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The Gemini Factor
Murders are common. Serial murders are less common. Serial murders committed in two different countries at exactly the same time, in exactly the same way, are unheard of. ..until now.
In Toronto, Inspector Raid McTavish stares at the body of the young woman carefully posed in a bed of purple iris, her throat slashed, almost beheaded, her hands placed to cover her empty eye sockets. He knows this is not a random murder, but the first of more to come. What he doesn't know is that 2,000 miles away in Tucson, Arizona, Sergeant Gary Ronstadt is viewing an identical crime scene.
Months later, McTavish and Ronstadt meet at a seminar on telepathy between identical twins, where they are shocked to discover that not only are they investigating identical murders, but their lives are intimately linked by a number of inexplicable similarities and coincidences
While working together to unravel the clues purposely left by the killers, the detectives realize they have but five days to find the killers before they strike again, only this time the killings will be much closer to home if they fail.
In Toronto, Inspector Raid McTavish stares at the body of the young woman carefully posed in a bed of purple iris, her throat slashed, almost beheaded, her hands placed to cover her empty eye sockets. He knows this is not a random murder, but the first of more to come. What he doesn't know is that 2,000 miles away in Tucson, Arizona, Sergeant Gary Ronstadt is viewing an identical crime scene.
Months later, McTavish and Ronstadt meet at a seminar on telepathy between identical twins, where they are shocked to discover that not only are they investigating identical murders, but their lives are intimately linked by a number of inexplicable similarities and coincidences
While working together to unravel the clues purposely left by the killers, the detectives realize they have but five days to find the killers before they strike again, only this time the killings will be much closer to home if they fail.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2012
45 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 27, 2014
I started reading this book when I finished what I was reading whilst on a city break. Having only taken hand luggage I did not have room for a second book so took my kindle instead. I had downloaded this as a free be a while ago because the synopsis caught my attention. I have to say I was unsure about it when I started reading it, at times it is overly descriptive of things not entirely relevant to the plot, and is a little slow to build momentum in the beginning, hence not awarding it the full five stars. The author also leads you to believe that you know who the killer is by about chapter 6!!! However, once the story finds it's momentum, and the reader begins to find out more about the philosophies surrounding the events in the book it becomes very interesting if, at times, a little confusing. The climax of the book leaves you completely gob smacked and in my opinion, Fleishman leaves the ending open......will there be a second book? I finished this in just over a week. Well worth a read. Just one more point, about half way through there is a section about philosophies and research, all of which is fact, and is pertinent to understanding the progression of the story, please do not skip this as I have seen some people do in reviews, as it may cloud your opinion of what is a very clever and original book.
August 4, 2013
Well written mystery/ medical thriller with a touch of para-psychology. A bit on the slow side, the lectures could have been condensed much more and I found the history of the twins a bit of a stretch for my imagination.
March 29, 2014
Very gruesome but surprisingly good. I felt the author did a lot of research on identical twins and wrote a great story about their habits.
October 7, 2021
Interesting concept but difficult to follow
There were so many characters and two separate locations that it was difficult to remember who was who.
There were a few typos as I have come to expect from Amazon Kindle books.
I was a little put off when the couples were having dinner and the men were called only by their last names but the women were called by their first names. It seemed chauvinistic to me.
The story was interesting but the back and forth between locations was tiring.
This book could have been shorter but there were a lot of details that were not necessary, like what the men wore to dinner or descriptions of a house, etc.
I finished the book but trying to remember who was who was difficult throughout. I hope the author takes these criticisms as constructive for his next book.
At the end, he tried to prove the book’s theory… I could have done without that. It felt like bragging.
There were so many characters and two separate locations that it was difficult to remember who was who.
There were a few typos as I have come to expect from Amazon Kindle books.
I was a little put off when the couples were having dinner and the men were called only by their last names but the women were called by their first names. It seemed chauvinistic to me.
The story was interesting but the back and forth between locations was tiring.
This book could have been shorter but there were a lot of details that were not necessary, like what the men wore to dinner or descriptions of a house, etc.
I finished the book but trying to remember who was who was difficult throughout. I hope the author takes these criticisms as constructive for his next book.
At the end, he tried to prove the book’s theory… I could have done without that. It felt like bragging.
August 28, 2019
I don't read a lot of fiction as I find reality a lot more interesting and true. That being said I selected and read this book primarily because it was written by an MD. I am glad I did. This book was both interesting and stimulating. The initial chapters switch back and forth between stories in 2 different locations and I found it a little bit tedious but towards the end the stories came together with very little switching. While reading I found myself spending time thinking about some of the "facts" which the author elucidates. I have not spent the time to validate veracity. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
December 17, 2019
Two identical murders take place on the same day at the same time—one is Tuscan and the other in Toronto. In both cases, the murderer has left a calling card, which is part of a Japanese game. Not only are the murders seemingly linked, the detectives solving them (Gary Ronstadt and Garaid McTavish) also share a strange connection. They both have three daughters, the younger two being left-handed twins who are incredibly good at Tennis and have similar names.
Their respective investigation runs in parallel, as both of them stumble upon similar clues. Yet, they do not know of the other. Is that true for the killers too? What are the odds? As more bodies turn up, the two detectives struggle to catch the culprits before it’s too late.
Several years ago, I came across the prologue of this book in a reading app called Aldico, which I was rather fond of at the time. It involved a bizarre exchange of babies by a rather flustered nurse keen to save her job. Intrigued by the promise of a captivating thriller, I looked online for the book. It was not available in India, and I didn’t own a Kindle back then. The book went on my to-read list on Goodreads to be forgotten till a few weeks ago when I rediscovered it while looking for my next read.
To say that I am enthralled by this story is an understatement. The fact that I finished reading it at 2 am on a workday should tell you something about the intensity of the narrative. However, there is one major drawback to this book, and that is its language. It’s very evidently a first novel, and perhaps the first draft. The dialogues state the obvious, there are unnecessary repetitions and unwarranted foreshadows. It needed a better editor. The plot, however, is brilliant, and manages to salvage the book and leaves you delighted in the end despite the shortcomings of the prose.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good crime thriller.
Their respective investigation runs in parallel, as both of them stumble upon similar clues. Yet, they do not know of the other. Is that true for the killers too? What are the odds? As more bodies turn up, the two detectives struggle to catch the culprits before it’s too late.
Several years ago, I came across the prologue of this book in a reading app called Aldico, which I was rather fond of at the time. It involved a bizarre exchange of babies by a rather flustered nurse keen to save her job. Intrigued by the promise of a captivating thriller, I looked online for the book. It was not available in India, and I didn’t own a Kindle back then. The book went on my to-read list on Goodreads to be forgotten till a few weeks ago when I rediscovered it while looking for my next read.
To say that I am enthralled by this story is an understatement. The fact that I finished reading it at 2 am on a workday should tell you something about the intensity of the narrative. However, there is one major drawback to this book, and that is its language. It’s very evidently a first novel, and perhaps the first draft. The dialogues state the obvious, there are unnecessary repetitions and unwarranted foreshadows. It needed a better editor. The plot, however, is brilliant, and manages to salvage the book and leaves you delighted in the end despite the shortcomings of the prose.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good crime thriller.
September 23, 2024
This book is as much a lesson in genetics as it is a thriller. Can identical twins, those that fit the criteria at least, really communicate with each other telepathically? Can they each do the same thing, purchase the exact same item, on the same day and at the exact same time, when hundreds of miles apart? What of half-brothers, sharing the same brilliant, albeit not so righteous, father? Are their personalities as inherent as their looks? Is genetics at play here as well?
The author has managed to blend fact and fiction exceedingly well. It will definitely keep you turning those pages.
The author has managed to blend fact and fiction exceedingly well. It will definitely keep you turning those pages.
November 18, 2017
I enjoyed the story, including the details and the "sermonizing". As another reader mentioned, it was hard to follow which of the parallel scenarios I was reading at any given time. And the parallel accounts that comprised much of the book seemed belabored. It didn't take all that to show me that there were eerie parallels between the scenarios. I also agree that having such obscure parallels (as names, interests, abilities) seemed rather contrived.
A bit hard to swallow sometimes, but overall a good read.
A bit hard to swallow sometimes, but overall a good read.
March 19, 2020
A very fascinating and clever plot. I enjoyed this book very much with all the coincidences, synchronicity and focus on twins. If it wasn't for the misspellings and punctuation errors, I would have given it 5 stars.
June 6, 2021
Murder, Twins & Lefties
This is not the usual, run-of-the-mill, murder mystery. The story line has an unusual twist that was totally new to me & that happened to be based in truth. For me, it made the book 1 star better than just average.
This is not the usual, run-of-the-mill, murder mystery. The story line has an unusual twist that was totally new to me & that happened to be based in truth. For me, it made the book 1 star better than just average.
November 6, 2023
The Gemini Factor is an usual novel with a unique plot. Two killers are on the loose: one in Tucson and the other in Toronto. Their crimes are identical in almost every detail: victims, means, time of death, timing, staging, and more. The author, who is an MD, delves into synchronicity and a number of other medical, neurological, and psychological areas with authority. These are interesting in and come into play as the story unfolds, but be forewarned that they tend to slow the pace of the story. That isn’t meant as criticism—I’m willing to trade off pacing in exchange for an information dump, so long as it's interesting and serves the story. They do here. If you’re looking for a straight ahead, seat-of-your-pants thriller, this novel isn’t it. If you enjoy a story that unfolds at a somewhat slower pace, but arrives at a satisfying conclusion, you’ll enjoy The Gemini Factor.
September 23, 2016
Not a bad read. Interesting at times, the two people investigating murders thousands of miles apart and in different countries. This book touches on identical twins and what many believe they possess, the ability to communicate without talking. Both lead investigators share similarities themselves, wives with similiae names, identical twin girls with similar names, as well as all are left handed and excel in tennis. aside from that, there were at times, too much details that made one just skip over them. The idea of twins, separated at birth due to a nurse trying to cover up what really happened and each one ended up being a serial killer. Is something like this possible? perhaps. But does make for interesting story line.
February 1, 2017
Very Interesting
I enjoyed the book but I did find it difficult to follow. There are separate places where the story takes place and in both places there are many similarities. I think that novel would have been faster reading if the names of some of the characters were not quite so similar. It works into the plot resolution eventually but I found myself having to go back to previous chapters for clarification. I did like enough to purchase another one of his books. If you like mysteries with murderer and medicine with a touch of psychology you will enjoy it. It's not light reading but it was enjoyable
I enjoyed the book but I did find it difficult to follow. There are separate places where the story takes place and in both places there are many similarities. I think that novel would have been faster reading if the names of some of the characters were not quite so similar. It works into the plot resolution eventually but I found myself having to go back to previous chapters for clarification. I did like enough to purchase another one of his books. If you like mysteries with murderer and medicine with a touch of psychology you will enjoy it. It's not light reading but it was enjoyable
August 22, 2016
When are twins not twins? This book will explain all and scare the heck out of you at the same time. Two police detectives: one on Canada and one in Tucson each with twin daughters who play tennis, each with a serial killer on his hands. The victims are all killed identically - but by whom?
This book caught my attention and kept my up several nights until I said (WTF!!) and figured it out. But not until nearly the end. A great study on twins and circumstances and families.
This book caught my attention and kept my up several nights until I said (WTF!!) and figured it out. But not until nearly the end. A great study on twins and circumstances and families.
February 8, 2016
This book was interesting and I would have given it 4 stars if it wasn't so hard to follow the characters. I found I was confusing the characters - which after reading, it is understandable why. Serial killers at work in Toronto and Tuscan, yet the murders happen exactly the same way. Two detectives who have so much similarity trying to solve it in each city.
July 17, 2013
Two serial killers in two countries are pursued by two detectives with uncanny similarities in their personal and professional lives. Although this story follows the investigations into the murders, it is also an interesting look at twins and their possible ability to communicate telepathically
August 6, 2013
While the writing in this book was engaging, this story wasn't my type of story, so I couldn't really get into it. Someone who likes murder mysteries and cop books might like this book more than I did.
September 4, 2013
Amazing book, altho a bit gruesome. Luckily the strong lead detectives and their wives/kids in each city make great side stories along side the murder investigations. Interesting thoughts on twins and their inner communication.
May 6, 2014
Scary Good
Very well written story of twins, murder, mystery, coincidence? You think you know the killer(s) and what will happen next, but no. Fascinating ending. Fascinating thoughts.
Very well written story of twins, murder, mystery, coincidence? You think you know the killer(s) and what will happen next, but no. Fascinating ending. Fascinating thoughts.
June 6, 2014
Great Read!
This is a medical thriller like none I've read before. It made me put on my thinking cap from the prologue. I highly recommend this book if you like medical stories, detective mysteries, psychological novels...The Gemini Factor is all three in one book!
This is a medical thriller like none I've read before. It made me put on my thinking cap from the prologue. I highly recommend this book if you like medical stories, detective mysteries, psychological novels...The Gemini Factor is all three in one book!
July 23, 2013
3 and 1/2 stars. The plot kept me interested, but it was just a little too far-fetched.
October 24, 2013
The story kept me interested, but I found all the "coincidences" to be a stretch.
December 16, 2013
I had great hopes for this book after reading the reviews. However, I just could not get into the book. The plot sounded intriguing, but the pace of the book was too slow for my taste.
April 23, 2014
Excellent plotting and a novel idea.
September 4, 2014
Outstanding!
Sometimes a little confusing, which is great, because that means I had to use my noggin a little bit. That's the kind of books I like.
Sometimes a little confusing, which is great, because that means I had to use my noggin a little bit. That's the kind of books I like.
June 3, 2014
I felt the book was reaching to hard. Every other chapter was an almost exact repeat of the previous.
July 17, 2014
It was a very interesting crime drama read. The only reason I gave it a 4 star rating is because I was not cool with the language.
October 7, 2014
Not very will written. Plot was creative but everything seemed to fall into place to easily for the characters.
October 30, 2014
This book started off quite slow and I was actually considering not finishing it. About a third of the way through the storyline got interesting and the pace picked up.
May 12, 2015
Great read
Very informative when it comes to the twin factor. Some of the things I've always wondered about twins have been answered. I was surprised at the end loved it!
Very informative when it comes to the twin factor. Some of the things I've always wondered about twins have been answered. I was surprised at the end loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews