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The Ice Twins
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Horror (2015)A year after one of their identical twin daughters, Lydia, dies in an accident, Angus and Sarah Moorcraft move to the tiny Scottish island Angus inherited from his grandmother, hoping to put together the pieces of their shattered lives.
But when their surviving daughter, Kirstie, claims they have mistaken her identity—that she, in fact, is Lydia—their world comes crashing down once again.
As winter encroaches, Angus is forced to travel away from the island for work, Sarah is feeling isolated, and Kirstie (or is it Lydia?) is growing more disturbed. When a violent storm leaves Sarah and her daughter stranded, Sarah finds herself tortured by the past—what really happened on that fateful day one of her daughters died?
But when their surviving daughter, Kirstie, claims they have mistaken her identity—that she, in fact, is Lydia—their world comes crashing down once again.
As winter encroaches, Angus is forced to travel away from the island for work, Sarah is feeling isolated, and Kirstie (or is it Lydia?) is growing more disturbed. When a violent storm leaves Sarah and her daughter stranded, Sarah finds herself tortured by the past—what really happened on that fateful day one of her daughters died?
373 pages, Hardcover
First published January 29, 2015
About the author
S.K. Tremayne
15 books1,218 followersHello! I am S K Tremayne, but my true name is Sean Thomas.
I write books where real places become menacing, and where ordinary people experience something extraordinary.
Born in Devon, I now live in London, but I travel a lot in my second job as a journalist, sometimes visiting places which inspire the books. My first S K Tremayne thriller, THE ICE TWINS, was a number one Sunday Times bestseller. The S K Tremayne novels have been translated into thirty languages, and have been bestsellers around the globe. Yay!
I am always happy to hear from readers; you can reach me at:
[email protected]
I also have a website: www.sktremayne.com
My latest book is THE ASSISTANT, published in the UK on December 26, 2019 (but a bit earlier on Kindle). It's all about the way we give our lives to technology, and what happens if that technology turns on us, and haunts us.
When I'm not working on books or articles, I can generally be found staring out of windows, urgently looking for the next good idea.
I write books where real places become menacing, and where ordinary people experience something extraordinary.
Born in Devon, I now live in London, but I travel a lot in my second job as a journalist, sometimes visiting places which inspire the books. My first S K Tremayne thriller, THE ICE TWINS, was a number one Sunday Times bestseller. The S K Tremayne novels have been translated into thirty languages, and have been bestsellers around the globe. Yay!
I am always happy to hear from readers; you can reach me at:
[email protected]
I also have a website: www.sktremayne.com
My latest book is THE ASSISTANT, published in the UK on December 26, 2019 (but a bit earlier on Kindle). It's all about the way we give our lives to technology, and what happens if that technology turns on us, and haunts us.
When I'm not working on books or articles, I can generally be found staring out of windows, urgently looking for the next good idea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,399 reviews
June 16, 2015
‘You keep saying she’s dead but she comes back to play with me, she was here, she was at school, she plays with me, she is my sister, it doesn’t matter if she’s dead, she’s still here, still here, I’m here, we are here – why do you keep saying we’re dead, when we’re not we’re not we’re not.’
This was a fantastically atmospheric book about mistaken twin identities, fraught with tension. I absolutely loved the depiction of a family broken apart by grief, and the portrait of a marriage simmering with resentment and suspicion. Unlike another book about twins (which we shall never mention again), the setup for mistaken identities in this book was altogether believable.
‘Mummy, why do you keep calling me Kirstie?’Sarah and Angus had the perfect marriage, the picture-perfect family with beautiful blonde identical twin daughters, Lydia and Kirstie. This is in the past tense, because as we start the book, this beautiful family is in pieces. Their daughter Lydia is dead, fallen off a balcony in a tragic accident.
I say nothing. The silence is ringing. I speak:
‘Sorry, sweetheart. What?’
‘Why do you keep calling me Kirstie, Mummy? Kirstie is dead. It was Kirstie that died. I’m Lydia.’
The family has since unraveled. Angus (Gus) has lost his job. Everyone goes through the grieving process differently, and Gus took his out through anger, specifically, through punching his boss. Consequently, he lost his job, and they're on the verge of bankruptcy.
Through a bit of luck, Angus has inherited an old house on a deserted Scottish isle. It is miles from nowhere, totally secluded. They will be completely isolated but with each other for company. It could be a place for healing, but there are hidden dangers to a place so distant from society...
‘In Skye, no one can hear you scream: half the houses along the shore are empty. Holiday homes. In winter the tide will come in, cold and lethal: you’d drown.’It's not like they have a choice, because this really is their last resort. No money. Barely existing due to their grief. Kirstie, Sarah, and Angus have no other choice.
As if the move isn't bad enough, Angus and Sarah as faced with the question of which twin actually died. Was it Sarah or Kirstie? In their grief, they never thought to question the fact that the surviving twin declared that it was her sister who died. No fingerprints were taken. And now they're left with a daughter who insists that she is her dead sister.
Kirstie starts howling: she falls back onto the bed, flailing her arms, tantruming like a two-year-old. Her scream is terrible and rending, her wails are desperate; but I can distinctly hear the words:And now Sarah is left alone to deal with her daughter's grief...and maybe something else.
‘Mummy? Mummy? Mummy? Who am I?’
There’s a folded note on the bed. A note?Child psychologists can offer their opinions as much as they want, but they don't have to live with a child who is slowly going mad, and her parents, who are, in their own way, going mad, too. Sarah and Angus' marriage is unraveling fast. Sarah is filled with resentment towards her husband, and he is filled with anger towards his wife...an anger that threatens to overflow into violence.
My heart sends out the alarm. The note has big childish letters on the front.
To Mummy.
My fingers are trembling – and I am not sure why – when I open the note and read. And now my heart trembles, too.
Mummy. She is in here with us. Kirstie.
He’d loved her too, loved her just as much as Sarah. Yet somehow his grief was deemed as lesser? Somehow the mother’s grief was seen as more important: she was the one allowed to crack up, she was the one given permission to cry, she was the one allowed to agonize for months about her favourite. OK, he’d lost his job, but he’d kept looking for more work through the agony and almost none of it was his fault. This was the enraging thing. She was far more to blame, infinitely more. He wanted to hurt his wife for what happened. Punish her. Hurt her badly.The book isn't perfect, but it was altogether enjoyable and kept me guessing til the end.
Why not? His daughter was dead.
October 30, 2015
Firstly and mostly importantly, thank you to a friend for my copy of the book, you know who you are!!
Gosh. Where do I start? I really wanted to like this, I had seen a lot of 5 star ratings, not read any reviews and thought I was in for a treat. :((
It started off well insofar as it drew me in quickly. From the blurb we know that there is a tragedy from the outset. A set of twins and one that dies under tragic circumstances. The rest of the story is the aftermath between the parents and their rising anxiety as to which twin actually died as doubts begin to creep in.
I'm not going to go too much into the storyline, I don't want to spoil it for anyone but a lot here didn't work for me. Firstly, it's meant to be creepy - nope, not for me it wasn't. Then I suppose I was meant to feel some of the mother's anguish and despair as she comes to terms with her loss - as a mother myself I couldn't quite get there. Much lesser things have reduced me to a quivering wreck. Here I found her character to be so unlikeable as the book progressed, I actually stopped caring, I couldn't feel anything for her. The father wasn't much better, seeking answers in the bottom of umpteen bottles and only managing to share a little of his woes with a best friend. Woe betide the couple actually speak to each other?!! I mean why would they? Even in an argument you'd think something would come out?!! And then there were the twins - I'm sorry to say I couldn't take to one, the other, both of them!! They felt a little too perfect, too special, too different, too identical (boy was that point driven home again and again!).
None of it gelled, it all felt way too implausible and as for the settings in the Hebridean islands, I struggled to visualise it all, and yet I know what the Scottish isles look like. The writing was really clunky at times throwing the flow off the storytelling. The upshot is I couldn't immerse myself into this at all. As the book went on I just wanted to get to the end for all the wrong reasons and was glad when it was over. If anything this book felt more like a tv movie and that's probably how it played out in my head. There has been a lot of positivity about this book so I fully accept that it's probably just me and my take on things.
I'm sure and has been proven that many would enjoy this and suggest you see for yourselves. Sadly it didn't work for me, hence the 2.5 star rating.
Gosh. Where do I start? I really wanted to like this, I had seen a lot of 5 star ratings, not read any reviews and thought I was in for a treat. :((
It started off well insofar as it drew me in quickly. From the blurb we know that there is a tragedy from the outset. A set of twins and one that dies under tragic circumstances. The rest of the story is the aftermath between the parents and their rising anxiety as to which twin actually died as doubts begin to creep in.
