Cover Image: The Twins

The Twins

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Member Reviews

Twins Susan and Sarah are inseparable. Through good or bad, the girls will always be together. Until they meet Jonny. He's older, handsome, charming and offers the girls much needed attention. But he can only choose one of the girls. For the first time in their lives the girls find themselves split apart.

There's lots of secrets, violence and abuse in this story. The chapters are told alternately in the past and present. Sarah and Jonny are married and Sarah has been estranged from her from Susan for years. But Susan turns up on her doorstep. The story is told from Susan and Sarah point of view, ut at times we are ot sure which twin is narrating. There's lots of twists but I loved the twist at the end.

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #JSLark for my ARC in exchange for an honest review..

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Lucy is spending an evening with her mother when the doorbell goes. Stood at the door is her mother Sarah’s double. Her twin Susan. Lucy knew nothing about her aunt. Why had she never been told of her existence and why is she back.
We then discover how life was for the twins growing up in flashbacks.
Then a tragic accident happens. Will the truth ever come to light.
Absolutely brilliant book. It keeps you turning the pages till the very end. I even had to re read the final chapters just to make sure I had got the ending straight in my mind.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the arc.

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I LOVE when books give you a short synopsis! They always end up exceeding my expectations in the best way possible. This book was amazing! 5 stars!

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Sarah and Susan are identical twins born to a young mother and an absent father. Their mother had many boyfriends in and out of the house all with the name of “Uncle So-And-So.” The girls skipped school constantly and their mother did nothing to keep them going. Since their mother didn’t work, there was little money for food much less clothes. Very early, the twins became part of the streets. One friend they made was Jonny who was unaware that they are only 13 when they said they are 16. Jonny and Susan hooked up and Sarah was just with them and a couple of other guys as they hung around in places smoking and doing drugs.

One night while totally wasted, Sarah is raped by one of the guys they hung around with. Not knowing what rape is, she ends up pregnant even before she had begun her period. Meanwhile, Jonny and Susan plan to move to London to live until he learns she is 13 and not 16.

Slowly, the bond between the twins begins to crumble and they fall apart from one another and hate takes the place of love.

They are older when we see them again but the hate is still there. Is there such a thing as a good twin and an evil one? Read this roller coaster thriller and see for yourself.

I found I really had to pay attention and keep up with this chess game to know who was who with these twins. This is a very gritty book that made me pity children who literally have to grow up on the streets. So sad in many ways and so much hatred in others. Reviews are all over the place with this book which makes it an even more compelling read.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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Susan and Sara are identical twins ... best friends .... forever.

But when they both fell in love with the same man, things changed....

The man makes his choice .... and they've been together for many years. They have a daughter that means the world to them both.

But one day ... the other twin knocks on the other's door. It's been almost thirty years without contact with each other. The one twin seems to have everything ... everything the other twin thinks was stolen from her.

She's determined to take back what should have been hers ... husband, child, home, ... her life.

Love, hate, vengeance, passion, death ... there's a little bit of everything in this well written story riddled with twists and turns that rival a roller coaster ride. And what really happened all those years ago? The ending was totally unexpected and riveting.

Many thanks to the author / One More Chapter / Harper Collins UK / Netgalley for the digital copy of this excellent psychological thriller.

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The Twins is a thriller which is narrated through the dual POV of identical twins Sarah and Susan. It uses a dual timeline to show the journey of the twins in the present and past.

I liked Sarah the most because she I found her to be relatable and strong. I think that she sacrificed and suffered a lot because of her sister. Susan was selfish and didn’t really care about anybody but herself.I found Johnny to be sneaky and untrustworthy when It came to Susan. I think he should have had his wife’s back instead of not listening to how she was feeling.

I liked how the story ended because it really shook things up. This book is full of twists, turns, trauma and heartbreak.

Please be aware that this book includes drug use, rape, molestation, prostitution, abuse and abortion.

I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.

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Firstly I would like to thank Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on this blog tour and to NetGalley and the Publisher for my copy of this e-book and what an incredible book it was.

You know how they say twins are double the trouble, well that is clearly evident in this book, these two girls left me with my head spinning, and one hell of a book hangover.

The story follows the twins through three separate times in their life – the 1980’s when they were growing up and as thick as thieves. 2018 when they found each other again and 2019 the aftermath.

This book took me on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster, it was incredibly well written, with an amazing storyline and fabulous well thought out characters.

