Book Review: Cold Case Double Cross by Jessica R. Patch

COLD CASE DOUBLE CROSS
SERIES: Cold Case Investigators #2
GENRE: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
PUBLISHER: Love Inspired Suspense
RELEASE DATE: August 24, 2021
PAGES: 224

They’re on a cold trail

and running out of time.

Convinced his brother was wrongly convicted of murder years ago, detective Cash Ryland’s determined to find the real killer—even if it puts him in the crosshairs. But he needs help from cold case investigator Mae Vogel, whom he mistreated in high school. Can they put their past aside to solve the murder…before the killer succeeds in silencing them for good?

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“I would die for you. Ten thousand times over.“

Whew! Hold on to your hats because Cold Case Double Cross is one delightfully intense ride from beginning to end!

We met cold case investigator Mae Vogel in Cold Case Takedown (which is also fabulous) but her story can easily be read as a standalone. She has a painful history with Detective Cash Ryland so convincing her to help exonerate his incarcerated brother isn’t easy. As such, there are a lot of dynamics in play – including some personal struggles that neither Mae nor Cash have ever talked about with each other. One in particular (at least in Cash’s mind) could make or break the hope of a relationship between them, the hope that is swirling around with the sparks that zing between them. I loved the deeper interplays that Patch explores – domestic abuse, learning disabilities, and dysfunctional family dynamics – issues that take the story beyond just running for their lives or falling in love without also sacrificing either of those elements that make up a great romantic suspense novel.

Mae and Cash are both very likable characters, easy to relate to, and the kind of people you would want to hang out with if they actually existed outside the pages of a book. Patch has done a fabulous job (as always) of giving them dimension and heart and having them wrestle with not only staying alive but also their feelings for each other and the hurt-filled past that still threatens to drive a wedge between them. Speaking of trying to stay alive… the suspense in this book is Patch at her best. I hardly dared to breathe through certain scenes (and not just the mirror-fogging kisses!!) and there were a couple of moments when I wasn’t sure they both WOULD stay alive. (I’ve still not quite recovered from one of those lol)

Bottom Line: Riveting suspense, high-stakes action, and swoony kisses will keep you on the edge of your seat when you read Cold Case Double Cross by Jessica R. Patch! Several unexpected twists had me gasping out loud, and I say that as someone who reads a LOT of suspense and isn’t absolutely stunned that often. The deeper issues handled with grace and the sweet romance full of heart-pinging sparks balance well with the intensity of the suspense, and the themes of forgiveness and restoration add even further layers to the story. I loved this book & can’t wait for book 3!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 5 stars / fantastic!

KissingBook Level: 4 / keep those fans and fainting couches handy!

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Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists. When she’s not hunched over her laptop, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com.

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