The Third Twin. Book Review

The Third Twin

By Ken Follett

I am a HUGE fan of Ken Follett and his historic fiction books. Those books are usually 900 -1000 pages each! But they are worth the read. He is a wonderful author and storyteller and each of his books, whether read in the series or individually, are gripping with wonderful characters and vivid settings.

At a recent rummage sale, I came across this Ken Follett book and was surprised to see that it was a mere 400 pages and was not historical fiction. Notwithstanding, Follett did not disappoint.

In the 1970s, scientists began experimenting with in vitro contraception otherwise known as test tube babies. A company called Genetico was owned by a scientist named Preston Barack. Eventually the company became owned by Barack and his two oldest friends, Barrington Jones, a scientist and head of the psychology department at a local college, and Jim Proust, a state senator who aspired to run for President. All three men were former military or intelligence and utilized their contacts to use unsuspecting military wives going through infertility treatment to test their scientific theories. For over 20 years, their secrets remained hidden.

Finally, their company was scheduled to be bought for $180 million by another company called Landsman. The three co-conspirators believed that after the sale of the company they could retire with their reputations and wallets intact and no one would be the wiser. However, a young academic/scientist named Jeannie Ferrami was hired by Barrington as a new professor and researcher at the college. Dr. Ferrami specialized in researching twins who were raised separately and comparing their criminal predilections. In simpler terms, she was researching nurture vs. nature. Dr. Ferrami and her research begins to wreak havoc on the co-conspirators and the sale of Genetico and the co-conspirators are afraid that their secrets will be revealed.

As expected, this book was well written with amazing characters, and a great story. This book would make an amazing movie. I highly recommend this book and all other books that Follett has written – you won’t be disappointed!

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