Double Cross

by Bruce A. Hanson

Glistening, snow-covered forest trails may look like a winter wonderland, but a forest can also hide secrets from the past.

Matt, a fun loving high school student, joins his twin sister, Ashley, and their best friend, Saadia, for a weekend of snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Their first outing takes them to the site of a recent explosion where Matt stumbles upon a small gold cross emblazoned with a fleur-de-lis. But they aren’t the only ones checking out the blast area. They encounter an ex-convict, who shows an interest in their find.

A retired curator identifies the origin and true value of the cross after which the cross is stolen. The three teens have their suspicions about the identity of the culprits, but when they go back to the crater to look for clues, they set off a chain of events that puts all of their lives in danger.

194 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2022

About the author

Hi, this is Bruce A. Hanson. What's that? You've never heard of me? That's okay. I'll start by saying I'm a multi-genre author and I write for all ages. My Children's books are under the pen name Robert Rime.

Here are some rapid-fire facts if you want to get to know me better...

The Past: I started writing sporadically in the late 1980’s. I was so naive then.

Writing Achievements: 1 of 6 authors Short Listed for the Canadian Whistler Independent Book Awards for Double Cross, plus 8 awards for short story fiction & 1 award for non-fiction creative writing.

Zodiac Sign: Cancer, the crabby

Personality Type: Introvert, geek tendencies, but outgoing with people I know.

Interests: I'm fascinated by Space and and other things I don’t understand - like quantum entanglement and the big bang. (Not the TV show. Not only do I understand the show, I lived it.)

Most Notable (Non-Writing) Job: three months working on the Space Shuttle’s Canadarm. (On terra firma, not in space. I can only dream of the latter.)

Favourite Activities: Dancing (even though I have one-and-a-half left feet and limited sense of rhythm), writing, doing research.

Favourite Sports: Down hill skiing and writing. (Of course it’s a sport.)

Favourite Book Genres: Mystery, International Intrigue, Adventure, Thriller, some Sci-Fi, some Fantasy and anything else that grabs my attention.

Biggest Leap into the Unknown: Improvisational acting lessons from Second City Toronto, and a 10 week intensive with Dave Thomas (who old people may know as Doug McKenzie from the SCTV 1980’s skit, The Great White North, which also featured fellow hoser Rick Moranis.)

Biggest Revelation: I can’t act.

Just For The Fun Of It: Worked as an extra for TV and film including Flashpoint, Warehouse 13 and CBC’s John A.: Birth of a Country.

Reviews

[Pauline Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The words flew from my tongue like bullets from a machine gun, the trigger squeezed tight."
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Matt, a fun loving high school student, joins his twin sister, Ashley, and their best friend, Saadia, for a week of snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Their first outing takes them to the site of a recent explosion where Matt stumbles upon a small gold cross emblazoned with a fleur-de-lys.
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I was gifted the ARC of Double Cross by the author Bruce A Hanson in exchange for a honest review... this was an amazing adventure, most of it in the snow, and at times in a horrific cave tunnel where things go bump, not in the night, but it was very dark in there. This had a feel of a modern Famous Five where we are launched into an investigation after something that happens inside, or maybe outside the cave tunnel. I'm just gobsmacked, amazed at the authors imagination, writing skills and his sense of adventure and plotting skills that had me on the edge of the couch, I had to even pause and go outside to catch my breath as such tension was mounting in the cave. It's fair to say there is a kidnapping involved and again, I can't get over the plotting behind this scene into the recovery of the body!

I'm giving this a 5 star rating and comes highly recommended by me.

This is a YA novella, full of heaps of adventures. This is also a book that adults that are young at heart would enjoy too. Points of interest include helicopters, snow, tunnels, magicians, Ski-Doos.

Expected publishing details via Goodreads - 29 November 2021.

[Linda Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt, Ashley and Saadia are on holiday at a cabin in the middle of a woods for a wintery holiday with skidoos, cross country skiing and caves to explore. What could go possibly go wrong? Obviously, everything!

Double Cross is attention grabbing from the very first page, easily attracting and holding the attention of the reader. It is a bit scary at times but not overboard. The cave scenes are outstanding and stand out with the perfect blend of fear and humor. There was one part where I wanted to reach into the pages and just shake all three of them; screaming are you crazy? But that’s my protective mother instinct coming through.

The plot is well developed and seamlessly woven with just the right amount of intrigue, action and thrills to keep any reader on edge and turning the pages to find out if these three teenagers will somehow survive their wintry getaway holiday.

Parental Note:
Double Cross is a well written thriller written for YA, young teens and tweens. There is no foul language or sexual innuendo.
I can recommend this book for children 12 and up.

A fast moving ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of Double Cross in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ian Hornett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a YA snowbound action adventure that skids along at pace from start to finish. Full of tension, sassy dialogue and intrigue, the story had me gripped from the outset.

Twins, Matt and Ashley, and cousin, Sadia, are embroiled in a mystery when they find a valuable cross. They soon find there is much more behind the artefact, a history which makes it attractive not just to scholars but people with a criminal bent. It leads them into situations which require quick thinking and bravery, plus no little skill with the odd snowmobile! I particularly liked the underground scene which the author described with great skill to keep me well and truly attached to the edge of my seat.

A lesson on how to write YA fiction, which is a great result if you like to read it!

[Nannette Kreitzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable escape!

Warm hearted characters kept the cold at bay despite some chilling moments in Double Cross. Adventure and mystery lovers alike will enjoy this YA tale of hazardous caves, hidden treasure, and subterfuge, all nestled within the frigid Canadian winter. Weaving in devoted friendships and a hint at budding romance, Hanson provides an enjoyable escape.

[Steve Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Cross is the perfect young adult mystery novel for ages 12 to 17, or even older if you’re an adult who loves to read young adult novels like I do. This is a self published novel, but don’t let that dissuade you. Unlike many self published books, this is professionally written. I’ve also read a short story of Hanson’s (called The Unknown Civilian) and he is the real deal. The flow of the dialog and storyline are so well done, you could easily find yourself unable to put this book down.

All of the characters were fun to read. I wasn’t annoyed by any of them, which doesn’t happen often in a book. Matt is the main character with Matt’s twin Ashley and their friend Saadia as the supporting characters. I loved reading the friendship between the three. And the addition of Saadia’s aunt, who is a reporter, gave extra depth and entertainment. The storyline is interesting and entertaining and includes the discovery of a historical artifact and a cave in a snow laden terrain. I loved the setting and the story behind the mystery.

Something I really appreciated was that there wasn’t sexual tension between the main male character (Matt) and his friend Saadia. Near the end of the story, they start to feel more connected, but the description of the blooming relationship is never overdone. This made me really like Matt as a character. He doesn’t drool over every female who crosses his path. He’s something of a jokey, mischievous teenager, but he is in no way disrespectful to females or anyone else. I found that to be a breath of fresh air for a YA novel.

I definitely recommend this book and this author!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

When three teens are invited to spend a relaxing weekend at a cabin in the woods, their focus is on skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. However, their world is soon turned upside down when they find a small gold cross on the site of a recent explosion. Conflict increases when they discover this cross is quite valuable. Set in the frozen landscape of Central Canada, Double Cross brings intrigue and compelling characters that will keep the reader turning pages. Using believable dialogue suitable for a young adult audience, the author paints a realistic natural setting with his narrative artistry. I was held captive right to the end and look forward to reading more from Hanson. I would certainly recommend this novel to young adults.

[A Thorsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although billed as a YA novel, I thoroughly enjoyed Double Cross as an older reader - it's a page-turner right from Chapter 1!
The things I enjoyed most about this novel were the believable plot and characters, together with the great, imaginative descriptions. Without giving away too much of the plot, I could, for example, feel the tension of being enclosed in the dark cave and tunnels along with the characters. Nor was the storyline 'over the top' with dizzying plot/character twists like you find in some adult-rated novels. Yet the suspense and action remained. A highly recommended read for YA and adult alike!

[Tristan Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun mystery for young adult and adult readers alike!

I am not a young adult, but I love reading books for this age range. Double Cross is finally a book for young adults that isn’t littered with sex or vulgarity. It’s just perfect for the age that it’s catering to.
It’s also a fun story with a mystery that will keep you guessing. My favorite part is when the teens get stuck in the cave. You have to read it to know what I’m talking about.

I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Marie Gage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Bruce Hanson has a remarkable way with words – and dialogue suitable to a YA audience. The reader is drawn into the story, moving right alongside the teens as they navigate the perils of the adventure. When twins, Matt and Ashley, along with their best friend, Saadia, stumble upon an ancient artifact life gets interesting and dangerous. There are lots of winter outdoor action scenes, including a harrowing snowmobile ride. Young readers will be engaged from beginning to end. I won't say more and risk ruining the story.

[Rebecca Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Cross is a fantastic YA read that follows a young man and his friends as they find themselves in unexpected peril following the discovery of a rare artifact. Bruce Hanson captures the teen voice without subjecting you to the tedious undertones of premature sexual tension or teenage angst. As a mother of two, I found this book to be INCREDIBLY refreshing while lacking none of the excitement you would expect out of a YA mystery novel. Would highly recommend!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo on Double Cross! Captivating read.

During the chapters that the trio were underground I was squirming in my seat. I know my heart rate increased and I was glad I'm not prone to high blood pressure. Bruce A Hanson really brought me into it.

The young trio will be a part of me now.

Thanks to Bruce for writing this.

Marie Marchildon

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read - loved the Manitoba references

[Barbara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought it for my grandson and ended up reading it before him! Very good. A page turner.

[Anja Schubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery, danger and adventure

A fast paced YA adventure. I was just sitting down to check it out but read it to the end in one go! Definitely a page turner. Reminded me of when I read 'Tomorrow, when the war began' when I was a youngin'.

[Helene Wackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for its coming of age characters’ thrilling romp around the Manitoba Escarpment. A page turner fuelled by the suspense of adventure. Beautifully written. Can’t wait for the sequel!

[Lawrence Prendiville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really Enjoyed this book.
It was easy to read and I could not put it down.

[Lois Rooney-Giurin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this YA book. It had an engaging protagonist, appealing characters, and a few thrills along the way.

I'm looking forward to more work by Bruce Hanson.

[Cindya Nesr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt like a reminiscent of the short stories I used to read when I was in middle school. A bit more advanced, this novella is, with answers well-disguised till the very end of the book. But I had higher hopes, especially since I haven't gotten the chance to read mystery in too long. The book felt pure YA with only sprinkles of mystery, to be honest.

Shrewdness was evident in both Matt's way of thinking and Irene's signals to aid the cops in tracking her. The Chuck kept me edgy at first, and even after I came to know he's a peaceful character, I still had doubts — which were eventually proved wrong. I never thought of his buddy being an insider though — this caught me in surprise.

The story was embedded with irony. How the Chuck became a member of the RCMP, and who the brains behind the rob of the cross actually was. It made me laugh to figure out what the latter's post actually was — it was so ironic and unexpected.

What got me upset is this: The first page hooked me, and then the next 70 pages or so were dull. There were events taking place, but not something that kept me at full alert. For so long I was bored, and I was reading fast just to get to the thrill I expected was there. But as I turned the last page, I didn't come to "hate" the book — it just didn't leave an impact on me.

I guess I would've enjoyed it more if I read slower? I can't tell, but I also can't deny that the book has potential.

[Gail Sharland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and I am not a young reader, but quite honestly, it kept my attention better than any other book I read this past summer. I highly recommend it.

[Rachel Churcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more YA reviews, visit my blog - Unsupervised in a Bookstore .

This was a fun read. Three Canadian teenagers on a winter break discover a valuable historical artefact on a snowmobile outing. Excited by their find, the friends soon discover that they are not the only people interested in its history - or its value. Their investigations lead them into unexpected danger as they are forced to decide who they can trust, and who might be hiding a deadly secret.

Double Cross might be a short book, but I was hooked from the first page. The teenage characters are beautifully written - I knew within a couple of pages who they were and what to expect from each of them. As the story progressed, and the three of them faced fear and danger, their personalities shone through. I loved their friendly banter, and the way they could joke with each other even when they found themselves in mortal danger.

The adult characters are similarly well crafted. I particularly loved Aunt Irene, fearless investigative reporter and host to the friends on their holiday. She came alive on the page, providing both energetic adventures and a grown-up grounding - making sure everyone remembered to eat, and asking the right questions at the right times.

As a Brit who has worked and studied in Canada, I enjoyed the specifically Canadian details. The descriptions of the winter landscape were gorgeous, showcasing the cold, crisp beauty of winter woods in snow. The snowmobile sequences and details of the Hudson's Bay blanket made me smile, along with the historical references in the story.

It's a quick read, but with its sparkling characters and exciting plot, Double Cross will drag you in, heart pounding, and keep you guessing until the end.

[Lois Rooney-Giurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this YA novel. It was action-filled, with fleshed-out characters, and a satisfying resolution

This is one of the best books by a first-time author that I have read.