I'm not going to go too much into the storyline, I don't want to spoil it for anyone but a lot here didn't work for me. Firstly, it's meant to be creepy - nope, not for me it wasn't. Then I suppose I was meant to feel some of the mother's anguish and despair as she comes to terms with her loss - as a mother myself I couldn't quite get there. Much lesser things have reduced me to a quivering wreck. Here I found her character to be so unlikeable as the book progressed, I actually stopped caring, I couldn't feel anything for her. The father wasn't much better, seeking answers in the bottom of umpteen bottles and only managing to share a little of his woes with a best friend. Woe betide the couple actually speak to each other?!! I mean why would they? Even in an argument you'd think something would come out?!! And then there were the twins - I'm sorry to say I couldn't take to one, the other, both of them!! They felt a little too perfect, too special, too different, too identical (boy was that point driven home again and again!).
None of it gelled, it all felt way too implausible and as for the settings in the Hebridean islands, I struggled to visualise it all, and yet I know what the Scottish isles look like. The writing was really clunky at times throwing the flow off the storytelling. The upshot is I couldn't immerse myself into this at all. As the book went on I just wanted to get to the end for all the wrong reasons and was glad when it was over. If anything this book felt more like a tv movie and that's probably how it played out in my head. There has been a lot of positivity about this book so I fully accept that it's probably just me and my take on things.
I'm sure and has been proven that many would enjoy this and suggest you see for yourselves. Sadly it didn't work for me, hence the 2.5 star rating.
May 24, 2024
I had heard the hype about this book and as I often don't love what the world does I was not suspecting much. Then WHAM! this one knocks me off my feet.
What an absolutely haunting, special and moving book. It took me through a range of feelings and my brain hurt from trying to guess what was the truth.
It was like a few genres rolled into one, but done so smoothly, this is a book that will stay with me for a long time and I will recommend to everyone. The plot is stunning, I was trying to recall if I had read a book with a similar plot ever, and I can't, there may be one but I have not read that. It just keeps throwing more at you, until you feel you can take no more. Let's take a moment to reflect on the story.
A year after one of their identical twin daughters, Lydia, dies in an accident, Angus and Sarah Moorcraft move to the tiny Scottish island Angus inherited from his grandmother, hoping to put together the pieces of their shattered lives.
But when their surviving daughter, Kirstie, claims they have mistaken her identity – that she, in fact, is Lydia – their world comes crashing down once again.
What the? The wrong twin got killed? They got it mixed up?
That spun my head, I still wasn't taking it in by the end of the book. See, this book is clever, it let's you think finally the truth is revealed, but then no, it's not that, then more clues, you think you have it worked out. Frustrating but brilliant, could not stop reading.
The characters are powerful, Angus plays the dual father role of loving daddy and brooding, moody husband, at times I felt fearful of this big chunk of a man. Sarah both annoyed me at times as she got in a flap about things and I admired her at other times for her guts as a woman, her tenacity and determination to find out the truth. For better, for worse.
But Kirstie/Lydia steals the show, such an amazing character depiction, I could see this being a movie in a heartbeat. At times charming, sweet, other times she gave me the chills. I was half expecting her to do something completely awful and horrendous, then I loved her again and felt sorry for what she was caught up in. Tell me which twin did you love the most in your comments?
It's atmospheric, lonely and desolate, life on this island, with it's solitary residents, needing to get to the small town nearby in a dinghy, this is not the life for lover of luxuries. The house itself seems to have it's own ghosts and never feels welcome for a second. To have a building stand out to me in a book is pretty unique, it played quite a big part.
Now, the plot - think you have worked it out by the end? Are you sure? Like, REALLY sure. I bet this one causes shouting matches in book club meetings. Astonishing writing that really strung out my brain. I liked the challenge of this book and I liked the scenes that just totally shocked me, didn't see coming.
Thanks so much for reading my review! If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.🐱
** “She needed books like others
need air to live” **
What an absolutely haunting, special and moving book. It took me through a range of feelings and my brain hurt from trying to guess what was the truth.
It was like a few genres rolled into one, but done so smoothly, this is a book that will stay with me for a long time and I will recommend to everyone. The plot is stunning, I was trying to recall if I had read a book with a similar plot ever, and I can't, there may be one but I have not read that. It just keeps throwing more at you, until you feel you can take no more. Let's take a moment to reflect on the story.
A year after one of their identical twin daughters, Lydia, dies in an accident, Angus and Sarah Moorcraft move to the tiny Scottish island Angus inherited from his grandmother, hoping to put together the pieces of their shattered lives.
But when their surviving daughter, Kirstie, claims they have mistaken her identity – that she, in fact, is Lydia – their world comes crashing down once again.
What the? The wrong twin got killed? They got it mixed up?
That spun my head, I still wasn't taking it in by the end of the book. See, this book is clever, it let's you think finally the truth is revealed, but then no, it's not that, then more clues, you think you have it worked out. Frustrating but brilliant, could not stop reading.
The characters are powerful, Angus plays the dual father role of loving daddy and brooding, moody husband, at times I felt fearful of this big chunk of a man. Sarah both annoyed me at times as she got in a flap about things and I admired her at other times for her guts as a woman, her tenacity and determination to find out the truth. For better, for worse.
But Kirstie/Lydia steals the show, such an amazing character depiction, I could see this being a movie in a heartbeat. At times charming, sweet, other times she gave me the chills. I was half expecting her to do something completely awful and horrendous, then I loved her again and felt sorry for what she was caught up in. Tell me which twin did you love the most in your comments?
It's atmospheric, lonely and desolate, life on this island, with it's solitary residents, needing to get to the small town nearby in a dinghy, this is not the life for lover of luxuries. The house itself seems to have it's own ghosts and never feels welcome for a second. To have a building stand out to me in a book is pretty unique, it played quite a big part.
Now, the plot - think you have worked it out by the end? Are you sure? Like, REALLY sure. I bet this one causes shouting matches in book club meetings. Astonishing writing that really strung out my brain. I liked the challenge of this book and I liked the scenes that just totally shocked me, didn't see coming.
Thanks so much for reading my review! If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.🐱
** “She needed books like others
need air to live” **
September 3, 2022
Bestselling debut novel with the terrifying premise of a family recovering from the premature death of a twin toddlers, when the surviving twin months later claims to be the one presumed dead! Could have been a lot better, and just coasts on the initial premise. 7 out of 12.
2016 read
2016 read
September 10, 2021
*3.5 stars *
Angus and Sarah Moorcroft appear to be a happy family, until the death of one of their twin daughters. They move to a tiny Scottish island owned by Angus to recover, whereupon the family implodes. The surviving daughter Kirstie behaves very strangely, challenging her parents’ perception of reality, by calling into question which actually daughter died.
Sarah feels as though she's going insane, as she is unable to remember what happened at the accident, or what happened immediately afterwards. She finds half used prescription medication with her name on, which she doesn't remember taking. The story is told from the perspective of both Sarah and Angus, with Sarah's story being told in the first person, and Angus in the third person. The reader is meant to engage and be on Sarah's side and not Angus’s.
This is a very gothic novel, being about a woman in peril, evil twins out for vengeance, as they blame Sarah for the death of one of them. The identity of the dead and surviving twins is meant to keep the reader guessing for the entire novel, however I quickly identified which was which early on, and merely felt impatient waiting for Sarah to realise the identity of her.
The book was at times suspenseful,however, it reminded me of too many similar better-plotted books.
Angus and Sarah Moorcroft appear to be a happy family, until the death of one of their twin daughters. They move to a tiny Scottish island owned by Angus to recover, whereupon the family implodes. The surviving daughter Kirstie behaves very strangely, challenging her parents’ perception of reality, by calling into question which actually daughter died.
Sarah feels as though she's going insane, as she is unable to remember what happened at the accident, or what happened immediately afterwards. She finds half used prescription medication with her name on, which she doesn't remember taking. The story is told from the perspective of both Sarah and Angus, with Sarah's story being told in the first person, and Angus in the third person. The reader is meant to engage and be on Sarah's side and not Angus’s.
This is a very gothic novel, being about a woman in peril, evil twins out for vengeance, as they blame Sarah for the death of one of them. The identity of the dead and surviving twins is meant to keep the reader guessing for the entire novel, however I quickly identified which was which early on, and merely felt impatient waiting for Sarah to realise the identity of her.
The book was at times suspenseful,however, it reminded me of too many similar better-plotted books.
