Book Review: Bad Twin by Gary Troup

Stars: 4 out of 5
Pros: Good mystery

Cons: Those looking for Lost clues will be disappointed.

The Bottom Line:

Read as mystery

And you will enjoy the book

Little about Lost

Enjoyable Mystery.  Not Quite Lost.

It's no secret I can get addicted to TV shows quite easily. Since it debuted in 2004, I've been a fan of the series Lost. Then I started hearing about Bad Twin; which has to be the most unique tie-in ever done.

Gary Troup, the book's author, doesn't exist. As the copy write page says, he's a fictional character, too. So why are we reading this book? Because, he disappeared on the plane crash that started the TV show, and this novel is his last work.

The book is about Paul Artisan, Private Eye. His normal caseload includes insurance fraud and divorce cases. He's a little hesitant when Cliff Widmore walks into his office and asks Paul to find his missing twin, Zander.

Zander has a habit of disappearing for years at a time, only surfacing when he wants some of his coming trust fund. But this time, Cliff thinks Zander is in danger, and Cliff wants Paul to find him and bring him home safely. Hopefully before their father dies.

What Paul thinks would be a straightforward case turns out to be anything but. Those who do know where Zander is aren't willing to talk. And Paul begins to doubt Cliff's sincerity in asking Paul to find his brother. When a man dies while talking to Paul, he begins to think he might be in over his head. Can he find the missing twin?

This book really should be read on two different levels. The first is as a straightforward mystery. As such, it succeeds. The plot is good with lots of confusion thrown at Paul and the reader to keep us guessing. Paul's friend and confidant, Manny Weissman, mostly does this. He is constantly changing his theory on the events, making Paul rethink key clues. The ending felt a bit pat, but that's minor.

The characters are interesting and complex enough to carry the story. They could have been better developed, but they certainly aren't cliches. Manny is a retired literature teacher, and I enjoyed his constant references to the classics. Actually, his and Paul's scenes were some of the best in the novel. I couldn't wait to see what comparison Manny would make next.

The writing style is typical PI novel noir. I find it a little stiff, but those who enjoy it will love it.

Then there's the Lost factor. There are lots of references to people or things mentioned on the show that were fun to spot. The themes of good vs. evil and redemption are also key to the series. But if you read this book looking for a back-story to the show or clues to what happens next, you will be disappointed. This only makes sense since the book was supposedly written before the events we watch every week even began.

Bad Twin is a good mystery that will entertain anyone whether they are a fan of the show or not. Those hoping for clues about the TV show Lost will be disappointed by the lack of direct references to the events on the island.