What do you think?
Rate this book
FBI: Houston #2
Double Cross
FBI Agent Laurel Evertson's investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she's vowed to forget Wilmington--and what she sacrificed to put him away--he is now her best lead. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer's next targets, and he'll do anything to protect his family--even force inter-agency cooperation. But he's quickly drawn to Laurel's empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon. As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington's claims of redemption, or if he's leading them straight into a double cross.
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2015
268 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
About the author
DiAnn Mills
129 books1,976 followersDiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
June 3, 2016
4.5
I truly enjoyed the suspense in this fast-paced action story. My favorite character was Abby, the grandmother! She's a force to be reckoned with. (Though it did seem out of character to have her reading Game of Thrones books...ugh.) I loved that she was such an outspoken Christian and so eager to protect her family.
Daniel and Laurel made a good couple and the mystery, as usual for Mills, had so many twists that it's hard to guess the ending. I managed to guess it about 80 pages from the end, but only because I know how much she loves to bring a good solid twist into the book.
I truly enjoyed the suspense in this fast-paced action story. My favorite character was Abby, the grandmother! She's a force to be reckoned with. (Though it did seem out of character to have her reading Game of Thrones books...ugh.) I loved that she was such an outspoken Christian and so eager to protect her family.
Daniel and Laurel made a good couple and the mystery, as usual for Mills, had so many twists that it's hard to guess the ending. I managed to guess it about 80 pages from the end, but only because I know how much she loves to bring a good solid twist into the book.
June 24, 2017
I was kindly provided with a reading copy by Tyndale through NetGalley for an honest review.
FBI Special Agent Laurel Evertson was involved in an undercover operation five years ago that led to the death of her partner and to the imprisonment of her pretend fiancé Morton Wilmington. After the death of her partner she decided to take a desk job and five years later the event is still heavy on her heart. When her boss presents her with a new undercover job, she is very much against it. The job involves getting Morton out of prison to use him to try to expose criminals involved in a scam stealing money from elderly dementia patients. The last time that Laurel saw Morton he threatened her and she is afraid and repulsed by Morton and ashamed of the things that she did to win him over the first time. In order for the operation to be believable Laurel and Morton have to appear to have reconciled and that Laurel has lost her job with the FBI.
Officer Daniel Hilton with the Houston Police Department gets involved with the operation because his grandparents are scammed by the group and wants to help nail those responsible. His grandfather has dementia and gave away vital information that led to the scammers taking a huge sum of money from his and his wife's accounts. The scammers sell life insurance to the victims at a care facility for those with dementia and then the patients die suddenly of a seemingly normal death. But the scammers are the ones that collect on the policy payoff.
DOUBLE CROSS is an on the edge of the seat suspenseful novel as lives are threatened and there are close calls. Morton became a Christian in prison but Laurel and Daniel along the rest of law enforcement are not sure of whether he can be trusted. Morton is the center of the operation because he is the connection between the criminals and the FBI and HPD. Faith and trust play a big role in the story as well. I recommend reading DOUBLE CROSS for a suspenseful read and an ending with a twist.
FBI Special Agent Laurel Evertson was involved in an undercover operation five years ago that led to the death of her partner and to the imprisonment of her pretend fiancé Morton Wilmington. After the death of her partner she decided to take a desk job and five years later the event is still heavy on her heart. When her boss presents her with a new undercover job, she is very much against it. The job involves getting Morton out of prison to use him to try to expose criminals involved in a scam stealing money from elderly dementia patients. The last time that Laurel saw Morton he threatened her and she is afraid and repulsed by Morton and ashamed of the things that she did to win him over the first time. In order for the operation to be believable Laurel and Morton have to appear to have reconciled and that Laurel has lost her job with the FBI.
Officer Daniel Hilton with the Houston Police Department gets involved with the operation because his grandparents are scammed by the group and wants to help nail those responsible. His grandfather has dementia and gave away vital information that led to the scammers taking a huge sum of money from his and his wife's accounts. The scammers sell life insurance to the victims at a care facility for those with dementia and then the patients die suddenly of a seemingly normal death. But the scammers are the ones that collect on the policy payoff.
DOUBLE CROSS is an on the edge of the seat suspenseful novel as lives are threatened and there are close calls. Morton became a Christian in prison but Laurel and Daniel along the rest of law enforcement are not sure of whether he can be trusted. Morton is the center of the operation because he is the connection between the criminals and the FBI and HPD. Faith and trust play a big role in the story as well. I recommend reading DOUBLE CROSS for a suspenseful read and an ending with a twist.
September 22, 2024
I have read a few suspense novels by DiAnn Mills, and enjoyed all of them. After reading this one, I found myself hoping she keeps writing suspense. This was a top notch read. I liked the characters, even the criminal-turned good, and I was kept guessing all through the book whether he had really changed or if he was just playing the FBI and police.
The book is chock full of action and suspense, and I found it to be a book that I didn't want to put down, so I kept reading it until it was finished. I liked the fact that the book was definitely Christian in content, and was also clean and free from any curse words.
It has been a while since I read the first book in this series, but they don't seem to be connected much, of any, and can definitely be read out of order. I would recommend both books, and any of her other suspense novels, which I have read all of.
The book is chock full of action and suspense, and I found it to be a book that I didn't want to put down, so I kept reading it until it was finished. I liked the fact that the book was definitely Christian in content, and was also clean and free from any curse words.
It has been a while since I read the first book in this series, but they don't seem to be connected much, of any, and can definitely be read out of order. I would recommend both books, and any of her other suspense novels, which I have read all of.
July 21, 2015
It took a while for me to really immerse myself into the writing, but once there I finished the book in record time. I enjoy DiAnn Mills' writing style. Her way with words and the ability to string the action and plot together into a tapestry of reading is wonderful.
What I didn't like was that the book didn't hold my attention long enough. The action seemed too bland at times. There were no muscles to the storyline. I expected more in depth description to the action and crime scenes. And maybe a little deeper emotional turmoil for Agent Laurel Evertson's spiritual revelation?
I did enjoy the fast paced storyline. I did enjoy how the Christian faith was interwoven throughout the story.
DiAnn Mills wrote a worthy romantic suspense that will thrill those who enjoy the books. If you don't like more hardcore or gritty suspense novels, then DiAnn Mills is definitely for you.
What I didn't like was that the book didn't hold my attention long enough. The action seemed too bland at times. There were no muscles to the storyline. I expected more in depth description to the action and crime scenes. And maybe a little deeper emotional turmoil for Agent Laurel Evertson's spiritual revelation?
I did enjoy the fast paced storyline. I did enjoy how the Christian faith was interwoven throughout the story.
DiAnn Mills wrote a worthy romantic suspense that will thrill those who enjoy the books. If you don't like more hardcore or gritty suspense novels, then DiAnn Mills is definitely for you.
Read
May 16, 2022DNF. This was just not it for me.
November 8, 2022
Double Cross was a good read, if not a favorite. I liked the characters enough, but the storyline didn't captivate me.
The story started out intense and drew me in, but then I found myself not invested in the book. The romance was okay and I liked the ending.
All in all, Double Cross was a nice one-time read for me.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The story started out intense and drew me in, but then I found myself not invested in the book. The romance was okay and I liked the ending.
All in all, Double Cross was a nice one-time read for me.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
February 5, 2018
Fantastic read.
February 2, 2017
Wow! What a suspenseful ride. This story had several main characters & a lot of twists to it. I tried to figure out, like always, who the bad guy was. In this case, you knew who one of the bad guys was, but not the "mastermind". Along with trying to figure out who that was, there was the puzzle that was Mortimer. I wondered about a few people, & ended up being wrong about them. It wasn't until towards the end of the story, that I got it right. There were a few things that didn't jive for me, but overall it was a good story.
I liked how the author handled Laurel's animosity towards God. The way that Daniel & his grandparents modeled Christ to her, instead of trying to push their "religion" on her. Also how she took the time to search instead of a quick, no working through issues, conversion.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I liked how the author handled Laurel's animosity towards God. The way that Daniel & his grandparents modeled Christ to her, instead of trying to push their "religion" on her. Also how she took the time to search instead of a quick, no working through issues, conversion.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 26, 2015
Someone is scamming elderly dementia patients into buying bogus life insurance policies, then bumping them off, and it's got one Houston police officer angry! Forced to work with an independent-minded FBI agent creates a lot of sparks, especially when things start getting really complicated and dangerous. Hard to know who is telling the truth and who to trust.
Dynamic police drama, revs up in action and edge of your seat suspense! Great plot twists and interesting characters kept me guessing right up to the exciting end. No skimming through this book, as every detail counts. Loved the theme of redemption and forgiveness woven in too. A must read for fans of Christian suspense!
Dynamic police drama, revs up in action and edge of your seat suspense! Great plot twists and interesting characters kept me guessing right up to the exciting end. No skimming through this book, as every detail counts. Loved the theme of redemption and forgiveness woven in too. A must read for fans of Christian suspense!
August 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this 2nd book in the FBI Houston series. The narrator was easy to listen to. The book kept me wanting to know more with just enough romance with a lot of suspense.
A Good Clean Read.
A Good Clean Read.
February 27, 2016
DiAnn Mills does a great job of marrying a crime suspense novel with just enough romance to keep the female reader interested.
FBI Agent Laurel Everston lost not only her partner in her last undercover assignment, but her self-respect as well. Posing as Morton Wilmington’s fiancée, she crossed lines in order to capture him and send him to prison. What did she gain? A death threat from Wilmington and a position in the white collar crimes unit. Now, five years later, as she investigates crimes against the elderly, she finds out Wilmington might be her best bet in finding the people behind the scams. Even though Wilmington proclaims he’s undergone a Godly transformation while in prison, Laurel doesn’t buy it. She figures it’s just another scam of Wilmington’s to get close to her so he can exact his revenge. Pressed by those above her, Laurel has no choice but to work with Wilmington, even if it means her reputation will once again be tainted.
Police Officer Daniel Hilton finds out his grandparents have been the victim of a life insurance scam, a scam that could cause them their lives. Though the FBI is looking into the matter, he has a personal stake and forces Laurel to include him in her investigation. Although he’s less than thrilled to be working with Wilmington, Daniel doesn’t have a choice. And his growing attraction to Laurel muddies the waters even more.
Laurel and Daniel work hard to find the right leads and the right people involved in the scam against the elderly, but neither of them trust Morton’s supposed transformation. Even if he’s providing pertinent information, Laurel and Daniel can’t help but think Morton is orchestrating an elaborate double cross.
DOUBLE CROSS definitely kept me guessing. Morton is a slimy character who’s hard to read, Laurel has definite skeletons in her closet, and Daniel’s childhood was less than perfect. As the three of these characters try to move forward, their pasts continue to haunt them, making them wary of future relationships. Daniel is grounded in faith, Morton has a supposed new faith, and Laurel has no desire to return to her faith. The longer they work as a team, the more they learn about each other, themselves, and the betrayals that shaped their pasts. But they all are asking the same question. Are they being DOUBLE CROSSed?
FBI Agent Laurel Everston lost not only her partner in her last undercover assignment, but her self-respect as well. Posing as Morton Wilmington’s fiancée, she crossed lines in order to capture him and send him to prison. What did she gain? A death threat from Wilmington and a position in the white collar crimes unit. Now, five years later, as she investigates crimes against the elderly, she finds out Wilmington might be her best bet in finding the people behind the scams. Even though Wilmington proclaims he’s undergone a Godly transformation while in prison, Laurel doesn’t buy it. She figures it’s just another scam of Wilmington’s to get close to her so he can exact his revenge. Pressed by those above her, Laurel has no choice but to work with Wilmington, even if it means her reputation will once again be tainted.
Police Officer Daniel Hilton finds out his grandparents have been the victim of a life insurance scam, a scam that could cause them their lives. Though the FBI is looking into the matter, he has a personal stake and forces Laurel to include him in her investigation. Although he’s less than thrilled to be working with Wilmington, Daniel doesn’t have a choice. And his growing attraction to Laurel muddies the waters even more.
Laurel and Daniel work hard to find the right leads and the right people involved in the scam against the elderly, but neither of them trust Morton’s supposed transformation. Even if he’s providing pertinent information, Laurel and Daniel can’t help but think Morton is orchestrating an elaborate double cross.
DOUBLE CROSS definitely kept me guessing. Morton is a slimy character who’s hard to read, Laurel has definite skeletons in her closet, and Daniel’s childhood was less than perfect. As the three of these characters try to move forward, their pasts continue to haunt them, making them wary of future relationships. Daniel is grounded in faith, Morton has a supposed new faith, and Laurel has no desire to return to her faith. The longer they work as a team, the more they learn about each other, themselves, and the betrayals that shaped their pasts. But they all are asking the same question. Are they being DOUBLE CROSSed?
January 29, 2017
RATING: 4.5
FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family―even force interagency cooperation.
I felt this second in DiAnn Mills FBI:Houston series started a little slower than the first. But once it grabbed my attention, I couldn't put it down. I loved the premise of the story based on elder scammers especially those with Alzheimer's. It was obvious that Mills did her research about the realities of the problems those with Alzheimers face as well as their caregivers.
I liked that the second book focused on Special Agent Laurel Everston who had made a brief appearance in the first book. She and Daniel made a great team in their dogged determination to find the culprits behind the life insurance scam as well as their deep care and concern for those suffering from Alzheimers. Abby, Daniel's grandmother, was a feisty senior, pistol packing lady. My heart broke for his sweet grandfather as he slipped in and out of periods of dementia. Mills also includes a good faith thread that winds it way through the storyline as Daniel tries to make Laurel realize who and what she needs in her life. Another great suspense read from Mills. I'm looking forward to the last book which focuses on Special Agent Thatcher Graves.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Good times. Tough times. But always with God at the head of their marriage. Too many people failed to notice His hand in the events of life, thinking being a Christian made them free of heartache and trouble."
"I'm not interested. My list of sins is far too long. Your God isn't interested.. ..There's no such thing as God not wanting anyone. Not matter what they've done."
"One day Laurel would be faced with a decision, a choice of living either the world's way or God's.....every person encountered a breaking point when their need for a relationship with God became real and they had a choice to make. "
FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family―even force interagency cooperation.
I felt this second in DiAnn Mills FBI:Houston series started a little slower than the first. But once it grabbed my attention, I couldn't put it down. I loved the premise of the story based on elder scammers especially those with Alzheimer's. It was obvious that Mills did her research about the realities of the problems those with Alzheimers face as well as their caregivers.
I liked that the second book focused on Special Agent Laurel Everston who had made a brief appearance in the first book. She and Daniel made a great team in their dogged determination to find the culprits behind the life insurance scam as well as their deep care and concern for those suffering from Alzheimers. Abby, Daniel's grandmother, was a feisty senior, pistol packing lady. My heart broke for his sweet grandfather as he slipped in and out of periods of dementia. Mills also includes a good faith thread that winds it way through the storyline as Daniel tries to make Laurel realize who and what she needs in her life. Another great suspense read from Mills. I'm looking forward to the last book which focuses on Special Agent Thatcher Graves.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Good times. Tough times. But always with God at the head of their marriage. Too many people failed to notice His hand in the events of life, thinking being a Christian made them free of heartache and trouble."
"I'm not interested. My list of sins is far too long. Your God isn't interested.. ..There's no such thing as God not wanting anyone. Not matter what they've done."
"One day Laurel would be faced with a decision, a choice of living either the world's way or God's.....every person encountered a breaking point when their need for a relationship with God became real and they had a choice to make. "
December 17, 2015
If you’re looking for a cozy nice romantic read…look elsewhere!
Double Cross is the latest novel in Diann Mills FBI Houston Series is a thrill ride from start to finish. This is my favorite genre and Mills is top notch….I am NEVER disappointed when I pick up one of her books.
I know that I’m about to visit places I’ve never been, see things I’ve never seen and experience dangers I could never face in real life (I’m too much of a chicken!) But in the safety of my cozy chair, I get to live it all through her brave characters.
The author brilliantly weaved in a sensitive topic that many people are facing with their own loved ones and I was glad to see the characters face true to life circumstances…it just gave them more depth and realness to me.
This story really kept me guessing. I wasn’t sure who could be trusted! I just LOVE when an author can keep me this intrigued.
If you enjoy edge of your seat thrillers…don’t you dare miss this one!
Double Cross is the latest novel in Diann Mills FBI Houston Series is a thrill ride from start to finish. This is my favorite genre and Mills is top notch….I am NEVER disappointed when I pick up one of her books.
I know that I’m about to visit places I’ve never been, see things I’ve never seen and experience dangers I could never face in real life (I’m too much of a chicken!) But in the safety of my cozy chair, I get to live it all through her brave characters.
The author brilliantly weaved in a sensitive topic that many people are facing with their own loved ones and I was glad to see the characters face true to life circumstances…it just gave them more depth and realness to me.
This story really kept me guessing. I wasn’t sure who could be trusted! I just LOVE when an author can keep me this intrigued.
If you enjoy edge of your seat thrillers…don’t you dare miss this one!
May 24, 2015
I absolutely loved this story. Lots of twists and turns that will keep you in suspense until the last minute. You won't be disappointed if you decide to read this.
December 13, 2017
This was good, but not what I would consider the best one from DiAnn Mills. I did love the ending.
August 23, 2019
No matter how many times I encounter it, I love the example of one person unconditionally loving another, regardless of past mistakes or baggage. It's what Jesus would do and does, but it makes me wonder how good I'd be at it myself.
Laurel has to be living a nightmare. She was undercover, engaged to a criminal, all to put him behind bars. Now he's out and she's being asked to play the part again. The things she does for justice.
Daniel won't let anything happen to his grandparents, the only parents he ever really had. Abby and Earl were so sweet and spunky and fun. Maybe my favorite characters.
There were a lot of layers to this one. Little people who knowingly or unknowingly helped, like to middlemen to the masterminds, known and unknown .
It's always interesting to see how events bring people closer to God or push them away from Him. Laurel and Daniel both didn't have their biological parents in their lives, for one reason or another, but they had loving people who cared about them. Similar stories, two different paths.
Laurel has to be living a nightmare. She was undercover, engaged to a criminal, all to put him behind bars. Now he's out and she's being asked to play the part again. The things she does for justice.
Daniel won't let anything happen to his grandparents, the only parents he ever really had. Abby and Earl were so sweet and spunky and fun. Maybe my favorite characters.
There were a lot of layers to this one. Little people who knowingly or unknowingly helped, like to middlemen to the masterminds, known and unknown .
It's always interesting to see how events bring people closer to God or push them away from Him. Laurel and Daniel both didn't have their biological parents in their lives, for one reason or another, but they had loving people who cared about them. Similar stories, two different paths.
January 27, 2016
Book Review: Double Cross
Author: Diann Mills
Genre: Fiction/Romance/Suspense
Publisher: Tyndale
Publication Date: April 1, 2015
Rating: 5 out of 5 (near perfect)
Pros: Great plot, relatable and loveable characters, no technical jargon common to FBI novels
Cons: None
FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon. As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.
Double Cross begins with the prologue of a scene five years old from Agent Laurel Evertson’s past that draws the reader in to chapter one, which occurs five years later with a case concerning an elderly fraud. Laurel’s prime suspect turns out to be none other than Morton Wilmington—the man she put away five years ago. Believing he is operating from prison, the FBI has to think from a new angle when Wilmington is released from prison claiming a new faith in God through Christianity. Laurel is forced to work with the very man she hates, along-side with Officer Daniel Hilton of the Houston Police Department. Daniel finds himself attracted to Laurel, one of the first women in his life who he can’t seem to shake from his mind. But Laurel’s growing attraction to Daniel only causes her to feel the need to protect him from the overwhelming baggage she carries, along with the need to protect herself from the fear of losing him once she tells him the truth. Although Laurel at first hates Wilmington and believes him to be a liar, she starts to wonder if he may be telling the truth. His soft spot for her has the unlikely trio working together almost in the shape of a triangle. His conversion keeps the reader wondering all along whether he is sincere.
The characters all have flaws that make them realistic to the reader. Anger, bitterness, revenge, and lack of faith all makes them relatable. The knowledge of their backgrounds really helps the reader understand the way they tick. Unlike most novels, the character’s backgrounds were not revealed until crucial points in the novel. Since Double Cross is longer, this was beneficial because dragging out the curiosity and mystery of the character’s backgrounds added some extra suspense. There is a good balance among the characters, the main ones with personal points of view being Laurel, Daniel, and Daniel’s grandparents, specifically Gran. Laurel’s anger and bitterness at Wilmington for the death of her partner and close friend, Jesse, prevents her from trusting him despite his claim of religion. Because of her anger, she refuses to trust God, and accepts the fact that she will never have faith. Throughout the novel we see her slow softening towards the things of God—and also to Wilmington—although we do not see a complete change until the very end of the novel. Daniel’s feelings for Laurel keep mounting, although he fears his feelings may jeopardize the case in some way. Knowing he must give up his bitterness and anger towards his parents, specifically his mom, he moves forward in trusting God to fill his heart peace. Raised by his grandparents, he is personally involved with the case because of his grandfather’s buying a scam life insurance policy. Gran speaks from her point of view often, and we can see how loveable and spunky she is. Daniel’s grandfather has dementia, and we can see how she loves him enough to care for him. Their input in the novel made the case so much more personal to the reader because it is impossible not to fall in love with them.
The characters are very communicative, and a lot of dialogue fills the novel. Their personalities are revealed in their speech. I could sense tone and attitude by Dian Mill’s word usage, which made the characters very unique. There is a good balance of dialogue, descriptions, and narration with no overkill descriptions and technical jargon that I expected in an FBI suspense novel. The flow was simple to read, although the plot was anything but simple. Everything had a deeper secret behind it and questions that lasted until the end of the novel, drawing in more suspense. The plot is neither predictable nor unpredictable. It is easy to know that the bad guy will be caught in the end, and we even know who he is. Getting there is very complex with a lot of little elements of surprise to keep the reader on their toes. Diann Mills is not afraid to injure or kill off characters so I was nervous the entire time danger was near.
I chose Double Cross because I was in the mood for a good suspense, and this book definitely fit the bill. I have never read Diann Mills before, or heard of her. I loved Double Cross and will hopefully be buying my own copy. Very suspenseful and entertaining in the area of mystery and romance, I could find no true cons for this book. Only thing I thought as I read was that the story could have moved along a little faster in some places since the book is so long. The ending really surprised me, but it made sense to pull the story together. Overall, Double Cross is a great read worth buying.
I received a complimentary copy of Double Cross from Tyndale through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
November 15, 2017
Good suspenseful story line that tackles the question of whether someone who has done unspeakable things can be truly reformed, specifically via Christianity. It is also using a current issue of identity theft and the vulnerability of the elderly. All that is good.
The characters were not particularly believable. Grandma Abby in particular is a lively character, but was also roped into sex trafficking as a child, marries a handsome boy who just happens to become enormously successful, owns ranches, crackerjack gunshooter who kills wild game, and on it goes. Seemed like this author just might be an advocate for gun ownership and killing game, which did not sit particularly well with me.
The reformed prisoner also did not seem particularly believable. The best part was perhaps the romance between the FBI agent (who has to be older than the female on the book cover) and the policeman. All in all a quick, diversionary read.
The characters were not particularly believable. Grandma Abby in particular is a lively character, but was also roped into sex trafficking as a child, marries a handsome boy who just happens to become enormously successful, owns ranches, crackerjack gunshooter who kills wild game, and on it goes. Seemed like this author just might be an advocate for gun ownership and killing game, which did not sit particularly well with me.
The reformed prisoner also did not seem particularly believable. The best part was perhaps the romance between the FBI agent (who has to be older than the female on the book cover) and the policeman. All in all a quick, diversionary read.
January 11, 2019
FBI Agent.Laura doing white collar crimes, after partner got killed when she had been undercover. Now it’s a scam against the elderly of a life insurance policy. A meeting with Daniel and his grandparents. She gets a call from Abby having access to the place while her husband is there, to scout and access things., and she was packing. Will report to her of what she finds, and hush hush to let Daniel know, he wouldn’t like it. Laura goes undercover again, not voluntary with the guy she sent to poison. Supposedly he knows people behind the scam, for an early release. With gritting teeth she goes along with it. The stakes are getting higher, when a bomb is placed on Daniels truck. Are the FBI getting any closer or is this all a ruse. Thought filled of how easy it is to prey on the elderly. The work of undercover work is not glamorous. Forgiveness for those that have left them , a mother, a partner. Great story to read.
May 4, 2019
Author did a good job of keeping the suspense of who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. Was there a dirty FBI agent? Had Morton really come clean and believed in God and wanted to help solve the mystery or was he setting up Laurel and Daniel? It really made you wonder. But in the end, Morton was a good guy and took a bullet for Laurel as they captured the scammers who were a husband/wife duo who were turning against each other to spill the beans on how they were scamming elderly people with life insurance policies and then hacking their accounts and taking all their money. Laurel becomes a Christian by the end of the book - forgiving herself for past mistakes and a stake out that had got her partner killed - and Daniel was quitting the HPD and had applied to law school and he and Laurel let loose of their feelings for each other so all's well by the end. But isn't that how it always goes - good always wins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2020
I liked this book a lot! Great characters, with natural emotions, interactions, histories and situations. The Alzheimers disease was protrayed so well! The grandmother's story might have been told a little earlier in the book, to help the reader appreciate her character, but otherwise, she was amazing. I want to be her someday.
I was confused about some of the insurance and banking issues, but that didn't really interfere with my enjoyment of the story.
In the end, the "whodunit" became almost secondary to the characters and their lives. The careers and daily lives of the hero and heroine were interesting. Even the bad guy, Mortimer, kept us guessing.
Spoiler about Mortimer...
I think his character was probably the most believable. His conversion didn't change him into a perfect, godly man overnight. Or even over the course of a few months. It doesn't work that way. The end was perfect.
I was confused about some of the insurance and banking issues, but that didn't really interfere with my enjoyment of the story.
In the end, the "whodunit" became almost secondary to the characters and their lives. The careers and daily lives of the hero and heroine were interesting. Even the bad guy, Mortimer, kept us guessing.
Spoiler about Mortimer...
I think his character was probably the most believable. His conversion didn't change him into a perfect, godly man overnight. Or even over the course of a few months. It doesn't work that way. The end was perfect.
February 5, 2025
This is a new author that I am currently reading. The first book that I read was really exciting and really had me so enthralled, I couldn't hardly put it down.
This book, not so much. It was ok, especially when it ended.
This is the first time I had to renew my loan in order to completely read the entire book.
The best part in reading this book, I did get to know the main Characters, but in the beginning the plot was kind of confusing.
I finally began to understand what was actually going on after reading some more chapters.
In the end this book was just ok, especially after learning that this book was about the characters stopping the crooks from scamming the elderly out of their funds.
It was intriguing learning who the real culprit really was, which was a real surprise.
This book, not so much. It was ok, especially when it ended.
This is the first time I had to renew my loan in order to completely read the entire book.
The best part in reading this book, I did get to know the main Characters, but in the beginning the plot was kind of confusing.
I finally began to understand what was actually going on after reading some more chapters.
In the end this book was just ok, especially after learning that this book was about the characters stopping the crooks from scamming the elderly out of their funds.
It was intriguing learning who the real culprit really was, which was a real surprise.
January 16, 2018
Double Cross by Diann Mills is a very thought provoking book dealing with dementia and Alzheimer's patients being the target of scammers. It's so sad to think there are really people that will take advantage of the elderly that way!
My favorite character in this book has to be Abby(Gran)! She is something else! I think if they would have let her in the undercover work, she could have had that case figured out in record time! I recommend this book! If you've ever dealt with Alzheimer patients, it will hold a special place in your heart!
My favorite character in this book has to be Abby(Gran)! She is something else! I think if they would have let her in the undercover work, she could have had that case figured out in record time! I recommend this book! If you've ever dealt with Alzheimer patients, it will hold a special place in your heart!
January 6, 2024
Wow! I saw a lot of people didn’t like this book but I loved it! I thought it was one of her best! Flawed characters with very difficult and varied pasts who grew and changed and found redemption. I thought it was brilliantly written and I actually didn’t mind the length. I was riveted. I hadn’t guessed the mastermind behind it all and I thought that was very clever as well. Lots of great twists and turns. I thought I had it all figured out but I was completely wrong! Excellent story. I absolutely recommend it.
March 24, 2019
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance on the other hand left something to be desired. I think it very interesting the Laurel was the one to step back for the relationship before she came to terms with her past. Daniel's character for me was very annoying and unbearable. I got to the point, that if I had to hear about Laurel's nut brown eyes one more time, I was going to scream.
March 15, 2018
DiAnn Mills is a very talented writer to weave a tale this complex and captivating.
Not sure what to think about the pistol-packing grandma angle. Christians in this story obviously haven't embraced a non-resistant approach, but the tale is well told. I even shed a few tears at the end, even realizing earlier on that a certain character would need to die.
Not sure what to think about the pistol-packing grandma angle. Christians in this story obviously haven't embraced a non-resistant approach, but the tale is well told. I even shed a few tears at the end, even realizing earlier on that a certain character would need to die.
June 18, 2020
Strange Friends
Daniel, Houston Policeman, Laurel, FBI Agent, and Morton Wilmington, newly released prisoner. What do they have in common. Read this book to find out how two of them lead the other one to God. Learn how they become friends or not and just how life can surprise you.
Daniel, Houston Policeman, Laurel, FBI Agent, and Morton Wilmington, newly released prisoner. What do they have in common. Read this book to find out how two of them lead the other one to God. Learn how they become friends or not and just how life can surprise you.
July 5, 2024
It’s a story about life-insurance fraud that targets Alzheimer’s folks, which chaps ma hide. Love Suzy Jackson’s narration, especially, “Laurel, you’re nothing but a disappointment!” and hearing all the Houston references. Not quite as good as the first novel, but good enough to move on to the third/last.
October 23, 2017
My rating: 4.5 stars
An enjoyable read, this book is well-written and keeps you guessing right up through the end. I didn't fall completely in love with the characters, though, and I did find two typos, so it wasn't quite a 5 star book for me. It was a great read, overall. I always enjoy Diann's books.
An enjoyable read, this book is well-written and keeps you guessing right up through the end. I didn't fall completely in love with the characters, though, and I did find two typos, so it wasn't quite a 5 star book for me. It was a great read, overall. I always enjoy Diann's books.
June 28, 2018
Again, a very good read from DiAnn Mills. The only criticism would be sometimes there was so much going on that it became confusing or muddled. For example when Thatcher didn't tell the FBI about the setup at Laurel's apartment. But, all in all, a very good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews