What do you think?
Rate this book
Double Eagle Double Cross
After an unexpectedly thrilling summer with his grandfather, Oregon State student Charley Sawyer is ready to catch his breath at his late parents' Oregon beach home. Hoping for some rest and relaxation, Charley is met instead by devastation: the house has been ransacked. In his inventory of the damage, Charley stumbles across the item the trespasser must have been after, the only thing that seems out of place: a mysterious key. And when he learns what it unlocks, Charley is drawn into yet another adventure with a ragtag group more than willing to help.
Mac Bowman, the brainy and beautiful anthropology student who joined Charley in his summer escapade, is thrilled when she is presented with the opportunity to conduct research in Oregon. Maybe a little time together will allow the pair to explore their feelings for one another. But when she arrives, she is disturbed by what she finds: Charley has disappeared without a trace.
As Charley and Mac each work to unravel their mysteries, their searches collide dramatically. Only one thing is clear: the moment he found the key, Charley unwittingly opened the door to a long-held secret—one that could cost him his life. . . .
Mac Bowman, the brainy and beautiful anthropology student who joined Charley in his summer escapade, is thrilled when she is presented with the opportunity to conduct research in Oregon. Maybe a little time together will allow the pair to explore their feelings for one another. But when she arrives, she is disturbed by what she finds: Charley has disappeared without a trace.
As Charley and Mac each work to unravel their mysteries, their searches collide dramatically. Only one thing is clear: the moment he found the key, Charley unwittingly opened the door to a long-held secret—one that could cost him his life. . . .
272 pages, Unknown Binding
Published August 1, 2017
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 24, 2017
This book looked like an interesting read, so I decided to read it. I did not realize at the time it contains characters from a previous book that I loved. (Beyond the Narrows ) I was very happy to reconnect with Charlie and Mac and their interesting chemistry.
Charlie has a lot of unanswered questions concerning his family. He visits his families home in Oregon, to find it has been wrecked. Someone has gone through everything and torn the home apart, obviously looking for something. Once again, Charlie puts himself in danger to find answers. The book uses the past and clues from the past to solve the mystery. I enjoy how M.R. Durbin is able to weave them together to create an interesting story.
The book has action, suspense, and some romance.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinion expressed are my own.
Charlie has a lot of unanswered questions concerning his family. He visits his families home in Oregon, to find it has been wrecked. Someone has gone through everything and torn the home apart, obviously looking for something. Once again, Charlie puts himself in danger to find answers. The book uses the past and clues from the past to solve the mystery. I enjoy how M.R. Durbin is able to weave them together to create an interesting story.
The book has action, suspense, and some romance.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinion expressed are my own.
August 23, 2017
Have you ever found a rare item in your ancestors belongings?
Did you wonder where it came from?
Would you be willing to go on the chase to find out?
Even if it meant uncovering a secret that could cause your demise???
A truly fun book full of mystery, secret codes,
traditions, and unique treasures.
Did you wonder where it came from?
Would you be willing to go on the chase to find out?
Even if it meant uncovering a secret that could cause your demise???
A truly fun book full of mystery, secret codes,
traditions, and unique treasures.
September 17, 2017
I absolutely loved the prologue of this book and wanted to read more. Then the book shifts from 1902 to present day. I was a little disappointed with this and then again when I realized this is a second book with characters that were introduced in the first book called, "Beyond the Narrows". I almost wanted to stop, read the first book and then continue on with this book. I think it would have helped me know so much more about the characters in this story. I liked what I read about them but always felt like I was missing out on something because I hadn't read the first book. I will for sure go back and read the first book soon.
Double Eagle, Double Cross has an intriguing mystery and the writer leads you through many twists and turns as you try to figure out the huge secret that main character Charley stumbles on to. There were so many interesting historical facts and I loved how at the end in the author 's notes, he talks about the true facts and lists many more cool things.
This story will take you for a ride as you continually wonder what is going to happen. The story is told from two POV's, Charley Sawyer who finds a mysterious key and is drawn into something he'd never planned on and his old "friend"/potential girlfriend, Mac Bowman, an anthropology student who helps unravel the many mysteries and strange things going on. The description of the beautiful Oregon coast make you feel like you are there. The supporting cast of characters are some of the best things about the book. This book truly has a bit of everything in it from romance to mystery and suspense. With the main characters being members of the LDS church, they refer often to religious things but with no preaching about religion at all.
This book will be enjoyed by those that love a great mystery that will make you think hard as you piece all of the clues together. Older teens and adults are the main audience for this novel.
Double Eagle, Double Cross has an intriguing mystery and the writer leads you through many twists and turns as you try to figure out the huge secret that main character Charley stumbles on to. There were so many interesting historical facts and I loved how at the end in the author 's notes, he talks about the true facts and lists many more cool things.
This story will take you for a ride as you continually wonder what is going to happen. The story is told from two POV's, Charley Sawyer who finds a mysterious key and is drawn into something he'd never planned on and his old "friend"/potential girlfriend, Mac Bowman, an anthropology student who helps unravel the many mysteries and strange things going on. The description of the beautiful Oregon coast make you feel like you are there. The supporting cast of characters are some of the best things about the book. This book truly has a bit of everything in it from romance to mystery and suspense. With the main characters being members of the LDS church, they refer often to religious things but with no preaching about religion at all.
This book will be enjoyed by those that love a great mystery that will make you think hard as you piece all of the clues together. Older teens and adults are the main audience for this novel.
November 14, 2024
2.5 stars
I first started this book without realizing that there was one that came before it. In about chapter 3 I went looking for a first book and found it. I quite enjoyed that one. In fact, I liked it well enough that when I found out there was a third book in the series, I got it on my Kindle. (That was isn't on Deseret Bookshelf.) :( I didn't enjoy this one nearly as well. If it had been the first book in the series, I don't know that I would have read the rest of them.
First, I didn't like the fact that Charlie was separated from the rest of the group until about the last hour of the book. It was much more enjoyable when they were all together. Also, because there were two different groups/storylines going on, there was some repeat of information. It was pretty easy for me to see who the bad guys were early on. The only thing that made me question one of them was that it just seemed too obvious -- and I found that one a bit annoying. That part of the story was too much like the first book. (Although, that's the only part I found repetitive from the first one.)
I didn't like Charlie acting so -- for lack of a better word -- stupidly in several situations. Seriously, after what he'd been through earlier that summer, you would think he would have been a little more suspicious.
I also felt like there were some holes in this -- questions that I either tuned out when they were answered, or never actually got answered.
There was one thing at the end that came as a surprise to me. That was fun.
In the end, I decided to round up, because I didn't dislike it enough to dissuade me from reading the third book. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had known going into it that this was not going to be a big group adventure.
I first started this book without realizing that there was one that came before it. In about chapter 3 I went looking for a first book and found it. I quite enjoyed that one. In fact, I liked it well enough that when I found out there was a third book in the series, I got it on my Kindle. (That was isn't on Deseret Bookshelf.) :( I didn't enjoy this one nearly as well. If it had been the first book in the series, I don't know that I would have read the rest of them.
First, I didn't like the fact that Charlie was separated from the rest of the group until about the last hour of the book. It was much more enjoyable when they were all together. Also, because there were two different groups/storylines going on, there was some repeat of information. It was pretty easy for me to see who the bad guys were early on. The only thing that made me question one of them was that it just seemed too obvious -- and I found that one a bit annoying. That part of the story was too much like the first book. (Although, that's the only part I found repetitive from the first one.)
I didn't like Charlie acting so -- for lack of a better word -- stupidly in several situations. Seriously, after what he'd been through earlier that summer, you would think he would have been a little more suspicious.
I also felt like there were some holes in this -- questions that I either tuned out when they were answered, or never actually got answered.
There was one thing at the end that came as a surprise to me. That was fun.
In the end, I decided to round up, because I didn't dislike it enough to dissuade me from reading the third book. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had known going into it that this was not going to be a big group adventure.
August 24, 2017
As this book opened, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. The opening felt a bit slow, but as the plot thickened I got more and more interested and I ended up completely loving it!
It was fun to see all of the characters I loved from Beyond the Narrows back in this one. How can you not love Mac, Charley and the wonderful group of older people that love to push these two together?!
I liked that you see the story from both Mac's and Charley's point of view. Since they aren't together for most of the story that's really helpful. They are both great characters and it was fun to "see" the situations through their eyes.
I liked the plot too. It was mysterious and suspenseful. It was interesting to find out some of the details about how Charley's parents died and wonder just how that all fit into the plot of this one. It was kind of fun that I figured out at least one of the bad guys before the characters did. I was able to kind of yell at them what not to do. That's always fun.
I love the setting of this one. I love all of the coastal cities of Oregon, we went to some of these locations a few years ago and it was fun to have the plot take me back there again.
I really enjoyed this suspenseful book! Can't wait to see if Mac and Charley have more adventures!
It was fun to see all of the characters I loved from Beyond the Narrows back in this one. How can you not love Mac, Charley and the wonderful group of older people that love to push these two together?!
I liked that you see the story from both Mac's and Charley's point of view. Since they aren't together for most of the story that's really helpful. They are both great characters and it was fun to "see" the situations through their eyes.
I liked the plot too. It was mysterious and suspenseful. It was interesting to find out some of the details about how Charley's parents died and wonder just how that all fit into the plot of this one. It was kind of fun that I figured out at least one of the bad guys before the characters did. I was able to kind of yell at them what not to do. That's always fun.
I love the setting of this one. I love all of the coastal cities of Oregon, we went to some of these locations a few years ago and it was fun to have the plot take me back there again.
I really enjoyed this suspenseful book! Can't wait to see if Mac and Charley have more adventures!
December 25, 2017
Charley Sawyer returns to his parents beach house in Oregon to find it ransacked. Why when his parents have been dead over a year? He finds a key that leads to a safe deposit box and further mysteries with a double eagle $20 coin.
Meanwhile, Mac Bowman has a mystery of her own, a pouch that was donated by a local woman in southern Utah which comes from the Oregon coast.
Mac and Charley, their grandads and two couples from "Beyond the Narrows" come together to solve a new life threatening set of mysteries on the Oregon coast.
Beyond the Narrows had a breakneck pace. Double Eagle Double Cross doesn't have the same pace, but the mystery is just as intriguing. The author feeds out clues sparingly. I did think that one character was probably a bad guy but I wasn't sure how things fit with the texts that appeared at end of chapters or in chapter breaks. Most the mysteries are concluded, although some of the historical pieces remain unknown.
A great read. The mature friends and grandads are a hoot and Mac and Charley's romance is sweet and awkward.
Meanwhile, Mac Bowman has a mystery of her own, a pouch that was donated by a local woman in southern Utah which comes from the Oregon coast.
Mac and Charley, their grandads and two couples from "Beyond the Narrows" come together to solve a new life threatening set of mysteries on the Oregon coast.
Beyond the Narrows had a breakneck pace. Double Eagle Double Cross doesn't have the same pace, but the mystery is just as intriguing. The author feeds out clues sparingly. I did think that one character was probably a bad guy but I wasn't sure how things fit with the texts that appeared at end of chapters or in chapter breaks. Most the mysteries are concluded, although some of the historical pieces remain unknown.
A great read. The mature friends and grandads are a hoot and Mac and Charley's romance is sweet and awkward.
September 8, 2020
Make sure you read Beyond the Narrows before you read this book. All the character development takes place in that book and you kind of just jump into the story with this book. Mac’s character is so weak and insecure that she continued to drive me crazy, similar to the first book. Charlie is more than a little clueless and has his own hang ups. I sort of think this author should skip the romance part of the story or develop stronger characters. This was an interesting story. Very predictable but still good. I had almost everything figured exactly right way before the end. The thing that kept me hanging in with the story was to make sure I was right. The old folks were about the best part of the story. They cracked me up. This book is worth the read but don’t go in with too high of expectations.
December 12, 2023
What was fun about this story, as in the first in the series (based in Southern Utah/Zion area), were the descriptions of places I know well - this time on the Oregon coast. Fun characters (some a little annoying), fast-paced, with a believable mystery to solve. I like the actual history the author weaves in. A little predictable. Some eye-rolling at the references to Mormon culture (these parts very cheesy), as well as some of the romantic actions of the main characters. Overall, an enjoyable diversion.
May 20, 2025
A cute lil kosher mystery. Kind of a slow start but the last half of the book ramped up fairly quick.
1 minor gripe: I didn’t love the text messages. I think they revealed too much.
1 major gripe: CHARLEY AND MAC DIDN’T KISS. I waited the whole damn book and they didn’t even TRY to kiss 😡 I understand that Charlie is religious but they could’ve left a little space for Jesus between their bodies and gave a cheeky little PECK. I can’t believe I got blue balled by a Mormon🙄
1 minor gripe: I didn’t love the text messages. I think they revealed too much.
1 major gripe: CHARLEY AND MAC DIDN’T KISS. I waited the whole damn book and they didn’t even TRY to kiss 😡 I understand that Charlie is religious but they could’ve left a little space for Jesus between their bodies and gave a cheeky little PECK. I can’t believe I got blue balled by a Mormon🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
3.5 stars. The suspense and mystery were great, but it wrapped up way too neatly at the end. And I would have loved a little bit of romance. The two main characters talk about their relationship (or lack thereof) throughout the whole book, and
December 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than "Beyond the Narrows" which is a precursor. The setting and the use of real landmarks and features of the area was interesting and I liked it. I also liked the use of older adults again and how it was handled realistically. The inclusion of Native American culture and information was appropriate and not forced as well as being interesting.
July 7, 2018
This book picks up a few weeks after his book Beyond the Narrows left off. So we find Charley solving a new mystery in Oregon and Mac, the grandpas, and the gang end up there too. I figured out two of the bad guys fast.
September 10, 2024
A sequel to Beyond the Narrows by M. R. Durbin, this book will keep you riveted to the very end. I love the elderly group that gets themselves in adventures of finding treasure. It’s unpredictable and leaves you wanting more. I highly recommend this book.
August 23, 2017
3.5 stars
August 27, 2017
Good.
November 26, 2017
The past and the present are intermingled. What do the items found by the son that were preserved by his father mean?
July 31, 2020
Fun clean book. The old people in the book are funny. Some parts made me laugh. Suspenseful
Read
June 24, 2021Just finished first chapter...it promises a lot of mystery......
Double Eagle Double Cross by M.R. Durbin
Double Eagle Double Cross by M.R. Durbin
June 3, 2023
It got very intense!
July 17, 2018
It was interesting and intriguing. I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first book first. But I didn't know it existed. So I gave it three stars, but after reading the first one I changed it to four stars. This is a series that could keep going.
July 15, 2019
Not as good as the first one... anyone else not surprised by Roxy's betrayal?
November 24, 2017
A suspense, which I have to admit, it isn't my favorite genre to read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews