioning how beautifully the communion bread rose when a certain nun kneaded it (it's unleavened bread)

It really isn't that hard to research for just a bit. Nuns aren't that hard to find. Ask a priest to see a host. It more than likely got more lenient since 1924(when the story is set) so I find it hard to believe that it was actually as such.
Seriously, hold authors accountable.