From The French Village Diaries (Reviewer of books with a French theme) – 11 June 2025
I wouldn’t say I was a thriller junky, in fact I’m a wimp and usually prefer my reads to be warm, fuzzy and uplifting, however, this series of books has changed my mind.
Maybe it is Alison Morton’s attention to detail or meticulous research, that combined with her own military background, means this series is so believable I felt like I was in the heat of the action with the characters. Maybe it’s because the characters are not just strong, focussed and well trained, able to outwit any enemy, but they also retain their personal, emotional sides. Maybe I am more of an adrenalin junky than I realised.
Whatever it is, I was hooked. This book kept me on the edge of my chair and I’m sure it raised my heart-rate at times too. It’s fast-paced, full of action and political turmoil, both serious national issues and internal ones within various police forces and government agencies. This gave my brain lots to focus on and it was a difficult book to put down.
Having enjoyed the previous two books, I was eagerly awaiting this third book, and although they all grabbed my attention and imagination, Double Stakes was the best by far. I’m so glad I stepped out of my normal comfort zone and I’m sure you’ll enjoy these adventures too. I’m really hoping there will be more from Mélisende in the future.
https://thefrenchvillagediaries.blogspot.com/2025/06/book-review-of-double-stakes-by-alison.html
From Mystery People/Promoting Crime Fiction – 20 May 2025
Double Stakes is the third book in the series featuring Mélisende des Pittones and Jeff McCracken, and it is an excellent addition to a series that grows stronger and more gripping all the time. The core central characters are all engaging and their personalities and relationships develop all the time; the plot is complex and fast moving; and the political and geographical details are fascinating. This is a compelling thriller, a page turner, which I thoroughly recommend.
Full review here: https://promotingcrime.blogspot.com/2025/05/double-stakes-by-alison-morton.html
From Anna Belfrage – 28 May 2025
Ms Morton spins a gripping—and sadly, very believable—story. Xenophobia raises its ugly head throughout the narrative, be it in the discrimination of a capable police officer of Turkish descent or the political theories of “racial purity” spouted by the very right-wing antagonists. Set against a vividly depicted background of Berlin, Dresden and the Saxony Switzerland National Park (and yes, I had to look it up to ensure such a thing existed) Double Stakes is a high-pace story that is almost impossible to put down.
I have developed a strong fondness for Mel, who is one of those people who prefers doing to talking—hence making her rather impatient. Mel’s family has ancient roots and ancient wealth, and Ms Morton has given her the perfect foil (and partner) in Jeff, the rough-and-ready working class lad who has become a very capable police officer. They have each other’s back, those two, both professionally and privately.
One elegant plot-twist after the other have things coming to a head and how Mel and Jeff sort this tangled web I leave to future readers to find out for themselves. Warmly recommended – an absolutely captivating read.
Full review here (after guest post) https://www.annabelfrage.com/2025/05/28/double-stakes-check-out-alison-mortons-latest-release/
From Jaffa Reads Too reviews – 10 June 2025
Cleverly written, with a realistic sense of time and place, and plenty of believable action, we are plunged deep into the complicated world of European political activism and the extremist behaviour of individuals who will stop at nothing to get what they want. With tensions running high in this fast action thriller, we are plunged deep into a shadowy world where prejudicial doctrine flourishes. There are twists and turns aplenty and as Mel and Jeff edge closer to the truth so a very dangerous threat starts to become very personal for Mel and her family.Full review here: https://jaffareadstoo.blogspot.com/2025/06/blog-tour-double-stakes-by-alison-morton.html
Avonna Loves Genres reviews – 11 June 2025
This is a fantastic international thriller series with fully developed main characters and crime plotlines full of danger, intrigue, twists and surprises that keep me turning the pages. The international political landscape is realistic and frightening as well as the criminals in this story. Melisende is once again at the top of her game and with Jeff by her side, they are unstoppable. I love with Melisende being French and Jeff being English how they balance each other very well even with very different backgrounds. The secondary characters are interesting and well written for their roles. I am looking forward to seeing how Melisende’s family recovers from their trials in this story.
I highly recommend this exciting international thriller!
Full review here:: https://avonnalovesgenres.com/blog-tour-feature-post-and-book-review-double-stakes-by-alison-morton/
From Northern Reader
reviews – 3 June 2025
I found this complex thriller far more enjoyable and enthralling than I first expected. The character of Mel is so engaging, whether sneaking around a target building or catching up with her laundry, I really could not wait to find out what would happen next. Her combat skills are amazing yet realistic, as her reactions are so finely tuned and she instinctively finds weak spots. I would normally struggle with a narrative which moves with ease between countries, but the minutiae of life, architecture and phrases in other languages is so well handled that I was completely drawn in. I would recommend this as a standalone thriller and a really enjoyable read.
Full review here: https://northernreader.wordpress.com/2025/06/03/double-stakes-by-alison-morton-a-contemporary-thriller-featuring-a-determined-young-woman-in-multiple-cases/
