Rose Baker is a quiet and efficient typist in a police precinct in 1923 New York City. Having been raised in an orphanage she understands how to blend into the woodwork, proving her worth by her skills and hard work, and never taking liberties when she transcribes criminals’ confessions. An applicant for a vacancy is clearly very different from the mousy Rose. Odalie is chic and confident, and quickly draws the precinct sergeant, detective and beat cops under her spell. Rose is in turns astonished, disdainful, jealous and fascinated by the glamorous newcomer. Before she knows what has happened, Rose is rooming with Odalie, and dreaming of a future teeming with chic clothes, nice jewelry, handsome escorts and money to spare.

Rindell’s debut is a chilling psychological study. The reader is drawn into the plot, just as Rose is drawn to Odalie. In many respects the novel reminds me of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. I was captivated by the story, and seduced by dynamics of Rose and Odalie’s relationship. But little by little I noticed cracks in the façade, and began to question how reliable a narrator Rose is. Having come to admire her for working her way into a responsible position and how she handled herself in a rough environment, I began to dread the inevitable downfall, and, at the end, found myself wondering what REALLY happened?

The novel is populated with a host of colorful characters – handsome Lieutenant Detective, gruff but fair Sergeant, sniveling Helen, whining landlady Dotty, earnest Teddy, and various shady types who are drawn to and also draw Rose and Odalie. Rindell gives them all both talents and flaws. The writing is wonderfully atmospheric – you can feel the silk on your skin, taste the juniper of bathtub gin, smell the cigars, and hear the cacophony of a crowded speakeasy. Some scenes had the feel of a Jay Gatsby party.

I’ll definitely look forward to her next book.

The narration of the book was superb, the entire book was amazing, and the ending was incredible.

The characters came alive, and I could see every scene vividly. Ms. Rindell brought to the literary world a great style and an extraordinary book. Her descriptions are so lyrical and detailed you can easily and pleasantly visualize even the slightest action. The main "stage" of the book takes place in a police station, but that was not a detriment to the story. The smooth, easy flow of the novel was flawless, entertaining, and a bit mysterious.

The book focused on the lives of the two main characters, Rose and Odalie, with Odalie being "the other typist." The author was exploring relationships and human interaction....something we all have in our lives and need to deal with. Rose was the honest, unassuming one and Odalie seemed to want a friend but was manipulative, cunning, almost villian-like, and had another life separate from her typist's life at the police station. A life that Rose was not aware of but found out as their friendship progressed.

It was quite easy to get involved in the characters' lives which made the book difficult to put down. You will absolutely love how the book flowed but you will also be afraid for Rose as she enters this new relationship with Odalie. I liked Rose at the beginning but became disappointed as the book continued because of how she changed and how she was so captivated and easily swayed by Odalie. I didn't like Odalie from the minute she walked through the door at the police station on her first day of her new job. I could immediately tell what kind of person she was. Are you curious why I am saying this? :) You will have to find out when you read this impressive book.

Think of a friendship you had in your life. Was it a friendship that lasted, was it simply a friendship that you thought was a good one but one that didn't last, was it one you really shouldn't have been in, or was it one that turned out to be a friendship for life?

This book has everything a wonderful book should have: a beautiful writing style, characters you will become attached to, outstanding descriptions, an easily pulled into storyline, and a bit of secrecy and intrigue. Absolutely loved it. 5/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.

I am not quite finished yet, but I love this book. I can't wait to see what happens!

Engaging. The story contains much intrigue with clues throughout. The author does a beautiful job of bringing everything together.

The narrative just went on and on with nothing too exciting. Then the ending was abrupt, and I just didn't get how that could happen. I'm sure she could have gotten out of that mess but there was no explanation as why she couldn't. It was unconvincing and confusing.

We couldn\\\'t decide how the book ended! It was one of our livelier discussions because we talked about characters, motives, points of view, setting, atmosphere, writing, and everything in between.

Very well written. Kept me wondering.