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Taylor Pasbury #2
Double Cross
Double Cross continues the story of Taylor Pasbury, a heroic young woman introduced in James David Jordan’s novel, Forsaken (“highly readable . . . Taylor is a character worth another visit” —BookPage).Raised by a father who was a former Special Forces officer, Taylor is beautiful and brilliant and knows how to take care of herself. But she is haunted by her past and the sacrifice her father made to save her from a brutal rape when she was seventeen. After a controversial stint in the Secret Service, she has become the most prominent private security specialist in America. When she discovers the body of a former client’s top assistant, all the evidence points to embezzlement and suicide. But Taylor has no way of knowing that her mother, who ran out when Taylor was nine, is about to reappear and lead her down a twisting path of danger and deceit. It’s a road that won’t end until they reach the spot where Taylor’s father died—where Taylor learns some sacrifices can never be earned.
387 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
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161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 2, 2019
As page turners go, this one was pretty good; it took me a few days to read it due to time constraints, but, I enjoyed it.
However, some of the details were a bit creepy, and may prove too edgy for some, especially when--spoiler warning!--it's revealed that an adult male character took indecent liberties with a teenage girl at a brothel. That left a vulgar taste in my mouth.
However, some of the details were a bit creepy, and may prove too edgy for some, especially when--spoiler warning!--it's revealed that an adult male character took indecent liberties with a teenage girl at a brothel. That left a vulgar taste in my mouth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2010
I would definitely read other books by this author. The story line was easy to follow, the characters were written well. If you like a "clean" read (meaning no profanity/sex) this you will like. The main character Taylor and her roommate finds the church assistant dead. Looks like suicide but the clues don't add up to suicide. In the meantime, Taylors mom shows up after being absent since she was a child. Lots of twists and turns and the end was surprising.
Reminded me of a Sue Grafton book.
After reading other reviews, I found out this was a Christian lit. but it must have went over my head (LOL) because it didn't seem like a mainstream Christian book.
Highly recommend and will be looking for other books by this author.
From the back of the book:
"The day my mother came back into my life began with a low December fog and a suicide. Mom was not responsible for the fog.
Someone is after former Secret Service agent Taylor Pasbury. Again. The top assistant of prominent televangelist Simon Mason has turned up dead. All signs point to embezzlement and suicide, but something doesn't add up. When Taylor investigates, shots begin to fly.
As if dodging bullets isn't enough, another surprise awaits Taylor, and it's on her front doorstep. Her mother, who abandoned Taylor when she was a child, has reappeared. Soon Taylor, with her mother in tow, is careening down a twisting trail of danger and deceit, where nothing can be taken at face value. It's a path that leads to troubling truths about her family's path. A path could lead to revelation and restoration. Or disaster."
Reminded me of a Sue Grafton book.
After reading other reviews, I found out this was a Christian lit. but it must have went over my head (LOL) because it didn't seem like a mainstream Christian book.
Highly recommend and will be looking for other books by this author.
From the back of the book:
"The day my mother came back into my life began with a low December fog and a suicide. Mom was not responsible for the fog.
Someone is after former Secret Service agent Taylor Pasbury. Again. The top assistant of prominent televangelist Simon Mason has turned up dead. All signs point to embezzlement and suicide, but something doesn't add up. When Taylor investigates, shots begin to fly.
As if dodging bullets isn't enough, another surprise awaits Taylor, and it's on her front doorstep. Her mother, who abandoned Taylor when she was a child, has reappeared. Soon Taylor, with her mother in tow, is careening down a twisting trail of danger and deceit, where nothing can be taken at face value. It's a path that leads to troubling truths about her family's path. A path could lead to revelation and restoration. Or disaster."
Read
January 28, 2011I didn't realize at first this was Christian fiction, a genre I don't generally read. That said, I appreciated that the narrative wasn't really preachy or sappy, and that the protagonist was kind of a doubter, a critical thinker (a quality I think is important for everybody). The protagonist, Taylor, is a secret service agent-turned private security provider. What I didn't like about her was her voice, which didn't ring true as a woman. I kept thinking of her as a man, and then would be jarred when references to her dating, looks, etc. came up again. I haven't had this problem with other women characters written my men, either. [return][return]The story was interesting enough--Taylor is trying to solve a suicide that might be murder and figure out who might have been blackmailing the victim. At the same time, the mother who abandoned her shows up and Taylor tries to reconnect with her and figure out what's happened in the twenty years since they were together. Still, I wasn't that engaged with any of the characters because I couldn't get a good sense of them. Their motivations weren't clear and it seemed like the author was doing a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. [return][return]It's not a terrible book, but not my cup of tea, either.
