The Gemini Factor

The Gemini Factor is a supernatural thriller from the award winning author Paul Kane, whose previous novels include "The Lazarus condition", "Broken Arrow" and "Peripheral visions".

The novel tells the story of a twisted and highly successful serial killer who's victims are always one of twins and always have a body part missing, taken by the killer as a souvenir. Inspector Roy Mason and his Sergeant Deborah Harrison are the detectives who must hunt this murderer before he kills again but their only lead is Jack Foley, a man who's own twin brother was savagely struck down by the killer and now believes he relives each and every death.

The whole twins experience has baffled scientists for many years, exactly how do some twins manage to finish each others sentences and feel each others pain? The classic greek and roman mythology of the Gemini twins is a story of the twins Castor and Pollux who were sons of the god Zeus and Leda, who was the daughter of the Aetolian King and wife of the Spartan King Tyndareus. Zeus seduced Leda in the guise of a swan, which consumation gave rise to the twins (and also their sister Helen of troy, fathered on the same night by Tyndareus).

The myth follows that Pollux was immortal while Castor was mortal and upon Castor's death, Pollux pleaded with Zeus to let him share his immortality with his late brother. Zeus agreed and they were eventually transformed into the constellation Gemini.

The Gemini Factor draws on the twins mythology to create a modern day thriller of supernatural proportions. The plot is both involving and rewarding while the actual story telling is quite excellent. Paul Kane manages to create a realistic portrayal of victim / killer / hunter without going over the top as many other writers do. His descriptive narrative grabs attention while the plot's pace manages to keep you reading. The protagonist and lead characters are well fleshed out and it's very easy to relate to them, it isn't long before begin routing for their survival and well being - a testament to the quality of writing.

More contemporary than most books you will find on this site and that I personally read, The Gemini Factor is nethertheless a very well crafted and rewarding novel which I have no hesitation in recommending.