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Mélisende Thrillers #1
Double Identity
Deeply in love, a chic Parisian lifestyle before her. Now she’s facing prison for murder.
It’s three days since Mel des Pittones threw in her job as an intelligence analyst with the French special forces to marry financial trader Gérard Rohlbert. But her dream turns to nightmare when she wakes to find him dead in bed beside her.
Her horror deepens when she’s accused of his murder. Met Police detective Jeff McCracken wants to pin Gérard’s death on her. Mel must track down the real killer, even if that means being forced to work with the obnoxious McCracken.
But as she unpicks her fiancé’s past, she discovers his shocking secret life. To get to the truth, she has to go undercover and finds almost everybody around her is hiding a second self.
Mel can trust nobody. Can she uncover the real killer before they stop her?
A stunning new thriller from the author of the award-winning Roma Nova series, fans of Daniel Silva or and Stella Rimington will love Double Identity.
It’s three days since Mel des Pittones threw in her job as an intelligence analyst with the French special forces to marry financial trader Gérard Rohlbert. But her dream turns to nightmare when she wakes to find him dead in bed beside her.
Her horror deepens when she’s accused of his murder. Met Police detective Jeff McCracken wants to pin Gérard’s death on her. Mel must track down the real killer, even if that means being forced to work with the obnoxious McCracken.
But as she unpicks her fiancé’s past, she discovers his shocking secret life. To get to the truth, she has to go undercover and finds almost everybody around her is hiding a second self.
Mel can trust nobody. Can she uncover the real killer before they stop her?
A stunning new thriller from the author of the award-winning Roma Nova series, fans of Daniel Silva or and Stella Rimington will love Double Identity.
338 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2021
19 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Alison Morton
38 books150 followersAlison Morton's award-winning thrillers feature tough but compassionate heroines. She lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her contemporary thrillers, Double Identity, Double Pursuit and Double Stakes.
Her eleven-book Roma Nova thriller series is set in an imaginary European country where part of the ancient Roman Empire has survived and is now ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache with courage and a sharp line in dialogue.
Six years’ military service, a fascinating with Ancient Rome and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction have inspired her writing. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history.
Subscribe to her newsletter at https://www.alison-morton.com/newslet... and receive two short stories as a thank you gift.
Her eleven-book Roma Nova thriller series is set in an imaginary European country where part of the ancient Roman Empire has survived and is now ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache with courage and a sharp line in dialogue.
Six years’ military service, a fascinating with Ancient Rome and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction have inspired her writing. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history.
Subscribe to her newsletter at https://www.alison-morton.com/newslet... and receive two short stories as a thank you gift.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 11, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
DOUBLE IDENTITY by Alison Morton is a completely engaging, fast-paced thriller that grabbed me from page one. This is a new to me author with an amazing new heroine who is a former French Intelligence Analyst Special Forces soldier with dual French and English citizenship.
Melisende “Mel” des Pittones has retired from the French Army to get married to Gerard Rohlbert who is a financial trader. As the story begins, they are in England and Mel wakes up with a clouded mind and a dead fiance next to her in bed. Even with her years of service in the army, Mel is accused of the murder and Met Police DI Jeff McCracken is determined to find proof of her guilt.
Mel and McCracken end up working together in a new EU investigative service to find out the truth about her fiance’s murder. Everyone seems to be hiding secrets and Mel is not sure who she can trust. Will she be able to uncover the killer before she becomes the next victim?
This is one of those perfect thrillers that you just cannot put down and you keep turning the pages until you get to the end. Mel is a wonderful new protagonist who is as intelligent and tough as any of the male protagonists out there in other thriller series. Her international background adds to my interest in her and makes the plot even more believable as she chases answers all over Europe. McCracken is an interesting character who goes from believing Mel is guilty of murder, to just being obnoxious, to actually being a viable believable partner for her.
I highly recommend this new international thriller heroine and this fast-paced read!
DOUBLE IDENTITY by Alison Morton is a completely engaging, fast-paced thriller that grabbed me from page one. This is a new to me author with an amazing new heroine who is a former French Intelligence Analyst Special Forces soldier with dual French and English citizenship.
Melisende “Mel” des Pittones has retired from the French Army to get married to Gerard Rohlbert who is a financial trader. As the story begins, they are in England and Mel wakes up with a clouded mind and a dead fiance next to her in bed. Even with her years of service in the army, Mel is accused of the murder and Met Police DI Jeff McCracken is determined to find proof of her guilt.
Mel and McCracken end up working together in a new EU investigative service to find out the truth about her fiance’s murder. Everyone seems to be hiding secrets and Mel is not sure who she can trust. Will she be able to uncover the killer before she becomes the next victim?
This is one of those perfect thrillers that you just cannot put down and you keep turning the pages until you get to the end. Mel is a wonderful new protagonist who is as intelligent and tough as any of the male protagonists out there in other thriller series. Her international background adds to my interest in her and makes the plot even more believable as she chases answers all over Europe. McCracken is an interesting character who goes from believing Mel is guilty of murder, to just being obnoxious, to actually being a viable believable partner for her.
I highly recommend this new international thriller heroine and this fast-paced read!
January 10, 2021
This exhilarating new thriller from Alison Morton kept me glued to its pages from start to finish. It starts with a young woman, Melisende (Mel), who recently left the French military to marry her fiance, Gerard, but finds him lying dead beside her in bed. The story begins in London where the police initially suspect her of killing Gerard, but moves swiftly to rural France, Brussels, London, and other locations. Mel gets paired with the investigator, McCracken, tasked with finding Gerard's murderer. The action never stops, the story never slows, and you never want to put the book down until you've finished. The nonstop action involves Russian mafia, traitors, bombers, high finance, and illegal arms deals.
The author illustrates her characters well in colorful, nuanced descriptions - the ex-military heroine, the traitor, the hard-nosed cop, the department head, the financier and his live-in gay lover, and even the French gendarmes who make brief appearances. I think I would recognize them if they walked in my front door.
All in all, a wonderful novel that I can highly recommend.
The author illustrates her characters well in colorful, nuanced descriptions - the ex-military heroine, the traitor, the hard-nosed cop, the department head, the financier and his live-in gay lover, and even the French gendarmes who make brief appearances. I think I would recognize them if they walked in my front door.
All in all, a wonderful novel that I can highly recommend.
November 3, 2021
Double Identity is a contemporary thriller and is the first book in the Mélisende series. It follows the events surrounding the shocking death of Mélisende’s (Mel’s) fiancé. Initially the prime suspect for his death, ex-French army specialist soldier Mel joins forces with British police to solve the mystery.
Mel must now work alongside Detective Jeff McCracken, the man who first accused her of the murder; it causes quite a frosty working relationship. However, the pace of the investigation soon picks up and Mel uses her specialist training skills to help the case, though her attitude and work ethic tread on the toes of more than one character.
I have read other books by this author, so I am familiar with her style that uses military-based characters. The author’s own army training shines through in the details of the narrative, but it does make the MC quite a cold harsh character which can be hard to empathise with. There are one or two small moments of warmth from Mel and I did appreciate reading those as they made her a more rounded character.
I enjoyed the mystery investigation, though I did spot the probable culprit early on. I don't think it was especially obvious, though.
Mel must now work alongside Detective Jeff McCracken, the man who first accused her of the murder; it causes quite a frosty working relationship. However, the pace of the investigation soon picks up and Mel uses her specialist training skills to help the case, though her attitude and work ethic tread on the toes of more than one character.
I have read other books by this author, so I am familiar with her style that uses military-based characters. The author’s own army training shines through in the details of the narrative, but it does make the MC quite a cold harsh character which can be hard to empathise with. There are one or two small moments of warmth from Mel and I did appreciate reading those as they made her a more rounded character.
I enjoyed the mystery investigation, though I did spot the probable culprit early on. I don't think it was especially obvious, though.
February 21, 2021
Well that was a page turner! It should come with a warning—do not attempt to read before bed. Your next day self will be sleep-deprived. Alison Morton has created a kick-ass heroine Mel. Previously a French army intelligence officer, Mel is preparing to start a new life with her fiancé, that is until she finds him dead in her bed. It doesn’t help that she’s the prime suspect and being investigated by a tenacious, stubborn UK detective, McCracken. As she investigates her fiancé’s death, she is drawn into a high-stakes investigation (no spoilers!). I loved all the characters, especially the side characters Oliver and the formidable and terrifying Aimee. Mel and McCracken’s chemistry steadily crackled as they were forced to work together. Double Identity is a fast-paced thriller that will have you tearing up the pages to reach the end.
March 23, 2021
Oh, how much I love reading a good, fast-paced thriller. If it has an interesting international touch, the better...
Double Identity by Alison Morton was a pleasant surprise. I had the chance to read a short abstract of the plot, but I was not prepared for the full package of action every couple of paragraphs. I´ve read it in one sitting without taking too much care of what was happening in my immediate reading and non-fictional reality. I simply could not give up following Mélisende´s search for the reason and the person who killed her fiancé, while sleeping in a hotel room in a private hotel in London.
The story starts as a relatively private crime: Gérard, a trader of not too much importance, is discovered dead by night, following an injection with a mysterious substance. She is the first suspect. Mélisande is not a noone. Born in wealth pertaining from the pre-Revolutionary France, with a British-born mother and a father owning a castle, she has an adventurous life of herself, with a very active past working in the special operations division of the French Army intelligence. She just gave up her military career in order to start a new life with her partner. It was not meant to be and she is forced to get back in the field.
Tracing back his boyfriend´s murder, there are octopus-like connections leading to ´non-friendly´ outside of the EU countries, revealing various inimities and institutional ironies within the EU itself. One may need a bit of political backgrund to fully taste the jokes and fine allusions, but not necessarily.
The story developes in a fast pace, but as in the case of any respectable good thriller, only the very last pages will reveal the culprits and the amplitude of the criminal connections.
Although I´ve felt a couple of times that the dialogues are not necessarily at the same audacity with the descriptive moments, there is an entincing way of creating the suspense, with the sentences becoming shorter and as focused as arrows when there is action coming up or unfolding. The literary effects are particularly good.
There are a lot of characters brought to life in this story, not all of them clear enough or memorable enough, but the main ones are introduced in a very detailed way, with a strong social and national background which define their motivations as well as their social status.
In times of political troubles and strange social outbursts, Double Identity by Alison Morton offers a glimpse into the tensed movements taking place behind the closed doors and windows of the European financial and political scene. Those fascinated by this realm, as I do, will be delighted in this book.
Disclaimer: Book offered part of a blog book tour, by the opinions are, as usual, my own
Double Identity by Alison Morton was a pleasant surprise. I had the chance to read a short abstract of the plot, but I was not prepared for the full package of action every couple of paragraphs. I´ve read it in one sitting without taking too much care of what was happening in my immediate reading and non-fictional reality. I simply could not give up following Mélisende´s search for the reason and the person who killed her fiancé, while sleeping in a hotel room in a private hotel in London.
The story starts as a relatively private crime: Gérard, a trader of not too much importance, is discovered dead by night, following an injection with a mysterious substance. She is the first suspect. Mélisande is not a noone. Born in wealth pertaining from the pre-Revolutionary France, with a British-born mother and a father owning a castle, she has an adventurous life of herself, with a very active past working in the special operations division of the French Army intelligence. She just gave up her military career in order to start a new life with her partner. It was not meant to be and she is forced to get back in the field.
Tracing back his boyfriend´s murder, there are octopus-like connections leading to ´non-friendly´ outside of the EU countries, revealing various inimities and institutional ironies within the EU itself. One may need a bit of political backgrund to fully taste the jokes and fine allusions, but not necessarily.
The story developes in a fast pace, but as in the case of any respectable good thriller, only the very last pages will reveal the culprits and the amplitude of the criminal connections.
Although I´ve felt a couple of times that the dialogues are not necessarily at the same audacity with the descriptive moments, there is an entincing way of creating the suspense, with the sentences becoming shorter and as focused as arrows when there is action coming up or unfolding. The literary effects are particularly good.
There are a lot of characters brought to life in this story, not all of them clear enough or memorable enough, but the main ones are introduced in a very detailed way, with a strong social and national background which define their motivations as well as their social status.
In times of political troubles and strange social outbursts, Double Identity by Alison Morton offers a glimpse into the tensed movements taking place behind the closed doors and windows of the European financial and political scene. Those fascinated by this realm, as I do, will be delighted in this book.
Disclaimer: Book offered part of a blog book tour, by the opinions are, as usual, my own
January 4, 2021
High-octane thrills with feisty heroine and French / English bi-national flavour
Sexual harassment in the workplace gets the knee in the groin you’ve always wanted to deliver, in this gutsy thriller featuring a highly trained special force operative, Mel. Being so skilled in physical defence and quick to retaliate has drawbacks, however, especially as she’s investigating her fiance’s suspicious death in her bed and can’t afford to cross professional lines. She’s both helped and hindered by her rough diamond of a partner, McCracken, who tends to call a spade a shovel and who had her pinned for the murder right from the get-go.
My favourite relationship in the book is that between Mel and Oliver, the innocent gay partner of a crook Mel is tracking undercover. The undercover scenes in the Roma Nova series were among my favourites and in this sidestep to a new genre, the author conveys the betrayal implicit in undercover work, lying to those who become collateral damage. The conversations between Mel and Oliver are heartbreaking and the pain for both of them comes across.
Vulnerable underneath her hard shell, Mel discovers how little she knew the man she was going to marry and some of those around her enjoy her humiliation. Not McCracken, whose dogged pursuit of the truth overcomes his resentment at the forced partnership and the gradual formation of this duo into a team crackling with sexual tension (in a good way) is one of the entertaining threads in the novel.
High octane dangers and escapes have that attention to detail which is Alison Morton’s hallmark in all her books. Every break-in, jab in the neck or train journey is described with convincing accuracy. Mel’s bi-nationality gives a unique dimension to the story, action and point of view, which lets the reader breathe in British and French culture – a big plus these days when I feel the walls are closing in.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy a thriller with a female lead - and who doesn't! Follows on well from the alternative history Roma Nova series and should please loyal readers like me as well as attracting new ones.
Sexual harassment in the workplace gets the knee in the groin you’ve always wanted to deliver, in this gutsy thriller featuring a highly trained special force operative, Mel. Being so skilled in physical defence and quick to retaliate has drawbacks, however, especially as she’s investigating her fiance’s suspicious death in her bed and can’t afford to cross professional lines. She’s both helped and hindered by her rough diamond of a partner, McCracken, who tends to call a spade a shovel and who had her pinned for the murder right from the get-go.
My favourite relationship in the book is that between Mel and Oliver, the innocent gay partner of a crook Mel is tracking undercover. The undercover scenes in the Roma Nova series were among my favourites and in this sidestep to a new genre, the author conveys the betrayal implicit in undercover work, lying to those who become collateral damage. The conversations between Mel and Oliver are heartbreaking and the pain for both of them comes across.
Vulnerable underneath her hard shell, Mel discovers how little she knew the man she was going to marry and some of those around her enjoy her humiliation. Not McCracken, whose dogged pursuit of the truth overcomes his resentment at the forced partnership and the gradual formation of this duo into a team crackling with sexual tension (in a good way) is one of the entertaining threads in the novel.
High octane dangers and escapes have that attention to detail which is Alison Morton’s hallmark in all her books. Every break-in, jab in the neck or train journey is described with convincing accuracy. Mel’s bi-nationality gives a unique dimension to the story, action and point of view, which lets the reader breathe in British and French culture – a big plus these days when I feel the walls are closing in.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy a thriller with a female lead - and who doesn't! Follows on well from the alternative history Roma Nova series and should please loyal readers like me as well as attracting new ones.
January 19, 2021
Alison Norton is well known for her popular Roma Nova novels, but this book took me completely by surprise. This was a real change of direction for Alison, a completely different type of story.
The book is a thriller involving Melisande (Mel for short) a French military officer with dual nationality, and McCracken a British policeman. It starts when Mel wakes one morning next to the dead body of her lover. She is instantly suspected of murdering him, particularly by McCracken. To say that sparks fly between them would be an understatement.
The plot thickens when Mel is transferred from her military post into a mysterious European investigation service and she is teamed up with McCracken. From then on the story gallops along at an increasingly fast pace and Mel faces danger after danger, from Russian thugs, arms smugglers and money launderers.
I particularly loved the dynamics between Mel and McCracken, and their growing relationship was completely believable.
I could talk forever about this novel, but then, you wouldn’t need to read it. What I will say is that this book made my heart pound and had me on the edge of my seat. And I’m not sure if I’ve forgiven the author for my sleep deprivation while reading it. If you like a thrilling read, you’re going to love this.
Chris Longmuir
The book is a thriller involving Melisande (Mel for short) a French military officer with dual nationality, and McCracken a British policeman. It starts when Mel wakes one morning next to the dead body of her lover. She is instantly suspected of murdering him, particularly by McCracken. To say that sparks fly between them would be an understatement.
The plot thickens when Mel is transferred from her military post into a mysterious European investigation service and she is teamed up with McCracken. From then on the story gallops along at an increasingly fast pace and Mel faces danger after danger, from Russian thugs, arms smugglers and money launderers.
I particularly loved the dynamics between Mel and McCracken, and their growing relationship was completely believable.
I could talk forever about this novel, but then, you wouldn’t need to read it. What I will say is that this book made my heart pound and had me on the edge of my seat. And I’m not sure if I’ve forgiven the author for my sleep deprivation while reading it. If you like a thrilling read, you’re going to love this.
Chris Longmuir
December 31, 2020
Great start to a welcome new series! I love Alison Morton's ROMA NOVA series, but may actually like this new series even more. The protagonist (Melisande) is a young woman of dual French and English citizenship, who has just left the French Army when this story opens. She has retired from service because she is engaged to be married. Sadly, as our story opens, Mel wakes to find her fiance' dead in their bed. Naturally, she is immediately suspected of causing his death, and of course she is determined to discover exactly what happened and why.
This engrossing tale swept me up and kept me reading as fast as I could flip the pages. I am in awe of Alison Morton, who has exactly the right background to write believable thrillers about a female soldier. I love the ROMA NOVA books and recommend them highly, but this new series should find an even wider audience. Well done!
This engrossing tale swept me up and kept me reading as fast as I could flip the pages. I am in awe of Alison Morton, who has exactly the right background to write believable thrillers about a female soldier. I love the ROMA NOVA books and recommend them highly, but this new series should find an even wider audience. Well done!
January 9, 2021
One of the things Alison Morton does well is 'army stuff' not just the detail of combat, weapons, procedure etc but the believable mindset of a serving army officer ... which, of course, is not surprising as Ms Morton _was_ a serving army officer! It was this skill, and her huge knowledge of the Roman Empire, which made her Roma Nova alternative history/thriller series such a success - and that same skill is repeated here in Double Identity. Believable plot and story, believable characters, an exciting read. I liked both main characters 'Melly-sand' and McCracken (I did giggle at his mispronunciation of Mel's French name - a very clever way of informing readers of how to pronounce it!)
Looking forward to a follow-up now!
Looking forward to a follow-up now!
February 2, 2021
Alison Morton is a writer who knows how to create fast-paced thriller with feisty heroines. Her new venture into modern crime reminds me of the gritty Scandinavian and French crime series that are now popular on T.V. combined with a dash of James Bond without the glamour. Without giving away any spoilers, what looks like an accidental death turns out to be anything but. Drawing on her own military background, the reader is soon plunged into the actions of foreign intelligence agencies, particularly the French, who join forces to solve the crime. Highly recommended.
February 11, 2021
Mel wakes up, cold and disorientated, in a hotel room in London, her fiancé dead in the bed next to her; the life she had planned, gone before it’s begun. She soon becomes caught up in the murder enquiry and as a former soldier in the French army, highly skilled in combat and surveillance, she goes from suspect, to being seconded to the investigation. It is a crime that goes far beyond murder and reveals secrets from Gérard’s life she finds difficult to understand.
Mel is fiery, fearless and powerful, and leaves nothing to chance, especially if she thinks she is being followed. Her policy is to bring them down, secure them, then question them later. I will admit my heart was in my mouth every time she left somewhere by herself, as despite not being one to be messed with, she had a lot of enemies happy to try.
As the links between Gérard and the list of suspects became evermore entangled, the more the mystery deepened, and the more dangerous the situation became for Mel. She might be feeling vulnerable and let down by Gérard, but she’s not one to show it, especially to Jeff McCracken, the Met detective she must work alongside. With different backgrounds and working practices, theirs was not an easy pairing, but one that gave great value to the reader.
This was one of those books where I never knew who to trust or where it would take me next. With financial fraud, blackmail, international criminals and a multi-unit investigation centred in Brussels, London and rural France, there is no shortage of action or thrill to the plot.
Mel moves rapidly from safe houses to an undercover role, to full military combat, whilst trying to understand the actions of a man she thought she knew and establish the hidden identity of who it is who holds all the answers, before they silence her.
This book may have been a bit different to my usual reads, but I enjoyed the fast pace and the constant character analysing that went on in my head as I attempted to piece it all together. Mel is certainly a character I’d like to revisit, so I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
Mel is fiery, fearless and powerful, and leaves nothing to chance, especially if she thinks she is being followed. Her policy is to bring them down, secure them, then question them later. I will admit my heart was in my mouth every time she left somewhere by herself, as despite not being one to be messed with, she had a lot of enemies happy to try.
As the links between Gérard and the list of suspects became evermore entangled, the more the mystery deepened, and the more dangerous the situation became for Mel. She might be feeling vulnerable and let down by Gérard, but she’s not one to show it, especially to Jeff McCracken, the Met detective she must work alongside. With different backgrounds and working practices, theirs was not an easy pairing, but one that gave great value to the reader.
This was one of those books where I never knew who to trust or where it would take me next. With financial fraud, blackmail, international criminals and a multi-unit investigation centred in Brussels, London and rural France, there is no shortage of action or thrill to the plot.
Mel moves rapidly from safe houses to an undercover role, to full military combat, whilst trying to understand the actions of a man she thought she knew and establish the hidden identity of who it is who holds all the answers, before they silence her.
This book may have been a bit different to my usual reads, but I enjoyed the fast pace and the constant character analysing that went on in my head as I attempted to piece it all together. Mel is certainly a character I’d like to revisit, so I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 31, 2021
4.5 stars. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed several of Alison Morton’s successful Roma Nova novels, so was very keen to read Double Identity, her foray into the thriller genre.
Dual nationality (English-French) military officer, Melisende (Mel) has left the French military to marry Gerard, her fiancé. But her life is immediately thrown into chaos when she wakes one morning to find him dead in the bed beside her, and is immediately tagged no. 1 suspect.
As the story moves from London to France and Brussels, I was instantly engaged in the dynamics between Mel and McCracken, British cop on the case, as well as the intriguing plotline.
This story lived up to all my expectations, from the author’s first-hand army experience (she was an army officer herself), her well-drawn, sympathetic characters, the break-neck pace, and engaging storyline. I would highly recommend Double Identity for readers who enjoy truly nail-biting thrillers with strong female heroines, and a taste for British and French culture.
Dual nationality (English-French) military officer, Melisende (Mel) has left the French military to marry Gerard, her fiancé. But her life is immediately thrown into chaos when she wakes one morning to find him dead in the bed beside her, and is immediately tagged no. 1 suspect.
As the story moves from London to France and Brussels, I was instantly engaged in the dynamics between Mel and McCracken, British cop on the case, as well as the intriguing plotline.
This story lived up to all my expectations, from the author’s first-hand army experience (she was an army officer herself), her well-drawn, sympathetic characters, the break-neck pace, and engaging storyline. I would highly recommend Double Identity for readers who enjoy truly nail-biting thrillers with strong female heroines, and a taste for British and French culture.
January 8, 2021
First of all, confession-time. I haven’t read a thriller for ages. And I didn't realize how much I'd missed them until now. Since lockdown, however, I’ve been glued to every possible British crime series available on TV…and to be honest, reading Double Identity was the mother of all binge-fests! Fast-paced twists and turns, flawed and compelling characters, fabulous locations, and a plot with more than one gasp that I didn’t see coming. With Alison Morton, we are clearly in the hands of a master sleuth, who combines compelling inside experience and knowledge of police investigators along with a local’s confidence in navigating sensational locations. The story grips from the first page to the last. Totally satisfying, and thank you, Ms Morton, for re-introducing me to the pleasure of reading crime thrillers…and for hooking me into your world. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for Season Two. Unputdownable Five Stars.
January 16, 2021
4.5* from me - a departure from the Roma Nova series which i absolutely love. I enjoyed this modern thriller from Alison although the reason i'm not going for 5 stars is the main characters constant exclamation of the word Dieu grated on me after a little. She is however smart sassy and intriguing. I've always thoughts of Alison's books as being a little bit wonder woman like as they always feature absolute bad ass women :). If you like an all action thriller that is smartly written this is a book for you
February 21, 2021
( Format : ebook )
"I won't be bullied."
Waking in late November in bed in her London hotel room, 29 years old Melisende Marie Catherine Elizabeth des Pittones was cold. Beside her, her fiancee Gerard's body was also cold, dead cold. They'd been lovers for only four months but she'd known him for 22 years. Or thought she had known him. After briefly being suspected of his murder, Mel, recently discharged from the French armed forces, is recruited to help solve the mystery of who wanted him dead. A proud and self reliant as well as formidable woman, Mel is drawn into international intrigue and encounters several near lethal adveraries in her quest for truth.
This is the first of a new series for the author, although strong, capable women able to fight for their beliefs has always been a trademark of Alison Morton's excellent Roma Nova series (recommended especially to readers who enjoy tales of ancient Rome, but in this case, an old system made modern - try one and see!) Well written, with some interesting characters as well as a well developed plot line which twists as the investigation proceeds, my only reluctance in giving five stars was my personal inability to form an empathic liking for the main character. So, a rating of four and one half, rounded up. I still enjoyed it immensely.
I very much look forward to future books in this series, but with the sincere hope that Roma Nova will also have a new edition out soon.
"I won't be bullied."
Waking in late November in bed in her London hotel room, 29 years old Melisende Marie Catherine Elizabeth des Pittones was cold. Beside her, her fiancee Gerard's body was also cold, dead cold. They'd been lovers for only four months but she'd known him for 22 years. Or thought she had known him. After briefly being suspected of his murder, Mel, recently discharged from the French armed forces, is recruited to help solve the mystery of who wanted him dead. A proud and self reliant as well as formidable woman, Mel is drawn into international intrigue and encounters several near lethal adveraries in her quest for truth.
This is the first of a new series for the author, although strong, capable women able to fight for their beliefs has always been a trademark of Alison Morton's excellent Roma Nova series (recommended especially to readers who enjoy tales of ancient Rome, but in this case, an old system made modern - try one and see!) Well written, with some interesting characters as well as a well developed plot line which twists as the investigation proceeds, my only reluctance in giving five stars was my personal inability to form an empathic liking for the main character. So, a rating of four and one half, rounded up. I still enjoyed it immensely.
I very much look forward to future books in this series, but with the sincere hope that Roma Nova will also have a new edition out soon.
March 3, 2021
Alison Morton explodes into a new genre with this edgy thriller featuring high-octane heroine Mel (Mél-i-send-uh) des Pittones. Mel loves her job as sergent-chef in the French special forces but is willing to give it up to marry the man she loves. When she wakes in a London apartment to find her fiancé dead in the bed beside her, she is doubly shocked to learn she is suspected of his murder. Reluctantly set free by the British police, she rejoins the army and is seconded to a special European task force charged with investigating the crime. This means working with the same, sceptical British police to unravel a dense international web of deceit.
Ms Morton doesn't spare her heroine but Mel confronts personal and professional challenges head-on. I particularly enjoyed the excellently described European dimension and hope that Brexit will not impede Mel's future adventures.
Ms Morton doesn't spare her heroine but Mel confronts personal and professional challenges head-on. I particularly enjoyed the excellently described European dimension and hope that Brexit will not impede Mel's future adventures.
March 3, 2021
We are proud to announce that DOUBLE IDENTITY by Alison Morton is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
February 28, 2021
Double Identity
I am thrilled that this book Double Identity is the first in a series as the book contained intrigue, suspense, with an international flair. A lot of excitement and suspense. The main character is a lady called Melisande, who is from France. She is portrayed as the type of woman that the reader develops great empathy for, and wants her to succeed with all the trials and tribulations she goes through. The storyline is quick paced and takes place in France, England, And Belgium. There is not a dull moment with the evil plots that were developed into the story. Through brutality, lies, cruelty and subterfuge this book is full of excitement. Definitely worth the read. I look forward to the continuing series of books to follow.
I am thrilled that this book Double Identity is the first in a series as the book contained intrigue, suspense, with an international flair. A lot of excitement and suspense. The main character is a lady called Melisande, who is from France. She is portrayed as the type of woman that the reader develops great empathy for, and wants her to succeed with all the trials and tribulations she goes through. The storyline is quick paced and takes place in France, England, And Belgium. There is not a dull moment with the evil plots that were developed into the story. Through brutality, lies, cruelty and subterfuge this book is full of excitement. Definitely worth the read. I look forward to the continuing series of books to follow.
December 22, 2021
Double Identity is the first book in the Mélisende series featuring the highly skilled, special forces intelligence analyst, Mélisende des Pittones. Having recently resigned her commission to marry financial trader, Gérard, she wakes one morning to find her fiancé dead in the bed beside her and no memory of what happened. She immediately becomes the prime suspect. On clearing her name, she is seconded to a special unit, along with DI Jeff McCracken from the Met, to investigate the corruption her fiancé was involved in. She discovers he was not what he seemed, and that she did not really know him at all.
What makes Double Identity stand out from the crowd is the Europe-wide reach of the investigative team. Mélisende is uniquely placed to blend in as she can function effectively in both countries – she is fluent in both languages and familiar with their cultures. She is a strong and capable female lead, who is more than a match for any of her male colleagues, as one or two find out to their cost.
The initial animosity between her and Jeff gives the narrative an edge. They are chalk and cheese; Mélisende is wealthy and from an aristocratic French background, while McCracken is a native Londoner and officer in the Met. They work well together once they get over their prejudices, and I look forward to reading how their relationship develops over the course of the series. Double Identity has obviously been thoroughly researched as the author is very knowledgeable about financial matters, and her experience in the military shines through.
We get the story from multiple viewpoints so get a rounded picture of what is going on. This is a fast-paced thriller, with a feisty lead character, interesting European settings and the promise of more adventures to come. I have not read any thing by this author before, but have already got the next book in the series, Double Pursuit, lined up on my kindle. Thanks to Alison Morton for a digital copy that I review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT
What makes Double Identity stand out from the crowd is the Europe-wide reach of the investigative team. Mélisende is uniquely placed to blend in as she can function effectively in both countries – she is fluent in both languages and familiar with their cultures. She is a strong and capable female lead, who is more than a match for any of her male colleagues, as one or two find out to their cost.
The initial animosity between her and Jeff gives the narrative an edge. They are chalk and cheese; Mélisende is wealthy and from an aristocratic French background, while McCracken is a native Londoner and officer in the Met. They work well together once they get over their prejudices, and I look forward to reading how their relationship develops over the course of the series. Double Identity has obviously been thoroughly researched as the author is very knowledgeable about financial matters, and her experience in the military shines through.
We get the story from multiple viewpoints so get a rounded picture of what is going on. This is a fast-paced thriller, with a feisty lead character, interesting European settings and the promise of more adventures to come. I have not read any thing by this author before, but have already got the next book in the series, Double Pursuit, lined up on my kindle. Thanks to Alison Morton for a digital copy that I review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT
February 4, 2021
This modern-day thriller is a new venture for Alison Morton, who is already well known as the author of the Roma Nova series of alternative history novels. It’s a taut, gripping story that draws you in from the first page. Mel des Pittones wakes from plans of a bright future married to the man she loves – she’s even left her beloved job in the French special forces to be with him – to the nightmare of finding him dead. Worse still, he’s been murdered – and she is a suspect. And as if that isn’t enough, it turns out that her lover wasn’t all he seemed in either his private or business life. It just goes to prove you should never give up your job for a man!
Things really get interesting when she meets detective Jeff McCracken, who believes she’s guilty of the murder. McCracken is nothing like her urbane, monied lover, and he comes from a very different background to Mel, who hails from a chateau-owning French family. No wonder it’s dislike at first sight… McCracken was my favourite character, and I hope he appears in subsequent books in the series.
In the meantime, Mel has to track down the killer while warding off attempts on her own life, running risks working undercover, and try and find out who is lying and who is telling the truth.
Double Identity is a page-turning thriller with all the twists and excitement you expect from the author of the Roma Nova series.
Disclosure: This review is based on an Advance Review Copy I received from the author.
Things really get interesting when she meets detective Jeff McCracken, who believes she’s guilty of the murder. McCracken is nothing like her urbane, monied lover, and he comes from a very different background to Mel, who hails from a chateau-owning French family. No wonder it’s dislike at first sight… McCracken was my favourite character, and I hope he appears in subsequent books in the series.
In the meantime, Mel has to track down the killer while warding off attempts on her own life, running risks working undercover, and try and find out who is lying and who is telling the truth.
Double Identity is a page-turning thriller with all the twists and excitement you expect from the author of the Roma Nova series.
Disclosure: This review is based on an Advance Review Copy I received from the author.
February 13, 2021
Mel thinks Gérard would make the perfect husband, but she has to rethink when he's found dead in their hotel bed. Sucked into a world of international espionage, Mel finds she really knows very little about the man she wanted to marry. This is an absorbing read and very well-written. There's a longer review in my blog at https://aaabbott.co.uk/2021/02/book-r...
January 16, 2021
Melisande des Pittones, Anglo-French former military officer wakes to find her fiance dead in bed with her. Initially suspected of his murder, Mel is later drafted into the investigative team and gradually finds her life and her lover were not as she thought.
Alison Morton has left behind Roma Nova for this contemporary story. But her trademarks - feisty female protagonist, well-researched geographical settings, detailed knowledge of Military and Police procedures, and a lead male character from a different class with whom relations are anything but smooth - are all here.
This was a thrilling read that kept me gripped to the final page, and although the main baddie was obvious to me from early on, this didn't spoil the story in any way. I look forward to reading more about Melisande and Jeff McCracken. Highly recommended.
Alison Morton has left behind Roma Nova for this contemporary story. But her trademarks - feisty female protagonist, well-researched geographical settings, detailed knowledge of Military and Police procedures, and a lead male character from a different class with whom relations are anything but smooth - are all here.
This was a thrilling read that kept me gripped to the final page, and although the main baddie was obvious to me from early on, this didn't spoil the story in any way. I look forward to reading more about Melisande and Jeff McCracken. Highly recommended.
February 22, 2021
Although this novel is a slower start then the author's Roma Nova series, it makes up for it with some enthralling action sequences and intriguing characters. I was rooting for Mel right from the beginning to overcome all the obstacles placed in her path. Moreover, Ms. Morton did manage to surprise me with some shocking twists, regarding the culprit. May the sequel come soon!
November 10, 2021
VERDICT: You like feisty heroines and a lot of action and suspense? Buy the book and meet Mel today!
I enjoyed how the Double Identity opens, with its dramatic scene: when Mélisend (Mel) wakes up one cold November morning in London, her boyfriend Gérard is next to her in bed, but he has been murdered. Obviously, she’s the main suspect!
My full review is here:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2021/11/10/...
I enjoyed how the Double Identity opens, with its dramatic scene: when Mélisend (Mel) wakes up one cold November morning in London, her boyfriend Gérard is next to her in bed, but he has been murdered. Obviously, she’s the main suspect!
My full review is here:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2021/11/10/...
May 14, 2021
Alison Morton treats the reader to her admirable talent for spinning a well-written, unique, and memorable yarn. The interesting and complex characters range from lovable to likeable to detestable; none are boring. The book is an entertaining and informative page-turned that I highly recommend.
January 25, 2021
Loved this fast paced thriller.
March 18, 2021
I chose to receive and review an eARC as part of a blog tour. In no way has this influenced my opinion.
Y'all know I love a good crime book but an international, government agency investigation is rare for me. Our protagonist, Melisandre, is freaking badass. An ex intelligence anaylst for the French Special Forces, her life is about to change when her fiancee is murdered during the night. She goes from being an investigator, to a suspect and back to an investigator; this time for a secret international unit. Turns out her fiancee has a few secrets of his own.
I fell in love with Mel instantly-she's strong willed and able to take care of herself. You don't want to get on her bad side as one of her fellow officers finds out. She's also quick witted and is not afraid of airing her opinions and observations. Then you have her partner-a UK police detective that seems to hate her. It's certainly quite funny seeing the strong French woman paired with a typical British bloke.
This is written in the third person with the focus solely on Melisandre. The story starts immediately and continues at a fairly rapid pace throughout. Once I started reading, I found it very difficult to put down. It flows so easily and contains plenty of action. There's plenty of twists and turns that keeps both Mel and us on our toes. You're never entirely sure whats going to happen next which is always a bonus.
Y'all know I love a good crime book but an international, government agency investigation is rare for me. Our protagonist, Melisandre, is freaking badass. An ex intelligence anaylst for the French Special Forces, her life is about to change when her fiancee is murdered during the night. She goes from being an investigator, to a suspect and back to an investigator; this time for a secret international unit. Turns out her fiancee has a few secrets of his own.
I fell in love with Mel instantly-she's strong willed and able to take care of herself. You don't want to get on her bad side as one of her fellow officers finds out. She's also quick witted and is not afraid of airing her opinions and observations. Then you have her partner-a UK police detective that seems to hate her. It's certainly quite funny seeing the strong French woman paired with a typical British bloke.
This is written in the third person with the focus solely on Melisandre. The story starts immediately and continues at a fairly rapid pace throughout. Once I started reading, I found it very difficult to put down. It flows so easily and contains plenty of action. There's plenty of twists and turns that keeps both Mel and us on our toes. You're never entirely sure whats going to happen next which is always a bonus.
March 31, 2021
Double Identify follows Mel in the aftermath of her fiancé’s death. What at first seems a tragedy suddenly becomes a nightmare as foul play is detected.
Mel is considered suspect number one so sets about discovering the truth and in turn clear her name.
It soon becomes very clear Mel had no part in this and subsequently her skills and expertise as former military are soon noted and she drafted in to put an end to this case once and for all but doing so puts her in serious danger.
In a shocking twist an emotional event nearly pushes Mel over the edge, and she has to use all her strength to keep it together.
Something I’ve always enjoyed about the authors work is the use of strong female leads and boy does Mel pack a punch! There’s more than one bruised male ego in this tale..
Characters wise I really enjoyed the ensemble, each played their part and were all very likable.. even the bad guys!
I bang on about flow a lot in my reviews and Alison Morton knows how I like my books. Clear easy flowing chapters enabled me to devour this one.
For me it just worked, just the right amount of twists to keep you engaged, just the right amount of characters to not overwhelm you and detailed enough to allow you to fall in love the characters and their development.
Another cracking read from Alison Morton!
Even though the author has moved away from her previous Roma Nova series with this one you have that same feel for the characters and I instantly felt at home.
Mel is considered suspect number one so sets about discovering the truth and in turn clear her name.
It soon becomes very clear Mel had no part in this and subsequently her skills and expertise as former military are soon noted and she drafted in to put an end to this case once and for all but doing so puts her in serious danger.
In a shocking twist an emotional event nearly pushes Mel over the edge, and she has to use all her strength to keep it together.
Something I’ve always enjoyed about the authors work is the use of strong female leads and boy does Mel pack a punch! There’s more than one bruised male ego in this tale..
Characters wise I really enjoyed the ensemble, each played their part and were all very likable.. even the bad guys!
I bang on about flow a lot in my reviews and Alison Morton knows how I like my books. Clear easy flowing chapters enabled me to devour this one.
For me it just worked, just the right amount of twists to keep you engaged, just the right amount of characters to not overwhelm you and detailed enough to allow you to fall in love the characters and their development.
Another cracking read from Alison Morton!
Even though the author has moved away from her previous Roma Nova series with this one you have that same feel for the characters and I instantly felt at home.
March 22, 2021
I read a few reviews for this book after I’d written my own, and all these reviewers seemed to agree on the same main point – that this is one of the most impressive, action-packed crime thrillers! Morton sure knows how to keep readers gripped from beginning to end with a pacey thriller so involving that you’ll be thinking about it for months!
I loved the overall feel of this book and you really do get more than you bargain for when Mel’s journey begins. The book captured my attention from beginning to end, and I found myself loving characters that I disliked right at the start! The development of the whole story was flawless and I’d happily read this book again right now if I didn’t have a never ending TBR list! A stunningly well put together thriller with just the right balance of action, suspense and even emotion. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2021/03...
I loved the overall feel of this book and you really do get more than you bargain for when Mel’s journey begins. The book captured my attention from beginning to end, and I found myself loving characters that I disliked right at the start! The development of the whole story was flawless and I’d happily read this book again right now if I didn’t have a never ending TBR list! A stunningly well put together thriller with just the right balance of action, suspense and even emotion. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2021/03...
March 21, 2021
Double Identity is a refreshingly new thriller that will hold the readers attention until the very end. The story follows Mel who has recently retired from the French Army and is engaged to Gerard Rohlbert, a financial trader. The story begins with Mel waking us disoriented to a dead fiance next to her. Having been accused of murder, Mel sets out on a journey to prove her innocence and find out the truth.
It is indeed a race against time as Police detective Jeff McCracken works to try and pin the murder on Mel. Working against each other, they become unlikely partners in the race to uncover the truth. I truly love how the characters are created in this book and Mel's character was inspiring. She is a fresh new face and someone who is strong and can stand up for herself. I admired this in her and in the way the author made her the focus of the story.
This is a fast paced thriller that is gripping and well written. With the way the story jumps right in from page one, readers are sure to be hooked and will enjoy this read! I strongly recommend this book to all those who love a good thriller and murder mystery!
It is indeed a race against time as Police detective Jeff McCracken works to try and pin the murder on Mel. Working against each other, they become unlikely partners in the race to uncover the truth. I truly love how the characters are created in this book and Mel's character was inspiring. She is a fresh new face and someone who is strong and can stand up for herself. I admired this in her and in the way the author made her the focus of the story.
This is a fast paced thriller that is gripping and well written. With the way the story jumps right in from page one, readers are sure to be hooked and will enjoy this read! I strongly recommend this book to all those who love a good thriller and murder mystery!
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