The Third Twin

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: January LaVoy

Length: 15 hrs

Publisher's summary

The study of twins and the genetics of aggression totally consumes research scientist Jeannie Ferrami. An accomplished and headstrong researcher, Jeannie has developed a sophisticated software program to identify identical twins reared apart. But Jeannie's breakthrough project is threatened by the appearance of a sudden impossibility - identical twins born weeks apart to different mothers at separate locations.

When Jeannie's research assistant, Lisa, is raped, Steve Logan, a young law student who is one of Jeannie's research subjects, is identified in a police lineup as Lisa's attacker. Logan's genetic tests reveal no violent behavior patterns. Then Jeannie stumbles upon the beginnings of a stunning revelation. Logan is unaware of the existence of a criminal twin brother in jail. Jeannie is convinced of Steve's innocence, yet her judgment may be clouded by her growing emotional attachment to him. By now Jeannie's problems are mounting.

Berrington Jones, Jeannie's arrogant and intimidating boss, is a world-renowned authority on biotechnical engineering. He and his partners are involved in devious but lucrative negotiations to sell Genetco, their biogenetic research company. Jeannie's research poses a major threat to their impending millions. Jones arranges to have Jeannie fired.

Stunned and feeling helpless, Jeannie doesn't understand why this has happened to her. With Steve and his brother in jail, who is committing these sex crimes? While acting on a hunch that might solve the mystery surrounding Steve and his brother's birth, Jeannie is violently attacked by yet another twin who looks exactly like Steve. Determined to protect her research program, and convinced her former boss has something important to hide, a terrified Jeannie has no other choice but to find out why Jones and his partners will stop at nothing to discredit her work.

©2010 Ken Follett (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Very Poor Attempt

I have to wonder if Ken Follett simply had committed to another book and needed to spit one out or worse, did he license his name to some second year writing student? I even triple checked the author's name to confirm it was really him. Follet is one of my favorite authors and I have read almost every book he's written but this is so far from the genres that made him famous that I have to believe it was written under duress.
The book was hokey from the start. Even some of the names were awful, i.e. Barrington Jones. ugh!
The "protagonist" is so narcissistic and unlikable that I almost wished her to fail. She only cares about herself and what everyone can do for her, even her friend who just got raped! Her father is a joke and yet she continues to forgive him as though what he does to her is nothing.
The other Follet books that swerve away from his traditional style have also been lacking but at least readable. I just wish he would stick to what he does best.

Idiot plot

Characters missed the obvious too many times and got by on dumb luck. It’s a wonder how anyone survives.

Full of suspense

Loved this story by Ken Follett. This story took me by surprise from his other novels and Trilogy. Action packed from beginning to end.

the clever transitions

the readers voice, speed, emphasis clarified the scenes and drew the reader into the story.

Subpar for Ken Follett

If this had been my first Ken Follett book to read, I probably wouldn’t have read a second one. The storyline was not that unique, and seemed to rely on typical plot lines. It even seemed to have product placement promotions (American Express, US Air, AOL, etc.), as if he were getting paid to mention those companies. Worst of all, however, The plot depends on there being a challenge to the ethics of research being done at a university. Anyone who does research connected to a university knows that researchers have to undergo a rigorous IRB process, a process that would eliminate that part of this story from happening.

clever plot

Another good thriller by Ken Follett. I loved LaVoy's narration and look foward to hear more books she narrates.

Ken Follett's Most EntertainingNovel

My goal is to listen to all of Ken Follett's novels and I am over halfway there. I enjoyed this one the very most. It is very entertaining and adventurous.
I highly recommend this book as a beginner to Ken Follett books before you tackle the big long ones. This book was just easy fun and enjoyable. Highly recommended!

Shallow curves

I’m a huge fan of Ken Follet… But this plot was very shallow for his writing abilities.. I still enjoyed the book… You can’t hit a home run every time Ken… Still love you bro

Poor characters

I don't care how many books this guy sells, his knowledge of women, particularly those who are supposedly strong, is poor. Even the lead, Jeannie, a university professor, has been written as submissive, while the men are nasty and clearly entitled to their place at the top of the tree.

Fantastic!

This is a great story with perfect narration. I’ve read most of his books years ago and now I’m enjoying them again with audible. What fun!
He’s be a favorite author for decades and I recommend all of his books (if it has a good narrator)