I would have to say my favourite parts of the book were the chapters from the girls growing up, as horrific as their lives were I just loved how close they were, and well growing up with the likes of the Olsen Twins and Sister Sister, I so desperately wished I had a twin at that age too. Now, however, i am so relieved that wasn’t the case. There is always one evil twin – this line is stated quite a lot in this book and it would seem to be true. But the question is, who really is the evil one?

There is no doubt what so ever that these twins had a lot of ordeals to encounter, but were they just as evil as each other, honestly I’ve not quite come to a conclusion yet, my head is still spinning from all the twists that were thrown into this story. But throughout the story I felt equally sorry and heart-broken for each of them, but gun to my head – I would have to say my favourite character was Sarah – The real Sarah.

Although this book was mainly focused around the twins, it did not stop the author from creating all the other characters in a strong, relatable and life-like way. This is probably a first for me but I connected with each of the characters and felt a strong connection to them all, there wasn’t one that stood out from the rest, they were all incredibly well written and thought out, making them some of the most life-like characters I have read, making me feel like I was there and a part of their family, and I guess it was because of this that by the end of the book I felt hurt with tears welling up in my eyes. Wishing it could have turned out differently.

This is one of the most gripping thrillers i have ever read, with a fast pace throughout, I promise you will not be able to put this book down. I can definitely see this book appearing in one of my favourite reads of the year.

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I’m still undecided on this book so apologies if this review goes back and forth a bit. Let’s start with the good things. The Twins is a very creepy story, one which I imagine would come across well on the screen. That creepiness is not just because we are trying to figure out how far Susan will go, but of the hardships these women have gone through in their lives. Some of the incidents in this book will send chills down your spine. Adding to that is the author’s ability to make the reader feel what the twins are going through, and the emotions felt by both as their relationship continues to deteriorate.

On the flip side, The Twins didn’t live up to its potential for me. I felt the story dragged a bit and became a bit too choppy at the end – although many will appreciate the final twist. While the plot does become more fast-paced, the fact that the plot and timeline could be difficult to follow meant that I couldn’t increase my overall rating. Clearly marked chapter titles would be a help toward improving this difficulty.

The reviews I read of The Twins were a mixed bag so I really think whether you like this book or not will be down to you. If you would like to give The Twins a go, it is available to buy now.

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Well, blow me away with a leaf blower! What a rollercoaster of a read! I could not believe my eyes as the plot was developing and was literally gasping at every page and every revelation. Fantastic writing from Lark and what a mind-bender!

This book is complicated. Firstly, we have the twins who are identical and have very similar names. Secondly, the structure of the narrative is somewhat a challenge. Deliberately (as I found out when reflecting on the plot), Lark jumps around between Sarah and Susan’s perspectives. In addition, we have three time-lines to follow: Sarah and Susan’s childhood/growing up; before the accident; after the accident. As you can guess, just from this on its own, it’s going to be a bit of a mind-warp and you certainly have to concentrate!

I struggled to get my head around the different timelines and perspectives, reading through the first couple of pages in the chapter to find out clues – which do come. As I was reading, I wondered why Lark had not given the chapters a label to indicate which character was narrating and at what time frame. However, having finished the book, it makes complete sense in a muddled sort of way, and definitely added to the intensity of the narrative.

This story is very tense and deals with some harrowing topics including child neglect, child rape and drug addiction. However, I think the way that Lark presents these topics was in a sensitive manner and they did not make me feel uncomfortable. It all added to a rather sad narrative that means you cannot put the book down for wanting to know what happens to Sarah and Susan.

I grew to love the ambiguity in this narrative, particularly once I had got used to the uncertain perspective. It reinforces the closeness between Sarah and Susan that becomes more sinister as the story progresses. Whilst Sarah has established herself in the idyllic Lake District, it some becomes clear that this life is on borrowed time as Susan features more and more in her life.

In the end I could not put this book down! Once I had finished it, I tried to draw a diagram to show to myself the events of the narrative, but even that confused me. I think this story will sit with me for such a long time. It was so well-written and so absorbing, that it was an effortless five star rating. I cannot wait to read more by Lark.

With thanks to One More Chapter, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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First, I want to thank J.S. Lark, One More Chapter, NetGalley, and Rachel's Random Resources for providing the book so I may bring you this review.

WOW! What an interesting read J.S. Lark’s The Twins was!! The Twins was filled with heartache, pain, violence, memory loss, rape, a tragic accident, entering womanhood, etc.

Warning this book has triggers of violence, molestation, rape, and abortion. It might not be suitable for some readers.

I can’t believe anyone saying they are glad they don't have a sister!! What a harsh thing to say! I love my sister unconditionally and would be completely lost without her in my life. Especially your twin-two bodies one mind type of bond.

Right off the bat in chapter one I was drawn into the story with a deep sense of fear and panic. J.S. Describes a very detailed and graphic account of the main character trying to navigate every wintry roadway without getting into an accident. I was incredibly scared for both women as I didn’t want anything to happen to either of them!

I agree that Identical Twins are rare pearls and very special people. I had a set of identical Franciscan brother’s in my family that had a very special place in my heart (may they RIP). Everything J.S. Lark spoke of Identical Twins I could totally understand. They could feel what eachother was feeling even when the other passed. Ironically, the other passed a few hours from the other. I will never forget that day. It made the front page of the local paper and shockingly enough Perez Hilton did a story on it!

OH Man was I cracking up laughing and couldn’t stop at the craziness the girls got into with Uncle Harry! They were bad-but so good lol!!

J.S. Did an amazing job pulling out all the rollercoaster of emotions the characters felt at various times of the book. Many were incredibly heartfelt and you totally wanted to hug the character and comfort them.

There are a lot of shocking moments in this book that result in a lot of twists and turns.

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I read After You Fell by J.S. Lark last year, so when a chance to read another novel by this author presented itself, I jumped at the opportunity. The Twins is a psychological thriller...prepare to sit on the edge of your seat as this twisted story unravels.

Susan and Sarah are identical twins, so similar that even their mother doesn't always know which twin she's speaking to. A mother, who prefers to concentrate solely on her individual needs before those of her daughters. Therefore, the twins are left very much to their own devices as their mother entertains an ever-revolving carousel of "uncles" in their home. 

The story begins around the time the twins turn thirteen and already they are feral and doing as they please. Everything is fine until they meet Jonny and suddenly there's a jealous rivalry between them... surprising them both. For the first time in their lives, they begin to realise life as they know it won't continue.

The narrative covers multiple time-lines, notable flashbacks to when the twins are growing up and then to when Sarah and Susan reunite as adults after an absence of thirty years. One sister seems to have had everything the other has always wanted...Jonny… and still wants him. 

The twist wasn't a surprise as I guessed what would happen but J.S. Lark still manages to shock and reveal far more than any reader would suspect, which I liked. One stand out issue with the narrative is the difficulty in trying to keep abreast of which sister is speaking. It's confusing at times yet, amplifies how alike the pair are and I wonder if this is a deliberate inclusion by the author? 

As a reader, I read this novel slowly to ensure I didn't miss anything especially when either of the twins is speaking,

I'm not easily offended so the content of this novel didn't trigger any warnings for me. However, some incidences may cause distress for some readers. 

Overall, the novel isn't an easy one to read and absorb, but my overall feeling is it's well worth the time and effort. 

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

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I was really looking forward to this book as the plot had drawn me into the plot outline.

I loved how the characters were introduced and with each chapter you were either taken back into the past to find out details about things that lead up to the 'event'. It is obvious that Sarah, didn't want to be having Susan back in her life, and had done a great deal of work to make sure she was hidden for a time. Each character helps build up the story line effectively to keep you hooked. When Susan came back and started spending time with Sarah's family, it becomes clear that there is a motive behind it.

Each chapter, and each sly hint lead to a huge plot twist by the end. However, I felt that the ending was quite disappointing, as I had guessed near the end what had happened between the sisters. One of the sisters died in the car accident, but was the sister that survived actually the sister she makes out to be? You'll have to read the book to find out!

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I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. Susan and Sarah are twins and at one point go their own ways after something terrible has happened and don't speak for years. I really think this could have been a good book but the story is told from present to past, which is fine, but you actually have to figure it out when you start a chapter to see who is telling it and if it is past or present. Very confusing and I did not enjoy it.

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Twins Sarah and Susan didn't have the best start in life. Lots of 'uncles' and a mum who left them to bring themselves up. They started off as 'brats' and evolved into much worse. They are identical but, as the book says, one of them is good and one of them is evil. As adults the twins are separated until one twin knocks on the other twins door. The story flips from the present to the past as we find out what happened and why she's back.

This is a dark, thriller rollercoaster of emotions. From anger, hatred and heartbreaking. I felt sorry for the girls who described themselves as feral wolves. I didn't see the twist at the end coming. Brilliant! I loved it.

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Sarah seems to have it all, her job, her home, a husband Jonny and a daughter Lucy. Her past is far from her memory and that's where she chooses to keep it. Until one night a knock at the door leads to everything changing.

When Lucy opens the door, she sees her mother's reflection. Here we meet Susan, Sarah's twin sister. She is back and she wants what is hers.

Sarah doesn't want anything to do with her, Susan was always the evil one.

This book is fast paced and kept me gripped. The chapters are short which makes for an easy read. The story flips between each sisters retelling of events and between present day and their childhood. It kept me guessing which I always think is the sign of a good storyline.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Sarah and Susan growing up were inseparable and then tragedy struck as lies started to unfold and unravel and the girls started to drift apart, that is until Susan shows up on Sarah's doorstep fifteen years later. One of my favorite things to read about is twins and even more so if they are identical. The Twins by J.S Lark also had that added excitement of being a mystery. In The Twins, we learn that Sarah and Susan had a hard life growing up and that in a way Susan has always been the bad twin and Sarah getting the brunt of everything from being almost killed which resulted in their first separation. This book goes through their lives past and present. In the present, Susan has arrived and wants to get to know Sarah and her family again and be part of her life. Sarah though knows how dangerous Susan can be and wishes to have nothing to do with her, unfortunately for Sarah - her husband Johnny still has a soft spot for Susan who was his first love. Though he cared about both twins - Susan was his first girl. As the book goes along, we discover Susan's plan and if Sarah isn't careful - the plan might just work as Susan plans to take over Sarah's life completely and get rid of Sarah once and for all. The only thing I had hoped we might have gotten more answers about was the fact that both girls had, had children when they were younger and given up for adoption. Overall, though if you are looking for a good identical twin UK mystery, then check out The Twins by JS Lark today.

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I enjoyed this thriller!! It's told in the perspective of both twins!! It grabs you and doesn't let go! I highly recommend this book!!

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The Twins by J.S. Lark is a psychological suspense thriller that will twist your brain around and around until you are dizzy and unsure of which direction you are going.

The story of the twins' early life enthralled me entirely, and when the story switched more to the present, it made me sad to not be given their full story from age 13 to 16. A lot happened in those three years, and I would love to feel that sense of completeness more info would have provided. Their early years provide an emotional and sometimes horrifying look at life in poverty. The telling adds depth and a layer of reality to the story that is otherwise a twisting and turning plot demanding an element of suspended disbelief.

I loved Lucy, who was the one character that is grounded and empathetic. In a world of crazy, Lucy's calm sanity stands out like a beacon of light for me as a reader and the other characters. She is very independent, likes to form her own opinions, and has limitless empathy.

The story is told in the first person through both the twins – Sarah and Susan – and can get quite confusing. At first, that bothered me, and then I realized there was a good chance that the story utilized that technique purposefully. Once I gave in and just went with the story, not worrying about which sister was narrating, knowing it would be evident sooner rather than later, the story flowed much better for me. I enjoyed much more than when I was fighting with the story trying to figure out who was narrating.

I wish that I had been given a more concrete clue about Chloe's birth parents' identity. Imagining the possibilities, I can see where that could be a story within itself. Perhaps she even had her plan, or maybe she is an innocent bystander.

The Twins is a trip on a quickly spinning amusement park ride that enthralled me and kept me guessing.

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This was an OK read but not as gripping as I had expected it to be. It jumps back and forwards between the past and present with some twists, but something was missing for me

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Sarah gets a shock one night when someone knocking on her door turns out to be her twin sister Susan. strange, as she hasn’t seen her for thirty years.
Sarah’s daughter Lucy appeals to her mum about the aunt who she knew nothing about, and eventually she is invited in despite Sarah’s reluctance. What can only follow is a dark tale with the premise of one twin being good and one bad and with Sarah’s husband Jonny stuck in the middle of them. The story is told in different timelines by Sarah and Susan.

The twins tell of an unhappy childhood, their mother is useless, they fend for themselves, and raise themselves. However they are very much a team, almost as one and this bond is strong.. As they enter their teens, their lives start to go crazy and they become dangerous which is portrayed clearly but thankfully it’s not in too much detail, because it’s not an easy story to read. Competition between them grows and they start to drift. The closeness breaks down especially after Jonny enters their lives. Their feelings and emotions are described well and at times with intensity. There are secrets between them and these keep growing, building with layers of lies built upon lies. Just when you think the end is a bit predictable it becomes clear that it most certainly isn’t and you’d better pay attention!

However I had a problem with the book, the character switching and timelines made it confusing, because it isn’t always clear which twin we are reading about although I do understand why this is done. The main characters are not very likeable and Jonny seems to be the best character in the book, but even he raises my eyebrows.

Overall though, I did enjoy the book especially the twisty ending which I definitely did not see coming.

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