Where Faith and Books Meet: DiAnn Mills: Double Cross

By Kelly Bridgewater

Back Cover Copy:

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.

My Review:

Of course as you all know by now romantic suspense, mysteries, and suspense are my genre of choice. I enjoy reading DiAnn Mills’ romantic suspense books. I even met her last year in St. Louis at the ACFW conference where she critiqued my first chapter of my book and gave me valuable input on how to make my first chapter sing. If your curious, I did review Mills’ previous book in the FBI: Houston series. Here is the link!

As for Double Cross, the characters of Laurel and Daniel make or break the story. Laurel, the heroine, goes back undercover to try to stop an elderly scam. Mills did a great job at showing the physical, emotional, and romantic tension inside Laurel, so the readers can empathize with her dilemmas. Laurel is a brave and confident woman, looking to be loved. The hero, Daniel, knows who he is God and wants Laurel to feel the same confidence and joy he has. You’ll have a hard time not falling in love with Daniel who will stop at nothing to protect his aging grandparents and Laurel. Chivalry definitely isn’t dead in Daniel.

As for the conflict, it starts within the first chapter and move along. There were moments in the middle of the story where I felt the action could have hurried along, but for the most part, Mills does a good job at throwing obstacles in Laurel and Daniel’s way. As for the romantic tension, Laurel and Daniel have to hide their true feelings for each other as they both work undercover, trying to figure out who is scamming the elderly.

There is nothing in the story that younger readers would close their eyes from. The story is moving with a bad guy that I did not see coming. I highly recommend this book to fans of Lynette Eason, Brandilyn Collins, Janice Cantore, or anyone else in this type of romantic suspense genre involving police work.

I received a digital review copy of Double Cross by DiAnn Mills from Tyndale House and all the opinions stated above are my own.

DiAnn Mill’s Bio:

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers' Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America's Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.