Paul Magrs skewers the Pop Idol/X Factor with his trademark sharp wit. One sister has the looks to succeed, the other has the voice – between them they’re halfway there but their flaws mean they’ll never make it through a process that aspires to a bland perfection. So how do they beat the system? By literally getting together…

It unfolds largely predictably, but that’s hardly the point – Magrs is aware of the predictability of all this and undercuts the predictability by his self-aware narrator. The plot is hardly the point though, what matters is that’s it’s a gloriously silly romp that simultaneously celebrates and sends up TV talent shows. ( )

Amiable enough but perhaps excessively insubstantial. ( )

Does Idol really irritate you? Do you love it? (or do you just secretly enjoy it?) Either way, Twin Freaks, is a very funny novel about two sisters pushed from the wings by their star-struck mother. Eunice has the looks: tall, flowing blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. But can she sing? Nope, barely a note. Helen has the golden voice, but, unfortunately is wanting in the looks department, being a three foot tall dwarf. And while she can sing (and dance) beautifully she would be happy to be a travel agent, and leave fame and celebrity well alone. But mother insists, and when Eunice and Helen literally join forces in the struggle for fame, England rouses itself from the couch and takes notice! Twin Freaks is a sharp, sharp, sharp little satire on families and fame. And yet it's never really bitchy or mean. Excpet to those who deserve it. How badly do you want to be famous? And what would you do to be truly happy?

Paul Magrs is a man of mystery. He has written numerous books in teh Dr Who series, and novels including Exchange and Strange Boy. Twin Freaks is not the most important book published this year, but it is sure one of the most entertaining. ( )