March 30, 2015
This is one of the creepiest books I have read in quite some time. Angus and Sarah Moorcraft are mourning the death of their daughter Lydia, one of a pair of identical twins. To try and recover from this tragedy they take their remaining daughter Kirstie to live on a remote Scottish Island, to try and rebuild their lives. The spine tingling starts when Kirstie asks “why do you keep calling me Kirstie, I’m Lydia?” Wow! Did they get it so terribly wrong? Was it really Lydia who died or could it have been Kirstie? And if not, is their daughter mad or worse? It sent my mind into such a spin that even now, writing this review I am thinking “Have I got those names in the right context?” It is a book that I didn’t want to put down, but at the same time I just had to keep putting it to one side and just get everything straight in my head and try and work out what had happened.
Angus and Sarah’s relationship is already strained and what happens now is bound to add even more tension, and I particularly liked the way the author shows their marriage crumbling further away bit by bit as the story progressed. Neither of them are blameless and at times they are each pretty unlikeable and it soon becomes apparent that they are both prepared to keep secrets from the other and each has the capacity to be absolutely brutal with the other.
As for Kirstie/Lydia, we have a very sad little girl. One who has been uprooted from London and plonked into this remote inhospitable setting. She was a wonderful character to read about – I felt so sorry for her but there were also times when I found her to be the creepiest child imaginable yet five minutes later I would just want to hug her.
The harsh, unforgiving Island setting in winter also really helps with the haunting, atmospheric feel to the book. The descriptions made me want to draw the curtains and turn the heating up full blast, nice and safe in my own cosy home. It is a story that keeps you guessing all the way through as it works its way to an ending which really took me by surprise. If you like your reads to chill you to the bone, but in a subtle creepy way that will leave your mind reeling, then this is highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Angus and Sarah’s relationship is already strained and what happens now is bound to add even more tension, and I particularly liked the way the author shows their marriage crumbling further away bit by bit as the story progressed. Neither of them are blameless and at times they are each pretty unlikeable and it soon becomes apparent that they are both prepared to keep secrets from the other and each has the capacity to be absolutely brutal with the other.
As for Kirstie/Lydia, we have a very sad little girl. One who has been uprooted from London and plonked into this remote inhospitable setting. She was a wonderful character to read about – I felt so sorry for her but there were also times when I found her to be the creepiest child imaginable yet five minutes later I would just want to hug her.
The harsh, unforgiving Island setting in winter also really helps with the haunting, atmospheric feel to the book. The descriptions made me want to draw the curtains and turn the heating up full blast, nice and safe in my own cosy home. It is a story that keeps you guessing all the way through as it works its way to an ending which really took me by surprise. If you like your reads to chill you to the bone, but in a subtle creepy way that will leave your mind reeling, then this is highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
November 8, 2016
Lydia and Kirstie were identical twin girls, but one tragic night one of them dies. Thus starts the gripping and creepy story about what really happened.
The girls parents (Angus and Sarah) are having some financial troubles so they decide to move out to an island that Angus grandmother owned.
Before they moved to the island, Kirstie started acting strange. She started acting like her sister Lydia. It gets so bad they have to call her Lydia at the new school they enroll her in and try to keep up the facade.
But things just get more odd by the minute.
Let me tell you, this book is totally creepy. I mean you just can't help getting creeped out at some things. And the revelations were messed up. I mean the reasons for the child's death in the first place are just beyond my reasoning.
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
The girls parents (Angus and Sarah) are having some financial troubles so they decide to move out to an island that Angus grandmother owned.
Before they moved to the island, Kirstie started acting strange. She started acting like her sister Lydia. It gets so bad they have to call her Lydia at the new school they enroll her in and try to keep up the facade.
But things just get more odd by the minute.
Let me tell you, this book is totally creepy. I mean you just can't help getting creeped out at some things. And the revelations were messed up. I mean the reasons for the child's death in the first place are just beyond my reasoning.
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
July 2, 2015
What did I just read? I did not like this book. It seems I am almost the only one who didn't! I didn't like the same things that the other four unfavorable reviews pointed out: flat characters, the nonsensical decision to move a grieving twin to an isolated island...without a boat, non-communicative parents but that was all part of the story and I don't need to like all the pieces or characters to enjoy the story. I couldn't wait to read this because it had so much creepy potential. As I was reading I came up with six or seven possible scenarios right away (which I can't share because even though none of them happened, letting you know that none of them happened would be spoilery). Sadly, I found this to be a boring, plodding story with an odd, unsatisfying explanation and ending. 2 stars.
June 22, 2016
I'm not going to say much about this one, because the whole point of a GOOD thriller is to go in as fresh as possible!!!!!
I will say that if this book and The Girl on the Train ever got into a fist fight, The Ice Twins would be on death row for murder, no hope for an appeal.
Get your creepy, icy twin fun right here, folks!!!! 5 stars!!!!
I will say that if this book and The Girl on the Train ever got into a fist fight, The Ice Twins would be on death row for murder, no hope for an appeal.
Get your creepy, icy twin fun right here, folks!!!! 5 stars!!!!
July 20, 2018
This was one creepy, chilling story. A psychological thriller... a crime and ghost story combined. Or, better said, is there a crime and... is there a ghost? What happened exactly, who can be trusted and who did what exactly...
Well written. 3.5 going to 4. Loved the Scottish surroundings, wild, uncontrolled, beautiful, threatening, all in one. Especially the behaviour of the kid (Lydie-loo or Kirstie-koo?) makes you feel you are in the middle of a creepy ghost story. Loved the simple black and white photos in the book, painting a picture of the atmosphere, great addition. I liked the to the point language, building tension exactly in the right way. Easy to read too.
Behind the name of S.K. Tremayne there is said to be a well known British author, even Julian Barnes, J.K. Rowling and Ian McEwan are mentioned, best bets on journalist and writer Sean Thomas.
The story:
One year after one of their identical twin daughters, Lydia, dies in an accident, Angus and Sarah Moorcraft move to the tiny Scottish island Angus inherited from his grandmother, hoping to put together the pieces of their shattered lives. But when their surviving daughter, Kirstie, claims they have mistaken her identity—that she, in fact, is Lydia—their world comes crashing down once again.
As winter sets in, life on the island gets hard, windy and cold. Sarah is feeling isolated, and Kirstie (or is it Lydia?) is growing more disturbed. Sarah and Angus have started to mistrust each other. What happened exactly, was their daughter’s death an accident or….. When a violent storm leaves Sarah and her daughter stranded, Sarah finds herself tortured by the past—what really happened on that fateful day one of her daughters died?
Well written. 3.5 going to 4. Loved the Scottish surroundings, wild, uncontrolled, beautiful, threatening, all in one. Especially the behaviour of the kid (Lydie-loo or Kirstie-koo?) makes you feel you are in the middle of a creepy ghost story. Loved the simple black and white photos in the book, painting a picture of the atmosphere, great addition. I liked the to the point language, building tension exactly in the right way. Easy to read too.
Behind the name of S.K. Tremayne there is said to be a well known British author, even Julian Barnes, J.K. Rowling and Ian McEwan are mentioned, best bets on journalist and writer Sean Thomas.
The story:
One year after one of their identical twin daughters, Lydia, dies in an accident, Angus and Sarah Moorcraft move to the tiny Scottish island Angus inherited from his grandmother, hoping to put together the pieces of their shattered lives. But when their surviving daughter, Kirstie, claims they have mistaken her identity—that she, in fact, is Lydia—their world comes crashing down once again.
As winter sets in, life on the island gets hard, windy and cold. Sarah is feeling isolated, and Kirstie (or is it Lydia?) is growing more disturbed. Sarah and Angus have started to mistrust each other. What happened exactly, was their daughter’s death an accident or….. When a violent storm leaves Sarah and her daughter stranded, Sarah finds herself tortured by the past—what really happened on that fateful day one of her daughters died?
March 2, 2015
I seem like I'm in the minority here as I didn't particularly find this book psychological at all and can't say I particularly enjoyed it the whole way through.
At one point Sarah and Angus Moorcroft had it all: beautiful monozygotic twin girls, Sarah and Kirstie, blissfully happy marriage and a beautiful family dog, Beany. Then their world comes crashing down in the most spectacular way with the tragic death of Lydia in a fall when she is seven years old. Their lives literally spin out of control with Angus losing his job and Sarah grieving for the loss of her beloved daughter. Nearing bankruptcy they decide to have a fresh start by moving to an isolated island in Scotland, Eilean Torran, which was Angus's grandmother's home. The island is only accessible by boat during high tide and they feel this is perfect for the whole family, especially the surviving twin, Kirstie.
The story is told from the perspectives of Angus and Sarah and I didn't like either character at all. They spend their time having grave doubts about Kirstie but not communicating this to each other. Angus seems to know what happened on the day of Lydia's death and is angry about it. Sarah seems to think her daughter is haunted by Lydia, but she too doesn't confide in Angus about this.
I also found it totally unbelievable that the parents, especially the mother, couldn't tell her children apart.
