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The Twins
Earl and Edith Claymore were content with life on the farm.
Then one day, the new town Sheriff, Claire Davis, informed them that their daughter, Sarah, had been murdered.
The Claymores are then given custody of Sarah’s twin daughters, Anna and Anabel. Soon after the twins arrive, dark things start to happen.
Sheriff Davis has her suspicions, but will she uncover the truth in time?
Join the Claymores and Sheriff Davis on a suspense-filled ride that will constantly have you on the edge of your seat.
Then one day, the new town Sheriff, Claire Davis, informed them that their daughter, Sarah, had been murdered.
The Claymores are then given custody of Sarah’s twin daughters, Anna and Anabel. Soon after the twins arrive, dark things start to happen.
Sheriff Davis has her suspicions, but will she uncover the truth in time?
Join the Claymores and Sheriff Davis on a suspense-filled ride that will constantly have you on the edge of your seat.
275 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2022
31 people want to read
About the author
Mike Minicky
10 books17 followersAuthor of suspense thrillers and so much more. Host of Nightwriter Myths and Legends LIVE on TikTok every Tuesday at 8 pm Eastern.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 20, 2022
Huge thanks to Mike for contacting me over on Instagram about checking out his debut novel, ‘The Twins.’
There’s always something engrossing and captivating about twins in dark fiction and in cinema. It’s a trope that can be done really, really well and many of those times where it succeeds is when you have innocent twins that are surrounded by worse and worse events or occurrences.
This is exactly what Mike offers us up and he does it with gusto.
What I liked: The book starts off in familiar territory. After receiving a horrible phone call telling them that their daughter is dead, two grandparents now become the guardians of their twin granddaughters.
Simple enough, right? Wrong.
Of course, this is a dark fiction book, so as soon as the twins arrive, bad things begin to happen and this is where Minicky really begins to let the story unravel. We get some really solid secondary characters and I loved seeing how they all had a key role in the events that occur.
As expected, Minicky at first keeps his cards close to his chest, not letting us see the extent to which the twins will go, but by the end, he lays them on the table and the reader is richly rewarded.
What I didn’t like: I don’t want this to sound overly negative, but Minicky doesn’t tread much new territory here. The book is fun, sure, but if you’ve recently read numerous stories featuring twins or sibling issues/connections, you may find this will feel more of the same.
Why you should buy this: For a debut novel, this is really, really solid. The characters are great and solid, the pacing really engaging and the story overall was really fun.
I wasn’t completely sure what I was in for when I dove into this one, but I was pleasantly surprised!
There’s always something engrossing and captivating about twins in dark fiction and in cinema. It’s a trope that can be done really, really well and many of those times where it succeeds is when you have innocent twins that are surrounded by worse and worse events or occurrences.
This is exactly what Mike offers us up and he does it with gusto.
What I liked: The book starts off in familiar territory. After receiving a horrible phone call telling them that their daughter is dead, two grandparents now become the guardians of their twin granddaughters.
Simple enough, right? Wrong.
Of course, this is a dark fiction book, so as soon as the twins arrive, bad things begin to happen and this is where Minicky really begins to let the story unravel. We get some really solid secondary characters and I loved seeing how they all had a key role in the events that occur.
As expected, Minicky at first keeps his cards close to his chest, not letting us see the extent to which the twins will go, but by the end, he lays them on the table and the reader is richly rewarded.
What I didn’t like: I don’t want this to sound overly negative, but Minicky doesn’t tread much new territory here. The book is fun, sure, but if you’ve recently read numerous stories featuring twins or sibling issues/connections, you may find this will feel more of the same.
Why you should buy this: For a debut novel, this is really, really solid. The characters are great and solid, the pacing really engaging and the story overall was really fun.
I wasn’t completely sure what I was in for when I dove into this one, but I was pleasantly surprised!
January 31, 2023
When Sarah, only child of small-town farmers Eric and Edith Claymore, goes away to university, meets and then marries Neil Brown, it looks like normal life running its everyday course. Normality is disturbed some years later, however by the apparent and unexpected suicide of Neil, who'd never given any indication of unhappiness. Her parents' lives are shattered only a few years afterwards by the seeming murder of Sarah by Ron, her new boyfriend.
The only thing Eric and Edith have to cling on to is raising Sarah's twin daughters by Neil, Anna and Anabel, who were the sole witnesses to their mother's murder and who are now placed in the care of their maternal grandparents.
The twins are distant in manner, as well as cold, both mentally and physically. Eric and Edith at first attribute this, as well as the shocking rudeness and disobedience of the girls, to their reaction to their mother's death and the manner of it. It soon becomes clear, however, that there is much more going on with the ultra-calm twins, who appear overly-attached to their dolls.
A horrific tale unfolds, with the addition of John, a war veteran, and Claire, the new sheriff in town. Matters are complicated by the unlawful activities of local bad guys Jake and Dale, with Claire's insubordinate deputy Travis adding to the headaches she's inherited in her new post.
Chilling stuff from author Mike Minicky, which would benefit from an edit to improve the flow.
The only thing Eric and Edith have to cling on to is raising Sarah's twin daughters by Neil, Anna and Anabel, who were the sole witnesses to their mother's murder and who are now placed in the care of their maternal grandparents.
The twins are distant in manner, as well as cold, both mentally and physically. Eric and Edith at first attribute this, as well as the shocking rudeness and disobedience of the girls, to their reaction to their mother's death and the manner of it. It soon becomes clear, however, that there is much more going on with the ultra-calm twins, who appear overly-attached to their dolls.
A horrific tale unfolds, with the addition of John, a war veteran, and Claire, the new sheriff in town. Matters are complicated by the unlawful activities of local bad guys Jake and Dale, with Claire's insubordinate deputy Travis adding to the headaches she's inherited in her new post.
Chilling stuff from author Mike Minicky, which would benefit from an edit to improve the flow.
October 6, 2023
Creepy!
Very creepy! A very fast paced story that had me on the edge of my seat! Was not able to put it down , wanted to know what will happen! Well written!
Very creepy! A very fast paced story that had me on the edge of my seat! Was not able to put it down , wanted to know what will happen! Well written!
November 24, 2024
A great and very creepy story! It sucked me in right away and I had to know what was going on! I really enjoyed it!
July 5, 2022
The book is fast passed right out of the gate, but still allows you to form an emotional attachment to the characters. The author has designed the flow to keep you on the edge of your seat making it hard to put the book down. Even though the book is a suspense thriller, the author throws some romance and cleverly timed comedy in there. The dialogue of the characters are well thought out to drive the reader’s emotions. I honestly can’t wait to what this author will give us next. The only possible negative is I would have like to have seen a little more back story on the character Sarah.
May 30, 2023
Found about this book, because i met the author at a small meet & greet in clermont at a small book store.
The cover immediately caught my eyes and just had to buy it! Finished this book so fast, kept me on my feet the entire time
Love a good murder mystery!
The cover immediately caught my eyes and just had to buy it! Finished this book so fast, kept me on my feet the entire time
Love a good murder mystery!
May 23, 2023
This is a read that you will want to get make sure you have nothing else to do as I know I was not able to put it down the way he put this story together was amazing and horrifying at the same time
February 19, 2023
The Twins by Mike Minicky had some good build up with the scares. The way at the beginning of the story the Twins 'evil' was subtle, revealed with a sinister smile here, or a chilling look or cold touch there, was done well. By the end of the book the horror being carried out by the Twins had reached an appropriate climatic level. The familiar concepts, tropes, and characters used by Minicky were done adequately but were hitting too much on the mark for my taste at times. I would have liked the story more if the premises were more fresh feeling.
The Twins gave me The Grady Girls from 'The Shining' vibe but gothed out like Wednesday Adams, which I found a bit much that coupled with their synchronized speech. Their possessed voodoo dolls were cool but the origins there was barely touched on and the supernatural element not fully explored.
Edith and Earl, the Twins' grandparents, are by far my favorite characters. Their cute and quirky romance was good.
The Sheriff, Claire had her moments like when she knocked out a womanizing deputy. Her awkwardness with the romance between her and John took away from her personality and what could have been in other areas of the story. Her backstory for instance.
John, a war-torn town outcast, suffering from PTSD and the Darkness (as it is called in the story) was a little over the top at moments like going Rambo on the local bullies. He could have been toned back a bit in my opinion. Also, his stutter in the dialog (which is cured for a bit in the book when he meets Claire) made his speech clunky at times.
Overall, a rated R Goosebumps and if you are wanting a quick read with some solid horror scenes this could be for you.
The Twins gave me The Grady Girls from 'The Shining' vibe but gothed out like Wednesday Adams, which I found a bit much that coupled with their synchronized speech. Their possessed voodoo dolls were cool but the origins there was barely touched on and the supernatural element not fully explored.
Edith and Earl, the Twins' grandparents, are by far my favorite characters. Their cute and quirky romance was good.
The Sheriff, Claire had her moments like when she knocked out a womanizing deputy. Her awkwardness with the romance between her and John took away from her personality and what could have been in other areas of the story. Her backstory for instance.
John, a war-torn town outcast, suffering from PTSD and the Darkness (as it is called in the story) was a little over the top at moments like going Rambo on the local bullies. He could have been toned back a bit in my opinion. Also, his stutter in the dialog (which is cured for a bit in the book when he meets Claire) made his speech clunky at times.
Overall, a rated R Goosebumps and if you are wanting a quick read with some solid horror scenes this could be for you.
August 12, 2025
The Twins hooked me from the very first chapter and I read it in just one night because I couldn´t put it down. Mike Minicky writing is so vivid that you can picture everything in your mind like watching a horror film. The story wastes no time pulling you in grief, mystery, and something sinister lurking just beneath the surface all collide in a fast-paced, action-packed plot. Every chapter hooked you to turn the page to that: “One more chapter.”
Earl and Edith Claymore’s quiet farm life is shattered when tragedy strikes, and the arrival of their twin granddaughters quickly turns from bittersweet to terrifying. As strange and unsettling events mount, Sheriff Claire Davis becomes the reader’s lifeline, racing against time to piece together the truth before it’s too late. This author style remains me old horror movies by Alfred Hitchcock an made me experience his quote: "I believe in putting the horror in the minds of the audience, and not necessarily on the screen."
I read it at night and listening to storm sound, yes, I wanted my spooky vibe completely. The atmosphere is perfectly disturbing, suffocating, eerie, it gave me goosebumps. I caught myself glancing over my shoulder. And the ending? Absolutely phenomenal. I can´t wait to read more by this author.
If you love old school horror, the stunning one which keeps you on tension and suspense, plus small-town hell, this is a must-read.
Earl and Edith Claymore’s quiet farm life is shattered when tragedy strikes, and the arrival of their twin granddaughters quickly turns from bittersweet to terrifying. As strange and unsettling events mount, Sheriff Claire Davis becomes the reader’s lifeline, racing against time to piece together the truth before it’s too late. This author style remains me old horror movies by Alfred Hitchcock an made me experience his quote: "I believe in putting the horror in the minds of the audience, and not necessarily on the screen."
I read it at night and listening to storm sound, yes, I wanted my spooky vibe completely. The atmosphere is perfectly disturbing, suffocating, eerie, it gave me goosebumps. I caught myself glancing over my shoulder. And the ending? Absolutely phenomenal. I can´t wait to read more by this author.
If you love old school horror, the stunning one which keeps you on tension and suspense, plus small-town hell, this is a must-read.
January 8, 2023
Brilliantly creepy
I really enjoyed this story. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, but I'm so glad I picked it. This story starts off with a murder, which to all those concerned seems to be a tun of the mill domestic. But as clues get missed so do the chances to stop even more horror from happening. When the twins turn up to their grandparents house, everyone seems to note the weirdness of them. But boiling it down to grief, they dismiss it and try to remain normal. But normal is something these twins are not and as they seem to become easily offended, their family starts to suffer again. Claire the new sheriff realises something isn't right, and while she is falling for the ex military guy John, the twins are wrecking havoc. It's only when their grandma is taken to hospital that Claire begins to see the inconsistencies of prior investigations and starts asking questions. But as her own investigation gains traction, so does the vendetta against John and shes left making a diffict decision between who to go to first. The darkness seems to be taking over and Claire is unsure where or how that can be stopped but coming almost to her own demise leads to the downfall of the twins. But as with every great horror story, comes the... To be continued. Fantastic story that kept me page turning throughout. I couldn't stop until I knew.
I really enjoyed this story. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, but I'm so glad I picked it. This story starts off with a murder, which to all those concerned seems to be a tun of the mill domestic. But as clues get missed so do the chances to stop even more horror from happening. When the twins turn up to their grandparents house, everyone seems to note the weirdness of them. But boiling it down to grief, they dismiss it and try to remain normal. But normal is something these twins are not and as they seem to become easily offended, their family starts to suffer again. Claire the new sheriff realises something isn't right, and while she is falling for the ex military guy John, the twins are wrecking havoc. It's only when their grandma is taken to hospital that Claire begins to see the inconsistencies of prior investigations and starts asking questions. But as her own investigation gains traction, so does the vendetta against John and shes left making a diffict decision between who to go to first. The darkness seems to be taking over and Claire is unsure where or how that can be stopped but coming almost to her own demise leads to the downfall of the twins. But as with every great horror story, comes the... To be continued. Fantastic story that kept me page turning throughout. I couldn't stop until I knew.
August 27, 2023
Sarah is the only child of Eric and Edith who are farmers in a small rural town. Sarah grows up and attends university, where she meets her future husband Neil Brown. Life is idyllic for some years with nothing untoward happening in their lives.
Fast forward several years and Neil dies by suicide, although there were zero clues that he was feeling unhappy in any way. Later a new partner of Sarah appears to have murdered her, and her parents lives are shattered all over again. Sarah's parents must soldier on as they are raising Sarah and Neil's twins Anna and Anabel (who witnessed their mother's murder).
The twins lack empathy and warmth and appear cold towards their grandparents. A number of behavioural issues rear their ugly head and the girls become difficult to manage. Eric and Edith put their behaviour down to the trauma the children have endured, however the story takes a more sinister twist as it progresses.
The story takes a turn for the worse when a war veteran named John, and a new sheriff named Claire appear in town. Then there are a pair of crooks Jake and Dale who add to the complicated dynamics and consequently things take a turn for the worse.....
This is an original story line and shows promise by the author. The editing could be improved however.
Fast forward several years and Neil dies by suicide, although there were zero clues that he was feeling unhappy in any way. Later a new partner of Sarah appears to have murdered her, and her parents lives are shattered all over again. Sarah's parents must soldier on as they are raising Sarah and Neil's twins Anna and Anabel (who witnessed their mother's murder).
The twins lack empathy and warmth and appear cold towards their grandparents. A number of behavioural issues rear their ugly head and the girls become difficult to manage. Eric and Edith put their behaviour down to the trauma the children have endured, however the story takes a more sinister twist as it progresses.
The story takes a turn for the worse when a war veteran named John, and a new sheriff named Claire appear in town. Then there are a pair of crooks Jake and Dale who add to the complicated dynamics and consequently things take a turn for the worse.....
This is an original story line and shows promise by the author. The editing could be improved however.
