Stories about twins are always attractive. There is something about the close relationship between siblings which is intensified by their bond, which makes stories that contain them that little bit more fascinating and mysterious.
In The Sisters, you have the story of Abi, an identical twin, whose sister Lucy has died and Abi feels responsible for it. The reason for this comes out during the narrative and is one of the key contributing factors to Abi’s mental state during the book.
When Abi is approached by her doppelganger in the street, a woman called Beatrice, Abi’s former lonely existence without her twin and with only her guilt for company begins to transform as Beatrice invites Abi to live with her in her house in Bath. Beatrice is an artist of sorts and likes people to congregate around her, her house being a base for other artistic types. Abi is drawn to Beatrice due to her looks as she provides a potential substitute for her sister, but also because of her personality – charismatic and classy with her choice of vintage dress and her bohemian home and lifestyle.
Bea also has a twin – fraternal – her brother, Ben. It is soon obvious that Ben and Abi are attracted to each other but it is difficult to see if their relationship is going to thrive whilst they live within the same walls as Bea, as there are indications that she is less than happy with their growing closeness.
This book is a twisty turny affair which centres around the old “Who can you trust?” plot framework as Abi believes someone is out to intimidate her by moving her personal stuff whilst also depositing items that seem threatening in some way. Is it Bea? Is it one of the other housemates? Is it Abi’s imagination? This is the crux of the narrative until all is revealed at the end.
This book reads well in terms of flow and all of it is believable as Claire Douglas presents us with a character with insecurities who is currently a little lost, who finds herself offered something which she thinks will fill that gap, only to find it is something much more sinister. However, I did think at times – why? Why stay? Why not just leave? It was this thought that spoiled my enjoyment of the book.
That said, it is worth reading.
Scuffed Granny 
I agree, there is something fascinating about twins, in particular identical twins. It must be so strange to have a copy of yourself walking around and at the same time I can see the strong bond there would be between identical twins.
Why didn’t she just leave? I guess, people in books (and in real life) often make unfathomable decisions… 😉
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