I felt that it does start off extremely well with lots of underlying tension in the marriage, but it just totally went a little off course for me during the middle part and then picks up at the end. The writing is totally beautiful and so descriptive I could almost see the beautiful landscape and visualise the island and the lighthouse, but this wasn't enough to hold my attention for the whole book.
It's a shame that the only thing I worried about throughout the whole book was the wonderful dog, Beany.
I didn't realise this has so many 5 star reviews, as it was it was recommended to me by a friend, so I feel really bad that I didn't enjoy it as much as everyone else seems to have.
At one point Sarah and Angus Moorcroft had it all: beautiful monozygotic twin girls, Sarah and Kirstie, blissfully happy marriage and a beautiful family dog, Beany. Then their world comes crashing down in the most spectacular way with the tragic death of Lydia in a fall when she is seven years old. Their lives literally spin out of control with Angus losing his job and Sarah grieving for the loss of her beloved daughter. Nearing bankruptcy they decide to have a fresh start by moving to an isolated island in Scotland, Eilean Torran, which was Angus's grandmother's home. The island is only accessible by boat during high tide and they feel this is perfect for the whole family, especially the surviving twin, Kirstie.
The story is told from the perspectives of Angus and Sarah and I didn't like either character at all. They spend their time having grave doubts about Kirstie but not communicating this to each other. Angus seems to know what happened on the day of Lydia's death and is angry about it. Sarah seems to think her daughter is haunted by Lydia, but she too doesn't confide in Angus about this.
I also found it totally unbelievable that the parents, especially the mother, couldn't tell her children apart.
I felt that it does start off extremely well with lots of underlying tension in the marriage, but it just totally went a little off course for me during the middle part and then picks up at the end. The writing is totally beautiful and so descriptive I could almost see the beautiful landscape and visualise the island and the lighthouse, but this wasn't enough to hold my attention for the whole book.
It's a shame that the only thing I worried about throughout the whole book was the wonderful dog, Beany.
I didn't realise this has so many 5 star reviews, as it was it was recommended to me by a friend, so I feel really bad that I didn't enjoy it as much as everyone else seems to have.
December 2, 2014
Five things you need to know about The Ice Twins. Teaser Review.
1) “Prepare to be haunted by The Ice Twins” – seeing that, you may be blase. Seen it all before. Heard that more than once. But PAY ATTENTION. If this book does not appear somewhere in some subconcious form or another in my dreams tonight I shall be very surprised.
2) Storytelling genius. Really can’t tell you anything about it though. It is obvious of course that there are twins involved and one dies and there seems to be some confusion over which one. Apart from that though, I would not give anything away. You need to read it. The pure and haunting prose and beautifully constructed plot will engage and enchant you at the same time as having you feeling vaguely afraid of something you can’t quite capture.
3) Atmosphere. One of the most atmospheric and exquisite novels I have read for some time. And I read a lot. If I had to liken it to anything, it would be The Shining. Not in story form, the two tales are poles apart. But in sense and feeling and the odd sudden reading adrenalin rush, that is the novel I would “twin” it with. Yes I really did do that.
4) Don’t put it in a genre box. I hate boxes for books. But if I must this is not only a top notch, highly readable and terribly addictive psychological thriller it also manages to be a pretty emotional and heart wrenching look at grief and survivor guilt, However it is also many other things. Clever and intuitive writing, let it be what it is.
5) You will worry for the dog. I’m not going to tell you whether or not that worry is justified because I really am that mean.
Highly Recommended. 5 beautiful shiny stars and a puppy for this one.
1) “Prepare to be haunted by The Ice Twins” – seeing that, you may be blase. Seen it all before. Heard that more than once. But PAY ATTENTION. If this book does not appear somewhere in some subconcious form or another in my dreams tonight I shall be very surprised.
2) Storytelling genius. Really can’t tell you anything about it though. It is obvious of course that there are twins involved and one dies and there seems to be some confusion over which one. Apart from that though, I would not give anything away. You need to read it. The pure and haunting prose and beautifully constructed plot will engage and enchant you at the same time as having you feeling vaguely afraid of something you can’t quite capture.
3) Atmosphere. One of the most atmospheric and exquisite novels I have read for some time. And I read a lot. If I had to liken it to anything, it would be The Shining. Not in story form, the two tales are poles apart. But in sense and feeling and the odd sudden reading adrenalin rush, that is the novel I would “twin” it with. Yes I really did do that.
4) Don’t put it in a genre box. I hate boxes for books. But if I must this is not only a top notch, highly readable and terribly addictive psychological thriller it also manages to be a pretty emotional and heart wrenching look at grief and survivor guilt, However it is also many other things. Clever and intuitive writing, let it be what it is.
5) You will worry for the dog. I’m not going to tell you whether or not that worry is justified because I really am that mean.
Highly Recommended. 5 beautiful shiny stars and a puppy for this one.
July 25, 2020
This is a truly intense psychological thriller; I was enthralled with the story from the beginning to the end and giving this book five stars was a very easy decision.
Angus and Sarah are trying really hard to pull their lives together and then having Kirstie claim that she is Lydia, that the daughter they thought had died was alive and vice-versa that is really making their life a hell in their new home and putting their already fragile marriage to the test.
What really happened the day their daughter died? They can't tell their daughter apart and the twins were wearing the same kind of clothing on the day one of them died.
This is a real page-turner, never a dull moment, and the ending of the book, well I was afraid that S.K. Tremayne wouldn't be able to write a satisfying ending, but he did. This is without one of the best thrillers I have ever read and I recommended it strongly to anyone that likes psychological thrillers.
On a side note: S.K. Tremayne was a woman, but it's Tom Knox, and he usually writes archaeological and religious thrillers. So, while I wait for S.K. Tremayne to publish a new book can I read Tom Knox's books and I love archaeological thrillers so it's a win-win.
I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review!
Angus and Sarah are trying really hard to pull their lives together and then having Kirstie claim that she is Lydia, that the daughter they thought had died was alive and vice-versa that is really making their life a hell in their new home and putting their already fragile marriage to the test.
What really happened the day their daughter died? They can't tell their daughter apart and the twins were wearing the same kind of clothing on the day one of them died.
This is a real page-turner, never a dull moment, and the ending of the book, well I was afraid that S.K. Tremayne wouldn't be able to write a satisfying ending, but he did. This is without one of the best thrillers I have ever read and I recommended it strongly to anyone that likes psychological thrillers.
On a side note: S.K. Tremayne was a woman, but it's Tom Knox, and he usually writes archaeological and religious thrillers. So, while I wait for S.K. Tremayne to publish a new book can I read Tom Knox's books and I love archaeological thrillers so it's a win-win.
I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review!
August 9, 2016
I had heard mixed reviews about this book by Goodreads friends but having previously read and enjoyed 'The Fire Child' by the same author I decided to give it ago. I can understand some of the criticisms I had read such as it being too slow etc but for me there was enough suspense to keep me interested.
The story tells of Sarah and her husband Angus who are planning to relocated to a remote Hebrides island with their seven year old daughter Kirstie following the tragic death of her identical twin Lydia. But the island does not prove to be the escape the family hope for and there is soon more upset. Kirstie starts acting strangely and claims that she is actually Lydia, the twin who died, a claim that her mother Sarah starts to believe. All this upset causes additional strain on the marriage of Sarah and Angus Moorcraft whose relationship was already under intense pressure. The question is what really happened on the day their daughter died and which daughter is still alive.
The characters are well developed and it all adds up to a fascinating and suspense-filled read.
One minor irritation for me is the insistence of using the pseudonym S.K.Tremayne. It is my belief that the author is British journalist and writer Sean Thomas who also uses the pseudonym Tom Knox when he writes archaeological and religious thrillers.
The story tells of Sarah and her husband Angus who are planning to relocated to a remote Hebrides island with their seven year old daughter Kirstie following the tragic death of her identical twin Lydia. But the island does not prove to be the escape the family hope for and there is soon more upset. Kirstie starts acting strangely and claims that she is actually Lydia, the twin who died, a claim that her mother Sarah starts to believe. All this upset causes additional strain on the marriage of Sarah and Angus Moorcraft whose relationship was already under intense pressure. The question is what really happened on the day their daughter died and which daughter is still alive.
The characters are well developed and it all adds up to a fascinating and suspense-filled read.
One minor irritation for me is the insistence of using the pseudonym S.K.Tremayne. It is my belief that the author is British journalist and writer Sean Thomas who also uses the pseudonym Tom Knox when he writes archaeological and religious thrillers.
November 1, 2015
The plot sounded interesting enough with twins getting all mixed up, one of them dead but we aren't really sure which one. The setting was great, too, and we'll developed. It added another layer of suspense and horror to the book.
But, the book isn't written well. If you want to prove my point you can just read the beginning and end of each chapter and I guarantee you won't miss anything. There's a lot of stuff going on, but it's boring and doesn't add much to the mystery.
If there was no mystery I would have stopped reading, but I read/skimmed my way to the end just to find out what happened. Nothing shocking. Nothing new. Not worth the effort.
This one just doesn't stand out among its competition. In fact, it doesn't really stand out at all. A good book will keep me enthralled, reading every word, turning pages quickly, not wanting to put the book down. I only turned the pages quickly this time to be done with the book and move on.
But, the book isn't written well. If you want to prove my point you can just read the beginning and end of each chapter and I guarantee you won't miss anything. There's a lot of stuff going on, but it's boring and doesn't add much to the mystery.
If there was no mystery I would have stopped reading, but I read/skimmed my way to the end just to find out what happened. Nothing shocking. Nothing new. Not worth the effort.
This one just doesn't stand out among its competition. In fact, it doesn't really stand out at all. A good book will keep me enthralled, reading every word, turning pages quickly, not wanting to put the book down. I only turned the pages quickly this time to be done with the book and move on.
May 16, 2015
3.5 Moving to an inherited island in Scotland, this family wants only the chance to start over after the death of their daughter, one of a set on identical twins.
The setting was alternately beautiful and intimidating. Very descriptive writing and the suspense and tension rarely let up, throughout the entire book. But which twin died? Who is keeping secrets and is the twin that is left telling the truth?
A good, twisty and creepy, a little suspension of belief is needed here as we follow the unbelievable, and attempt to learn the secrets of that fatal day. Loved the black and white pictures before each chapter. Really helped me picture their location.
Good story that kept me reading to find out what would be the final reveal. Did I guess? No I am never food at that even though with all the mysteries I read one would think I would be a pro. Oh well.
ARC from publisher.
The setting was alternately beautiful and intimidating. Very descriptive writing and the suspense and tension rarely let up, throughout the entire book. But which twin died? Who is keeping secrets and is the twin that is left telling the truth?
A good, twisty and creepy, a little suspension of belief is needed here as we follow the unbelievable, and attempt to learn the secrets of that fatal day. Loved the black and white pictures before each chapter. Really helped me picture their location.
Good story that kept me reading to find out what would be the final reveal. Did I guess? No I am never food at that even though with all the mysteries I read one would think I would be a pro. Oh well.
ARC from publisher.
May 13, 2015
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
4 Stars!
This must be one of the creepiest books that I have read to date. I had no idea where the story was going during the book and some of the things that happened were just plain creepy. When you take a little bit of creepy and throw a child in the mix, you really end up with a book that is hard to put down. This was one of those books that I had to take what I know to be true in reality and set it aside and just enjoy the story for what it was.
As you would probably guess from the title, the story focuses on a pair of identical twin girls, Kirstie and Lydia. One of the girls dies in a tragic accident and the family is trying to move on with their lives when the identity of the surviving twin is called into question. Discovering which twin actually died and what really happened on that horrific night becomes a mystery that will pull readers in.
I had some problems with one of the main ideas behind this book. I honestly do not believe that any identical twins are so identical that their own parents cannot tell them apart. I mean mixing twins up when they are babies is a definite possibility but by the time the kids reach school age, like the girls in this story, I just don't see it happening. I have personally spent a lot of time with identical twins and I have witnessed casual acquaintances having trouble but family and friends have never had a problem telling them apart. I am sorry but I just don't buy the idea that the parents wouldn't be able to look at their surviving daughter and know who she is. I decided early on while reading this book that since this was a work of fiction I would just accept that these girls were completely identical.
I can't say that I liked any of the characters in this book but that didn't stop me from feeling like I just had to know what was happening to them. The story was really like peeling layers off one at a time so that the truth could finally be revealed. That need to learn the truth is really what tied me to this book. I really disliked Sarah, the mother, quite a bit and her husband, Angus, wasn't any better. The little girl, either Lydia or Kirstie, just seemed creepy to me throughout the book. The dog was probably the most likeable member of this particular family.
Despite the problems that I had with this book, I still really enjoyed reading it. I felt driven to find out what really happened in a way that I have not experienced before in a story. I simply could not put this book down once I reached a certain point in the story. The more that I learned, the more I needed to know. The way that the author gave the reader just enough information as the story progressed was perfectly executed. I was relieved that my questions were answered by the time I reached the end of the book.
I would recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers. This book is a little different than anything else I have read which added to its appeal. I plan to look for more works from this author in the near future.
I received a copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
4 Stars!
This must be one of the creepiest books that I have read to date. I had no idea where the story was going during the book and some of the things that happened were just plain creepy. When you take a little bit of creepy and throw a child in the mix, you really end up with a book that is hard to put down. This was one of those books that I had to take what I know to be true in reality and set it aside and just enjoy the story for what it was.
As you would probably guess from the title, the story focuses on a pair of identical twin girls, Kirstie and Lydia. One of the girls dies in a tragic accident and the family is trying to move on with their lives when the identity of the surviving twin is called into question. Discovering which twin actually died and what really happened on that horrific night becomes a mystery that will pull readers in.
I had some problems with one of the main ideas behind this book. I honestly do not believe that any identical twins are so identical that their own parents cannot tell them apart. I mean mixing twins up when they are babies is a definite possibility but by the time the kids reach school age, like the girls in this story, I just don't see it happening. I have personally spent a lot of time with identical twins and I have witnessed casual acquaintances having trouble but family and friends have never had a problem telling them apart. I am sorry but I just don't buy the idea that the parents wouldn't be able to look at their surviving daughter and know who she is. I decided early on while reading this book that since this was a work of fiction I would just accept that these girls were completely identical.
I can't say that I liked any of the characters in this book but that didn't stop me from feeling like I just had to know what was happening to them. The story was really like peeling layers off one at a time so that the truth could finally be revealed. That need to learn the truth is really what tied me to this book. I really disliked Sarah, the mother, quite a bit and her husband, Angus, wasn't any better. The little girl, either Lydia or Kirstie, just seemed creepy to me throughout the book. The dog was probably the most likeable member of this particular family.
Despite the problems that I had with this book, I still really enjoyed reading it. I felt driven to find out what really happened in a way that I have not experienced before in a story. I simply could not put this book down once I reached a certain point in the story. The more that I learned, the more I needed to know. The way that the author gave the reader just enough information as the story progressed was perfectly executed. I was relieved that my questions were answered by the time I reached the end of the book.
I would recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers. This book is a little different than anything else I have read which added to its appeal. I plan to look for more works from this author in the near future.
I received a copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
April 2, 2015
3.5 rating
Quoting the blurp on Goodreads:
"In the tradition of 'The Girl On the Train' comes bestseller UK 'The Ice Twins', a terrifying psychological thriller with a twisting plot worthy of Gillian Flynn".
I haven't read "The Girl on the Train". (I've nothing to compare)
Yet, the blurp says 'enough', doesn't it? A standing room-only review! Speaks clearly!
As to WHY I read this book? My friends told me it was good! Yet--to be honest --I go back & forth about my thoughts of reading books like this -in the first place. I prefer not to include a heavy diet of psychological thrillers -- especially involving children.
Its a disturbing subject to begin with!
Its a little 'creepy'....yet storytelling and writing are well done!
Its engrossing!
Its odd!
The human psyche is just not for understanding sometimes!
Quoting the blurp on Goodreads:
"In the tradition of 'The Girl On the Train' comes bestseller UK 'The Ice Twins', a terrifying psychological thriller with a twisting plot worthy of Gillian Flynn".
I haven't read "The Girl on the Train". (I've nothing to compare)
Yet, the blurp says 'enough', doesn't it? A standing room-only review! Speaks clearly!
As to WHY I read this book? My friends told me it was good! Yet--to be honest --I go back & forth about my thoughts of reading books like this -in the first place. I prefer not to include a heavy diet of psychological thrillers -- especially involving children.
Its a disturbing subject to begin with!
Its a little 'creepy'....yet storytelling and writing are well done!
Its engrossing!
Its odd!
The human psyche is just not for understanding sometimes!
August 25, 2015
I don't understand this book. It starts off so well, especially when the creepiness sets in. But then I felt like things were being hammered into me. I thought, "OK, I get it. C'mon, not another chapter telling me the same thing." The problem is the book wasn't telling me what I needed to know. I have unanswered questions, and there are things that don't make sense to me. My biggest questions all seem to start with WHY? Now in hindsight, there are things that are implausible. The more I think about this book, the lower my rating goes.
October 3, 2016
You know those books you consider a "sure thing"? They're in a genre that's your sweet spot of book-liking; they get a lot of (recent-ish) 5 star reviews (including from your friends) that are sufficiently detailed you have confidence in their credibility. You've just finished a really demanding book and you're looking for a no-brainer, wonderful, "I can count on this to be a great read" experience for your next selection before you start another really demanding book? Yes, well. That was The Ice Twins for me, and it didn't work on any level. Hence, frustration and disappointment.
I'll skip the basics of the tragedy and the "we don't know one twin from another" mystery. The Ice Twins presents two parents who are unappealing and seem to not talk to one another about a danged thing that matters, or even the mundane conversations that fill every marriage. Even when they argue, nothing significant gets on the table, including the truth, however they see it. The book is told in alternating perspectives, but with Sara's perspective providing more than 50% of the content.
It's quite odd, quite early on in the book, when one discovers that Gus has had an extraordinary and key conversation with the remaining twin - and never told his wife a word of it. Not the theme, not its occurrence, not. a. word. That's the point where Tremayne lost me in terms of the authenticity of his characters. Assume a really lousy marriage with lots and lots of secrets. Okay? Yeah, not telling one's spouse about this event still doesn't ring true. It's just that "off" from human nature, even for psychopaths. The alternating perspectives allows Tremayne to tell instead of show, never a good thing. We're in the heads of both adult characters, and that's how we learn most of what we learn.
There's also a significant part of The Ice Twins that's devoted to Kirstie/Lydia failing to interact successfully (understatement of the year) at her new school - the rejection, the loneliness, the shunning, the awful playground lost-ness. Realizing that we all bring our dirty lenses to our reading, I was absolutely baffled that these parents would continue to drop their child off at this school the second day, the third day, the -- don't bring her back for a week - fourth day. Gus and Sarah, as presented to the reader, wouldn't put their child through this. But they do, which removed all trace of likeability from either of them - for me, as a mother. The Ice Twins went off the rails for me at this point - even parents who don't speak to one another would immediately call off the school experiment and home school or do nothing until they figure out what's going on. Hell, they don't even know which daughter they're forcing to go through this. Okay, one of them knows, but enough about that. I couldn't feel anything for either of them from this point on. I did feel very sorry for their child, stuck with these parents. Pity for Kirstie/Lydia likely wasn't the primary emotion S.K. Tremayne - a pen name of Tom Knox, an author searching from genre to genre for the best-selling fit that will set him up for life, and concealing his gender none to subtly in the process - intended readers to experience.
The ending is well-done and unexpected. By then I didn't care, though. I stayed up too late to finish this novel because I wanted to finish it, for all the wrong reasons.
Writing this review, I've almost talked myself into a 1 star rating, but that would unfairly discount Tremayne's skill. I suspect he's capable of 4-star work, but his plot and characters were so inadequate in this novel that I doubt I'll explore another book of his to find out.
I'll skip the basics of the tragedy and the "we don't know one twin from another" mystery. The Ice Twins presents two parents who are unappealing and seem to not talk to one another about a danged thing that matters, or even the mundane conversations that fill every marriage. Even when they argue, nothing significant gets on the table, including the truth, however they see it. The book is told in alternating perspectives, but with Sara's perspective providing more than 50% of the content.
It's quite odd, quite early on in the book, when one discovers that Gus has had an extraordinary and key conversation with the remaining twin - and never told his wife a word of it. Not the theme, not its occurrence, not. a. word. That's the point where Tremayne lost me in terms of the authenticity of his characters. Assume a really lousy marriage with lots and lots of secrets. Okay? Yeah, not telling one's spouse about this event still doesn't ring true. It's just that "off" from human nature, even for psychopaths. The alternating perspectives allows Tremayne to tell instead of show, never a good thing. We're in the heads of both adult characters, and that's how we learn most of what we learn.
There's also a significant part of The Ice Twins that's devoted to Kirstie/Lydia failing to interact successfully (understatement of the year) at her new school - the rejection, the loneliness, the shunning, the awful playground lost-ness. Realizing that we all bring our dirty lenses to our reading, I was absolutely baffled that these parents would continue to drop their child off at this school the second day, the third day, the -- don't bring her back for a week - fourth day. Gus and Sarah, as presented to the reader, wouldn't put their child through this. But they do, which removed all trace of likeability from either of them - for me, as a mother. The Ice Twins went off the rails for me at this point - even parents who don't speak to one another would immediately call off the school experiment and home school or do nothing until they figure out what's going on. Hell, they don't even know which daughter they're forcing to go through this. Okay, one of them knows, but enough about that. I couldn't feel anything for either of them from this point on. I did feel very sorry for their child, stuck with these parents. Pity for Kirstie/Lydia likely wasn't the primary emotion S.K. Tremayne - a pen name of Tom Knox, an author searching from genre to genre for the best-selling fit that will set him up for life, and concealing his gender none to subtly in the process - intended readers to experience.
The ending is well-done and unexpected. By then I didn't care, though. I stayed up too late to finish this novel because I wanted to finish it, for all the wrong reasons.
Writing this review, I've almost talked myself into a 1 star rating, but that would unfairly discount Tremayne's skill. I suspect he's capable of 4-star work, but his plot and characters were so inadequate in this novel that I doubt I'll explore another book of his to find out.
January 24, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction/Blue Door and NetGalley.)
(These babies are soooooo cute!)
This is quite a haunting story about a woman who lost one of her identical twins, but wasn’t sure which twin had died and which twin was still alive.
I did feel sorry for Sarah in this story, as it must have been awful to lose a child. I did find it a little odd that she couldn’t tell her 6-year-old twins apart though, surely in six years she should have been able to tell who was who? I don’t have any experience with twins, but I would have expected a mother to be able to tell her children apart, even if they were dressed identically.
The storyline in this was about Sarah’s surviving daughter insisting that she was Lydia – the twin Sarah believed to have died, and the problems this created, as well as the fact that they were seemingly haunted by the dead twin. There was also a bit of mystery surrounding what exactly had happened to lead to Lydia’s death, and whether one of them had been responsible for the accident.
The ending to this was pretty good, although things seemed to be solved by another unexpected death!
6.5 out of 10
“She is Lydia.”
(These babies are soooooo cute!)
This is quite a haunting story about a woman who lost one of her identical twins, but wasn’t sure which twin had died and which twin was still alive.
I did feel sorry for Sarah in this story, as it must have been awful to lose a child. I did find it a little odd that she couldn’t tell her 6-year-old twins apart though, surely in six years she should have been able to tell who was who? I don’t have any experience with twins, but I would have expected a mother to be able to tell her children apart, even if they were dressed identically.
“Lydia is talking to her dead sister.”
The storyline in this was about Sarah’s surviving daughter insisting that she was Lydia – the twin Sarah believed to have died, and the problems this created, as well as the fact that they were seemingly haunted by the dead twin. There was also a bit of mystery surrounding what exactly had happened to lead to Lydia’s death, and whether one of them had been responsible for the accident.
“It was your fault.”
The ending to this was pretty good, although things seemed to be solved by another unexpected death!
6.5 out of 10
February 11, 2015
The Ice Twins.
I wondered how the author came up with that title, now I know, and very apt it was too.
This story blew me away, I was glued to my Kindle reading this into the early hours of the morning.
It made me wonder, if gave birth to identical twins, not mirror images, exactly the same, how would I tell the difference? The author answered my long puzzled question in this book, it was well researched.
If one of the twins died, how would you know which one if they grew up pretending to be each other to play pranks? If they were so close, only they knew what they related to each other. We hear so often about how twins 'feel' what the other feels, they relate to their twin even when they are not physically there.
The anguish of Mom and Dad when a twin dies, its not just the loss, its the effect you know it is going to be on the surviving sibling. Its all there in this book.
I really thought I knew what was going to happen at the end. I was oh so wrong.
I cannot write spoilers, I cannot tell you more than I have done now, its so worth reading. I assure you, its a MUST read.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction/Blue Door via Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book, and of course, my thanks to the author.
I wondered how the author came up with that title, now I know, and very apt it was too.
This story blew me away, I was glued to my Kindle reading this into the early hours of the morning.
It made me wonder, if gave birth to identical twins, not mirror images, exactly the same, how would I tell the difference? The author answered my long puzzled question in this book, it was well researched.
If one of the twins died, how would you know which one if they grew up pretending to be each other to play pranks? If they were so close, only they knew what they related to each other. We hear so often about how twins 'feel' what the other feels, they relate to their twin even when they are not physically there.
The anguish of Mom and Dad when a twin dies, its not just the loss, its the effect you know it is going to be on the surviving sibling. Its all there in this book.
I really thought I knew what was going to happen at the end. I was oh so wrong.
I cannot write spoilers, I cannot tell you more than I have done now, its so worth reading. I assure you, its a MUST read.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction/Blue Door via Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book, and of course, my thanks to the author.
March 17, 2018
I don't think I read the same book as most people, from the mostly 4 to 5 star reviews I'm seeing here.
This book wasn't a thriller. It wasn't scary. It was just words on a page.
But, oh, like so many novels with great concepts, the execution fell flat.
I mean, come on, a plot with kids or babies in it has the potential to be a good old fashioned scare. Thanks, the Shining! The Omen!
But I wasn't scared at all. I was too busy hating on the parents.
Ugly, resentful, mean people who, in real life, most likely belong together, except they have children together.
It wasn't a good old fashioned scare. It was a good old fashioned cliche.
1. The young wife with little skills, financial resources and an unhappy childhood. And an adulterer.
2. The alcoholic husband with control issues, a bad temper and an unhappy childhood. Also an adulterer.
3. When your family is in turmoil, move far away. Better yet, move to an extremely desolate, isolated, bleak island where your neighbors are miles away because nothing can go wrong now. Nothing bad can come from this. Nope. I see only good things happening to this family now.
4. Let's take it one step further; the house you've moved into is in a 'thin place.' Of course! You've just lost one child to a horrible accident. What are the odds you will move into a scary, lonely cottage in the middle of nowhere that is also a conduit to the netherworld especially after you've suffered a devastating loss? No. It's not a coincidence at all.
5. Vengeful ghosts. This is not so much a cliche as its already been done countless times, most notably by the Japanese because if no one pulls any punches with horror, its the Japanese, thank God. But it wasn't scary. Some examples include:
Ooh, I see Kirstie in the mirror? Or do I?
She's holding her stuffed animal. And now she isn't!
She's singing in her twin's voice. And when I walk into her room, she's stopped! Who was that?
OMG, are you scared?
Who, me? Uh...no.
Other things I've noticed include:
6. How much Gus and Sarah 'wanted' each other, 'desired' each other, wanted to *bleep* each other, which I felt was completely out of context since there is no previous mention of their sexual compatibility, there was no characterization, no exposition, just a very brief recap of how they met one another. It was as if the author wanted to elude they married because of sexual chemistry, not much else.
7. Serious colon and semi-colon abuse. I have no idea if its the editor or author's fault but there was a colon/semi-colon feeding frenzy. As far as the eye can see!
Overall, the writing is fine, nothing to write home about but the execution was flawed, the characters are unlikeable, stupid and near unforgiveable but just as importantly, it was NOT SCARY.
A bit of a hot mess but more of a lingering disappointment. Like with most of the books I've read recently so nothing new here.
Let's move on.
This book wasn't a thriller. It wasn't scary. It was just words on a page.
But, oh, like so many novels with great concepts, the execution fell flat.
I mean, come on, a plot with kids or babies in it has the potential to be a good old fashioned scare. Thanks, the Shining! The Omen!
But I wasn't scared at all. I was too busy hating on the parents.
Ugly, resentful, mean people who, in real life, most likely belong together, except they have children together.
It wasn't a good old fashioned scare. It was a good old fashioned cliche.
1. The young wife with little skills, financial resources and an unhappy childhood. And an adulterer.
2. The alcoholic husband with control issues, a bad temper and an unhappy childhood. Also an adulterer.
3. When your family is in turmoil, move far away. Better yet, move to an extremely desolate, isolated, bleak island where your neighbors are miles away because nothing can go wrong now. Nothing bad can come from this. Nope. I see only good things happening to this family now.
4. Let's take it one step further; the house you've moved into is in a 'thin place.' Of course! You've just lost one child to a horrible accident. What are the odds you will move into a scary, lonely cottage in the middle of nowhere that is also a conduit to the netherworld especially after you've suffered a devastating loss? No. It's not a coincidence at all.
5. Vengeful ghosts. This is not so much a cliche as its already been done countless times, most notably by the Japanese because if no one pulls any punches with horror, its the Japanese, thank God. But it wasn't scary. Some examples include:
Ooh, I see Kirstie in the mirror? Or do I?
She's holding her stuffed animal. And now she isn't!
She's singing in her twin's voice. And when I walk into her room, she's stopped! Who was that?
OMG, are you scared?
Who, me? Uh...no.
Other things I've noticed include:
6. How much Gus and Sarah 'wanted' each other, 'desired' each other, wanted to *bleep* each other, which I felt was completely out of context since there is no previous mention of their sexual compatibility, there was no characterization, no exposition, just a very brief recap of how they met one another. It was as if the author wanted to elude they married because of sexual chemistry, not much else.
7. Serious colon and semi-colon abuse. I have no idea if its the editor or author's fault but there was a colon/semi-colon feeding frenzy. As far as the eye can see!
Overall, the writing is fine, nothing to write home about but the execution was flawed, the characters are unlikeable, stupid and near unforgiveable but just as importantly, it was NOT SCARY.
A bit of a hot mess but more of a lingering disappointment. Like with most of the books I've read recently so nothing new here.
Let's move on.
July 30, 2017
"Mummy, why do you keep calling me Kirstie?"
I say nothing. The silence is ringing. I speak: "Sorry sweetheart. What?"
"Why do you keep calling me Kirstie, Mummy? Kirstie is dead. It was Kirstie that died. I'm Lydia."
With these chilling words, Sarah Moorcroft's remaining twin tells her that she and her husband Angus may have made a terrible mistake about which twin they buried a year ago. Although Lydia and Kirstie were totally identical in their physical appearance, Lydia was shyer and quieter and Sarah's favourite. Is Kirstie trying to become the more popular twin for her mother, quieting her own outgoing, noisy spirit or is she really Lydia?
Twelve months ago the Moorcrofts were the perfect family, two perfect identical little girls, living in London and spending holidays with Sarah's parents in Devon. Everything changed in an instant when Lydia died after falling from a balcony of her grandparents house. Sarah became immobilised with grief and Angus' anger caused him to drink heavily, leading to the loss of his job. With a view to starting afresh they sell their London house and move to a dilapidated lighthouse-keeper's cottage on a small island near Skye, left to Angus by his grandmother. But life doesn't become any easier. It's late autumn when they move and dark winter nights and winter storms are closing in. They are the only inhabitants on the island which can only be reached by boat or on foot at low tide. Kirstie/Lydia's confusion about her identity becomes worse and she imagines her twin is present in the house.
This is a very spooky psychological thriller. The island is very atmospheric and foreboding. Angus and Sarah are both hiding secrets about what happened the day Lydia died and their revelations will change everything. And what an ending - very chilling!
I say nothing. The silence is ringing. I speak: "Sorry sweetheart. What?"
"Why do you keep calling me Kirstie, Mummy? Kirstie is dead. It was Kirstie that died. I'm Lydia."
With these chilling words, Sarah Moorcroft's remaining twin tells her that she and her husband Angus may have made a terrible mistake about which twin they buried a year ago. Although Lydia and Kirstie were totally identical in their physical appearance, Lydia was shyer and quieter and Sarah's favourite. Is Kirstie trying to become the more popular twin for her mother, quieting her own outgoing, noisy spirit or is she really Lydia?
Twelve months ago the Moorcrofts were the perfect family, two perfect identical little girls, living in London and spending holidays with Sarah's parents in Devon. Everything changed in an instant when Lydia died after falling from a balcony of her grandparents house. Sarah became immobilised with grief and Angus' anger caused him to drink heavily, leading to the loss of his job. With a view to starting afresh they sell their London house and move to a dilapidated lighthouse-keeper's cottage on a small island near Skye, left to Angus by his grandmother. But life doesn't become any easier. It's late autumn when they move and dark winter nights and winter storms are closing in. They are the only inhabitants on the island which can only be reached by boat or on foot at low tide. Kirstie/Lydia's confusion about her identity becomes worse and she imagines her twin is present in the house.
This is a very spooky psychological thriller. The island is very atmospheric and foreboding. Angus and Sarah are both hiding secrets about what happened the day Lydia died and their revelations will change everything. And what an ending - very chilling!
January 18, 2016
My dad even gave them a nickname: the Ice Twins. Because they were born on the coldest, frostiest day of the year, with ice-blue eyes and snowy-blonde hair.
I admit I am quite picky when it comes to my psychological thrillers, but this one lived up the the rave reviews some of my GR friends were giving it. I often figure out the big reveal before the end, and am sorely disappointed.
This one surprised me.
Angus and Sarah Moorcraft are struggling to pick up the pieces after one of their beautiful twin daughters, Lydia dies in an accident. They decide to move to an old family home isolated on a Scottish island that Angus has inherited with their remaining daughter, Kirstie. But as Kirstie's behavior becomes more and more bizarre they are forced to face what really happened the day Lydia died.
The pattern. The pattern. I can find the pattern if I think hard enough; then I will understand everything.
The characters weren't exactly likable, but the author does such a great job in setting the scene and gradually revealing new elements that leave you completely transfixed from start to finish.
I admit I am quite picky when it comes to my psychological thrillers, but this one lived up the the rave reviews some of my GR friends were giving it. I often figure out the big reveal before the end, and am sorely disappointed.
This one surprised me.
Angus and Sarah Moorcraft are struggling to pick up the pieces after one of their beautiful twin daughters, Lydia dies in an accident. They decide to move to an old family home isolated on a Scottish island that Angus has inherited with their remaining daughter, Kirstie. But as Kirstie's behavior becomes more and more bizarre they are forced to face what really happened the day Lydia died.
The pattern. The pattern. I can find the pattern if I think hard enough; then I will understand everything.
The characters weren't exactly likable, but the author does such a great job in setting the scene and gradually revealing new elements that leave you completely transfixed from start to finish.
June 26, 2015
For my complete review visit my blog:
Fictionophile
S.K.Tremayne’s novel “The Ice Twins” exhibits a pervading sense of menace. Not the overt kind of menace where the protagonist is feeling threatened by harm, but the insidious kind born of a mixture of mistrust, suspicion, social isolation and self-doubt.
The narrative contained many red herrings, with suspicion and doubt abounding. The story was told mostly from Sarah’s point of view, but some passages were from Gus’s viewpoint. The atmosphere was creepy and the Moorcroft’s predicament distressing.
I was so invested in the story that I took my book everywhere I went and read during my coffee break and lunch at work. I appreciated the photographs contained within the novel as they brought the imagery into an even sharper focus. “The Ice Twins” was a genuine page-turner that held my interest from beginning to end.
S.K.Tremayne’s novel “The Ice Twins” exhibits a pervading sense of menace. Not the overt kind of menace where the protagonist is feeling threatened by harm, but the insidious kind born of a mixture of mistrust, suspicion, social isolation and self-doubt.
The narrative contained many red herrings, with suspicion and doubt abounding. The story was told mostly from Sarah’s point of view, but some passages were from Gus’s viewpoint. The atmosphere was creepy and the Moorcroft’s predicament distressing.
I was so invested in the story that I took my book everywhere I went and read during my coffee break and lunch at work. I appreciated the photographs contained within the novel as they brought the imagery into an even sharper focus. “The Ice Twins” was a genuine page-turner that held my interest from beginning to end.
September 23, 2015
Rating 3.5
This book was a hard one for me to rate. Because I didn't dislike it, but I didn't love it either. Honestly, if I hadn't recently read Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton (which has a very similar setting and gothic atmosphere) I may have rated this book higher. But it was almost impossible not to compare the two. The storyline was captivating: 14 months after the death of one of Sarah and Angus' twin 7 year old daughters they think they got it wrong!!! It wasn't Lydia who died in the tragic accident, but Kirstie!!!! Can you imagine!!!??!! I sure couldn't. I also love books that are set on isolated islands, in rainy, windy, dark weather, with the waves crashing against the shore unabated. This one also one of those novels that you don't know who to trust or what to believe. Everyone seems to be keeping secrets and telling lies: even to themselves!!
I felt like there was a lot of repetition in the writing. I certainly don't mind descriptive scenery, especially scenery like we have here, but it got to the point of over kill, where the Gaelic names for the mountain ranges were being mentioned every third paragraph it felt like. I also don't mind a plot that moves slowly while the author focuses on characterization. But this wasn't that either. I felt that the same type of incidents kept occurring and the characters were essentially stuck for most of the novel,
Also I wasn't quite sure what to make of the ending. That isn't always a bad thing, but I felt that I was left with more questions than answers (for those of you who read this book I would love to discuss your thoughts!!)
Overall I liked this book. The mystery was certainly intriguing, and I found myself reading late into the night, wanting to uncover the secrets everyone seemed to have.
Overall I would recommend this book. If you enjoyed Little Black Lies or like a dark Gothic mystery, I would recommend this to you.
This book was a hard one for me to rate. Because I didn't dislike it, but I didn't love it either. Honestly, if I hadn't recently read Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton (which has a very similar setting and gothic atmosphere) I may have rated this book higher. But it was almost impossible not to compare the two. The storyline was captivating: 14 months after the death of one of Sarah and Angus' twin 7 year old daughters they think they got it wrong!!! It wasn't Lydia who died in the tragic accident, but Kirstie!!!! Can you imagine!!!??!! I sure couldn't. I also love books that are set on isolated islands, in rainy, windy, dark weather, with the waves crashing against the shore unabated. This one also one of those novels that you don't know who to trust or what to believe. Everyone seems to be keeping secrets and telling lies: even to themselves!!
I felt like there was a lot of repetition in the writing. I certainly don't mind descriptive scenery, especially scenery like we have here, but it got to the point of over kill, where the Gaelic names for the mountain ranges were being mentioned every third paragraph it felt like. I also don't mind a plot that moves slowly while the author focuses on characterization. But this wasn't that either. I felt that the same type of incidents kept occurring and the characters were essentially stuck for most of the novel,
Also I wasn't quite sure what to make of the ending. That isn't always a bad thing, but I felt that I was left with more questions than answers (for those of you who read this book I would love to discuss your thoughts!!)
Overall I liked this book. The mystery was certainly intriguing, and I found myself reading late into the night, wanting to uncover the secrets everyone seemed to have.
Overall I would recommend this book. If you enjoyed Little Black Lies or like a dark Gothic mystery, I would recommend this to you.
April 27, 2015
As a mother of identical twins there is so much I hate about this book I don't even know where to start.
I didn't like the way it was written (largely from the perspective of the mother, in first person present, with occasional chapters in third person describing the husband's point of view) - lately I am just sick of thrillers which derive their thrill from having answers hidden from the reader because they are hidden from the narrator due to some sort of deficit. So you get a droning, self-conscious internal monologue which gives you half a picture until it becomes necessary for the truth to be revealed, at which point the protagonist is suddenly able to access the information that has been withheld.
As for not being able to tell one twin from the other. Do people really believe that? I mean other people find it hard to tell my identical boys apart but there is no way I could mistake one for the other. All that stuff about them looking exactly the same, smelling the same, having the same voice, having the same handwriting, is just guff. They are two different people! It doesn't even come across as if the mother is trying to talk herself into believing it, which at least would offer some sort of explanation.
And the final big reveal - are we meant to believe that too? It was over complicated and just bloody ridiculous to think that the people in question would behave in that way.
This is going in the naughty corner with Before I Go To Sleep and Girl On The Train.
I didn't like the way it was written (largely from the perspective of the mother, in first person present, with occasional chapters in third person describing the husband's point of view) - lately I am just sick of thrillers which derive their thrill from having answers hidden from the reader because they are hidden from the narrator due to some sort of deficit. So you get a droning, self-conscious internal monologue which gives you half a picture until it becomes necessary for the truth to be revealed, at which point the protagonist is suddenly able to access the information that has been withheld.
As for not being able to tell one twin from the other. Do people really believe that? I mean other people find it hard to tell my identical boys apart but there is no way I could mistake one for the other. All that stuff about them looking exactly the same, smelling the same, having the same voice, having the same handwriting, is just guff. They are two different people! It doesn't even come across as if the mother is trying to talk herself into believing it, which at least would offer some sort of explanation.
And the final big reveal - are we meant to believe that too? It was over complicated and just bloody ridiculous to think that the people in question would behave in that way.
This is going in the naughty corner with Before I Go To Sleep and Girl On The Train.
June 17, 2016
5 Words: Mystery, family, love, secrets, lies.
Guys, this book is INSANE.
Even a week after finishing this, it is still distracting me. I can't stop thinking about it.
The Ice Twins has a very mixed pace - it swing backwards and forwards between fast and slow, and I was never quite sure when that pace going to tip back in the other direction. The story is packed with twists and turns and one crazily unreliable narrator, I honestly had no idea what was happening at times.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads. And then I went out and bought the audio version anyway.
Guys, this book is INSANE.
Even a week after finishing this, it is still distracting me. I can't stop thinking about it.
The Ice Twins has a very mixed pace - it swing backwards and forwards between fast and slow, and I was never quite sure when that pace going to tip back in the other direction. The story is packed with twists and turns and one crazily unreliable narrator, I honestly had no idea what was happening at times.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads. And then I went out and bought the audio version anyway.
August 1, 2018
O carte impresionanta! Care se joacă nu doar cu emoțiile tale, ci si cu ceea ce crezi ca s-a întâmplat cu adevărat. Un thriller foarte bine scris, cu suspans la cote maxime. Personaje bine create si o poveste care te frânge. Iar la final îți oferă o perspectiva neașteptata si in același timp, șocanta!
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