Title: The Twin's Daughter
Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Pages: 400
Genre: YA / Historical Fiction
Source: Good Golly Miss Holly ARC Tours
Lucy Sexton is stunned when a disheveled woman appears at the door one day... a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lucy's own beautiful mother. It turns out the two women are identical twins, separated at birth, and raised in dramatically different circumstances. Lucy's mother quickly resolves to give her less fortunate sister the kind of life she has never known. And the transformation in Aunt Helen is indeed remarkable. But when Helen begins to imitate her sister in every way, even Lucy isn't sure at times which twin is which. Can Helen really be trusted, or does her sweet face mask a chilling agenda?
Filled with shocking twists and turns, The Twin's Daughter is an engrossing gothic novel of betrayal, jealousy, and treacherous secrets that will keep you guessing to the very end. [via GoodReads]
I have to start this review by saying... I didn't see that one coming!
Ms. Baratz-Logsted masterfully creates a tale full of twists and turns that I have to admit kept me wondering... I kept trying to figure it out and every time I thought I had it, I was thrown for a loop. Kudos to Ms. Baratz-Logsted - because yes, I did not see that one coming!
Lucy - who is about 13 when the novel starts - has a very distinct voice. Her inquisitive nature and attention to detail are really what kept this novel going for me. She lives with her wealthy parents and lives a comfortable yet dull life. When a woman with a striking resemblance to her mother knocks on her door she finds that her life is turned upside down. Lucy has quite the vivid imagination and shortly after meeting the recently acquired Aunt Helen, she begins to doubt her and her intentions. After a gruesome murder of one of the sister's, Lucy finds herself wondering which twin lived.
Aside from the mystery aspect of the novel, there was also a very sweet romance between Lucy and her neighbor Kit. I loved the way their relationship and feelings for each other matured throughout the story. I found myself looking forward to their moments together.
One other thing that I thought was very well done was the setting. I think Ms. Baratz-Logsted does a wonderful job in capturing the time the story is set in (I would say circa World War I - although the time frame is never really established), London.
All in all, I truly enjoyed this gothic tale of murder, mystery, love and so many twists and turns you'll feel like your head is spinning. A fantastic read for teens and adults alike.
My Rating:
Thanks for the fabulous review! I've really been wanting to read this, but had some doubts. I'll totally give it a try since you enjoyed it! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! This sounds really interesting! Great review! I'll have to check it out! :)
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this one, it sounds awesome! I love books that keep you guessing. Great review! =)
ReplyDeleteThis one was a bit slow going in the beginning for me, but BAM when the action started a few chapters in I was totally hooked. Like you I thought the mystery was very well plotted and the romance lightened the dark just right. Glad you enjoyed this one as well.
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