In the small town of Winfield, Texas, an unexpected drama unfolds, despite neither main character calling it home. For Tracy, this quiet locale becomes her reluctant refuge after a New York City tragedy leaves her mother slain in a mugging. Relocated to live under the care of her aunt and uncle, with her father engrossed in his acting career far away in Europe, she swears to keep her heart sealed, perceiving Winfield as merely a fleeting pause in her chaotic journey.

Brad, hailing from Albuquerque, is drawn to Winfield by the mysterious trail of his "kidnapped" half-sister. His quest brings him to this unfamiliar town, where he finds an unexpected ally in Tracy. United by their shared sense of alienation, the two teenagers forge a connection. Winfield is a strange landscape to which neither feels any loyalty or comfort as their stories begin to intertwine.

Fans of suspense will find themselves thoroughly captivated by this particular novel from Duncan. The author’s signature flair for meticulous detail breathes life into the narrative, enhancing the plot with rich texture. Duncan's renowned "surprise" element is generously woven throughout the story, and the absence of a quintessential "villain" adds a refreshing uniqueness to the tale.

Drawing cleverly from Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass, Duncan deftly weaves a theme of misleading appearances. This is artfully illustrated by Brad's distorted reflection in the twisted window and Tracy's misguided perceptions of the seemingly malevolent Gavin and his daughter. The motif of Alice's fantastical looking-glass realm is humorously echoed in the likening of Tracy’s aunt and uncle to the whimsical characters, Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Though such symbolism is a rarity in this genre, its integration into the story feels utterly seamless.

Duncan further grounds her tale in reality with references to familiar names and places, such as a McDonald's fast-food outlet, Seventeen magazine, and the great artist Picasso, creating a tangible connection to Tracy's world. True to form, the author skillfully crafts an inviting atmosphere for her adolescent readers, vividly depicting the everyday scenes of high school life, from the bustling cafeteria to the chaotic locker-lined halls.

These elements collectively elevate the novel, challenging the reader far beyond the usual offerings of suspense fiction, and transforming the journey through The Twisted Window into an unforgettable odyssey.

Distinctive Themes in The Twisted Window

Though Duncan is renowned for weaving threads of murder and brutality into her suspenseful tales, The Twisted Window takes a gentler approach. A rifle appears momentarily, hinted at as a looming threat, yet its unexpected use turns out to be fortuitous for the characters. This moment serves as a subtle warning against the perils of mishandling firearms.

Delving into the complexities of divorce and the poignant theme of children estranged from their biological parents, the novel captures these issues with depth. However, today's youth, already acquainted with such realities, may find this theme comfortably familiar, recognizing its critical role within the story's arc.

A profound exploration of loss unites the protagonists, as they each grapple with the death of a cherished family member. By the book's conclusion, both characters embark on a journey of acceptance, finding peace amidst their shared sorrows.

While many of Duncan's literary creations delve into the realm of the supernatural, The Twisted Window stands apart by steering clear of eerie phenomena. Yet, true to her style, this novel immerses teenage characters in a tapestry of extraordinary circumstances.

Chevalier, Tracy, ed. Twentieth Century Children's Writers. Chicago: St. James Press, 1989. This comprehensive volume presents a meticulous inventory of Duncan’s literary creations, accompanied by insightful critiques of various works and a profound exploration of her life and philosophy.

Commire, Anne, ed. Something About the Author. Vol. 36. Detroit: Gale Research, 1984. Within these pages lies an extensive essay penned by Duncan herself, where she unfolds the tapestry of her life story and shares her reflections on the art of writing.