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Dora and Rex 1920s Mysteries #4

Double Cross Dead: A Dora and Rex Mystery

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An enemy lurks in the prince's inner circle. He'll do anything to escape justice... even commit murder.

England, 1923. Love is in the air and all eyes are on Windsor Castle, where the royal family is celebrating a new royal engagement.

When party invitations are sent to only an elite few, Dora and Rex's invite comes with strings attached.

There's a traitor hiding within the prince's inner circle. Dora and Rex, England's preeminent undercover spy team, are assigned to uncover the turncoat.

Their sole lead is a tip from an anonymous informant. To get the clue, they must meet him privately during the engagement bash.

But, when they show up at the secret rendezvous, instead of a clue, they find a dead body and Rex's best friend Clark holding the murder weapon.

Has Clark turned traitor or was he framed? Can Dora and Rex work double-time to clear their friend's name and identify the real killer before Scotland Yard's leading investigator puts Clark away for life?

232 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2023

400 people are currently reading
130 people want to read

About the author

Lynn Morrison

102 books234 followers
Lynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England along with her husband, two daughters and two cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.

You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.

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5 stars
442 (65%)
4 stars
187 (27%)
3 stars
44 (6%)
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7 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Lynn Morrison.
Author 102 books234 followers
Read
October 23, 2023
This stands as one of the hardest books I've ever plotted, but it was so worthwhile. I am thrilled to bits with this book, even though the characters took over at the midpoint and dictated an entirely different ending. I cannot wait to get this story out into the world so I can see what readers think.
I really hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it!
Profile Image for Nanette Williamson.
522 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2023
Lords and Ladies get up to mystery and mayhem searching for spies and traitors among the English aristorcracy.
Profile Image for Jill.
117 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2023
Yet again we have a wonderful historical murder mystery, full of twists and turns - plus the bonus of royalty involved this time! Dora and Rex have to (royal) flush out the murderer . . . 🤭
I have to say there was a certain poignancy, for me, to read about our late Queen Elizabeth’s parents, albeit as extras/characters in a fictional tale. Though that’s the thing with this series of Ms Morrisons’, the blend of historical facts and characters, with fabulously imagined stories, are woven so beautifully and seamlessly together that one can easily visualise the events in the books actually occurring. I like to think that maybe they did . . . 😘 Gripping storyline, I was glued to the pages to find out if the culprit was who I thought it might be - especially after being wrong in all the previous books! 🙄😆 There we’re definitely a few Oo and Ahh moments as reveals were revealed along the way - And an Ohhh at that ending! 💖
As this series progresses, we’re given more insights into the characters (which in turn gives them more depth) and also increasing richness and intrigue in the tales - they’re getting better and better each time 😁 Honestly, I was thinking as I was reading this latest fab offering, that I could see these stories on tv or as a Netflix series 😁
Roll on the next book ♥️
Profile Image for Maria.
224 reviews6 followers
October 23, 2023
I already had a fondness for the characters in these stories and love the way their storylines are developed. This latest instalment in their adventures has cemented their place in my affections even more.

Double Cross Dead again paints a vivid picture of the times in which it is set. It’s so easy to imagine the characters, clothing, homes and events, from the descriptions that really set the scene.

The main storyline provides plenty of intrigue, with lots of twists and turns and layers unveiled bit by bit, keeping you guessing until the end. Dora and Rex are really kept on their toes as they work to clear their friend’s name and solve the murder.

As well as the crime under investigation is the story of our main characters, their lives, loves and dreams and I look forward to knowing more about them, as much as I look forward to more of their adventures.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and absolutely loved the ending. Now I look forward with great anticipation to their next adventure.
Profile Image for Starfire.
1,381 reviews32 followers
February 6, 2024
This really wasn't my favourite Dora and Rex instalment, but I don't know how much of that was because I tended to read it in situations where I couldn't give it my full attention.

The only thing I can point to as a specific issue (aside from the editing, which was... not great) was the choice to go back and forward in the timeline of the story, rather than telling it chronologically. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I didn't find it worked for me in this story.

But beyond that, I just didn't feel like story grabbed me. Several of the interactions fell flat for me in ways that interactions in previous books haven't. It *was* nice to see Rex very clearly a fully fledged equal to to Dora in this story, but I'd like to have seen more of him - and indeed, of Dora - in action.

Regardless, it wasn't a bad read, and I'm still looking forward to diving into Book 5 - The Roman Riddle - now that it's out.
Profile Image for Paraphrodite.
2,671 reviews51 followers
April 10, 2025
3.5 stars.

This time it's the murder of a close friend of Prince Bertie and his soon-to-be wife Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon that got Rex and Dora involved. Especially when their hapless friend Clark is caught holding the murder weapon.

It's interesting to read about the late Queen's father and the Queen Mother in their youth when there was no expectation of Bertie becoming King and he was allowed to marry someone he loved.

I didn't think the case itself was that interesting as the suspect list was quite small.
416 reviews7 followers
October 29, 2023
I loved reading about the Royals and the Engagement of Prince Bertie and Elizabeth. Dora and Rex are invited to the Engagement Party at Windsor Castle. Someone has been sending notes that there is a threat to Prince Bertie and his Fiance Elizabeth. Dora and Rex must find out who has been sending the notes and while at the Party and a body is found and a friend of Dora's is found standing over the body with a bloody Knife. Dora and Rex are undercover and they need to find out who killed the Man and help her friend who is accused of the murder and also to keep it quite so the other guests are not aware of the death. So fun I recommend this book and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
272 reviews5 followers
October 30, 2023
What a intriguing page turner!

Excellent! Double Cross Dead is a phenomenal mystery! Lynn weaves factual historical facts together with wholly plausible fictional events to create a whirlpool of political intrigue with rippling undercurrents. The reader is called upon to determine via subtle clues whether the character is a victim or a suspect until gradually eliminated. The reader needs to choose the correct motive from the varying theories of who and why culminating in a not expected ending. It's an excellent brain motivator.
I highly recommend Double Cross Dead and the other books in the Rex and Dora series.
142 reviews
October 30, 2023
A royal engagement party, a dead body, Rex’s good friend the only suspect , a shot that narrowly misses Prince Bertie, and a concern that someone from the Prince’s closest circle is a killer. This is part of the puzzle Dora and Rex must solve to prevent a royal tragedy. This was an interesting book from start to finish. This time I had a feeling who the villain was. I especially enjoyed the scene with the Archbishop.
A very pleasant and unexpected surprise was the Historical Notes at the end of the book. While not a history buff, the tie in between the story and actual history was interesting.
61 reviews
November 2, 2023
I love all of Lynn Morrison's series, and this one is fun. We get to live vicariously in London between the Wars, where the Bright Young Things spend their time on fashion and parties. Our couple are a little more serious though, helping keep spies away from the royals. This time the threat isn't against the obvious person and definitely not from the obvious suspect. There's always an unexpected twist in these books and you get to enjoy reading right to the end before the mystery is solved.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,111 reviews
October 24, 2023
This is the best in an already wonderful series. Great characters in a wonderful setting with a mystery that has plenty of misdirection. Love the growth of the characters as we’ve followed them from the start of the series. Plenty of twists and an unexpected ending. I can’t wait to travel with these characters to Rome.
Profile Image for Lizz Taylor.
1,425 reviews16 followers
October 29, 2023
4.5 rounded to 5. This is not my usual cozy mystery read but I love the historical fiction element and relationship of Dora and Rex as spies. This continuation of the series can be read as a stand alone. The story has a lot of twists and turns and a satisfying ending with an epilogue that makes me eagerly await the next installment.
16 reviews
October 30, 2023
This is a great series! From their introduction as ghost, through the back story of their lives. This may be the largest "locked room" mystery ever written. Dora and Rex are "on duty" while attending the engagement celebration at Windsor Castle for Princess Elizabeth. Then things get exciting. Very tightly written and fun addition to the series.
Profile Image for Larry.
3,066 reviews18 followers
October 30, 2023
I have loved every one of the books in this series! The characters are filled out better with each story and are quite interesting, the plot is easily followed, and the premise is finding the correct killer, who is a consummate actor. I absolutely LOVED the ending, but the lead up to it is shameful to pass up. I most certainly recommend this book.
133 reviews
November 13, 2023
A favorite cozy mystery series ever!

Dora and Rex are at again. Caught in the middle of a mysterious murder. Their best friend is a framed for murder. A royal prince is involved. They must move quietly and quickly to clear his name. Lots of action, many twists and numerous surprises. Best one yet.
383 reviews6 followers
February 27, 2025
Another twisty turny entry into the Dora and Rex universe. The sneaky narrator doesn't tell you all the details at the very beginning, but they go on quite the journey to discover who, of the Royal Prince's closest friends, killed one of their own.

These stories are very engaging and sometimes intense and full of a cast of wonderful individuals who you will come to love.
Profile Image for Mary Reagan.
25 reviews5 followers
Read
August 12, 2025
I enjoyed the story for the most part but I didn’t like the back and forth timelines in the first part of the book. It threw me off. Perhaps this was because I was listening to the audio version and missed some timeline change indications. Maybe it would have been clearer in print. But overall another fun read.
Profile Image for Daria.
211 reviews
October 31, 2023
Fascinating look at the manners and customs of British royalty and aristocracy. A friend of Prince Albert is murdered, and it looks like one of "Bertie's" inner circle is the culprit. Rex and Dora do a great job sorting through clues with their usual flair. Thanks to the author for the e-ARC of this clever mystery.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,906 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2023
Wow. Just wow!

I loved it! Best one in this series yet! The characters are what’s doing it for me, as well as the well-plotted mystery. If you like historical mysteries with lots of twists and turns, why not try this one? You won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Joyce.
68 reviews12 followers
October 31, 2023
Loved it!

I’ve really enjoyed this series. Each book dives deeper into Dora, Rex and their sometimes complicated relationship. Clear your calendar before you start this one. It’s hard to put down!

I received an advance copy of Double Cross Dead. All opinions are my own.
708 reviews
March 6, 2024
An Engagement/Love/ A Murder/!

A murder at an engagement party can only mean one thing-Who might want to delay the wedding or cancel it altogether? It’s up to our team of unknown spies to find out the truth while acting totally like themselves- and they do!
43 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2024
Multifaceted Matrimonial Mayhem

A Royal engagement threatened, a murderer revealed, and life changes evolve. Twists and turns kept this story moving quickly. A very entertaining story plot.
Profile Image for Jill.
383 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2024
Secrets, Lies, and Love

Fascinating. I love this story. But, so many secrets! Royalty have so many rules. Dora and Rex lead such amazing lives. But when someone close to a prince is thought to be traitorous, Dora and Rex have to find out who it is.
35 reviews
March 22, 2025
Lots of twists and turns, loved the historical side of the story and how it wove through the characters, very much enjoyed reading it. A royal engagement, a murder, and a few surprises, couldn’t put it down!
8 reviews
November 26, 2025
Better and Better

This series just keeps getting better with each new episode…Fascinating! Lynn Morrison is a genius with character development, setting the mood, scenic description and historical context!
kdh
272 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2023
I love historical mysteries and this series is becoming one of my favorites. I want to know what is going to happen next with the characters. I feel like the author has really done her research on this time period. The mystery, the setting and the characters make for a wonderful read. I highly recommend this book and the rest in the Dora and Rex 1920s Mystery series.
Profile Image for Emily Mims.
Author 37 books194 followers
November 1, 2023
I loved it!

Skillful mixing of fact and fiction. Interesting heroine and a perfect foil to her in the hero. Clever plot totally entertaining. Fun reading!
3 reviews
November 1, 2023
Brilliant

Excellent as always couldn't out it down once I'd started it. Finished it within 2 days. It was very intriguing.
Profile Image for Richard.
422 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2023
Is there to be a Royal wedding?

Disloyal friends putting state before love and the selfish needs of one friend. I really enjoyed the ending of this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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