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Two-faced
Mia and Michelle couldn't look more alike - or act more differently. Mia's always been the glamorous one, the one everyone wants to get close to. And now she's a model, on the edge of fame. Michelle looks just like Mia, but fame is the last thing she wants. She’s much more interested in the man who's fallen in love with her, even though Mia seems to have driven him away. But Mia can't wait to sample the lawless thrills that come with success, and when it all goes wrong, it's Michelle who has to try to save her sister's career. That's something Mia will never, ever forgive...
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2009
85 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Mandasue Heller
37 books447 followersMandasue was born in Cheshire and moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent ten years living in the notorious Hulme Crescents which have since become the background to her novels. Not only is she a talented writer, but she has also sung in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands and blues jam bands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 19, 2017
4.5 stars
I first read this book many years ago and thought I would try it again as enough time had elapsed for me to enjoy it again. I hadn't remembered the story but I really enjoyed reading it again. I'm a huge fan of Mandasue Heller's books and for me this is one of the best ones I have read. I'm not someone who very often re-reads a book but this one was definitely worth it.
Some of the characters were really unpleasant but you find yourself rooting for the good guys.
I first read this book many years ago and thought I would try it again as enough time had elapsed for me to enjoy it again. I hadn't remembered the story but I really enjoyed reading it again. I'm a huge fan of Mandasue Heller's books and for me this is one of the best ones I have read. I'm not someone who very often re-reads a book but this one was definitely worth it.
Some of the characters were really unpleasant but you find yourself rooting for the good guys.
April 30, 2023
Was very good
March 4, 2013
Another great book by Mandasue !! Thought the ending was a bit rushed but other than that can't wait to read more of her books
July 19, 2019
When I was studying for a psychology degree in the late 1990s, a lot of a child psychology modules went on about “nature vs nurture”, debating whether a child’s environment and upbringing or their natural genetic makeup was more decisive in how they would develop. Psychologists could never seem to agree at that point and you could read as many viewpoints from either side of the argument as you wished. This made the characters in Mandasue Heller’s “Two-Faced” even more interesting to me.
The two faces of the title belong to identical twins, Mia and Michelle, who live in Manchester with their single mother. Whilst identical in looks, their personalities couldn’t be more different, with Mia being spoilt and confident in her looks and Michelle, who is bulled into submission by her sister, taking little care in her appearance and preferring to go unnoticed and to spend time reading. Mia, on the other hand, has no respect for her sister or mother and wants everything her own way, to the extent of stealing a man Michelle had her eye on.
After being flattered by a man who only wanted to get into her knickers, Mia decides her future lies in modelling. Her attitude counts against her in many ways, but her looks and sheer stubbornness prove enough to make her a success. However, fame results in her attracting the attention of some dodgy people and becoming addicted to drugs, which results in Michelle having to cover some of the modelling assignments and take some of the blame for Mia’s failings, which upsets Mia even more when Michelle turns out to be surprisingly good at modelling, as her gentler character impresses people more than Mia’s does.
I love the gritty and realistic setting of the book above all else, with some of the less affluent areas of Manchester depressingly portrayed. The twins’ mother, Kim, has all the attitude and life traumas that so many television programmes portray those on long-term benefits as having, with her constant smoking, going out to bingo and relationship dramas. Admittedly, on occasion this does stretch reality a little too far into television, but her favouritism of one child over another and her reactions to Mia’s impending fame and her need for acceptance through reflected glory is naked in the appeal.
I liked the characterisation of Mia and Michelle, which worked psychologically as well as in depiction. Whilst Michelle’s lack of backbone did get irritating at times, this was easily explained by the treatment she received at the hands of Kim and Mia and the blossoming when she was given some attention and compliments instead of being brow-beaten all the time was interesting to read. I did feel her character change was perhaps a little too quick to be entirely realistic, which took some of the edge off things, but the two girls were so different in attitude that they were easy to tell apart, even when they were both living the modelling lives.
The other aspect of the book I felt spoiled the realism was how inter-connected all the characters turned out to be and the ultimate ending. Having been taken in by Mia pretending to be Michelle once, it was a shame to see Liam make the same mistake further down the line. Indeed, having being written out of the picture for so long, the way Liam came back into the novel was a bit coincidental to be believable and the connections between him and Mia throughout to book didn’t feel quite right to me, nor did the soap-opera gangster style ending.
I felt the story was a shame, as the way the book was written was superb. The dialogue was particularly realistic, especially in the way the twins and their mother reacted to each other and to everyone else depending on who needed what from whom. This didn’t just feel right in terms of the dialogue, but felt realistic in terms of the psychology as well, with personalities changing based on the treatment they were receiving and, whilst it may be nasty on my part, I did particularly enjoy seeing Mia’s arrogance taking a hit, but her reactions when she felt a greater betrayal had occurred were psychologically convincing.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Two-Faced” and, based on this, I would be inclined to seek out more of Mandasue Heller’s work. Whilst there were aspects of the story which seemed a little too wild to be real, as if some of the research had happened through fictional sources rather than through direct experience, which did take the edge off, much of the dialogue and the psychology seemed spot on and realistic to me, which made for an enjoyable read. What was great about the story, as well as the fast pacing, outweighed the down moments and made for an entertaining and grittily realistic read.
The two faces of the title belong to identical twins, Mia and Michelle, who live in Manchester with their single mother. Whilst identical in looks, their personalities couldn’t be more different, with Mia being spoilt and confident in her looks and Michelle, who is bulled into submission by her sister, taking little care in her appearance and preferring to go unnoticed and to spend time reading. Mia, on the other hand, has no respect for her sister or mother and wants everything her own way, to the extent of stealing a man Michelle had her eye on.
After being flattered by a man who only wanted to get into her knickers, Mia decides her future lies in modelling. Her attitude counts against her in many ways, but her looks and sheer stubbornness prove enough to make her a success. However, fame results in her attracting the attention of some dodgy people and becoming addicted to drugs, which results in Michelle having to cover some of the modelling assignments and take some of the blame for Mia’s failings, which upsets Mia even more when Michelle turns out to be surprisingly good at modelling, as her gentler character impresses people more than Mia’s does.
I love the gritty and realistic setting of the book above all else, with some of the less affluent areas of Manchester depressingly portrayed. The twins’ mother, Kim, has all the attitude and life traumas that so many television programmes portray those on long-term benefits as having, with her constant smoking, going out to bingo and relationship dramas. Admittedly, on occasion this does stretch reality a little too far into television, but her favouritism of one child over another and her reactions to Mia’s impending fame and her need for acceptance through reflected glory is naked in the appeal.
I liked the characterisation of Mia and Michelle, which worked psychologically as well as in depiction. Whilst Michelle’s lack of backbone did get irritating at times, this was easily explained by the treatment she received at the hands of Kim and Mia and the blossoming when she was given some attention and compliments instead of being brow-beaten all the time was interesting to read. I did feel her character change was perhaps a little too quick to be entirely realistic, which took some of the edge off things, but the two girls were so different in attitude that they were easy to tell apart, even when they were both living the modelling lives.
The other aspect of the book I felt spoiled the realism was how inter-connected all the characters turned out to be and the ultimate ending. Having been taken in by Mia pretending to be Michelle once, it was a shame to see Liam make the same mistake further down the line. Indeed, having being written out of the picture for so long, the way Liam came back into the novel was a bit coincidental to be believable and the connections between him and Mia throughout to book didn’t feel quite right to me, nor did the soap-opera gangster style ending.
I felt the story was a shame, as the way the book was written was superb. The dialogue was particularly realistic, especially in the way the twins and their mother reacted to each other and to everyone else depending on who needed what from whom. This didn’t just feel right in terms of the dialogue, but felt realistic in terms of the psychology as well, with personalities changing based on the treatment they were receiving and, whilst it may be nasty on my part, I did particularly enjoy seeing Mia’s arrogance taking a hit, but her reactions when she felt a greater betrayal had occurred were psychologically convincing.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Two-Faced” and, based on this, I would be inclined to seek out more of Mandasue Heller’s work. Whilst there were aspects of the story which seemed a little too wild to be real, as if some of the research had happened through fictional sources rather than through direct experience, which did take the edge off, much of the dialogue and the psychology seemed spot on and realistic to me, which made for an enjoyable read. What was great about the story, as well as the fast pacing, outweighed the down moments and made for an entertaining and grittily realistic read.
August 3, 2025
"two-faced" by Mandasue Heller is an infuriatingly toxic family drama that evolves into a drug crime narrative. This book is incredibly toxic! And I truly mean it - it is TOXIC! The toxicity seeps from every possible angle. I can't recall the last time I read a book where I found every character unbearable!
The story centres around identical twin sisters, one being a spoiled brat and the other a spineless, ineffective individual. Don't even get me started on the mother, a pathetic excuse for a human who doesn't deserve the title of 'mother'! She is the reason her children are the way they are, and she won't lift a finger to improve the situation. Her blatant favouritism towards one child over the other was simply unbelievable; I could scream in frustration!
Mia and Michelle reside in Manchester with their mother, Kim. Kim is unemployed, enjoys her benefits, alcohol, and cigarettes, and has no clue how to be a proper mother. She is a pushover when it comes to spoiled Mia, but turns into a bully towards spineless Michelle.
With Mia's "I can do whatever I want" attitude, she often lands in trouble, and Michelle is expected to clean up the mess simply because they look alike...
Some dark elements in the story illustrate how easily one can get into trouble and how difficult it is to escape it.
It's well-written and definitely pulls you in, but you have to appreciate this type of drama.
The story centres around identical twin sisters, one being a spoiled brat and the other a spineless, ineffective individual. Don't even get me started on the mother, a pathetic excuse for a human who doesn't deserve the title of 'mother'! She is the reason her children are the way they are, and she won't lift a finger to improve the situation. Her blatant favouritism towards one child over the other was simply unbelievable; I could scream in frustration!
Mia and Michelle reside in Manchester with their mother, Kim. Kim is unemployed, enjoys her benefits, alcohol, and cigarettes, and has no clue how to be a proper mother. She is a pushover when it comes to spoiled Mia, but turns into a bully towards spineless Michelle.
With Mia's "I can do whatever I want" attitude, she often lands in trouble, and Michelle is expected to clean up the mess simply because they look alike...
Some dark elements in the story illustrate how easily one can get into trouble and how difficult it is to escape it.
It's well-written and definitely pulls you in, but you have to appreciate this type of drama.
November 25, 2018
Second book of Mandasue's which I have read. It was a good book and found it hard to put down. I was disappointed with the ending, it felt rushed, same as her previous book I have read. It would have been nice to see a better ending for Mia although it was true to life, once a person is hooked on something, it usually just spirals downwards :-( It was very fast paced towards the end, I don't know if this is just her style which she uses in every book. I would definitely read another one of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2017
I adore Mandasue Heller's gritty characters and her ability to conjure up a time and place, and I certainly enjoyed this story very much. However, whilst I found it easy to accept the sheer selfishness of Mia, I could not get past her twin Michelle's lack of backbone. The ending was a bit of an anticlimax too, but it still made for a good read.
July 9, 2018
This novel is about twin sisters. Good sister, bad sister. They are identical and the bad sister is always trying to get one over on her sister. She poses as her twin to win her boyfriend, get a job and surprisingly the people involved are duped/. I finished the book but didn't really enjoy it. It was to my thinking too nasty.
July 17, 2023
Fairly entertaining read; with some many writers aspiring to be like Martina Cole nowadays, the books do tend to get a little similar.
That said, it was well written and flowed well, did not over dramatise unnecessarily and the character were well thought out.
An entertaining read; just not one that stands out from the crowd.
That said, it was well written and flowed well, did not over dramatise unnecessarily and the character were well thought out.
An entertaining read; just not one that stands out from the crowd.
May 16, 2017
Couldn't put it down
Another great story that I could not put down. I loved the characters & the storyline was true to life.
Another great story that I could not put down. I loved the characters & the storyline was true to life.
May 22, 2017
Wow
A really good read,was totally hooked,an excellent author ,twins really are not what they say?highly recommended,will not disappoint and worth every penny.
A really good read,was totally hooked,an excellent author ,twins really are not what they say?highly recommended,will not disappoint and worth every penny.
August 23, 2017
Not as good as Tainted Lives, but probably my 2nd favourite so far.
October 23, 2017
Steady and ok.
January 3, 2018
Brilliant
Love this author so real i couldnt stop reading would highly recomend to anybody who loves to read about the real world and real people xx
Love this author so real i couldnt stop reading would highly recomend to anybody who loves to read about the real world and real people xx
January 28, 2018
Good read, real page turner
January 27, 2019
Wasn’t sure at first, but ended up really enjoying it. Looking forward to reading another by Mandasue Heller, as this was a first.
March 3, 2019
Wow my husband nearly did not get fed, could not put it down, loved the characters, Mia the bitch and Michelle the doormat, great read, would recommend.
April 27, 2019
This was a slow burner! Yet another success for Mandasue. I can honestly say that I had no idea how it was going to end.
Great book.
Great book.
May 11, 2019
Another brilliant read
Love how mandesue always gets you involved earlier in in the book that you need to keep reading to find what happens
Love how mandesue always gets you involved earlier in in the book that you need to keep reading to find what happens
June 24, 2019
Wow
What a book. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was packed from beginning to end. I would definitely recommend this one.
What a book. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was packed from beginning to end. I would definitely recommend this one.
Read
September 8, 2020Loved the first few chapters hated the book too graphic and horrible scenes 😱😱xx
April 17, 2021
Great read kept me on tender hooks till the end loved it
September 2, 2021
Love all of mandasue heller books and re-read them regularly. Xx
July 16, 2022
Absolutely brilliant had to finish it
February 17, 2023
Two Faced and fast paced
A fast paced storyline that kept me entertained. A little far fetched at times and brutal but not so much to put me off.
A fast paced storyline that kept me entertained. A little far fetched at times and brutal but not so much to put me off.
August 3, 2023
NTS: picked this book up on a whim. Glad I did. Really enjoyed reading.
September 23, 2023
Sequal?
Brilliant .....need to know what happens
to Mia and Michelle xx read in 2 nights when insomnia took over !
Brilliant .....need to know what happens
to Mia and Michelle xx read in 2 nights when insomnia took over !
October 17, 2025
Two Faced
Having read a lot of MH books this was ok but not one of her best. It had me hooked but I thought there ,would be much more twists.
Having read a lot of MH books this was ok but not one of her best. It had me hooked but I thought there ,would be much more twists.
November 12, 2025
Another masterpiece!
June 5, 2024
Every character in this book deserves to die.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews