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msilkwolfe's review against another edition
3.0
Dark with themes of obsession and manipulation. I found it was neither plot driven nor character driven enough for me, however.
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
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 inner circle, 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 the dynamics of Rose and Odalie’s relationship. But little by little I noticed cracks in the façade, and began to wonder 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.
Rindell’s debut is a chilling psychological study. The reader is drawn into the inner circle, 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 the dynamics of Rose and Odalie’s relationship. But little by little I noticed cracks in the façade, and began to wonder 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.
jnicweb's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
Twisty and obsession filled!! Guessed the ending but sometimes predictable is nice.
jmacready's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
teresaalice's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. The writing was decent, but the characters entirely unlikeable and I found the 20's jargon quite jarring.
anamustacho's review against another edition
4.0
It was predictable because I might have read/seen too many similar stories.
However it was stil very enjoyable to read as it turns out the narrator isn't as reliable as we may have believed.
Reminded me of the Great Gatsby in writing perspective, historical setting and even the story line.
So if you enjoyed Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald, you will enjoy this one.
However it was stil very enjoyable to read as it turns out the narrator isn't as reliable as we may have believed.
Reminded me of the Great Gatsby in writing perspective, historical setting and even the story line.
So if you enjoyed Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald, you will enjoy this one.
slichto3's review against another edition
4.0
A pretty thrilling book that steadily upped the stakes until a dramatic and not completely unexpected conclusion.
It's about a conservative girl named Rose who works as a typist at a police precinct in the 20s. She's living a button-downs and solitary life, when a new typist joins the ranks of the precinct. This new girl, Odalie, could not be more different from Rose, but they become friends. To Rose, this friendship seems like a great thing, but you can sense an ominous cloud gaining force in the tangled nature of their relationship, and Odalie's life, as the book progresses.
Very enjoyable and worth a read.
It's about a conservative girl named Rose who works as a typist at a police precinct in the 20s. She's living a button-downs and solitary life, when a new typist joins the ranks of the precinct. This new girl, Odalie, could not be more different from Rose, but they become friends. To Rose, this friendship seems like a great thing, but you can sense an ominous cloud gaining force in the tangled nature of their relationship, and Odalie's life, as the book progresses.
Very enjoyable and worth a read.
cemoses's review against another edition
3.0
It was readable but I was very disappointed at its conclusion and found it unbelievable.
thebookschico's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0