Member Reviews

Thank you Netgalley, Diane Saxon and Boldwood books for the eArc of The Good twin.

Ive read /listened to a few of Diane Saxon books and really enjoyed the DS Jenna Morgan Series. So I had high hopes for this standalone psychological thriller. This book did not disappoint. Diane is great in building in good tension within her narratives to keep you engaged and reading. The Good twin has some great twists and turns which keep you guessing. The last 3rd of the book has some edge of the seat qualities and has you gripped until you finish the book.

There are some triggers in this book that some readers may need to be aware of. These are handled with care and are very realistic in the healing process of what can happen we trust the wrong person. This is what makes Diane a superb writer.

4 Stars

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"The Good Twin" by Diane Saxon is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of grief, familial bonds, and the consequences of choices made in the aftermath of a sudden loss. The story revolves around the lives of identical twins, grappling with the recent death of their mother and the challenging decisions that will shape their futures.

Saxon skillfully captures the essence of grief and the disorienting impact it has on the lives of the characters. The twins, left without their guiding force, find themselves at a crossroads, torn between different paths. The emotional turmoil and conflict between Skye and the protagonist are palpable, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.

The author explores the unique dynamic between identical twins, portraying the bonds that bind them and the strains that threaten to pull them apart. The characters are well-developed, with the protagonist navigating the loneliness and desperation that comes with losing a vital part of oneself. The internal struggles of each twin add depth to the narrative, showcasing the impact of grief on individual choices.

The novel also introduces a sense of suspense and tension as the protagonist seeks solace in a newfound friendship. The exploration of trust, vulnerability, and the consequences of misplaced trust adds an unexpected layer to the storyline, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the unfolding drama.

Saxon's writing style is compelling, with vivid descriptions that evoke a range of emotions. The exploration of the characters' internal conflicts is nuanced, and the pacing of the narrative allows for a gradual unfolding of the plot. The themes of loneliness, regret, and the search for understanding are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity.

The resolution of the story is both satisfying and thought-provoking, offering a realistic portrayal of the complexities of grief and the aftermath of difficult choices. "The Good Twin" is a gripping and emotionally resonant novel that explores the intricacies of family dynamics and the unexpected twists life can bring. With its well-crafted characters and compelling narrative, this book earns a solid four-star rating. Diane Saxon has delivered a touching and memorable story that lingers in the reader's heart.

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W.O.W. What a captivating book, i couldnt put it down. When sky disappears, summer her identical twin is convinced she didn't just take off after losing their mother unexpectedly. I found it quite an emotional book, but i loved it...... lots of twists and turns along the way, and 'I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING MOMENTS'. If you're looking for a new author or book this has to be it. Highley recommend 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me

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I always enjoy Diane Saxons novels and the good twin does not disappoint, it starts with the wedding of Summer & Skyes dad they were always the best of friends until the death of their mother and how they cope with their grief, Skye wants to continue with their university plans but Summer feels she should stay home with their father & sister but when Summer disappears everyone assumes she has run away, but did she? On the day of the wedding, Skye answers the phone to a girl who says Summer is alive but doesn’t say where. It’s down to Skye to find out the truth,
The story is full of twists and turns and the ending was a surprise and it is definitely worth a read.

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First, I want to thank Diane Saxon, Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

Oh Snap!! Diane Saxon is back with another twisted story in The Good Twin!! This time around her book is so intense, deep, twisted, sinister, creepy at times and totally shocking twists! It is unlike any book I have read from her because this one goes to the dark side! This is one you will want to put on the top of your TBR pile!

I loved how Diane named one of her characters after Skye her Dalmatian! I just loved that name!

One thing I loved about this book was how detailed Diane was about many facets of the storyline. As a reader there were some scenes that I felt like I was experiencing everything that was going on with the characters. With feeling like that it did bring up some many raw emotions I was feeling.

The Good Twin is jam packed with dark secrets, lots of twists and turns, shocking moments that will leave your jaw on the floor, and heartbreaking moments.

Even though this is a serious book I did see some humor slip in that made me chuckle a little bit.

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Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

The Good Twin is a thriller set over different points in time and with different points of view. I enjoyed it and telling the story this way allows you to understand the history. Being a twin myself I enjoyed Summer and Skye's relationship.

I did guess who LJ was quite early on but this did not detract from enjoying the book

The characters were well developed and the story did get a little slow in places especially at the end but by then I was invested to find out if Summer is rescued

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Wow what a great story! I enjoyed reading this so much & read it in one sitting! I can't wait to read another of this authors books!!!!

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A kidnapping and a wedding start off the book. They are in different timelines but I thought the contrast was interesting. I’ve read and enjoyed Diane Saxon’s books before so I knew I was in for a quick, very good read. The twists were unexpected and I was trying to figure out who the kidnapper was. After the main plot was resolved there were several smaller ones to resolve and I would have liked to see them resolved quicker. One chapter ended and I thought the book was over but another chapter was waiting. It was good content but it seemed to drag out the ending.

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This was another totally addictive read from this author and once I had started reading I couldn’t put it down. This is a great fast paced psychological thriller with Fabulous characters and an engaging plot. This authors books just keep getting better and better.

It would make a good tv adaption too.

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In this compelling psychological tale, twin sisters Summer and Skye hold contrasting views on how to cope with their mother's recent death. One sister, left behind to keep their remaining family together, expresses her disappointment as her twin ventures off to college. As the good twin, Summer hates the idea of Skye leaving her, but she acknowledges that her twin chose to move on with her life. Then, she meets LJ - a stranger she met online with whom she has shared her frustrations and everything about her family. But what seemed a harmless meet-up took an unexpected and frightening turn. The question looms: Can Summer's family rally to rescue her from captivity, or will her abductor keep her trapped indefinitely?

The story switches between Summer and Sky at different times, hinting at the possibility of an unreliable narrator. The dual perspective may sometimes be confusing, and the reader may need to reread the chapter's first few lines to know which POV it was.

The kidnapping trope isn't new in mystery novels; still, there's an intriguing promise as the plot unfolds. Good aspects are seeing the abductor's point of view and the unique telepathic connection between the twins.

Of course, a mystery novel isn't complete without its twists. This book certainly has its share of twists and turns - some predictable, while a few quite surprising.

Yet, it's not without its faults. The author tends to suspend an engaging scenario by interjecting backstories and lengthy descriptions to develop the characters, which can become dull, causing the reader to lose track of the gripping storyline. While I understand that introducing flashbacks within a present storyline is necessary for insight and backstory, the author had created rather long ones. By the time the flashback ended, I forgot a prior scene was being told - even one meant to create tension. An entire chapter even describes one character's step-by-step makeup application used as successive dialogue tags. I find such execution of procedural descriptions too tedious. Typically, repetition in novels creates resonance, but in this case, it was excessive. This particular writing technique contributed to the book feeling monotonous. It was in the middle that the structure became more polished despite the confusing POVs, yet the narrative detours and repetitions crop up intermittently. It would have been better to build up the other characters to create more vital false leads than utilize recurring lines.

Overall, it was an okay read. I love that the book dealt with themes of Stockholm Syndrome and trauma bonds. A poignancy to the story, particularly on sisterhood, left me hopeful. Once revealed, the "motive" gave a satisfying ending that could have been phenomenal if the writing structure had been better. If you're crazy about plot twists, this book is for you.


"Thank you #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

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This is so incredibly disturbing. I loved the ending but it isn't necessarily happy. It wouldn't be.
These girls lose their mother and then they lose each other. I feel almost traumatized from reading this. It was too real.
That said. - I loved it.

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What a read!! I loved this and was instantly hooked. through the authors writing, I was completely freaked out and emotional! My heart broke for Summer especially at the start.

The characters were so well developed, I was drawn to them all, it’s hard to write a review without giving anything away, but if you love different POVs, timelines and stories and a couple of red herrings- you need this book in your life!

An amazing psychological thriller, which needs to be on your TBR

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I just couldnt get into this bool at all.Will try and go back to it when im maybe more focused .Sorry, but thanks for giving me chance to read it.

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I’d like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Good Twin’ written by Diane Saxon in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Eight months after the death of the mother of identical twins Summer and Skye, Skye goes off to university whereas Summer decides to take a gap year to stay home and look after their father and younger sister Jade. She’s annoyed that Skye has left her and finds a friend online to have a moan to and arranges to meet with him one evening. But it’s not long before she realises she’s made a drastic error of judgment and one she will live to regret.

‘The Good Twin’ is a disturbing psychological thriller with dark undercurrents as a monster masquerading as your normal everyday person carries out their twisted desires. The characters are perfectly illustrated in a story where malevolence can be felt with chills creeping up your spine. This is a thriller that starts slowly but increases in momentum until the final shocking chapters where the identity of the villain is exposed and the truth revealed.
It's a compelling novel that’s kept me totally absorbed from start to finish and is one I can highly recommend.

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Meet twin sisters Summer and Skye. When their mother dies unexpectedly the twin bath make decisions about their future. Skye goes to university but Summer stays at home with her father and younger sister Jade. Told from the POV’s of the twins, 1st and 3rd person and over various timelines.

Briefly, October 2016 and Summer is waiting to meet her internet date LJ. She hasn’t told her father or Skye where she is going or who with. She is not seen again. Fast forward to May 2023. It is 7 years since Summer disappeared and Skye is preparing for her fathers wedding to his second bride. However thoughts of Summer are never far away.

In this deep and very dark physiological thriller we learn first hand what has happened to Summer and how Skye reacts to what she discovers. Well written and with a gritty plot this was a compulsive read full of twists and turns. A moving and emotional rollercoaster with a shocking climax. Great read.

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A wonderfully dark piece of fiction to get your teeth into!

Twins, Summer and Skye are all set to go to university together and live their best lives, when tragedy strikes, in the form of their mum unexpectedly passing away. Their father wants the girls to defer for a year and support him, and younger sister, Jade, through this hard time. Summer relents, while Skye decides that she will rebel and go to university as planned. Summer, the good twin, will soon regret her decision as she is 'catfished', with devastating consequences.

The story is told by the twins, each narrating her experiences in timelines that span a number of years. This is dark, twisty and gritty fiction, with some eye opening twists and reveals. This s a book that I highly recommend. The ending is superb and gratifyingly doesn't enter unrealistic Hollywood ending territory!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

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Just when you think you have it all sussed out...then bam! This is another well plotted, chilling and suspense filled psychological thriller from the author, one I highly recommend. I liked the well rounded characterisation, I was hooked in the story from the beginning, it was an easy read and full of surprising twists. The pacing slowed a bit in the middle section but this did not detract from the finale! Another absorbing, edge of your seat read from Diane Saxon. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

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Wow, this book was so good. It kept me gripped from the first page right through to the last. This is one of the best books I have read this year and gets an easy 5 stars from me. Well done Diane Saxon on writing such a brilliant book.

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This book hooked me in from the beginning and started off brilliantly. It then started to drag a bit and I found it a bit long and slow paced. Really good ending though and I look forward to reading more by this author

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This was an awesome book it’s about twins Sky and Summer but there’s so many different aspects of this plot I find it hard to give it a good summary not to mention they have some firsthand POV‘s and some third-party POV‘s but if you like duplicitous backstabbing demented thrillers The Good Twin would be a good fit their mother passes away and sky sticks with their plan to go to college and summer stays home but one of them befriends the wrong person and Summer winds up being kidnapped The dad thinks she just got fed up and left. After a while the dad is remarrying and he and his new wife are on a month-long honeymoon. So when sky gets a strange phone called the night of the wedding it only confirms what she already thought to be true her sister is still alive. It will be left up to sky to find her. This was a Twisted Book Tours Agreat Thriller I love Diane Saxton‘s books she always delivers and I’m a big fan of hers. I highly recommend this book I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

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