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Dead Ringer
A gripping thriller by Kate Kessler (author of the Audrey Harte novels), in which an FBI agent becomes entwined in a missing persons case that directly connects to a horrific event from her past.
Eighteen years ago, FBI Agent Rachel Ward's mirror twin, Hannah, was taken by the Gemini killer, a serial killer who delights in sending photos of his victims to their twins. Rachel assumes her sister has been dead for years, but she's never stopped hunting the monster who took her. Now, another twin has been taken, and when the case reopens, Rachel is assigned as an agent. But her relentless hunt for the killer may drive her to her breaking point.
For more from Kate Kessler, check out:
The Audrey Harte novels
It Takes One
Two Can Play
Three Strikes
Four of a Kind
Zero Hour (novella)
Dead Ringer
Eighteen years ago, FBI Agent Rachel Ward's mirror twin, Hannah, was taken by the Gemini killer, a serial killer who delights in sending photos of his victims to their twins. Rachel assumes her sister has been dead for years, but she's never stopped hunting the monster who took her. Now, another twin has been taken, and when the case reopens, Rachel is assigned as an agent. But her relentless hunt for the killer may drive her to her breaking point.
For more from Kate Kessler, check out:
The Audrey Harte novels
It Takes One
Two Can Play
Three Strikes
Four of a Kind
Zero Hour (novella)
Dead Ringer
329 pages, Paperback
First published November 6, 2018
64 people are currently reading
1450 people want to read
About the author
Kate Kessler
8 books370 followersAs a child Kate Kessler seemed to have a knack for finding trouble, and for it finding her. A former delinquent, Kate now prefers to write about trouble rather than cause it, and spends her day writing about why people do the things they do. She lives in New England with her husband. - See more at: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 4, 2019
I found this book for my 2019 reading challenge. I needed 2 books with the same title and had just read The Dead Ringer (an Agatha Raisin novel) and while that book wasn't a very good Agatha Raisin, this book was much worse. It was full of language, explicit sex scenes and "twists" that the reader saw from a mile away while the characters stumbled around in the dark. At first I kept hoping for it to get better, but eventually, I couldn't wait for this book to be over.
February 6, 2019
3.5 Stars
I picked up Dead Ringer on a whim. I hadn’t heard much about this book, and I haven’t read any of Kessler’s other works. But the premise intrigued me.
Eighteen years ago, Rachel’s identical twin sister Hannah was abducted by the Gemini killer – so called because he abducts one twin then emotionally torments the other twin by sending pictures of the other being abused and eventually killed. Hannah was never found, and Gemini is still on the loose. Rachel is obsessed with tracking the killer down and becomes an FBI agent in an attempt to find justice.
I didn’t love the start of the book. The writing style is almost entirely short, staccato sentences whether it’s dialogue or description. Although that fit with the main character’s no nonsense, emotionally distanced personality, the tone didn’t entirely make sense since the story is told in third person. I wished the sentences had some variety in length and that the descriptions were more fleshed out. And the characters’ dialogue was hard to distinguish because they pretty much all talked alike.
The story also includes flashbacks. These flashbacks skipped around a lot and took some of the suspense out of the story. There actually isn’t much of a mystery element, because some things are revealed early in the story. Nevertheless, the plot is still suspenseful enough and fast-paced.
Rachel is a damaged but interesting character. She doesn’t really stand out from the standard “tough, female FBI agent” stereotype that we often see. Yet, I still found myself engrossed in her plight. Despite the writing being rough around the edges, I quickly found myself immersed in the story and very invested in the outcome for the characters. I easily read the whole thing in one day. And even though I wouldn’t call the character development stellar, I just had to find out what happened to them.
There were some predictable parts, and there were some elements that were a little over the top. A suspension of belief is needed. But I can see this type of sadist existing. I think Kessler did a good job of showing the psychology of the killer, his victims, and the families of the victims in a way that was compelling and chilling. I will warn that there is some graphic content about the rape and abuse of the victims. It was disturbing but not as gratuitously graphic as some others such as Karen Slaughter.
The ending fizzled out a little for me. After a good build up, it felt somewhat rushed and not completely satisfying. It wasn’t bad, but it did sway me to round my rating down rather than up. Still, I enjoyed Dead Ringer and will most likely check out more from this author.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you like this, try The Butterfly Garden
I picked up Dead Ringer on a whim. I hadn’t heard much about this book, and I haven’t read any of Kessler’s other works. But the premise intrigued me.
Eighteen years ago, Rachel’s identical twin sister Hannah was abducted by the Gemini killer – so called because he abducts one twin then emotionally torments the other twin by sending pictures of the other being abused and eventually killed. Hannah was never found, and Gemini is still on the loose. Rachel is obsessed with tracking the killer down and becomes an FBI agent in an attempt to find justice.
I didn’t love the start of the book. The writing style is almost entirely short, staccato sentences whether it’s dialogue or description. Although that fit with the main character’s no nonsense, emotionally distanced personality, the tone didn’t entirely make sense since the story is told in third person. I wished the sentences had some variety in length and that the descriptions were more fleshed out. And the characters’ dialogue was hard to distinguish because they pretty much all talked alike.
The story also includes flashbacks. These flashbacks skipped around a lot and took some of the suspense out of the story. There actually isn’t much of a mystery element, because some things are revealed early in the story. Nevertheless, the plot is still suspenseful enough and fast-paced.
Rachel is a damaged but interesting character. She doesn’t really stand out from the standard “tough, female FBI agent” stereotype that we often see. Yet, I still found myself engrossed in her plight. Despite the writing being rough around the edges, I quickly found myself immersed in the story and very invested in the outcome for the characters. I easily read the whole thing in one day. And even though I wouldn’t call the character development stellar, I just had to find out what happened to them.
There were some predictable parts, and there were some elements that were a little over the top. A suspension of belief is needed. But I can see this type of sadist existing. I think Kessler did a good job of showing the psychology of the killer, his victims, and the families of the victims in a way that was compelling and chilling. I will warn that there is some graphic content about the rape and abuse of the victims. It was disturbing but not as gratuitously graphic as some others such as Karen Slaughter.
The ending fizzled out a little for me. After a good build up, it felt somewhat rushed and not completely satisfying. It wasn’t bad, but it did sway me to round my rating down rather than up. Still, I enjoyed Dead Ringer and will most likely check out more from this author.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you like this, try The Butterfly Garden
November 14, 2018
Note to self: not my kind of plotting even though FBI
Memory Jog: this was a twin horror show
Memory Jog: this was a twin horror show
September 4, 2018
I won a copy of this book through Good Reads Give-Away. I wish Good Reads allowed for half star ratings because I'd give this 4.5 stars!
This was a really well written novel. I liked that the author fleshed out the characters without going on and on about trivial details. I felt that I got to know these characters but didn't have to slog through pages of unnecessary dialogue or back story. This was a great read in part because there is nothing written that doesn't pertain to what you need to know.
This book falls somewhere between the mystery and thriller labels. The main character is an agent with the FBI because she is searching for her missing twin. She is convinced she knows the identity of a serial killer but has no real evidence to support her theory. This should be a mystery as to whether or not she is correct and how that unfolds BUT NO! Instead the author does not tease this out the way others might. It becomes more of a thriller in HOW the agent must catch the killer. The ending sort of twists back into a potential mystery (which I am not 100% certain was the intent - hence the half star cut).
I enjoyed this book. I would certainly recommend it to folks who like to watch TV shows such as Person of Interest. It has some dark elements that may be disturbing for immature readers so as a parent, I'd advise you consider it as you would a rated R movie. It isn't dark throughout just enough for the shock value - which is valid in the story line and not just for the sake of trying to shock the reader.
This was a really well written novel. I liked that the author fleshed out the characters without going on and on about trivial details. I felt that I got to know these characters but didn't have to slog through pages of unnecessary dialogue or back story. This was a great read in part because there is nothing written that doesn't pertain to what you need to know.
This book falls somewhere between the mystery and thriller labels. The main character is an agent with the FBI because she is searching for her missing twin. She is convinced she knows the identity of a serial killer but has no real evidence to support her theory. This should be a mystery as to whether or not she is correct and how that unfolds BUT NO! Instead the author does not tease this out the way others might. It becomes more of a thriller in HOW the agent must catch the killer. The ending sort of twists back into a potential mystery (which I am not 100% certain was the intent - hence the half star cut).
I enjoyed this book. I would certainly recommend it to folks who like to watch TV shows such as Person of Interest. It has some dark elements that may be disturbing for immature readers so as a parent, I'd advise you consider it as you would a rated R movie. It isn't dark throughout just enough for the shock value - which is valid in the story line and not just for the sake of trying to shock the reader.
October 16, 2018
For decades, the Gemini Killer has been abducting one half of a set of twins and tormenting the surviving sister with photos of the atrocities he commits on his victim. Some he kills, some he keeps. Rachel’s twin Hannah disappeared, and not long after, Rachel started receiving the token photos of Hannah. But since her body was never found, Rachel assumes Hannah is still alive, though she hopes her sister is dead. In the 18 years since Hannah has gone missing, Rachel moved up through the police force to become an FBI agent and her main goal is to find Hannah and make the Gemini Killer pay for the horrors he inflicted on his victims and their families.
It’s definitely an intriguing premise, and there’s no question the Gemini Killer is a sadistic, twisted individual. Rachel is tough-as-nails, but still harbors vulnerability from knowing that Hannah was taken while impersonating Rachel on a school trip. And the fact that her mother blames Rachel doesn’t help matters, nor does the unhealthy obsession she has with the man she is certain took Hannah. Even if they find Hannah, will she ever be the same after spending 18 years being tortured by her captor? It’s an intriguing (if warped) dilemma and as much as I enjoyed the insane scenario, there were a few inconsistencies and flat-out bad decisions made by some characters. Otherwise, it was a decent mystery with good pacing and insight into a serial killer’s methods.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via the Amazon Vine program.
It’s definitely an intriguing premise, and there’s no question the Gemini Killer is a sadistic, twisted individual. Rachel is tough-as-nails, but still harbors vulnerability from knowing that Hannah was taken while impersonating Rachel on a school trip. And the fact that her mother blames Rachel doesn’t help matters, nor does the unhealthy obsession she has with the man she is certain took Hannah. Even if they find Hannah, will she ever be the same after spending 18 years being tortured by her captor? It’s an intriguing (if warped) dilemma and as much as I enjoyed the insane scenario, there were a few inconsistencies and flat-out bad decisions made by some characters. Otherwise, it was a decent mystery with good pacing and insight into a serial killer’s methods.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via the Amazon Vine program.
August 9, 2018
I did take some time with this book. I needed to draw it out while enjoying the characters. The story itself is very good and kept me guessing for a while. It’s one of those books that is very hard to put down and several times I am sure I gasped out loud while reading it. While different from It Takes Audrey Harte series it’s a great read!
January 7, 2021
I’m really surprised by the low ratings of this book! The plot wasn’t super deep, but I thought it was well-written with scenes that were so vivid in my mind. I like that we found out who the Gemini killer was mid-way through the book and it kept building on from that. Would recommend!
April 26, 2021
Last week I couldn't find anything I wanted to read, so I examined that and concluded that all I wanted to read were thrillers. Preferably police procedural thrillers. And in the quest to find something that fit the bill, this turned up. FBI! And serial killers! And twins!
The idea of a predator targeting twins as a way of torturing one person directly and another vicariously is...creepy as all get-out, but then, I guess that's the point. I do like my thrillers to render me unable to sleep, after all.
