The Third Twin

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: January LaVoy

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.

Twisted on twisted

This story started out with a puzzle then the solution became obvious … until it twisted several times over. If you like puzzles you’re going to love this one.

Typical Follett but...

I enjoyed the book and the narrator however, I was a little annoyed that the physical descriptions of characters only specified race when it was a black person. When I caught on to it, I started paying close attention and sure enough others were described by height, age or accent. Weird.

Did Ken Follett Really Write This?

Would you try another book from Ken Follett and/or January LaVoy?

Throughout this novel, I kept wondering who wrote this? Not Ken Follett. I have always enjoyed January LaVoy she is never a problem; however, the story.....Ugh. I didn't have a problem finishing it so I cant say it was a really bad book. It's definitely not up there with the Century Series. Of course, I will try another of his books. I actually just ordered. one.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending was totally predictable.

What about January LaVoy’s performance did you like?

She is always good.

Could you see The Third Twin being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Maybe a mini series. While reading it I often thought it was headed that way. Identical twins don't look exactly the same, so one person would have to play the characters.

Any additional comments?

Don't not listen to it because of the reviews. I do think Ken Follett put his name on someone elses work. No way could it be the same author that wrote Eye of the Needle, etc, etc

Classic Follett

I've enjoyed every one of Follett's titles and this no exception. fast paced, engaging with such robust characters. Great plot and thought provoking.

Good Book

This was an excellent change of genre for Ken Follett. The story kept my interest and the narration was excellent.

predictabl

I have read many Can follow its books. This one was very predictable in very slow. Good writing ask follow it can do big words as follow it does but just disappointing