Television, films and books have harbored a fascination with twins.

I am a twin. I make no secret telling anyone who will listen (and many people who could care less) that being a twin is the best thing that ever happened to me. Entering this chaotic world and navigating life with your best friend is a marvelous gift.

My own fascination with all forms of creative interpretation involving twins began in 1973 when I saw the original Parent Trap starring Hayley Mills. Subsequently, I added to my twin viewing repertoire: The television shows Double Trouble starring Liz and Jean Sagal (1985) and Sister, Sister starring Tia and Tamera Mowry (1994).

I was thrilled when I discovered Twin Piques by Tracie Banister. I never read Chick Lit before delving into Banister’s books. Tracie Banister made the genre something that I enjoy as a reader.

Twin Piques is the story of identical twins Willa and Sloane Tobin. Willa is a fun loving pet psychic with an optimistic nature. In contrast, Sloane is a numbers driven forensic accountant who has more faith in her career aspirations than a romantic happily ever after.

Some authors do a disservice when writing about twins believing that twins must speak and behave the same way. However, Banister is a masterfully writer. From the outset, Banister captures Willa and Sloane’s distinct speech patterns and mannerisms. She is not burdened by the fallacy of believing that being twins is synonymous with being exactly alike in every detail. What is enjoyable about the Tobins is that the reader witnesses two unique individuals. In addition, a close twin bond doesn’t mean that you won’t argue. We see Willa and Sloane navigate a rough patch in their relationship.

Banister’s dialogue is both realistic and humorous.  Supporting characters like Gavin and Brody enrich the narrative and aid in the progression of Sloane and Willa’s story.

As a Shakespeare aficionado, I was especially delighted that Banister succeeded in incorporating references to the Bard of Avon into her book. Chick Lit gets the undeserved distinction in some circles as constituting “fluff” reading. This is such a travesty. Twin Piques is a testament of enjoyable, intelligent writing. We travel the road so far with these characters, applauding their successes and sympathizing with their failures. I give Twin Piques my highest recommendation.