But...there's a huge thing that I can't get past. Spoiler tags are for spoilers but also as a trigger warning for rape:
Other note: I guess it would have been overkill to name mirror twins Hannah and Elle instead of Hannah and Rachel, huh. Schade.
The idea of a predator targeting twins as a way of torturing one person directly and another vicariously is...creepy as all get-out, but then, I guess that's the point. I do like my thrillers to render me unable to sleep, after all.
But...there's a huge thing that I can't get past. Spoiler tags are for spoilers but also as a trigger warning for rape:
Other note: I guess it would have been overkill to name mirror twins Hannah and Elle instead of Hannah and Rachel, huh. Schade.
September 28, 2018
When teenager Rachel Ward and her mirror twin sister Hannah agree to switch places for a day, a nightmare occurs – Hannah is taken by the serial killer known as Gemini (known for his habit of taking identical twins and sending photos of the victims to the remaining twin). Unable to move on when she doesn’t know her sister’s fate, her mother’s blame, and with Gemini still sending her pictures every year, Rachel shapes her life around this horrible incident. Now, 18 years later, Gemini has resurfaced – and Rachel, an FBI agent, demands to be on the case. She’s had her suspicions who Gemini truly is over the years, even if there is no proof but her gut instinct. As she delves into the case and comes closer to the truth, will she like what she finds?
I have found myself reaching constantly for thrillers lately, and this novel did not disappoint. Kessler takes the reader through the unimaginable and it is certainly easy to understand the characters. However, I had a few issues with some things (mainly aspects of Rachel’s personality and the fact that she was allowed on this case because, let’s face it, if you’re anywhere involved with a case they sure don’t put you on it). In the end, though, I could not wait to find out what happens regardless of these things and was not let down.
Highly recommended if you enjoy thrillers.
Disclaimer: I received this ARC as part of a GoodReads giveaway, but the thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have found myself reaching constantly for thrillers lately, and this novel did not disappoint. Kessler takes the reader through the unimaginable and it is certainly easy to understand the characters. However, I had a few issues with some things (mainly aspects of Rachel’s personality and the fact that she was allowed on this case because, let’s face it, if you’re anywhere involved with a case they sure don’t put you on it). In the end, though, I could not wait to find out what happens regardless of these things and was not let down.
Highly recommended if you enjoy thrillers.
Disclaimer: I received this ARC as part of a GoodReads giveaway, but the thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 1, 2022
This would have been a 5 star read for me had we not gotten the killer right away and had there been a little more accuracy in the portrayal of the FBI (I know it's fiction, but allowing a woman who had such a close and personal connection to a serial killer work on the case? No. No way would that be allowed). I really enjoyed the plot and was at least happy to find that there was a little mystery in who the accomplice was (albeit very predictable after a certain point). I do wish they had dived more into Gemini's reasonings for his obsession with twins and red haired women, I felt like it was kind of skipped over. It was fast paced, I liked the flashbacks and how we got glimpses into Hannah's perspective. Some plot points were very predictable, but I don't think that it fully ruined the book for me. It was still a quick read and I had a good time reading it.
October 11, 2018
Kate Kessler never disappoints me and her latest is no exception. I loved meeting Rachel Ward (and I sincerely hope this won't be the last novel that Kessler puts out with her in it); Ward is strong, vulnerable and capable....similar to Kessler's other character that I love..Audrey Harte.
I really loved the story...the twin killer; while some spots were a tad predictable I still found myself reading this book slowly because I didn't want it to end. Trick was a very welcome surprise and I really loved following the trail of breadcrumbs that let to the ending. If you are looking for a twisty thriller to hold your attention to the very end pick up any Kessler novel, she never lets me down!
Thanks to Hachette for the ARC!
I really loved the story...the twin killer; while some spots were a tad predictable I still found myself reading this book slowly because I didn't want it to end. Trick was a very welcome surprise and I really loved following the trail of breadcrumbs that let to the ending. If you are looking for a twisty thriller to hold your attention to the very end pick up any Kessler novel, she never lets me down!
Thanks to Hachette for the ARC!
September 26, 2018
**I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway**
I enjoyed reading this book, but I felt like it was very predictable. I really enjoy crime thrillers and this one was fun to read. It kept me entertained but I wasn't shocked by any of it. I kept expecting a twist and I just wasn't getting it. Don't get me wrong there are twists in this book, but you are able to see them coming. I also felt like the whole hard female FBI agent who can't express/handle her feelings is always a bit over played in these kind of books but that's just my opinion. Overall, if you enjoy thrillers/murder books this one is an easy, fun, quick read.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I felt like it was very predictable. I really enjoy crime thrillers and this one was fun to read. It kept me entertained but I wasn't shocked by any of it. I kept expecting a twist and I just wasn't getting it. Don't get me wrong there are twists in this book, but you are able to see them coming. I also felt like the whole hard female FBI agent who can't express/handle her feelings is always a bit over played in these kind of books but that's just my opinion. Overall, if you enjoy thrillers/murder books this one is an easy, fun, quick read.
October 2, 2018
"I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway."
Thank you Goodreads for this nail biter. The story was intriguing because of the focus on twins and a psychopath. I could not put it down with all of the twists and turns as well as the character development. The extreme and cruel behaviors of control the psychopath had on a twin totally transformed her persona.
That being said, I am a fan of psychopath thrillers, but have had favorites that have chilled me to the bone. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of Kessler's book and would recommend it, I would not say it had that effect on me.
Thank you Goodreads for this nail biter. The story was intriguing because of the focus on twins and a psychopath. I could not put it down with all of the twists and turns as well as the character development. The extreme and cruel behaviors of control the psychopath had on a twin totally transformed her persona.
That being said, I am a fan of psychopath thrillers, but have had favorites that have chilled me to the bone. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of Kessler's book and would recommend it, I would not say it had that effect on me.
June 15, 2019
Dead Ringer is a really good suspenseful thriller. I did not put this book down until I finished it and I rarely do that.
This book is described as relentless and that's a good description. Even though it is non stop and fast past it was a tough read at the same time because of all that happened to Hannah. Kate Kessler's writing just drops you into the story that elicits such raw emotions.
Rachel is a strong character that I liked a lot so if there are forthcoming books by this author with her as the lead I am definitely going to be reading it.
This book is described as relentless and that's a good description. Even though it is non stop and fast past it was a tough read at the same time because of all that happened to Hannah. Kate Kessler's writing just drops you into the story that elicits such raw emotions.
Rachel is a strong character that I liked a lot so if there are forthcoming books by this author with her as the lead I am definitely going to be reading it.
November 30, 2018
Independent from her Audrey Harte series. This one has a protagonist whose twin was taken by standard evil years ago. She's now an FBI investigator obsessed with the case. While the dark and angst ridden mood works in the first four Harte novels, this one just seems trite and dull. The characters didn't seem to be the least interested. I couldn't get to the halfway mark before returning it to the library.
December 25, 2018
Really enjoyed this thriller. I won’t lie it was some what predictable. In honesty I had an idea of who was involved etc early on in the book. But I think my mind is just set that way and thinks ahead to what I’d like to see happen (I’m rarely wrong).
The ending wasn’t an Uber surprise either. But I felt the story was well executed. I read his over 1 sitting and was enthralled the whole way through. A solid 3.5 star read I recommend this one.
The ending wasn’t an Uber surprise either. But I felt the story was well executed. I read his over 1 sitting and was enthralled the whole way through. A solid 3.5 star read I recommend this one.
February 6, 2019
What an amazing story! I just loved it! The book follows Rachel, an FBI agent sworn to find the serial killer that kidnapped her twin sister, Hannah, when she was sixteen and bring him to justice. The Gemini Killer, as he is called, kidnaps a twin and then gets pleasure out of sending the family photos for years after the kidnapping. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it to everyone who loves an awesome mystery.
March 4, 2019
I recently read a review of Kate Kessler's current book which was quite good and was the third in a series. So, I went to my favorite book store, intending to buy the first in that series. They did not have either #1 or #2 so I got this one instead.
It is okay and appropriately serial killer, sexual sadist creepy and while I was not crazy about it, I do think I will try another of her books just to see her progress.
It is okay and appropriately serial killer, sexual sadist creepy and while I was not crazy about it, I do think I will try another of her books just to see her progress.
December 31, 2018
The book cover comments include "thriller" and "atmosphere of fear and suspense." I found nothing that thrilled me--I feel I have read this same story by at least three other authors, even one about twins, before. As for fear and suspense, there was nothing at all after page 52 that was a surprise. The Audre Harte stories are mediocre, but interesting--this was far below that level.
January 24, 2019
Esse livro que me deixou perdida. Hahah Ele é bem intenso, e as vezes difícil de ler. Gostei que ele deu um giro inesperado e levou a história pra um lado que eu não esperava. Ainda assim eu achei que faltou. Gostaria que a autora tivesse se aprofundado mais em certas partes, pq a ideia foi boa, só faltou um melhor desenvolvimento. O livro mantém seu interesse até o fim o que é um ponto positivo.
February 7, 2019
I finished this book late at night so I waited until this morning to write the review.....I loved this book! I’m always eager to devour serial killer/suspense/mystery novels and this one stood out to me. The twin theme plus the character development really hooked me. I hope there’s a second book with these characters!
August 2, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable stand alone that had me eager to follow through to the conclusion. Rachel was a sympathetic character who is doing her best to deal with all the guilt she’s drowning in. When her sisters case picks back up again, well, buckle up, Buttercup, cause it’s about to get real as Rachel plays a cat and mouse game with Gemini… and then someone new enters the fray.
February 20, 2022
A great book to read , something very different.
You are taken on a journey that involves twins and the FBI agent , a lot of people get hurt and dye. The book keeps you wanting to read nonstop about how a twin went missing and what had happened to her and others. The author did a great job with the book , a great job.
You are taken on a journey that involves twins and the FBI agent , a lot of people get hurt and dye. The book keeps you wanting to read nonstop about how a twin went missing and what had happened to her and others. The author did a great job with the book , a great job.
October 19, 2018
This was a Goodreads win for me. Thank you, Goodreads.
This book is a typical, everyday Serial killer read. If you like serial killers and lots of detective work(I don't), then you will enjoy this book. It's very well written.
This book is a typical, everyday Serial killer read. If you like serial killers and lots of detective work(I don't), then you will enjoy this book. It's very well written.
November 24, 2018
Another twin novel - the killer takes one and leaves the other. I felt some kinship with the book at first but my interest slipped away rather quickly. I found the characters vapid and the plot stretched uncomfortably from one possibility to another.
January 10, 2019
The idea was interesting, but I had a lot of suspension of disbelief issues with the FBI procedures and the sister's story and how it ended. Also the switching between the main character and some side characters that hardly had any development was kind of awkward.
May 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It has a lot of terrible visuals in it, and while I had an idea of the ending, I wasn’t sure how it would play out- and then it surprised me anyway. Great read with an interesting dual plot.
April 6, 2019
rachael ward is an fbi agent, a career she chose after her identical twin was abducted by the gemini killer. she constantly searched for her sister, believed she was dead, but hoped she was alive. be careful what you wish for. not all wishes turn out the way we want.
January 30, 2020
I've read all of Kate Kessler's books and I've enjoyed all of them equally. Dead Ringer is the perfect mixture of murder and mystery with a mixture of romance that's not too sappy. Highly recommend this book.
November 23, 2021
I liked the book. It started off slow, but became more of a page turner than I anticipated. However, it was a bit predictable in the middle--i figured out many things early on and that may have been the author's intention. Still enjoyed it though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews