Double Crossed: The WWII Spies Who Saved D-Day

by Rebecca E.F. Barone

A thrilling WWII middle-grade narrative nonfiction account of Operation Bodyguard, in which the Allied forces used spies and double agents to deceive the Nazis about their true plans for D-Day.

In the fall of 1943, German troops controlled nearly all of continental Europe. The one chance the Allies had of punching through the German front meant keeping the enemy distracted and in the dark. They had to take the Germans by surprise on “D-Day.”

The trick the Germans into believing the Allies would strike anywhere but their true target, the beaches of Normandy. Featuring historical photos and breathtaking true accounts, Double Crossed tells the exhilarating story of Operation Bodyguard, the mind-boggling effort to lay a false trail for the Germans using fake armies, decoy landings, and the covert work of double agents and spies who risked their lives. With millions of lives hanging in the balance, victory—or defeat—in World War II depended on the Nazis being caught unaware.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, History, War, Adventure, World War II

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 28, 2026

About the author

As an engineer, Rebecca E. F. Barone has worked on projects ranging from injury analysis for the NFL to engine calibration for hybrid cars. Realizing her love for books in addition to numbers, she now describes the world with words rather than equations.

Reviews

[Patti Sabik]

Rebecca E.F. Barone is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrative nonfiction authors. I, and many of my students, have been captivated by many of her books and “Double Crossed” is sure to be another. I read it in one sitting and found it to be an easy to follow, engaging, and informative read. The tension of spycraft and double agents compelled me to continue flipping pages regardless of the fact that I knew D-Day at Normandy was the turning point in the war. Barone wrote the spies as real people and I cared about and needed to know their outcomes. Well researched with great source material.

[Diana of Shelved by Strand]

After reading Barone's MOUNTAIN OF FIRE last month, I knew she excelled at writing gripping nonfiction. While the story of those at the Mt. St. Helens eruption was tense, this one was even more of a nail-biter! Barone follows three spies (two men and one woman) who initially agreed to spy for the Germans but then became double agents to help the Allies pull off the misdirection needed for the success of the D-Day invasion. My WWII buffs will love this, but it will also be an easy sell for my students looking for a nonfiction title for their 10 Genre Challenge. Barone has become a must-buy author for my middle school library!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt for the advance digital copy.

[Bonnie Grover]

A middle grade nonfiction account of Operation Bodyguard, in which the Allied forces used spies and double agents to deceive the Nazis about their true plans for D-Day.

I had no idea all of the complicated trickery that happened to set the stage for D-Day, from secrets and lies to fake armies, decoy landings and rubber tanks. Everything was so well choreographed that the Nazis believed the Allies would strike anywhere but their true target, the beaches of Normandy.

I read about WWII spies in Steve Sheiken’s book, “Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the World’s Most Powerful Weapon” . It still amazes me how spies were able to accomplish so much without modern technology.

Students who are intrigued by WWII and the “I Survived Series” are sure to enjoy the behind the scenes aspect of D-Day. If I were teaching American history and WWII, this would definitely be on my reading list.

[Melanie Dulaney]

Barone regaled readers with the drama of the cryptologists who cracked the Enignma in her 2022 Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazi’s Secret Code and in this follow-up narrative non-fiction, covers the duplicity and subterfuge of double agents during WWII who put their lives at risk in an effort to keep the Nazis looking the wrong way as the Allies prepared to storm the beaches of Normandy on DDay.

Thank goodness for Barone’s listing of key players working for Great Britain’s MI5 and the XX group who cultivated spies and double agents because there are a lot of names that understandably have to be included in this accounting and not all were German or British and the ways each one became spies were all unique. Dusky Popov was a wealthy man from Yugoslavia with strong financial ties to Germany and his dear friend Johann (Johnny) Jebson who worked for the Abwehr, Germany’s counterintelligence unit. Both men despised Hitler and his cruel Nazi party but for years, neither was aware of the others’ true feelings or their status as a double agent for Britain. Juan Pujol Garcia hailed from Spain and yearned to establish himself as a spy for Britain but it was his wife who finally got him noticed by the XX Committee! And then there was Lily Sergueiev who was raised in Russia but claimed France as her homeland and was determined to keep Germany from spoiling the country she loved. While she was not as actively used as Popov, Jebson and Pujol, her participation was instrumental in turning Germany’s eyes away from the Allies preparations for Normandy and towards the fake forces supposedly assembling at a completely different location in Pas de Calais.

The stories of each spy were filled with actions that could’ve turned the tide either direction, choices that meant life or death and those outcomes were not always clear until long after decisions were made. Barone’s book also made it very clear that each of these spies were making daily choices but behind the scenes were analysts, handlers and advisors directing the major plays and players. So many moving pieces and each one critical to the success or failure for both sides and researcher/author Rebecca Barone takes care to list each source used in her impressively lengthy bibliography and her endnotes cite sources for all quotes. Maps and the already mentioned chart of key players are also included as comprehension aids.

Publisher Henry Holt for Young Readers, a part of the larger Macmillan, lists the target audience for Double Crossed as ages 10-14 but with all the names, places, moves and counter moves as well as its length of just over 200 pages, I would recommend this for avid history readers in junior high and high school.

Thanks for the print arc, Rebecca Barone and Henry Holt for Young Readers.

[Kate]

Thank you to Netgalley, Henry Holt for Young Readers, and Macmillan for the ARC.
In this fast-moving WWII nonfiction book about double-agents during the war, we learn about the key players working with Great Britain. Our main characters were Dusky Popov, and wealthy man, Johann Jebson who worked with the Abwehr, and Juan Pujol Garcia from Spain, who wanted to be a double-agent, but his wife is the one who finally convinced Britain to take him on. The other person was Lily Sergueiev, who was importantwith the D-Day plans, as she tried to keep Germanu from finding out about the exact launch point.
The story covers each agent with a lot of detail and background information, yet despite this, the story is engaging and easy to follow, and you as a reader sees them as real people.
This book is very well researched with source material at the end and WWII history buffs will enjoy. With all the people, dates, and details involved, I would recommend this for 8th grade and up.
I will purchase, especially since ELA teachers are always looking for narrative nonfiction books.

[Ms. Yingling]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

If you have avid readers of World War II narrative nonfiction, this is the book they need! It's a cross between Seiple's Nazi Saboteurs: Hitler's Secret Attack on America and Janeczko's Secret Soldiers: How the U.S. Twenty-Third Special Troops Fooled the Nazis (both published in 2019), but centers on Operation Bodyguard and several of the double agents that were instrumental in making it a success. Starting with a list of the many historical figures involved, Barone draws us in to the world of espionage and intrigue that existed during this time period. The thing that baffled me was how some of these agents were able to be hired by the government with absolutely no skills or background at all in intelligence work!

Two of these people, Johnny Jebsen and Duško Popov, were wealthy and looking for adventure. Juan Pujol Garcia was a poultry farmer who had a lot of trouble being accepted, and only got taken on when his wife approached the US with his "credentials". Perhaps my favorite is Lily Sergueiew, who was Russian, and was recruited by the Abwehr. She wanted to be sent to Britain so that she could be a double agent, but really wanted to take her small dog, Babs, with her. She was promised that she could, but this didn't work out, and she harbored a lot of ill will against the British when she had to leave the dog behind.

I'm not sure how it occurs to someone that it's a good idea to be a "XX agent" (double cross; this tripped me up when I read it!). The stakes are high, and the amount of lying one would have to keep straight would be enormous. Since the British had managed to crack the codes developed by the German Enigma machine, but the Germans didn't know this, there was a lot of work involving codes.

Operation Bodyguard was essentially a plan to distract the Germans from fortifying the area around Normandy ahead of the planned Allied D Day operation. The planning surrounding this was enormous. Not only were there the messages and misleading information passed by the double agents, but a vast infrastructure of fake harbors and equipment. I'd read about the soldiers parachuting into areas with gramophones and records of gunfire and talking, but even with the pictures in the book and Barone's excellent descriptions, it's hard to imagine how vast the operation was.

Of course, D Day was as successful as something that contributed to the death of so many men could be. The Nazis were turned back, and the war changed. What was interesting was how the double agents were involved, and what happened to them afterwards. Again, I was fascinated with Sergueiew. There are excerpts from her journal (which things like a horrible thing for a double agent to keep!), and she was so bitter and disenchanted with the whole experience, but kept going more or less out of spite, and because she enjoyed having the power to take down the whole operation.

While WWII is not my favorite thing to read about, (and I struggled mightily to keep all of the moving pieces of this narrative straight!) there are always students who want more information. Double Crossed is a great length, has plenty of pictures and facsimiles of things like the initial plan for Project Bodyguard, and ends with resources for additional reading. The teachers at my school are requiring that students read more narrative nonfiction, so this is a perfect book to purchase for a middle school or high school collection, along with Barone's other titles like Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica, Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code, and Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens. Of course, what I am really looking forward to is her Mind Not the Timid, a fictional book about the women's suffrage movement in 1917, set to potentially come out in 2027!

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[Darla]

In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies. ~ Winston Churchill

It's no secret that the D-Day invasion was a massive undertaking. The intelligence preparations began years in advance and included many double agents and lots of fake news.

Here are some nuggets I gleaned from this new middle grade nonfiction read:

❌❌ The committee put in place to manage the agents for the Double Cross was called The Twenty Committee.
The name was a play on words: the symbol for double-crossing was two Xs next to each other--XXm a double cross. In Roman numerals, each "X" represented the number ten. Two Xs next to each other meant twenty. So, the "XX Committee" became the "Twenty Committee."

💲💲Because the agents were working for Abwehr and MI5 both, the Brits figured out a ploy to get the Germans to deposit money in a US banks account to finance their spy missions. Between 1940 and 1945, that amounted to about 85,000 pounds or $6 million in 2026 dollars.

🐕A Russian-born female asset who was recruited from France would not agree to join the operation unless she was promised that her little dog Babs was a part of the deal. Her code name was 'Treasure.'

🪄It took some intricate sleight of hand to make the Axis powers believe there were military operations collecting on the SE coast of England instead of the SW. This included fake planes, ships, tanks, road sign tricks, and more.

🤔MI5 had to learn to think like a German:

What may appeal to an Englishman, even an Englishman engaged in double-crossing, as absurd, unlikely, or naive, may be the very thing that a typical Nazi would swallow and do.
To the British, it seemed as if these characters were obviously made-up. To the Germans, the melodrama made them seem all the more real.

This nonfiction read is well-researched and very readable. It is like reading a thriller and I heartily recommend it! Thank you to Henry Holt and Co and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Our deception measures both before and after D-Day had aimed at creating this confused thinking. Their success was admirable and had far-reaching results on the battle. ~ Winston Churchill

[Kara]

This was a phenomenal nonfiction book that I cannot wait to recommend in my classroom. I learned a ton about the work of the spies who contributed to the success of the Battle of Normandy during World War II. It reads like a novel, which will draw students into the story. I think kids and adults alike will appreciate this book. There was definitely some background information I had from reading Enigma Girls and Unbreakable that helped me connect some dots in this book. I think students could handle it on its own because it reads so easily. I would actually suggest my students read this before Unbreakable by the same author. (both great).

These spies, double agents, supposedly working for Germany, but actually with loyalty to Great Britain helped pull off the greatest con in history that I've ever read about. They successfully convinced the Germans that the offensive battle would be coming at a location other than Normandy. My favorite factoid was the General Patton was in charge of a fictitious unit. Followed closely by how they tricked the Germans with fake paratroopers. I recommend this for students and adults alike!

eARC provided by Netgalley.

[Jame_EReader]

👦🏻 review: I enjoy Social Studies and World History in school and I would find time to read and browse through books on this topic occasionally. With this middle-grade non-fiction book, it reminds me of the “I Survived” series but with more emphasis and depth of WWII and the Nazis invasion. While reading, it gave me more insight into what and how Operation Bodyguard distracted the Nazis into their own abysmal. The book has plenty of pictures, references and real life details with “Index” included at the end. I felt like I was watching a movie and the action scenes were all quite interesting. I also learned so many significant things about the beaches of Normandy and the importance of D-Day. I know that there are still many detailed information about this mind-boggling historical significance but it is our duty to keep learning and understand the importance of the present moment that ties the past to the present and future. One amazing book!

[Madeline]

This is an account focusing primarily on the efforts of four WWII spies who were members of MI5’s “XX” team—double agents working for the British while pretending to spy for the Germans—whose work contributed significantly to the success of the Allies on and after D-Day.

First, there are close friends Dusan “Dusko” Popov and Johann “Johnny” Jebsen. Both dislike the Nazis’ treatment of Jews, but to keep himself from combat, Jebsen joins the Abwehr, the Nazis’ military intelligence organization, and enlists Popov for his help. He wants Popov to provide him with information that Jebsen can pass on to the Germans. Popov reluctantly does so, and soon the Abwehr are trying to recruit him—he’s wealthy, someone “who could move in British high society.” Popov feels dismay, but when Jebsen says to him, “If you want to destroy a team, the best way is to become part of it,” Popov decides he’ll become a double agent, seemingly joining the Germans but secretly spilling all he knows to the British.

Then MI5 detected messages going to the Germans by someone who seemed to be an unknown German spy. It turned out to be Juan Pujol Garcia, a Spaniard who managed to get a job with the Abwehr but simply made up every piece of information he fed them. He also got a job as an XX agent.

And finally, there was Lily Sergueiev. Though she initially turned down a chance to work with the Abwehr, she later returned to them and asked for a job; of course, she planned all along to help the British. But she was bitterly disappointed at being forced to leave her dog behind; despite assurances that they would be reunited after quarantine, she never got him back and always had a chip on her shoulder about it, which caused her to engage in risky behavior later on (creating a control sign with her German handler, which, if used during a communication, would’ve told the Germans that her messages were being dictated by the British). This is what happens when you underestimate women!

The final third or so of the book is about the many elaborate deceptions that were put in place in order to keep the time and location of the D-Day attack a secret. The primary success was the spies’ information leading the Germans to believe that the real attack was going to come at Pas-de-Calais, not Normandy. I always feel like I know a lot about WWII, and then I read another account, like this one, that teaches me so much more! Fascinating.

[Susan]

A thrilling WWII narrative nonfiction account of Operation Bodyguard, in which the Allied forces used spies and double agents to deceive the Nazis about their true plans for D-Day. It is told with admirable verve and clarity of this little-known but important story from World War II. The self to will It is a thrilling WWII narrative nonfiction account of chronicle of wartime intelligence that balances historical fact, cinematic tension, and human victory. I found the book keeping me reading as the author’s writing was excellent.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Pamela Van Arsdale]

This is a gripping narrative nonfiction book about spies in WWII. There is a ton of info - much that the regular reader would not have known! These spies are like normal folks during the day - making regular decisions and trying to go about life. The fear of Hitler and the Nazis is palpable.
I think the book is marketed a little young (10-14)… as I’m not sure the average 10 yr old reader could absorb the many names, places, dates on the story. But certainly middle school & early high a ho readers would really love it.
Thanks for the ARC, Rebecca Barone!

[Anne]

This is a non-fiction account of the brave souls who acted as double agents and spies, working for the British and the Germans in order to ensure that the Nazis did not win WWII. Their work was lonely, dangerous, and necessary. This book focuses especially on how a specific group was responsible for ensuring that the invasion of Normandy on D-Day was able to proceed as planned without Hitler knowing about it.
Well researched and engagingly written. Back matter includes 2 epilogues, acknowledgements, bibliography, endnotes, and an index.

[Kristen]

Double Crossed is an excellent book for readers interested in World War II and the spies that helped the Allies win the war. It is the true story of a handful of double agents who worked for the Allies sending fake information to the Axis. Told in story form with many photos included, the information is easy to understand, and the unsung heroes come alive through Ms. Barone's writing. It is perfect for middle grades on up.

I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Mary Smrek]

This nonfiction book was well paced, organized and great at creating suspense. Because it followed multiple spies, it had the opportunity to jump from one situation to another and build up the reader's interest. Since many children become fascinated with WWII, it is a great book to add to a collection! When thinking of nonfiction for WWII often it is a focus on the very obvious parts of the war, this book diving into things not well known is wonderful.

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC.

[Libby]

A well-written narrative non-fiction book. listed as being for 10-14 year olds but truly, I think its appeal reaches all the way to adults. In the past few years, I've read several books about the various forms of trickery the Allies used against the Nazi's during WWII, but this was the first time I learned about how some of these deceptions helped protect lives on D-Day. Barone's book is fascinating and suspenseful, reading like a spy thriller that happens to be true.

[Ilse O'Brien]

The incredible story of double agents -- the XX Committee -- who tricked the Germans into believing false intelligence that made D-Day the critical turning point of WWII. It has quite a large cast of characters -- spies from multiple countries, MI5 and MI6 and Abwehr operatives and handlers, politicians and military leaders. A thrilling story of narrative nonfiction.

It's categorized as middle-grade fiction, but will probably be most appreciated and read by high school/YA readers.

[Nicole]

I received an ARC of this book so I can write a teacher's guide for Macmillan. This is the second book I've read by Rebecca Barone and I truly appreciate the research and details she includes. Double Crossed shows the impact of spies and deception on Operation Overlord, better known as D-Day. This book would be a gem for a middle grade reader who loves learning more about WWII.

[Melissa]

The insightful research shines through in this wonderfully written narrative nonfiction story of the spies of WWII. Barone has a talent that keeps you wanting to learn more and keep reading without stopping.

[Annette Whipple]

A fabulous book for WWII enthusiasts--and they'll still learn a lot!

I loved how Rebecca E. F. Barone's deep research shined with the details she included in Double Crossed. The story was a riveting page-turner!

This was so good that I am purchasing a copy (in addition to my ARC)!

[Sam Subity]

In Barone's signature style, nonfiction blends with thrilling action that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as a network of spies desperately races to deceive Germany about the Allies' true plans for the D-Day invasion.

[Joy]

Very interesting! I learned a lot. Hoping my husband reads this book soon so I can ask him if the details I learned were new to him too.

[Sara]

Interesting and well crafted. I love how the story is compelling and has an arc that pulls you in. Excellently researched. I couldn’t put it down.

[Bethany]

I want to give this book 10/5 stars! It's engaging, it keeps the information rolling, AND it's perfect for middle school boys. More, please!

[LS Johnson]

Very approachable NF book best for upper elementary - early high school reader. I wish the chapters on deception would have included information about the ghost army. Excellent sources in the back.

[Leonard Kim]

This 5* is definitely in the context of non-fiction for children. Even if not graded on this curve, it’s pretty exciting spy stuff.

[Maryann]

Well-woven together threads of a complex story. The only time so really noticed this was a YA book was at the very end, when the authors summarized the impact of XX. That was a useful summary to me!

[Jami Ellis]

Enlightening

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens]

"High-octane historical thriller meets cinematic narrative nonfiction in an...adventuresome survival tale." [Publishers Weekly]