January 19, 2023
The Twins by Mike Minicky was an absolute blast with enough tension in each page to really make the whole setting and feel really immersive. The horror element was felt throughout and it combined into a really well told story.
The Twins presence was really unnerving and you could almost feel the characters tense up when they were around, even if they weren't sure why. I loved the use of dialogue between them which was short and cold and bounced off each other well. I felt for the elderly grandparents being put in the situation and losing their daughter, but they did so much right for the twins that it was hard to see them suffer both the guilt and misunderstanding. I enjoyed the interactions with John and Clare and the use of John's traumatic past to drive a lot of the drama in the plot, particularly in the late stages.
The ending was satisfying and left me cold. I would like to hear more about the dolls in particular, such as how they came about and what makes them the way they are. I hope this is possible in further books.
The Twins presence was really unnerving and you could almost feel the characters tense up when they were around, even if they weren't sure why. I loved the use of dialogue between them which was short and cold and bounced off each other well. I felt for the elderly grandparents being put in the situation and losing their daughter, but they did so much right for the twins that it was hard to see them suffer both the guilt and misunderstanding. I enjoyed the interactions with John and Clare and the use of John's traumatic past to drive a lot of the drama in the plot, particularly in the late stages.
The ending was satisfying and left me cold. I would like to hear more about the dolls in particular, such as how they came about and what makes them the way they are. I hope this is possible in further books.
April 18, 2023
I wasn’t expecting such this book took me by surprise that’s for sure. From beginning to end it had my mind running and asking myself questions lol but nevertheless without giving out any spoilers this author did amazing job and I can’t wait for the next book! Strange but peculiar romance ✔️ Horror & Suspense Family ✔️ The Unexplained occurrences ✔️ Mystery & Murder ✔️ Twin daughters ✔️ Darkness ✔️ Wickedness Sinister ✔️ Twisted ✔️ Past Trauma Tension ✔️ Creepy dolls Intertwined ✔️ but this review is solely my opinion and what I got from completely reading it others might have different respective and point of views and I respect it but as for me I loved this book and in all honesty I can’t wait for more Mike congratulations on writing such an awesome book!!
April 2, 2024
The first novel that I had written in a very long time was "The Mystery of The Pirates Chest" by Mike Minicky, which I loved, and I quickly read The Twins soon after. He definitely didn't let me down and I think that his novels to be quite intriguing. The way that he writes is quite alluring. The twins tells the story of new twin daughters after their mother's death, who arrive at the Claymore Farm. That is when darkness begins to fall on the farm and it's occupants. I don't want to give anymore away, but it will leave you on the edge of your seat and I highly recommend Mike's novels. Great Read!!! The Twins made my October off to extremely good start.
September 3, 2022
I started this book and I finished in the same sit! I was so hooked up to the story that I simply just wanted to keep reading through the episodes!
The story is catchy, from the very first episode you'll know you want to keep reading and the climax of the las episodes simply will confirm you that you were right about keep reading.
Consistent and beautifully written, you will find few things you won't like. In my case, I cannot describe anything bad. I loved the scenery used, the description of the characters and the events and the suspense through the entire book.
Totally recommended!
The story is catchy, from the very first episode you'll know you want to keep reading and the climax of the las episodes simply will confirm you that you were right about keep reading.
Consistent and beautifully written, you will find few things you won't like. In my case, I cannot describe anything bad. I loved the scenery used, the description of the characters and the events and the suspense through the entire book.
Totally recommended!
May 9, 2023
The author of this book, Mike Minicky sent me a copy of his work and I’m thankful that he did!!! I read this book in one setting and was hooked from the very start. This is a very well written book following a family who have met great tragedy in their lives. Grandparents are charged with raising their twin granddaughters after the loss of their daughter, the twins mother. They know that something isn’t right from the beginning however, they have no idea how bad things will get. Children are innocent and sweet….right? Great work Mike!!!!!!
March 22, 2025
Want to play?
This book gave a true feeling to horror books, with something happening around every turn. It was a face paced reading that sucked you in from the first chapter until the very last page.
The way the author wrote the twins and the events that happen throughout the book gives you the ultimate chills. Not to mention how when you think the horror ends it turns back around for you to think "oh no not again."
If you love a good creepy horror book this is a fantastic read to start.
This book gave a true feeling to horror books, with something happening around every turn. It was a face paced reading that sucked you in from the first chapter until the very last page.
The way the author wrote the twins and the events that happen throughout the book gives you the ultimate chills. Not to mention how when you think the horror ends it turns back around for you to think "oh no not again."
If you love a good creepy horror book this is a fantastic read to start.
January 11, 2023
done before
The story had to many loose ends. There was a lot of the characters assuming and a lot of times the words, “probably thought” to tie ends together.
A story of evil twins , and creepy dolls. Let’s not forget one of the twins names was Annabel. Stories like this are not uncommon. I need a story that is different.
If readers are into creepy kids and creepy dolls then they might like this story. Just wasn’t there for me.
The story had to many loose ends. There was a lot of the characters assuming and a lot of times the words, “probably thought” to tie ends together.
A story of evil twins , and creepy dolls. Let’s not forget one of the twins names was Annabel. Stories like this are not uncommon. I need a story that is different.
If readers are into creepy kids and creepy dolls then they might like this story. Just wasn’t there for me.
April 3, 2023
suspenseful & doesnt shy away from predictable pushing of your buttons as you turn each page.
Loved the epic battle between the girls and the Sheriff creates a good little horror story.
Creepy dark and interesting, and yes I read it in the day time, cause Im too much of a chicken.
Jasmin E reads
Loved the epic battle between the girls and the Sheriff creates a good little horror story.
Creepy dark and interesting, and yes I read it in the day time, cause Im too much of a chicken.
Jasmin E reads
April 20, 2025
This is a fast-paced book with a lot of heart. There's something greatly unsettling about the creepy twin's approach, as we've seen in the Shining. There's also something eerie about dolls. When put together, it makes for fantastic fiction.
September 22, 2022
creepy dolls
This is a relatively predictable horror story. I had high hopes for it but it followed the usual creepy doll horror story line.
This is a relatively predictable horror story. I had high hopes for it but it followed the usual creepy doll horror story line.
September 4, 2023
A very fast paced short story. Very creepy, had me on the edge of my seat.
February 13, 2025
Holy Cow!! For The Twins to be only 194 pages it was a fast paced, what’s going to happen next, on the edge of your seat kind of read. Now I’m a fan for life. It was an amazing read and I will definitely be reading more of this authors books. Loved it!
August 21, 2025
Freaky dolls, freaky twin girls, equals a chilling good read.
The Twins was one of those awesome thriller reads that literally causes chills.
From the opening scene--which the author set up brilliantly--to the ending--which was excellent--this book honestly gripped me.
What I truly loved about this book was the creep-factor. The twin girls were scarier than the twins in The Shining. The way the girls acted, what they said--plus their dolls--scared the crapper out of me at times.
Mike Minicky definitely knows how to give just the right details at just the right time to make a scene explode with creepiness.
I absolutely love thrillers loaded with the creep-factor, and this book delivered.
Five stars for The Twins.
I'm a true fan.
The Twins was one of those awesome thriller reads that literally causes chills.
From the opening scene--which the author set up brilliantly--to the ending--which was excellent--this book honestly gripped me.
What I truly loved about this book was the creep-factor. The twin girls were scarier than the twins in The Shining. The way the girls acted, what they said--plus their dolls--scared the crapper out of me at times.
Mike Minicky definitely knows how to give just the right details at just the right time to make a scene explode with creepiness.
I absolutely love thrillers loaded with the creep-factor, and this book delivered.
Five stars for The Twins.
I'm a true fan.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews