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A review by laurenjodi
Double Cross by Carolyn Crane
3.0
Double Cross
3 Stars
A fully fledged disillusionist who uses her health neurosis to force criminals to see the error of their ways, Justine Jones faces an ethical dilemma when she begins to question both the efficacy and the effects of her actions. Equally problematic is the fact that she is torn between two men - Sterling Packard, the enigmatic leader of the disillusionists whose past misdeeds haunt him still, and Otto Sanchez, the powerful mayor of Midcity, whose philosophy of the “ends justify the means” may have disastrous consequences for Justine and those she cares for…
A good sequel despite some problematic elements.
The basic plot revolves around the investigation into a team of serial killers known as the Dorks, who are targeting High-caps. Nevertheless, this storyline takes a back seat to the developments in Justine’s relationships with Otto and Packard.
Otto and Justine's romance is definitely the worst aspect of the book. Not only is he a whiny douchebag, but his smarminess makes me decidedly itchy and uncomfortable. Moreover, the images of he and Justine together are shudder inducing even before the
In contrast, Justine and Packard are amazing together and the shared dreams trope, which is a favorite of mine, only increases the intimacy of the incredible sexual tension and chemistry between them. Unfortunately, Justine is annoyingly obtuse when it comes to realizing Packard’s feelings for her. Yes, he is manipulative, but that doesn’t negate the fact that he is smitten and she is in denial both about her own emotions and his.
Now for the biggest issue with the book - the ending. Not only are there several shocking revelations and disturbing events, but the story ends with a cliffhanger that leaves the reader hanging. It is a good thing that the final installment is already available so that no waiting is necessary to find out what happens next.
3 Stars
A fully fledged disillusionist who uses her health neurosis to force criminals to see the error of their ways, Justine Jones faces an ethical dilemma when she begins to question both the efficacy and the effects of her actions. Equally problematic is the fact that she is torn between two men - Sterling Packard, the enigmatic leader of the disillusionists whose past misdeeds haunt him still, and Otto Sanchez, the powerful mayor of Midcity, whose philosophy of the “ends justify the means” may have disastrous consequences for Justine and those she cares for…
A good sequel despite some problematic elements.
The basic plot revolves around the investigation into a team of serial killers known as the Dorks, who are targeting High-caps. Nevertheless, this storyline takes a back seat to the developments in Justine’s relationships with Otto and Packard.
Otto and Justine's romance is definitely the worst aspect of the book. Not only is he a whiny douchebag, but his smarminess makes me decidedly itchy and uncomfortable. Moreover, the images of he and Justine together are shudder inducing even before the
Spoiler
revelation that he is a murdering scumbag! The idea of Justine marrying him and having sex with him again is giving me the heebie jeebies!In contrast, Justine and Packard are amazing together and the shared dreams trope, which is a favorite of mine, only increases the intimacy of the incredible sexual tension and chemistry between them. Unfortunately, Justine is annoyingly obtuse when it comes to realizing Packard’s feelings for her. Yes, he is manipulative, but that doesn’t negate the fact that he is smitten and she is in denial both about her own emotions and his.
Now for the biggest issue with the book - the ending. Not only are there several shocking revelations and disturbing events, but the story ends with a cliffhanger that leaves the reader hanging. It is a good thing that the final installment is already available so that no waiting is necessary to find out what happens next.