🔪 Book Review: Double Cross by Jeffery Deaver (Kindle Single Edition)
A gritty, fast-paced crime short story that delivers classic Deaver twists in a compact package—Double Cross is a darkly entertaining tale of betrayal, botched plans, and the slippery slope of greed.
🧠 Overview
Published in April 2017, Double Cross is a 32-page Kindle Single by Jeffery Deaver, the bestselling author behind the Lincoln Rhyme and Kathryn Dance series. This standalone short story follows a group of low-level criminals—led by the ruthless “Papa”—who kidnap a man known only as Trunk Man, hoping to score a million dollars in bonds. The plan? Steal the loot, split the cash, and toss the witness off a roof.
But things go sideways fast: a broken axle, a lurking witness, and a cascade of missteps turn their scheme into a blood-soaked disaster. Told from the perspective of one of the triggermen, the story unfolds with Deaver’s trademark tension and a twist that redefines who’s really pulling the strings.
🎯 Key Highlights
- 💬 First-person narration: Offers a raw, intimate look into the mind of a minor villain—cynical, self-deprecating, and darkly funny
- 💰 Crime gone wrong: A classic “heist with a twist” setup that spirals into chaos
- 🧠 Deaver’s signature misdirection: The titular “double cross” is cleverly executed, catching readers off guard
- 🏃 Breakneck pacing: With sharp dialogue and tight plotting, the story moves fast and hits hard
“Everyone was going to be rich. All because of Trunk Man… They hadn’t counted on a few things: like a broken axle, or the witness… or all that blood.” — Goodreads summary
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.45/5 from over 3,800 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the story’s tight structure, dark humor, and unexpected ending
- 🧾 Some found it predictable or wished for more depth, but most enjoyed it as a quick, gritty read
- 💬 “A fast and funny ride… amateurs making fatal errors with a twist that keeps you thinking.” — Letters Inside Out review
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 32 pages, it’s a brief read—ideal for a commute or coffee break
- 📚 Standalone story: Not connected to Deaver’s series characters, but still packed with his signature suspense
- 🔞 Violent themes: Includes crime, murder, and betrayal—intended for mature readers
🏁 Final Verdict
Double Cross is a punchy and darkly entertaining crime story that showcases Jeffery Deaver’s ability to deliver suspense and surprise in a compact format. Perfect for fans of noir-style thrillers, unreliable narrators, and stories where the best-laid plans unravel in spectacular fashion.