July 2, 2024
Well, this book…even though it doesn’t mention it…follows the book, Forsaken. You really must read that book first. This book follows it with the story that continues. It seems like it could even have another follow up because there was one storyline that was just left hanging. But I don’t see another book and that’s just as well. This was enough.
It is non-stop action and the plot thickens and changes and you can’t figure out what’s coming next. There’s some humor, which breaks the tension. But it is also a bit unbelievable in parts. Some may enjoy it, and I did finish it, which I usually don’t finish books that are 3 star. But I just had to find out what happened.
It is non-stop action and the plot thickens and changes and you can’t figure out what’s coming next. There’s some humor, which breaks the tension. But it is also a bit unbelievable in parts. Some may enjoy it, and I did finish it, which I usually don’t finish books that are 3 star. But I just had to find out what happened.
March 23, 2018
Having read James David Jordan's first book in this series, Forsaken, this was a natural second read. After my luke warm review of Forsaken I'm glad to say that I was a lot more pleased with Double Cross. Taylor has moved in with Kacey since her father was killed on his first missionary trip to minister to Muslims, and has now met the Mother who left her and her father when she was just 9yrs old. There is also the mystery of the money missing from Kacey's father's ministry organization..
I don't know if there will be a third book but the ending left that possibility open.
I don't know if there will be a third book but the ending left that possibility open.
January 14, 2019
Didn't realize this was part of a series when I first started reading it, which left me with a couple holes in the storyline. I recognize this is my own fault BUT it left the story feeling incomplete at some points.
Aside from that, I immediately fell in love with the characters- we have 2 strong, bad ladies as the lead. The storyline was riveting. I couldn't wait to see what happens next & it was an easy read while still be entertaining.
Aside from that, I immediately fell in love with the characters- we have 2 strong, bad ladies as the lead. The storyline was riveting. I couldn't wait to see what happens next & it was an easy read while still be entertaining.
September 22, 2021
A very intense story.
This storyline was filled with excitement, humor and lessons on what relationships are really about. It is different than other storylines I have read recently and truly held my interest. This journey had many twists and turns.
This storyline was filled with excitement, humor and lessons on what relationships are really about. It is different than other storylines I have read recently and truly held my interest. This journey had many twists and turns.
June 15, 2025
I didn’t know this was the second book but should have picked up on that based on some of the references to past occurrences. The story was fine but I didn’t find the main character to be very believable.
July 27, 2022
Couldn’t put it down. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Highly recommend 😊
August 8, 2023
Usually sequels disappoint me. This one definitely did not! Nearly as engaging as the first, I finished it quickly and enjoyed the ending.
September 24, 2009
Double Cross
James David Jordan
2009
B&H Publishing Group
Fiction/Suspense/Mystery
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Taylor Pasbury, has a history. A violent history. Only 29 and raised by a father who was a former Special Forces Officer, abandoned by her mother at nine, Taylor's life has not been easy. Her father was murdered when she was only seventeen and she was alone. All the training from her father has caused her to turn to a career in private security.
Simon Mason World Ministries, needed a security officer, and Taylor was perfect for the job. A huge international ministry, Simon Mason has been threatened by a blackmailer, and his daughter was kidnapped, and he went to rescue her and was murdered. These are all things of the recent past, and this novel takes up the story, setting the scenario described.
Half a million dollars is missing from the ministry, and fingers originally pointed at Simon Mason. However, after his death an internal audit shows that it is his assistant Elise, who has misappropriated the funds. A visit for confrontation is scheduled. Only when Taylor and Kacey, Simon's daughter arrive, they find Elise in her car in the garage dead. Suicide is the initial ruling. But something is not right. Follow this story as Taylor dives into a investigation that will endanger her, Kacey and her mother, who has reappeared into her life.
James David Jordan, has written an excellent mystery for all suspense lovers. This book will keep your interest and you will finish wishing for more. Most definitely a book to share with others! A five star rating is well deserved for this author and book. 302 pages $14.99 US
Available from your favorite book seller where B&H Publishing books are sold.
December 5, 2009
Simon Mason, of Simon Mason World Ministries, had been murdered. Shortly thereafter, nearly a half million dollars was reported missing from the ministry. The question was who and why.
Taylor Pasbury, the daughter of a former Special Forces officer, had been hired to protect Simon for reasons unknown to Taylor, although she was highly qualified and owned her own security agency. Kacey Mason, Simon’s daughter, was in college and living with Taylor in Simon’s home.
On this foggy December day, Kacey and Taylor were on their way to question Elise Hovden, top assistant to Simon Mason, about the embezzled money and came upon her apparent suicide.
In the late afternoon of that same day, a woman showed up at Taylor and Kacey’s residence. The woman took out her camera and said to Taylor, “Smile, baby, I’m your mother.” That was her initial reunion after 20 years of silence from her mother, who abandoned her at age 9. The relationship was strange, to put it mildly. It brought turmoil to Taylor over her mother’s strange behaviors, abandonment, sudden reappearance, the truth about her past, and the death of her father as he protected her from being raped.
Taylor and her mother manage to get themselves entangled in the mystery of the embezzlement, and find themselves mixed up in a twisted, fast-paced kidnapping.
This is a book of many twists to keep you guessing to the end. I enjoyed it tremendously.
www.jamesdavidjordan.com
An advanced readers copy was supplied by The B & B Media Group, Inc. for my review, which is my own personal opinion of the book. I receive no compensation. I review books for the pure pleasure of encouraging others to read good Christian books.
Taylor Pasbury, the daughter of a former Special Forces officer, had been hired to protect Simon for reasons unknown to Taylor, although she was highly qualified and owned her own security agency. Kacey Mason, Simon’s daughter, was in college and living with Taylor in Simon’s home.
On this foggy December day, Kacey and Taylor were on their way to question Elise Hovden, top assistant to Simon Mason, about the embezzled money and came upon her apparent suicide.
In the late afternoon of that same day, a woman showed up at Taylor and Kacey’s residence. The woman took out her camera and said to Taylor, “Smile, baby, I’m your mother.” That was her initial reunion after 20 years of silence from her mother, who abandoned her at age 9. The relationship was strange, to put it mildly. It brought turmoil to Taylor over her mother’s strange behaviors, abandonment, sudden reappearance, the truth about her past, and the death of her father as he protected her from being raped.
Taylor and her mother manage to get themselves entangled in the mystery of the embezzlement, and find themselves mixed up in a twisted, fast-paced kidnapping.
This is a book of many twists to keep you guessing to the end. I enjoyed it tremendously.
www.jamesdavidjordan.com
An advanced readers copy was supplied by The B & B Media Group, Inc. for my review, which is my own personal opinion of the book. I receive no compensation. I review books for the pure pleasure of encouraging others to read good Christian books.
January 23, 2016
I have been waiting a year to read DOUBLE CROSS by James David Jordan. And can I say . . . It was definitely worth the wait!
The sequel to FORSAKEN, DOUBLE CROSS continues the story of Taylor Pasbury, ex-secret service turned private security agent. In FORSAKEN, Taylor is left devastated by the death of Simon Mason, a televangelist she was hired to protect, but whose relationship turned into so much more. In DOUBLE CROSS, we see the incredible bond Taylor has forged with Mason's daughter, Kacey. We also watch as Taylor struggles with her new-found Christianity. In her heart or hearts she wants to live a redeemed life as a testament to Mason's impact on her life. But old habits die hard and she finds herself continuing to struggle with personal choices.
Things quickly heat up when Elise Hovden, Simon's former top assistant is found dead by apparent suicide. But it doesn't add up to Taylor. Yes, Elise was about to turn herself in for embezzlement, and was emotionally distraught over Simon's death, but why would she arrange for a meeting with Taylor if she was just going to off herself? Instinctively, Taylor does some digging. And what she finds out is more than she bargained for. Add that together with the reappearance of her mother that abandoned her at the age of nine, and Taylor soon finds herself on overload with a killer close on her heels.
I don't know what it is about Jordan's writing that so thoroughly captives me, but it does. Normally drawn to the romance genre, I always wish for more to happen romantically in Taylor's life, but I'm never disappointed with the story. FORSAKEN is a great novel for both the male and female reader. Kudos to James David Jordan. He's done it again!
The sequel to FORSAKEN, DOUBLE CROSS continues the story of Taylor Pasbury, ex-secret service turned private security agent. In FORSAKEN, Taylor is left devastated by the death of Simon Mason, a televangelist she was hired to protect, but whose relationship turned into so much more. In DOUBLE CROSS, we see the incredible bond Taylor has forged with Mason's daughter, Kacey. We also watch as Taylor struggles with her new-found Christianity. In her heart or hearts she wants to live a redeemed life as a testament to Mason's impact on her life. But old habits die hard and she finds herself continuing to struggle with personal choices.
Things quickly heat up when Elise Hovden, Simon's former top assistant is found dead by apparent suicide. But it doesn't add up to Taylor. Yes, Elise was about to turn herself in for embezzlement, and was emotionally distraught over Simon's death, but why would she arrange for a meeting with Taylor if she was just going to off herself? Instinctively, Taylor does some digging. And what she finds out is more than she bargained for. Add that together with the reappearance of her mother that abandoned her at the age of nine, and Taylor soon finds herself on overload with a killer close on her heels.
I don't know what it is about Jordan's writing that so thoroughly captives me, but it does. Normally drawn to the romance genre, I always wish for more to happen romantically in Taylor's life, but I'm never disappointed with the story. FORSAKEN is a great novel for both the male and female reader. Kudos to James David Jordan. He's done it again!
October 18, 2009
Double Cross by James David Jordan is the sequel to Forsaken and continues the story of Taylor Pasbury, a brave twenty-nine year old woman who runs her own security company. Taylor is living with Kacey, daughter of a good friend who was murdered in the Forsaken. She promised to watch out for Kacey and the two have become as close as sisters. When the two women go to confront a former worker of Kacey's father who appeared to have been embezzling from the business, they instead find her dead of an apparent suicide. The pieces just don't add up to Taylor who can't let the investigation go, especially when it seems to involve her newly returned mother, Hillary. Hillary and Taylor have been estranged for over twenty years, and their reunion is more than bumpy. Taylor is a fabulous character who is just learning what it means to be a Christian. Her faith has helped her beat her addiction to alcohol, but she still struggles with understanding just what being a Christian means. She's enormously fun to read; her interior dialogue keeps the reader smiling, and wait until you see how she takes one bad guy down! When her friend Michael says, "They didn't know what they were getting into" referring to messing with Taylor, he's right on the money. Taylor is smart, funny, and tough, and I can't wait to read what she does next.
February 13, 2010
Taylor is a former Secret Service agent. At the beginning of the book her and Kacey(prominent televangelist Simon Mason’s daughter) go to Simon’s top assistant to confront her about embezzling money from the ministry. When they arrive at the woman’s house they discover her dead in her car with the engine running. An apparent suicide.
Taylor hasn’t seen her mother in 20 years. She walked out on her and her father when she was 9. Her mother arrives on her doorstep out of the blue. Taylor is wanting a relationship with her mother, but her mother really doesn’t know how to be a mom.
Amidst trying to find out who actually embezzled the money Taylor meets up with a reporter that is working on a case involving a prostitution ring that may actually hit a little bit too close to home.
Double Cross is full of action and suspense that kept me turning the pages. I’m a little confused about why it would be considered a Christian book. Was it clean? Yes, there was no foul language. There was a brief mention of sex. Was there redemption? I think that it was vaguely implied but a salvation message was not clear. James David Jordan writes a very fast-paced story that is very entertaining and one that I would recommend to other readers.
Taylor hasn’t seen her mother in 20 years. She walked out on her and her father when she was 9. Her mother arrives on her doorstep out of the blue. Taylor is wanting a relationship with her mother, but her mother really doesn’t know how to be a mom.
Amidst trying to find out who actually embezzled the money Taylor meets up with a reporter that is working on a case involving a prostitution ring that may actually hit a little bit too close to home.
Double Cross is full of action and suspense that kept me turning the pages. I’m a little confused about why it would be considered a Christian book. Was it clean? Yes, there was no foul language. There was a brief mention of sex. Was there redemption? I think that it was vaguely implied but a salvation message was not clear. James David Jordan writes a very fast-paced story that is very entertaining and one that I would recommend to other readers.
Read
August 1, 2011Though not as packed with as many mind-boggling twists as Jordan's first novel in the series, Forsaken, Double Cross was just as hard to put down. The plot is crammed full of well-choreographed action and intrigue. It's proved more gripping than I was expecting. Taylor is a surprisingly endearing character, with her mix of tough/crazy-Secret-Service-chick exterior and a heart that melts into tears "at the drop of a hat". Her personality keeps the reader guessing, in an entertaining and winning way. I'm impressed at how Jordan weaves much of her emotional baggage into the obstacles Taylor faces in the story, but draws in enough outside sources of trauma, suspense, and drama to make it a realistic and engaging thriller. I underestimated this book, expecting it to be bland and predictable, where it was anything but. I love Taylor's narrative voice; she's a very solid, three-dimensional protagonist and one of the most unusually blended characters I've ever met. Anything the plot might lack in unexpected intricacy, Taylor makes up for with the sometimes startling uniqueness of her personality. I really hope Jordan carries on this series, as I've found it quite engaging and would love to see Taylor develop even further as a character.
Want to read
February 11, 2017I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14245962
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14245962
November 12, 2009
After finishing the first book "Forsaken", I was eager to read the sequel "Double Cross" and I was not disappointed. It is good to note, that this book could easily be enjoyed read as a stand alone as well. The suspense and the action in this book was on a level up from Forsaken and the pages were turned even faster. I was astonished at how fast I read the book, but I just wanted to get to the next scene.
This novel reunites a mother and child in a unique way and takes a reader through a gambit of emotions on whether or not they will appreciate the mother. The depth of character is realistic and invites a reader to delve into their own relationships looking at joys and woes. I recommend the reading of books by James David Jordan and look forward to more in the future myself.
November 17, 2009
When I heard that there was going to be a sequel to Forsaken by James David Jordan, I was thrilled. I have to say that I wasn't disappointed! Double Cross is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you reading until the end. As I hoped, the character of Taylor Pasbury gets more of a look-in and her personality is really developed in this book. More of a Christian message than the last, the theme of forgiveness really shines through. I have heard along the grapevine that there will be a 3rd installment so I can't wait to see more! 5 stars from me!
February 2, 2011
The book didn't grab me like I was hoping it would. I only found one part a bit of a page turner and then the ending was very anticlimactic. If I had known the Christian element was going to be as vital to the plot, I may have skipped this one. That being said, it was a decent read for the most part. It wasn't overly preachy (except towards the end), but I felt it was a bit lackluster in the suspense area. I think the author had a good plot but just didn't develop it to the fullest extent. The underdeveloped areas made the book lag. Just a bit "meh" in my opinion.
May 2, 2019
Taylor raised by a father she loved, worked with Simon, another that she loved. His death, leaves a hole and questions. Simon and Brandon are the two who stuck with her and her problem with alcohol. The embezzlement was not him, but another, a woman who leaves a suicide note, unsigned saying she was the one who had done it. Trying to find answer, when a mother who left when a child reappears. Things are twisted, and uncertain, of where this will led to, would she even trust her. Just finding out there is a half brother in this mix. Intriguing, and I like the role of Taylor and Kacey.
January 15, 2010
It started good but lost interest for me about half way through. I ended up just scanning pages so that I could get through it. Not really sure how it ended.
I'll admit that I've put now put this one back on my re-read again list. It's received some great reviews so I'm wondering what I was missing.
I'll admit that I've put now put this one back on my re-read again list. It's received some great reviews so I'm wondering what I was missing.
November 14, 2009
7/10
i thought this was a great novel. Unfortunately when I received this novel. I didn't know this was the second novel of the series.
I'm really looking forward to read James David Jordan's other novels
i thought this was a great novel. Unfortunately when I received this novel. I didn't know this was the second novel of the series.
I'm really looking forward to read James David Jordan's other novels
April 15, 2012
Read this years ago! Loved it!
March 9, 2013
it was ok!
February 2, 2014
I truly enjoyed this book and will read everything written by this author. You can read my full review here: http://www.buddenbookreviews.com/chri...
July 21, 2014
Double Cross continues the story of Taylor Pasbury, a heroic young woman introduced in James David Jordan’s novel, Forsaken (“highly readable . . .
July 30, 2016
Good read!
This was an exciting, suspenseful book, with humor throughout, and a fun book to read. I would highly recommend this author and series.
This was an exciting, suspenseful book, with humor throughout, and a fun book to read. I would highly recommend this author and series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews